10-Day Tohoku Adventure: Nature, Culture, and Cuisine

Day 1: Exploring Sendai

Sendai, Japan

9:00AM

Breakfast at Kouron

Start your day with traditional Sendai breakfast sets featuring grilled fish and miso soup.
Walking distance from your hotel.
JPY1200, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Sendai Castle Park

Explore the historic ruins of Sendai Castle and enjoy panoramic views of the city.
Take the Loople Sendai bus from the city center.
JPY1000, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Gyutan Yaki Tan Nobu

Try Sendai's famous grilled beef tongue for lunch.
Return to the city center via Loople bus.
JPY2000, 1 hour

3:00PM

Sendai City Museum

Discover the cultural history of the Tohoku region through impressive exhibits.
Short walk from lunch location.
JPY500, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Zunda Saryo

Savor dinner featuring zunda (sweet edamame paste) on mochi and local sake.
Accessible by tram from the museum.
JPY2500, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Matsushima Bay

Matsushima, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty Japanese breakfast before heading to Matsushima.
Walking from your hotel.
JPY1500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Train to Matsushima

Take the Senseki Line to Matsushima Kaigan Station and marvel at the beautiful coastline.
Train ride takes approximately 40 minutes.
JPY700, 40 minutes

11:00AM

Matsushima Bay Cruise

Enjoy a scenic boat cruise around the picturesque islands of Matsushima.
Walk from the station to the cruise terminal.
JPY1600, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Matsushima Kanko Hotel

Feast on fresh seafood while enjoying views of the bay.
Short walk from the cruise terminal.
JPY3000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Zuiganji Temple

Explore this iconic temple founded in 828 and enjoy the tranquil gardens.
Walk to the temple from the restaurant.
JPY500, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Sushi Shinao

Indulge in fresh sushi prepared with local fish, a true Matsushima delicacy.
Return to Matsushima Kaigan Station and walk to the restaurant.
JPY4000, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Yamadera Temples

Yamadera, Japan

7:30AM

Breakfast at Local Café

Fuel up for your day of hiking with a simple toast and coffee.
Walking distance from your accommodation.
JPY800, 1 hour

9:00AM

Train to Yamadera

Travel by train to Yamadera and get ready for breathtaking views.
Board the train from Matsushima.
JPY1200, 1 hour

10:30AM

Hike Yamadera

Climb the 1,000 steps to the temple while enjoying the lush nature and scenery.
Follow the pathway from the station.
JPY300, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Yamadera Restaurant

Enjoy soba noodles, a local specialty, while taking in amazing valley views.
The restaurant is nearby the hiking grounds.
JPY1800, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Local Art Shops

Visit nearby art stores and learn about regional artists' works.
Short walk from the restaurant.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Yamagata Ramen

Relish a steaming bowl of Yamagata-style ramen to end your day.
Walk back toward the train station.
JPY1000, 1 hour
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Day 4: Aizu Culture

Aizuwakamatsu, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Inn

Enjoy a homemade breakfast served at your ryokan.
Walking distance from your room.
JPY1500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Train to Aizuwakamatsu

Hop on the train to the historic town of Aizuwakamatsu.
Board the local train from Hanamaki Station.
JPY2500, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Tsuruga Castle

Explore Aizuwakamatsu's stunning castle, recognized for its impressive architecture.
Take a bus from the station to the castle.
JPY600, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Aizu Soba Restaurant

Savor delicious handmade soba noodles prepared using Aizu’s pure water.
Local transport to nearby restaurant.
JPY1800, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Aizu Wakamatsu City Museum

Learn about the region's rich history and cultural heritage.
Walk to the museum from lunch.
JPY400, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Sakagura

Delight in local sake paired with seasonal cuisine.
Short walk from the museum.
JPY3000, 2 hours
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Day 5: Ouchijuku: A Journey Back in Time

Ouchijuku, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Local Inn

Enjoy a rustic breakfast with local ingredients.
Walking distance from your inn.
JPY1500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Ouchijuku

Ride a bus to the preserved post town of Ouchijuku, famous for its thatched-roof houses.
Local bus departs every hour.
JPY1500, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Ouchijuku

Stroll through the town, visit craft shops, and learn about its history.
Walk along the main street.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Ouchijuku Soba Restaurant

