Tohoku Japan
3
Day Itinerary •
Japan
Three days in Tohoku reveals Japan's most extraordinary and least visited northern region, its remarkable samurai castle towns, extraordinary volcanic caldera lakes, the finest matsuri festivals in Japan and the remarkable cedar-lined pilgrim trails of Nikko giving the most atmospheric heritage in the country. This route covers the essential Tohoku: the extraordinary Matsushima pine islands, the remarkable samurai streets of Kakunodate, the extraordinary Zao volcanic crater lake, the finest Sendai beef tongue and the remarkable Naruko Gorge autumn foliage.
Best Time To Visit
April to May for cherry blossom. Oct to Nov for autumn.
Getting There
Shinkansen from Tokyo to Sendai takes 90 minutes.
Getting Around
Car essential for Zao and Kakunodate. Train for Sendai.
Budget Per Day
Approx 80 to 160 euros per person per day
Difficulity
Easy , driving, walking and some hiking
DAY 1
SENDAI
MORNING
SENDAI CITY AND JOZENJI STREET
Sendai is the most extraordinary city in Tohoku, its remarkable Jozenji-dori boulevard of zelkova trees giving the finest tree-lined avenue in northern Japan and the extraordinary Osaki Hachimangu Shrine, a National Treasure of extraordinary black lacquer and gold architecture, giving the finest Shinto heritage in the region. The remarkable Date Masamune statue overlooking the city from Aoba Castle ruins gives the finest panorama over Sendai. Shrine free. Drive: 20 min by bus
MIDDAY
SENDAI MEDIATHEQUE AND ICHIBANCHO
The Sendai Mediatheque is the most extraordinary piece of contemporary architecture in Tohoku, its remarkable transparent facade of glass tubes designed by Toyo Ito giving the finest example of fluid architecture in Japan. The extraordinary Ichibancho covered shopping arcade and the remarkable morning market near Sendai station give the finest urban experience in northern Honshu. Entry free. Drive: 15 min walk
AFTERNOON
ZUIHODEN MAUSOLEUM
Zuihoden is the most extraordinary mausoleum in Tohoku, its remarkable reconstruction of the extraordinary gold and black lacquer tomb of Date Masamune, the most famous daimyo of northern Japan, giving the finest feudal heritage in the region. The remarkable cedar forest approach and the extraordinary subsidiary tombs of successive Date lords give the finest samurai heritage in Sendai. Entry approx 570 yen.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Rinno-ji Temple in central Sendai contains the finest Japanese garden in Tohoku, its remarkable moss garden and extraordinary seasonal plantings giving the finest enclosed garden experience in the northern region. Almost entirely unknown to visitors. Entry approx 300 yen.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Sendai beef tongue restaurant Outstanding gyutan beef tongue, the finest local dish in Tohoku, in the city where this extraordinary cut was perfected. | Lunch: Morning market near Sendai station Outstanding Sendai morning market with the finest fresh seafood from the Sanriku coast and local vegetables. | Dinner: Kokubuncho entertainment district Outstanding Sendai dinner in the finest entertainment district in northern Japan. Local sake and fresh seafood.
DAY 2
MATSUSHIMA
MORNING
MATSUSHIMA BAY CRUISE
Matsushima is one of the most extraordinary bays in Japan, its remarkable 250 pine-covered islands scattered across the extraordinary inlet giving the finest island scenery in Tohoku. The remarkable 50-minute boat cruise through the extraordinary archipelago of weathered volcanic rock formations and the fine views back to the shore give the finest bay experience in northern Japan. Boat approx 1500 yen. Drive: 20 min walk
MIDDAY
ZUIGANJI TEMPLE AND GODAIDO SHRINE
Zuiganji is the most extraordinary Zen temple in Tohoku, its remarkable cave corridor of Buddhist carvings lining the cedar approach and the extraordinary main hall with the finest painted sliding screens in the north giving the finest temple experience in Matsushima. The remarkable Godaido shrine on its own tiny island connected by extraordinary wooden bridges gives the finest Shinto heritage in the bay. Temple entry approx 700 yen. Drive: 30 min walk
AFTERNOON
MATSUSHIMA OYSTERS AND KANRANTEI
Matsushima is the most extraordinary oyster-producing bay in Japan, its remarkable grilled oyster shacks on the waterfront serving the finest fresh Miyagi oysters in the country directly from the bay. The extraordinary Kanrantei teahouse, a structure given by Toyotomi Hideyoshi to Date Masamune, gives the finest traditional viewing pavilion over the pine islands. Oysters approx 150 yen each.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Oshima Island in Matsushima bay is the finest hidden heritage site in the area, its remarkable cave hermitages carved by Buddhist monks into the volcanic rock giving the most extraordinary monastic atmosphere in Tohoku. Accessible by bridge. Free.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Cafe in Matsushima village Outstanding Japanese breakfast with views over the extraordinary pine island bay before the boat cruise. | Lunch: Matsushima oyster shack Outstanding freshly grilled Matsushima oysters at the waterfront. The finest oysters in northern Japan. | Dinner: Return dinner in Sendai Outstanding Sendai dinner on return. Beef tongue or the finest Sanriku seafood in the city.
