Tohoku Trails
“A tour created to showcase Japan’s ancient samurai, spiritual & farming traditions still living on strongly in the present ”
On Tohoku Trails, enjoy the incredible natural scenery with countless lakes, waterfalls, rivers, native forests, mountain ranges, coastal views, and islands. Learn about the rich samurai and spiritual past and discover how these traditions are kept alive and still practiced in both rural and modern-day Japan. Avoid the crowd of foreign tourists heading south towards Kyoto and join the domestic Japanese tourists traveling north from Tokyo. Only 1% of international visitors go to Tohoku, so the actual experience as a foreign visitor to the region would be akin to what it was like visiting Kyoto 30 years ago before its explosion in popularity with foreign visitors. Whether this is your first time to Japan, or you are a regular repeat visitor, join us in exploring this off-the-beaten-track trail before the rest of world discovers it!!
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Tokyo - 'Izakaya' Evening
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Day 2: Ultra-Luxurious Bullet Train to the north of Honshu & check into a luxurious Ryokan
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Breakfast at your hotel
Transfer to Aomori by “Granclass”; Japan’s ultimate luxury bullet train. Enjoy the longest journey of your trip – traversing all the way to the very north of Honshu by the highest class bullet train.
Evening at leisure at your Ryokan
HIGHLIGHTS
- Kaiseki Dinner at your Ryokan
- Granclass car: The ultimate luxury bullet train
Japanese Style Accommodation:
Hoshino Resorts Kai Tsugaru or similar
(Breakfast & Dinner)
Day 3: Full day guided tour to UNESCO native forest & in Aomori city
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- Shirakami Sanchi UNESCO World Heritage site Hike (weather permitting). There will be bear bells to ring in Shirakami Sanchi along the hiking paths. Some paths may be closed due to a bear appearance. If guests are worried about bears, they can take a free day in Aomori city instead of going to the national park native forest.
- Spring highlight will be the Hirosaki castle park Cherry Blossom Festival (depending on timing of trees blossoms)
- Nebuta Festival (August tours)
- Tsugaru-han Nebuta Village Museum (April and October tours)
Japanese Style Accommodation:
Hoshino Resorts Kai Tsugaru or similar
(Breakfast & Dinner)
Day 4: Transfer to Kakunodate Samurai Village via a 300 year old Onsen
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Transfer to Nyuto-Onsen by Shinkansen & Bus
- Nyuto-Onsen Experience
This is the ultimate Onsen experience, and if you left the big cities alarmed at the pace of modern Japanese life, a visit to Nyuto Onsen Tsuruno-yu will reassure you that traditional ways are very much alive and well in Japan.
Short transfer to Kakunodate by Shinkansen or train (Just 10 -20 minutes by either)
HIGHLIGHTS
- Viewing Kakunodate Sakura (Cherry blossom) Festival on April Tour (depending on timing of trees blossoming)
- “Kabazaiku” Craft experience – learn the unique Akita art of cherry blossom bark crafting
Japanese Style Accommodation:
Tamachi Bukeyashiki Hotel
(Breakfast & Dinner)
Day 5 : Half day tour of Samurai village before traveling to family farm for homestay
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Today we will visit Kakunodate Original Samurai Residences & Edo Era Merchant district with a private local guide for an interesting walking tour of the area and a local craft experience.
Highlights include:
- Tour of the authentic samurai residences on Bukeyashiki street
Transfer to Tono village
Walking tour of historical Tono village before transferring to accommodation.
Homestay at a traditional Japanese family farm
- Farming, picking, cooking experience at a Japanese Farm
- Stay with a welcoming Japanese farm family
Farm-House Accommodation:
Agriturismo Omori-Ke
(or similar farm homestay pending availability)
(Breakfast & Dinner)
Day 6: Visit UNESCO World Heritage temple & ride a gondola through a river gorge before checking into hotel in Sendai City
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Breakfast at your farm
Transfer to Ichinoseki.
