Tohoku Japan
5
Day Itinerary •
Japan
Five days in Tohoku gives the complete experience of Japan's most extraordinary undiscovered region, from the remarkable Matsushima pine islands and the extraordinary samurai town of Kakunodate to the volcanic Zao crater lake, the remarkable Hiraizumi UNESCO temples and the finest Sendai street food. This route covers the full Tohoku: the extraordinary Matsushima bay islands, the remarkable Sendai food scene, the extraordinary Zao Okama crater lake, the remarkable Kakunodate samurai district, the extraordinary Hiraizumi UNESCO Golden Hall and the remarkable Naruko Gorge.
Best Time To Visit
April to May for cherry blossom. Oct to Nov for autumn colours.
Getting There
Shinkansen from Tokyo to Sendai in 90 min or Akita in 4 hr.
Getting Around
Car essential for Zao, Kakunodate and Hiraizumi. Train available.
Budget Per Day
Approx 80 to 160 euros per person per day
Difficulity
Easy to moderate , driving, walking and volcano hiking
DAY 1
SENDAI
MORNING
SENDAI OSAKI HACHIMANGU AND JOZENJI
Osaki Hachimangu Shrine is the most extraordinary shrine in Tohoku, its remarkable black lacquer and gold architecture designated a National Treasure giving the finest Shinto heritage in the north. The extraordinary Jozenji-dori boulevard of zelkova trees and the remarkable Date Masamune statue above Aoba Castle ruins give the finest morning in Sendai. Free. Drive: 20 min by bus
MIDDAY
SENDAI MORNING MARKET AND TANABATA MUSEUM
Sendai morning market is the most extraordinary fresh food market in Tohoku, its remarkable stalls of Sanriku seafood, extraordinary local vegetables and the finest Miyagi oysters in the north giving the finest market experience in the region. The extraordinary Tanabata Museum and the remarkable August festival preparations give the finest festival heritage in Japan. Free. Drive: 15 min walk
AFTERNOON
ZUIHODEN MAUSOLEUM
Zuihoden is the most extraordinary mausoleum in Tohoku, its remarkable reconstructed gold and black lacquer tomb of Date Masamune giving the finest feudal heritage in the north. The remarkable cedar forest approach and the extraordinary subsidiary tombs give the finest samurai heritage in Sendai. Entry approx 570 yen.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Rinno-ji Temple garden in central Sendai is the finest hidden garden in Tohoku, its remarkable moss and seasonal plantings giving the finest enclosed garden experience in northern Japan. Almost entirely unknown to visitors. Entry approx 300 yen.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Sendai beef tongue restaurant Outstanding gyutan beef tongue in the city where this extraordinary local dish was created. | Lunch: Sendai morning market Outstanding fresh Sanriku seafood at the finest market in Tohoku. | Dinner: Kokubuncho district Outstanding Sendai dinner in the finest entertainment area in northern Japan.
DAY 2
MATSUSHIMA
MORNING
MATSUSHIMA BAY CRUISE
Matsushima is one of the most extraordinary bays in Japan, its remarkable 250 pine-covered islands giving the finest island scenery in Tohoku. The remarkable 50-minute boat cruise through the extraordinary archipelago of volcanic rock formations and the fine views back to 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 and the extraordinary main hall with the finest painted screens in the north giving the finest temple in Matsushima. The remarkable Godaido shrine on its own tiny island 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 serving the finest fresh Miyagi oysters directly from the bay. The extraordinary Kanrantei teahouse 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 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: Matsushima cafe Outstanding Japanese breakfast overlooking the extraordinary pine island bay before the boat cruise. | Lunch: Matsushima oyster shack Outstanding freshly grilled Matsushima oysters. The finest oysters in northern Japan. | Dinner: Return dinner in Sendai Outstanding Sendai beef tongue or Sanriku seafood on return from the extraordinary bay.
DAY 3
ZAO AND NARUKO
MORNING
ZAO OKAMA VOLCANIC CRATER LAKE
Zao Okama is the most extraordinary volcanic crater lake in Japan, its remarkable vivid emerald-green water in the extraordinary caldera of Mount Zao giving the finest coloured volcanic lake in the country. The remarkable Zao Echo Line toll road through extraordinary alpine meadows to the crater rim gives the finest volcanic panorama in northern Japan. Toll road approx 570 yen. Drive: 30 min drive
MIDDAY
NARUKO GORGE AND HOT SPRINGS
Naruko Gorge is the most extraordinary river gorge in Tohoku, its remarkable 60-metre basalt walls draped in extraordinary autumn foliage giving the finest coloured gorge in northern Japan from mid-October. The remarkable Naruko Onsen hot spring town and the extraordinary kokeshi doll workshops give the finest crafts heritage in Miyagi Prefecture. Free to walk the gorge. Drive: 30 min drive
AFTERNOON
NARUKO ONSEN AND KOKESHI WORKSHOPS
Naruko is the most extraordinary kokeshi doll town in Japan, its remarkable workshops of lathe-turned wooden dolls, the finest traditional craft in Tohoku, and the extraordinary onsen hot springs giving the finest artisan town experience in northern Japan. The remarkable Naruko onsen baths with extraordinary sulphur springs give the finest hot spring experience in Miyagi. Entry free to most baths.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Shiroishi Zao ski area above Naruko contains the finest snow monsters in Japan, the remarkable Juhyo ice-covered trees on the volcano slopes creating the most extraordinary winter landscape in Tohoku. Ropeway approx 1600 yen.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Early cafe before Zao drive Early start for the extraordinary Zao crater. The emerald lake is most vivid in clear morning light. | Lunch: Naruko restaurant Outstanding Tohoku lunch in the finest kokeshi doll town. Local soba and mountain vegetable dishes. | Dinner: Naruko onsen ryokan Outstanding ryokan dinner with the finest sulphur onsen baths in Miyagi Prefecture.
