10-Day Enchanting Journey Through Tohoku, Japan

Day 1: Discover Sendai

Sendai, Japan

9:00AM

Breakfast at Akiu Onsen

Start your day with a traditional Japanese breakfast at Akiu Onsen, enjoying local delicacies prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Take a 30-minute tram ride from Sendai station to Akiu.
JPY1500, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Sendai Castle

Explore the historic grounds of Sendai Castle, offering stunning views of the city and insights into the life of Date Masamune.
A 20-minute bus ride from Akiu Onsen will get you to the castle.
JPY520, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Gyutan Shokudo

Savour the famous Sendai-style grilled beef tongue at Gyutan Shokudo, a local favourite.
Take a 15-minute taxi back to downtown Sendai.
JPY2500, 1 hour

3:30PM

Shopping in Tenjin

Spend your afternoon wandering Tenjin, Sendai's bustling shopping district filled with unique stores and friendly locals.
Walk around the district, it's all in the same area.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Nikuyama

Indulge in a hearty dinner at Nikuyama, known for its delicious sukiyaki and shabu-shabu dishes.
A quick 10-minute walk from Tenjin.
JPY3000, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Scenic Matsushima

Matsushima, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe de Crie

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast with delicious pastries and coffee at Cafe de Crie.
Walk to Sendai Station, then take the JR train to Matsushima.
JPY1000, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Matsushima Bay

Take a scenic boat cruise around the stunning islands of Matsushima Bay, known for its breathtaking views.
Board the cruise from Matsushima Pier, just a short walk from the station.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Matsushima Kinsen

Relish the local seafood, especially the oysters which Matsushima is famous for, at Matsushima Kinsen.
Just a 10-minute walk from the pier.
JPY3000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Zuigan-ji Temple

Discover the serene beauty of Zuigan-ji Temple, an important cultural site in Matsushima.
A 15-minute walk from the restaurant.
JPY900, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Sakanaya Shunsai Matsushima

Enjoy a delightful dinner featuring sushi made from the freshest local ingredients at Sakanaya Shunsai Matsushima.
Just 5 minutes from the temple by foot.
JPY4000, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Cultural Experience in Yamadera

Yamadera, Japan

7:00AM

Breakfast at Matsushima Bakery

Start your day with freshly baked bread and coffee at Matsushima Bakery before heading to Yamadera.
Walk to the train station and take the JR train to Yamadera.
JPY1200, 1 hour

9:00AM

Hike to Yamadera Temple

Enjoy a picturesque hike up the mountain to Yamadera Temple, surrounded by nature and breathtaking views.
It's a 10-minute walk from the station to the base of the hiking trail.
JPY300, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Yamadera Daikichi

Savour some local soba noodles at Yamadera Daikichi, a well-loved eatery nearby the temple.
Walk down from the temple to find the restaurant.
JPY1500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore the Yamadera Art Museum

Discover regional art at the Yamadera Art Museum, showcasing local artists and their connection to the area.
It's a short 5-minute taxi ride from the restaurant.
JPY500, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Dinner at Izakaya Natsu

Satisfy your appetite with izakaya-style dishes at Izakaya Natsu before calling it a day.
Head back to the town centre and find the izakaya easily accessible.
JPY2500, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Charming Yamagata

Yamagata, Japan

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel before heading out to explore Yamagata city.
Hotel breakfast included.
Free, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Yamagata City Museum

Explore the history and culture of Yamagata at the Yamagata City Museum featuring impressive exhibits.
A 10-minute local bus ride from the hotel.
JPY600, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Katsuya

Savour a delicious katsu curry at Katsuya, a popular chain offering various Japanese dishes.
Walk back towards the city centre, it's a short stroll away.
JPY1200, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Yamadera

Return to Yamadera for a more in-depth exploration of the stunning surroundings and relaxing atmosphere.
Take the local train back to Yamadera station.
JPY600, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Sakaeya

Indulge in a delightful sushi dinner at Sakaeya, known for its seasonal fish dishes.
Return to Yamagata town by train and walk to Sakaeya nearby.
JPY3500, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Hidden Gem Akita

Akita, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Denny's

Start your day with a Western-style breakfast at Denny's, offering a nice variety of options to choose from.
Take a morning train from Yamagata to Akita.
JPY1200, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Akita Museum of Art

Admire the collection of artworks, including pieces from famous Japanese artists, at the Akita Museum of Art.
Take a short taxi ride from the station to the museum.
JPY700, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Banya

Taste the flavours of Akita with a delicious serving of kiritanpo at Banya, a local specialty dish.
Just a 15-minute taxi ride from the museum.
JPY1500, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Akita Castle Ruins

Discover the rich history at Akita Castle Ruins and enjoy the quaint park setting they offer.
A short bus ride from the restaurant will take you there.
JPY500, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Kushiyaki Sakaba