What to expect:
- Geibikei Gorge River Cruise
- Chuson-ji Temple UNESCO World Heritage Site
Transfer to Sendai by Shinkansen (bullet train)
Evening at leisure in Sendai. Join your tour leader for a walk around taking in:
- Tanabata Big Fireworks Festival (August Tour)
- Iroha Yokocho (Street Food & Drinks)
Western Style Accommodation:
Richmond Hotel Premier Sendai Eikmae
(Breakfast)
Day 7: Full day guided tour with a boat cruise on Matsushima bay followed by a hike to a mountain-top temple on Yamadera
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✪ Matsushima & Yamadera (full day with local guide)
- Matsushima Bayside stroll
- Matsushima Bay boat cruise
- Yamadera village stroll with guide
- Yamadera Mountain Temple Hike (1,015 steps up to mountain-top temple – actual hike unaccompanied by guide)
Evening at your leisure in Sendai city.
Suggested evening itinerary:
- Shopping Opportunity
- Try the famous Yamagata beef
- Drinking district in the evening time
Western Style Accommodation:
Richmond Hotel Premier Sendai Eikmae
(Breakfast)
Day 8: Check into a stunning Ryokan in Aizuwakamatsu
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Transfer to Aizuwakamatsu station by train
Digital Detox at your Ryokan Retreat :
- Relax in the Onsen
- Kaiseki Style Dinner
Day 9: Samurai castle tour and Japanese archery experience followed by hike around stunning lakes
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What to Expect:
- Tsuruga Castle Cherry blossom festival (Spring only, blossoms may or may not be in bloom depending on the seasonal weather)
- Iimoriyama (Sazaedo temple)
- Nisshinkan former Samurai School – Traditional Samurai school experience Japanese kyudo (Japanese archery)
- Visit top Sake brewery (award-winning sake tasting)
- 4km/2.5miles hike around 5 stunning lakes at Goshikunuma
Transfer to Ouchijuku and check in into Minshuku
Day 10: Explore historic Ochijuku before a scenic train journey to Nikko
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Morning Stroll at your own leisure
- Walkthrough the old traditional Japanese village where you can feel old Japanese lifestyles.
Transfer to Yunokami Onsen Station
- Dip casually into the foot bath at the station while waiting for your train.
Transfer to Nikko by Aizu Mount Express Train
- Enjoy the stunning countryside scenery over mountains and rivers from the train
Transfer to your Hotel – Luxury awaits! Brand new Ritz Carlton Nikko.
Day 11: Nikko UNESCO World Heritage Site & back to Tokyo
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Breakfast at your hotel
✪ Nikko Sightseeing (UNESCO World Heritage Site) Full Day Sightseeing with Local Guide ✪
What to expect:
- Observe the impressive Kegon waterfall
- Soak in the stunning views of Chuzenji lake from the historical Italian & British Embassy Summer Villas that date back to 1896.
- Visit Nikko Toshogu shrine (UNESCO world heritage site)
- Stop off for photo opportunities at the beautiful wooden Shinkyo bridge
Your last leg is back to Tokyo (just under a 3-hour journey). More bullet/express trains.
Evening free time at your own leisure in Tokyo
*suggested Tokyo itineraries will be available in your travel pack
Day 12: Tokyo Free Day
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Enjoy a free day at your own leisure in Tokyo city
You will have the option to join your tour leader for a hop-on/off the subway system around Tokyo. If you prefer to go alone, your tour leader can provide you with up to date real-time information on where to go and how to go there!
Evening Option:
Farewell Dinner at a local izakaya (pay locally)
Day 13: Tour Ends
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The Tohoku trails tour comes to an end after breakfast today and you will be provided with an airport transfer service from your hotel. If you would like to stay longer in Tokyo, discuss some post-tour options with your travel consultant. Don’t forget to send us your flight details as soon as you know them. Transfers need to be booked early!