DAY 4
KAKUNODATE
MORNING
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 and the finest weeping cherry trees in Tohoku giving the finest samurai heritage outside Kyoto. The remarkable Denshokan Museum of samurai artefacts and the extraordinary preserved interiors give the finest feudal atmosphere in northern Japan. Streets free. Drive: 30 min walk
MIDDAY
KAKUNODATE CHERRY TREES AND TAMACHI
The Kakunodate weeping cherries along the Hinokinai River are the most extraordinary cherry blossom in Tohoku, their remarkable curtains of pink overhanging the river giving the finest blossom in northern Japan in late April. The extraordinary Tamachi merchant district of preserved Edo craft shops gives the finest traditional shopping street in Akita. Free. Drive: 30 min drive
AFTERNOON
DAKIGAERI GORGE NATURE WALK
Dakigaeri Gorge is the most extraordinary hidden natural landscape in Akita, its remarkable emerald river pools, extraordinary waterfalls and fine suspension bridges over the gorge giving the finest nature walk in Tohoku. The extraordinary Tamogawa waterfall at the gorge head and the remarkable autumn colours give the finest gorge walk in northern Japan. Free.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Ani Matagis in the mountains above Kakunodate practice the finest traditional bear hunting culture in Japan, the remarkable Matagi hunter villages giving the most extraordinary mountain folk heritage in Tohoku. Guided tours available from Kakunodate. Approx 5000 yen per person.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Kakunodate cafe before samurai walk Outstanding Akita morning coffee and local pastries before the extraordinary samurai district. | Lunch: Kakunodate restaurant Outstanding Akita local cuisine in the finest samurai town. Local hinai-jidori chicken and kiritanpo rice. | Dinner: Kakunodate ryokan dinner Outstanding traditional ryokan dinner in the finest samurai town in Tohoku.
DAY 5
HIRAIZUMI
MORNING
CHUSON-JI TEMPLE AND KONJIKIDO
Chuson-ji contains the most extraordinary UNESCO Golden Hall in Japan, its remarkable Konjikido entirely covered in gold leaf inside and out giving the finest gold architecture in the country. The extraordinary cedar forest avenue approach to the temple complex and the remarkable Sankodo Treasury of extraordinary Buddhist art give the finest UNESCO cultural heritage in Tohoku. Combined entry approx 800 yen. Drive: 20 min walk
MIDDAY
MOTSU-JI TEMPLE PARADISE GARDEN
Motsu-ji is the most extraordinary Heian-period paradise garden in Japan, its remarkable original 12th-century garden layout intact around the extraordinary Oizumigaike pond giving the finest example of Pure Land Buddhism garden design in the country. The remarkable iris blooms in June and the extraordinary reflection of the surrounding hills give the finest garden experience in Tohoku. Entry approx 700 yen. Drive: 20 min walk
AFTERNOON
GEIBIKEI GORGE BOAT TRIP
Geibikei Gorge is the most extraordinary river gorge experience in Tohoku, its remarkable pole-propelled flat boats navigating the extraordinary narrow canyon of 100-metre limestone walls giving the finest boat trip in northern Japan. The remarkable salmon jumping in autumn and the extraordinary echoes from the canyon walls give the finest natural spectacle in the Hiraizumi region. Boat approx 1800 yen.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Takkkoku no Iwaya cliff temple near Hiraizumi is carved directly into the extraordinary rock face of a river gorge, its remarkable hanging temple structure and the fine face of Fudo Myo-o carved into the cliff giving the most atmospheric cliff temple in Tohoku. Entry approx 300 yen.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Hiraizumi cafe before temples Outstanding Iwate morning breakfast before the extraordinary UNESCO Golden Hall and temple complex. | Lunch: Hiraizumi wanko soba restaurant Outstanding Iwate wanko soba, the finest all-you-can-eat buckwheat noodle tradition in Tohoku. | Dinner: Return dinner in Sendai or Tokyo Outstanding farewell Tohoku dinner. Sendai beef tongue or return Shinkansen to Tokyo.
Where To Stay
Sendai, Nights 1 to 2 Best hub. Hotels from 70 to 160 euros. Shinkansen from Tokyo in 90 minutes. Kakunodate ryokan, Night 4 The finest experience in Tohoku. Ryokans with local cuisine from 100 to 250 euros. Budget option Business hotels in Sendai from 50 euros. Guesthouses in Kakunodate from 60 euros.
Top Tips
1. Zao Okama crater: check weather before the drive. The extraordinary emerald lake disappears in cloud. A clear day is essential , delay by one day if needed.
2. Kakunodate cherry blossom: peaks late April. The extraordinary weeping cherries are the finest in Tohoku. Book accommodation months ahead for this period.
3. Chuson-ji Konjikido: the extraordinary gold hall is inside a modern protective shelter. Go early , the extraordinary golden interior is most powerful with few visitors.
4. Geibikei boat trip: the remarkable pole-propelled boats take 90 minutes return. Go in October for the extraordinary autumn colours reflected in the canyon river.
5. Naruko kokeshi: the finest workshops offer extraordinary free demonstrations. The remarkable turning of kokeshi dolls by master craftsmen is the finest craft experience in Tohoku.
6. Matsushima in winter: the extraordinary pine islands with snow are the finest off-season image in Tohoku. The boat runs year-round and crowds are minimal December to February.
Total Budget
80 to 160 euros/day