DAY 3
ZAO AND KAKUNODATE
MORNING
ZAO OKAMA VOLCANIC CRATER LAKE
Zao Okama is the most extraordinary volcanic crater lake in Japan, its remarkable vivid emerald-green water created by sulphur and iron compounds in the extraordinary caldera of Mount Zao giving the finest coloured volcanic lake in the country. The remarkable Zao Echo Line toll road winds through extraordinary alpine meadows to the crater rim, where the fine views over the Tohoku mountains give the finest volcanic panorama in northern Japan. Entry approx 570 yen for the toll road. Drive: 1.5 hr drive
MIDDAY
KAKUNODATE SAMURAI DISTRICT
Kakunodate is the most extraordinary samurai town in Japan, its remarkable Uchimachi district of eight preserved samurai mansions with extraordinary earthen walls, the finest weeping cherry trees in Tohoku lining the samurai streets and the remarkable Denshokan Museum of samurai artefacts giving the finest samurai heritage in the country outside Kyoto. Free to walk the streets. Drive: 30 min drive
AFTERNOON
KAKUNODATE CHERRY TREES AND TAMACHI
The Kakunodate weeping cherry trees along the Hinokinai River are the most extraordinary cherry blossom in Tohoku, their remarkable curtains of pink branches overhanging the river bank giving the finest blossom viewing in northern Japan in late April. The extraordinary Tamachi merchant district of preserved Edo-period craft and craft shops gives the finest traditional shopping street in Akita Prefecture. Free.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Dakigaeri Gorge near Kakunodate is the finest hidden natural landscape in Akita Prefecture, its remarkable emerald river pools, extraordinary waterfalls and the fine suspension bridges over the gorge giving the finest nature walk in Tohoku. Free. 20 minutes from Kakunodate.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Early breakfast before Zao drive Early start for the extraordinary Zao crater lake. The volcanic emerald water is most vivid in clear morning weather. | Lunch: Kakunodate restaurant Outstanding Akita local cuisine in the finest samurai town in Japan. Local hinai-jidori chicken and kiritanpo rice. | Dinner: Kakunodate or onsen ryokan Outstanding Tohoku dinner at a traditional ryokan with the finest northern hot springs in Japan.
DAY 4
MORNING
MIDDAY
AFTERNOON
💎 HIDDEN GEM
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
DAY 5
MORNING
MIDDAY
AFTERNOON
💎 HIDDEN GEM
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Where To Stay
Sendai, Nights 1 to 2 Best transport hub. Hotels from 70 to 160 euros. Shinkansen from Tokyo in 90 minutes. Kakunodate ryokan option The finest samurai town experience. Traditional ryokans from 100 to 250 euros including dinner. Budget option Business hotels in Sendai from 50 euros. Excellent value for the finest city in Tohoku.
Top Tips
1. Zao Okama crater: check weather before driving. The extraordinary emerald lake disappears entirely in cloud or mist. Clear days are essential for the finest volcanic experience.
2. Kakunodate cherry blossom: peaks late April. The extraordinary weeping cherries along the Hinokinai River are the finest in Tohoku. Book accommodation months ahead for this period.
3. Matsushima oysters: the finest are served from December to March. Summer oysters are available but smaller. The extraordinary grilled oysters at the waterfront stalls are unmissable.
4. Sendai beef tongue: the finest gyutan in the city is at Tasuke near Sendai station. The extraordinary thick-cut tongue with oxtail soup and barley rice is the definitive Tohoku meal.
5. Zuiganji Temple: the extraordinary cave carvings along the cedar approach are the finest aspect. Most visitors rush past them to reach the temple. Spend 20 minutes in the caves.
6. Tohoku in autumn: the extraordinary Naruko Gorge foliage peaks mid-October. The finest time to visit Tohoku combines Zao crater, Kakunodate and Naruko in a single trip.
Total Budget
80 to 160 euros/day