Dates and Prices
Triple Room | €6,270 | £5,272 | US$6,510 | AU$9,360 |
Twin/Double | €6,600 | £5,550 | US$6,850 | AU$9,850 |
Single Room | €8,150 | £7,150 | US$8,570 | AU$12,990 |
Tour Starts:
July 31, 2024Tour Ends:
August 13, 2024 (Summer Tanabata Festival, Nebuta Festival) Book NowAccommodation
Tokyo (Total 3 Nights)
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Daiwa Roynet Nishi-Shinjuku Premier (or similar)
Set in a convenient location with a chic and modern atmosphere, Daiwa Roynet Nishi-Shinjuku Premier is an ideal spot for busy explorers. Guest rooms are comfortable and modern, providing a restful stay in Japan’s busiest city. The Shinjuku area provides ample opportunity for excitement in any of the nearby shops, bars or restaurants. If you would prefer to dine in the hotel, the hotel restaurant ‘Touto‘ provides a range of Japanese, Chinese and Western options, with something to appeal to everyone. Attractions nearby feature Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, and the Samurai Museum.
Aomori (2 Nights)
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Hoshino Resorts Kai Tsugaru or similar
KAI is a leading brand of luxury hot spring ryokans. Every ryokan offers a contemporary take on the traditional Japanese inn, providing unique, location-specific experiences.
In the Aomori Prefecture, this manifests in the wonderful Kai Tsugaru, which features a stunning hot spring bath, designed with an arching roof reminiscent of traditional Japanese snow huts. While relaxing here, marvel at the view over the beautiful water garden, adorned with colorful floating lanterns, offering a glimpse into Japan’s vibrant festival culture. This serene setting allows guests to experience the natural beauty of the changing seasons.
In the evenings, delight in a kaiseki cuisine that celebrates local delicacies such as sake, special apples and particularly Oma Tuna, a variety known as ‘black diamond’ in the region. For a culture hit, Tsugaru Shamisen lute concerts are held in the ryokan, where wall paintings depict Tsugaru’s dynamic coastal scenery. KAI Tsugaru is an invitation to immerse yourself in the rich diversity of Aomori. This ryokan is also conveniently located near cherished sightseeing spots including Hirosaki Castle and the Oirase Stream.
Kakunodate (1 Night)
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Tamachi Bukeyashiki
Tamachi Bukeyashiki Hotel, nestled in the heart of Kakunodate, is a charming inn that offers a peek into Japan’s rich cultural past. Surrounded by the weeping cherry blossoms and ancient trees that line the banks of the Hinokinai River, the hotel provides a scenic backdrop that captures the essence of every season. The nearby Bukeyashiki Street, lined with quaint blackboard walls and cherished samurai residences, enhances the area’s deep historical significance, dating back to 1656 when Kakunodate flourished as a cultural hub linked to Kyoto.
The hotel itself provides tranquil accommodations with nostalgic decor and soft, warm lighting, ensuring comfort throughout your stay. Guests can indulge in the flavors of the region at the “Momi no Ki-tei” restaurant lodge, where creative Japanese kaiseki meals are prepared using seasonal local ingredients. This delightful combination of nature, history, and culinary artistry makes Tamachi Bukeyashiki Hotel an enchanting destination for visitors.
Tono (1 Night)
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Agriturismo Omori-ke (or similar farm homestay)
Stay at a lovingly restored farmhouse in rural Tono, where historic elements have been preserved to offer guests an authentic taste of real Japan. Originally established to bring together the Omori family and their guests around a dining table filled with delicious food, this accommodation includes a large room historically used for welcoming guests and hosting family ceremonies. Guests are invited to immerse themselves in local culture by interacting with the farming family, participating in farm work, and learning to cook local dishes.
Tono, renowned for its rich storytelling tradition, is the setting for many tales in Kunio Yanagita’s “Tono Monogatari” folktale collection. Located in the picturesque Tsuchibuchi area, this farmhouse provides a perfect backdrop to create and share your own stories, making your stay in Tono truly memorable.
Sendai City (2 Nights)
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Richmond Hotel Premier Sendai Ekimae
Centrally located, this hotel offers simply decorated Western-style rooms equipped with Mikimoto amenities and Tempur-Pedic pillows, ensuring a comfortable stay. It was recognized with TripAdvisor’s 2014 Certificate of Excellence, thanks to its array of extra services that create a home away from home experience. Guests can start their day in the Premier Lounge, where breakfast features freshly baked bread, eggs, fruits, and other items. The property also hosts a Japanese restaurant that provides room service for added convenience.
