Tohoku Japan Adventure (April 12‑21, 2026)

Day 1: Arrival in Sendai (BKK → SDJ)

Morning: Arrive at Sendai Airport, clear customs and transfer to your hotel for a quick refresh.

Afternoon: Take a leisurely stroll around the Sendai Station area to get a feel for the city’s vibe and enjoy a light lunch of local gyutan.

Evening: Dine at a nearby izakaya and rest early to prepare for the week of exploration.

Day 2: Funaoka & Sendai Castle

Morning: Visit the historic Funaoka Hachiman Shrine, admired for its intricate wooden carvings and tranquil garden.

Afternoon: Head up to Aoba Castle (Sendai Castle) for panoramic views of the city and explore the remaining stone walls and museum.

Evening: Enjoy a dinner of fresh seafood at the vibrant Ichibancho district and wander through its illuminated streets.

Morning: Travel to Fukushima and start at the Fukushima Prefectural Museum, which showcases regional history and art.

Afternoon: Walk through the cherry‑blossom‑lined Hanamiyama Park, perfect for photography and a picnic.

Evening: Sample the famous Fukushima peach dessert at a local café before returning to your accommodation.

Day 4: Matsushima & Hiraizumi

Morning: Board a ferry to explore the scenic Matsushima Bay, dotted with over 200 pine‑covered islands.

Afternoon: Travel to Hiraizumi to visit the UNESCO sites of Chūson‑ji Temple and the beautiful garden of Mōtsu‑ji.

Evening: Return to Sendai and enjoy a quiet dinner near the Sendai Port area.

Day 5: Morioka Castle Site & Koiwai Farm

Morning: Arrive in Morioka and wander the historic Morioka Castle Site, now a spacious park with reconstructed gates.

Afternoon: Take a short drive to Koiwai Farm, where you can interact with farm animals, taste fresh dairy products, and stroll through flower fields.

Evening: Dine on Morioka’s signature noodle dish, reimen, at a local restaurant.

Day 6: Lake Towada & Aomori

Morning: Cruise on the crystal‑clear waters of Lake Towada, enjoying the surrounding forested cliffs.

Afternoon: Continue to Aomori city to explore the Nebuta Museum and learn about the famous Nebuta Festival floats.

Evening: Walk along the illuminated Aomori Bay Bridge and savor a dinner of fresh scallops.

Day 7: Takayama Inari Shrine & Hirosaki Castle

Morning: Visit the serene Takayama Inari Shrine, tucked among cedar trees and famous for its torii gates.

Afternoon: Explore the impressive Hirosaki Castle and its surrounding cherry‑blossom park, a highlight of the season.

Evening: Stroll through Hirosaki’s historic merchant district and enjoy local apple‑based dishes.

Day 8: Morioka City Highlights

Morning: Discover traditional crafts at the Morioka Handi‑Works Center, where you can try pottery and lacquerware.

Afternoon: Visit the modern Iwate Museum of Art to see works by local and international artists.

Evening: Relax at a onsen‑style public bath before a final Morioka dinner.

Day 9: Return to Sendai

Morning: Take the train back to Sendai and begin with a visit to the majestic Zuihōden Mausoleum, the resting place of Date Masamune.

Afternoon: Browse the bustling Sendai Morning Market for souvenirs, local snacks, and fresh produce.

Evening: Celebrate the final night with a dinner cruise on the Nagaragawa River, enjoying city lights and regional cuisine.

Day 10: Departure (SDJ → BKK)

Morning: Pack and enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel.

Afternoon: Transfer to Sendai Airport for your flight back to Bangkok.

Evening: Arrive in Bangkok, concluding your Tohoku adventure.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Funaoka Hachiman Shrine – 2 hrs – $5 admission
• Aoba Castle (Sendai Castle) – 2.5 hrs – $8 admission
• Fukushima Prefectural Museum – 2 hrs – $6 admission
• Hanamiyama Park – 1.5 hrs – Free
• Matsushima Bay (ferry) – 3 hrs – $12 round‑trip
• Chūson‑ji Temple – 2 hrs – $10 admission
• Mōtsu‑ji Temple – 1.5 hrs – $7 admission
• Morioka Castle Site – 2 hrs – Free
• Koiwai Farm – 3 hrs – $15 entry & activities
• Lake Towada Cruise – 2 hrs – $14 ticket
• Nebuta Museum (Aomori) – 1.5 hrs – $9 admission
• Aomori Bay Bridge (view) – 30 min – Free
• Takayama Inari Shrine – 1 hr – Free
• Hirosaki Castle – 2.5 hrs – $8 admission
• Morioka Handi‑Works Center – 2 hrs – $10 workshop fee
• Iwate Museum of Art – 1.5 hrs – $6 admission
• Zuihōden Mausoleum – 1.5 hrs – $7 admission
• Sendai Morning Market – 2 hrs – Variable (average $20 for food & souvenirs)
• Sendai River Dinner Cruise – 2 hrs – $45 per person
Total Estimated Cost: $250 per person (excluding accommodation & intercity transport)

Tips

If you have extra days, consider extending your stay in the scenic Matsushima area or adding a day trip to the historic town of Naruko for its famous onsen. To shorten the itinerary, you can combine Day 8 with Day 5 by exploring Morioka’s highlights on the same day you visit Koiwai Farm, and skip the evening cruise in Sendai, opting for a quick dinner instead.