End the day with grilled skewers and other izakaya offerings at Kushiyaki Sakaba, a local favourite.
Take a taxi back towards the city centre for a convenient stop.
JPY3000, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Historical Kakunodate

Kakunodate, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a good buffet breakfast in your hotel as you prepare for a day of exploration ahead.
Hotel breakfast included.
Free, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Kakunodate Samurai District

Stroll through the historic samurai district of Kakunodate, with well-preserved houses and beautiful cherry blossom trees.
A 15-minute bus ride from the station will bring you to the samurai district.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Saito Shokudo

Taste the regional cuisine with a touch of history at Saito Shokudo, located conveniently in the district.
Walk to the nearby restaurant.
JPY1500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Bukeyashiki (Samurai Residences)

Visit the Bukeyashiki to learn about the life of samurai and their families in the Edo period.
Walk to the residences from the restaurant.
JPY500, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Tonkatsu Chubo

Enjoy a comforting meal of tonkatsu at Tonkatsu Chubo before wrapping up your historical tour of Kakunodate.
A short taxi ride back to the main area of Kakunodate.
JPY2000, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Historical Hirosaki

Hirosaki, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Brilliant Cafe

Have a delicious breakfast with local influences at the Brilliant Cafe located near the station.
Walk to Hirosaki from Kakunodate by train.
JPY1000, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Hirosaki Castle

Visit the iconic Hirosaki Castle known for its beauty and incredible cherry blossom views in spring.
Just a 20-minute tram ride from Hirosaki station.
JPY320, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Hirosaki Park Cafe

Savour light meals at the scenic Hirosaki Park Cafe surrounded by nature.
A short walk from the castle.
JPY1200, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Fujita Memorial Garden

Explore the beautiful Fujita Memorial Garden and enjoy the tranquil environment that surrounds it.
It's a 15-minute walk from Hirosaki Park.
JPY300, 1 hour

4:00PM

Dinner at Hirosaki Shokudo

Delight in a traditional meal at Hirosaki Shokudo while soaking in the local atmosphere.
Head back towards the main city area, it’s within walking distance.
JPY2000, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Cultural Aomori

Aomori, Japan

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel before setting off to discover Aomori.
Hotel breakfast included.
Free, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Aomori Museum of Art

Explore the cutting-edge design and impressive collections at the Aomori Museum of Art.
Take the local bus a 10-minute ride away from the hotel.
JPY1000, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Kamoya

Enjoy a traditional meal at Kamoya, famous for its grilled seafood offerings.
A short taxi ride from the museum to the restaurant.
JPY2500, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Hirosaki Park

Stroll through Hirosaki Park, which is renowned for its beautiful cherry blossoms in springtime.
Take a taxi to the park, it's well known and easily accessible.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Aomori Gyosai Center

Enjoy a seafood feast at Aomori Gyosai Center, where you can choose your fresh catches from the market.
Head back towards the city for convenience.
JPY3500, 1.5 hours
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Day 9: Breathtaking Towada Lake

Towada, Japan

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before taking on a day of nature at Towada Lake.
Hotel breakfast included.
Free, 1 hour

9:00AM

Towada Lake Cruise

Take a scenic boat ride on the stunning Towada Lake, surrounded by beautiful mountain landscapes.
A taxi will take you to the lake for the cruise.
JPY2500, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Towada Lake View Restaurant

Savour a lovely lunch with lake views at the Towada Lake View Restaurant.
Conveniently located next to the cruise dock.
JPY2000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Oirase Gorge

Wander the Oirase Gorge walking path, known for its lush greenery and serene streams.
Access the gorge via bus from Towada Lake's visitor centre.
Free, 3 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Local Izakaya

End your day with a delicious dinner at a local izakaya near your accommodation, enjoying local dishes.
Back towards town, just short walk from your hotel.
JPY2500, 1.5 hours
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Day 10: Return to Sendai

Sendai, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Tully's Coffee

Have a convenient breakfast at Tully's Coffee, enjoying coffee and pastries to kick-start your day.
A taxi ride will take you to the nearest station for your trip back to Sendai.
JPY800, 1 hour

10:00AM

Last-minute Shopping in Sendai

Spend your last hours in Sendai doing some last-minute shopping for souvenirs and local products.
Walk to the local shopping area from your hotel.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Sendai Ramen

Treat yourself to a delicious bowl of Sendai ramen to savour locals flavors one last time.
Head to Sendai Ramen, conveniently located in the shopping area.
JPY1500, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit the Sendai Anpanman Children's Museum

If time permits, visit the charming Sendai Anpanman Children's Museum, perfect for families.
Take a tram to the museum, it's a quick ride from the city.
JPY1000, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Farewell Dinner at a Local Izakaya

Round off your Tohoku adventure with a farewell dinner at a local izakaya, reminiscing about your journey.
Find a nearby izakaya within a short walk from your hotel.
JPY3000, 2 hours
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