Strategically situated, the hotel is just a 3-minute walk from JR Sendai Train Station. Attractions like Aoba Castle and Osaki Hachiman Shrine are only a short drive away, making it easy for guests to explore the local area.
Aizuwakamatsu (1 Night)
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Aizu Higashiyama Onsen Mukaitaki (Japanese Style) or similar
Mukaitaki offers a quintessential Japanese ryokan experience that transports guests back to a simpler, more refined era. Established as Fox Onsen in 1873, Mukaitaki’s architecture embodies the genuine Sukiya style, and the inn has been officially recognized by the Japanese government for its national historic and cultural significance. Each season at Mukaitaki brings its own scenic delights, from azaleas and cherry blossoms in the warmer months to maple colors in autumn and serene snowscapes in winter.
The ryokan features uniquely themed rooms, including the Imperial quarter, Hanare, which boasts a beautiful garden view, and other rooms named after natural elements like Sakura (Cherry Blossom), Yuki (Snow), and Ume (Plum). Guests can enjoy private onsen baths such as the Kazoku (Family), or those inspired by natural landscapes like the Kitsune (Fox) and Saru (Monkey). Dining at Mukaitaki is an experience in itself, with meals made from the freshest seasonal ingredients served in the privacy of your room, ensuring a relaxing and unforgettable stay.
Ochijuku (1 Night)
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Honke Ogiya (Japanese style)
Situated in the Edo-era village of Ouchi-juku, this guesthouse is designated as a national important cultural property and serves as a former post station along the Shimono Kaido, the historic road connecting Aizu and Nikko. Thatched roof houses line this path, creating a picturesque setting that attracts many visitors. Inside, the guesthouse boasts chestnut floors and black pillars, offering a nostalgic and profound atmosphere. The traditional dining room, featuring a central fire pit, provides a laid-back setting where guests can enjoy local delicacies such as plump rock fish from Shimogo, slowly baked on the hearth with miso for two hours, and a crispy local dish of shredded squid with carrots. The Japanese-style rooms, separated by sliding doors, encourage a peaceful retreat.
Nikko (1 Night)
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The Ritz Carlton 5* Nikko
The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko offers a serene escape, nestled in Japan’s northern Kanto region and perched along the picturesque Lake Chuzenji. This luxurious hotel embodies the quiet elegance and refined hospitality Japan is known for. Guests can immerse themselves in a pristine environment where both nature and culture are deeply cherished.
During your stay, choose to unwind in the hotel’s private onsen, indulge in a signature spa treatment, or relax with a glass of sake or wine on the lakefront terrace, which offers stunning views and an idyllic setting for a picnic lunch. The hotel features 94 spacious rooms and suites, each providing breathtaking views of either Lake Chuzenji or Mount Nantai, ensuring every moment of your stay is enveloped in natural beauty.
Tour Testimonial
Whats Included
Date | Service |
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12 Nights Accommodation | 3, 4 & 5* Western (6 nights) Superior Ryokans with hot springs & kaiseki dinner (2 nights) Traditional Minshuku (3 nights) Farm homestay (1 night) |
English Speaking tour leader | Fully Escorted (Groups of 6 – 12): You will be escorted by our friendly English- speaking tour leader who will travel with you from Day 1 to 13. On day 13, your tour leader will say goodbye as you travel to the airport or onwards in Japan solo. Semi Escorted (Groups of 1 – 5): If we do not have the minimum numbers to run the tour with a tour leader throughout, don’t worry! We never cancel our scheduled tour dates. Instead of having a full-time tour leader, you will be met in each area by our local assistants on days you don’t have private guides. So you will be given a very private style tour – with no change to the cost! |
Transfers | All transfers required for your tour as well as arrival & departure airport transfers to & from Tokyo hotel |
Private Tour Guides | Local English speaking tour guides in Aomori (including Shirakami Sanchi), Kakunodate, Sendai (including Yamadera & Matsushima), Aizuwakamatsu & Nikko. |
Entrance Fees | Included into all sights listed in the itinerary |
Cultural Experiences |
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Meals | Breakfast daily, 1 lunch, 7 evening meals |
Other Inclusions: |
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This package does not include: |
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