Try the fresh, local soba noodles, a specialty of the region.
Restaurant located in Ouchijuku.
JPY1500, 1 hour

2:30PM

Scenic Hike Around Ouchijuku

Enjoy a leisurely hike with mountain views and tranquil forests.
Follow marked trails around the town.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Local Inn

End your day with a hearty dinner featuring local delicacies.
Back at the inn.
JPY2500, 2 hours
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Day 6: Nature at Lake Towada

Towada, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a classic Japanese breakfast before your journey to Lake Towada.
Walking distance from your hotel.
JPY1500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Bus to Lake Towada

Take the bus to the stunning Lake Towada, renowned for its scenic beauty.
Board the bus from Towada Station.
JPY2000, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Lake Towada Boat Tour

Take a boat tour to enjoy the serene environment and vibrant autumn foliage.
Board the boat from the pier.
JPY1800, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Towada Ryokudo

Delve into a delicious meal of local river fish at a lakeside restaurant.
Walking distance from the pier.
JPY2500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Nature Trails at Towada

Hike the picturesque trails surrounding the lake, perfect for capturing stunning photos.
Follow marked trailheads from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Local Izakaya

Experience the local izakaya culture with small plates and sake.
Return to the lodge and find a nearby izakaya.
JPY3000, 2 hours
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Day 7: Hirosaki’s Cherry Blossoms

Hirosaki, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Ryokan

Relish a traditional ryokan breakfast before heading to Hirosaki.
Walking distance from your accommodation.
JPY1500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Train to Hirosaki

Travel by train to Hirosaki, home to stunning cherry blossoms.
Board directly from Lake Towada Station.
JPY2,500, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore Hirosaki Castle

Stroll through the castle grounds, renowned for its cherry blossoms.
Short walk from Hirosaki Station.
JPY300, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Teuchi Soba Hirosaki

Taste freshly made soba noodles while enjoying a view of the castle.
Just outside the castle grounds.
JPY1800, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Hirosaki Cultural and Arts Center

View exhibitions showcasing the local art and history of Aomori Prefecture.
Walk from the restaurant.
JPY400, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Hirosaki Craft Beer Restaurant

Enjoy local craft beers and dishes made with Hirosaki’s seasonal ingredients.
Take a short taxi ride from the arts center.
JPY3500, 2 hours
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Day 8: Baikal: Japan’s Encompassing Caché

Lake Baikal, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hirosaki Hotel

Dig into a nutritious breakfast to prepare for the day ahead.
Walking distance from your accommodation.
JPY1500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Train to Lake Baikal District

Set off early on a scenic train journey to Lake Baikal.
Board the Express train.
JPY7000, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Baikal Seaside Restaurant

Savor a fresh fish lunch with a stunning lake view.
Walking distance from the station.
JPY3000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Lake Baikal Tour

Participate in an adventure boat tour on the largest freshwater lake in the world.
Departure from the restaurant around the lake.
JPY5000, 2.5 hours

6:00PM

Return and Dinner at Lake Baikal Lodge

Enjoy a traditional dinner at the lodge featuring local ingredients.
Return to the lodge post-tour.
JPY3500, 2 hours
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Day 9: Shirakami-Sanchi

Shirakami-Sanchi, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Lodge

Enjoy a generous breakfast before heading out to Shirakami-Sanchi.
Walking distance from your accommodation.
JPY1500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Bus to Shirakami-Sanchi

Take the bus over to the UNESCO World Heritage site for breathtaking hiking trails.
Bus departs from local station.
JPY2000, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Hike in Shirakami-Sanchi

Embark on a guided hike through ancient forests full of beech trees.
Follow marked trails during the hike.
JPY1500, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Nearby Mountain Lodge

Enjoy rustic dishes made from local produce and foraged ingredients.
Short walk from the hiking trail.
JPY2000, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Explore Shirakami-Sanchi Visitor Center

Learn about the area's wildlife and conservation efforts within the center.
Return to the Visitor Center.
JPY500, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Local Eatery

End your day with some comforting local fare.
Find a cozy local restaurant.
JPY3000, 2 hours
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Day 10: Farewell in Sendai

Sendai, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Sendai Hotel

Enjoy a final traditional breakfast to reflect on your journey.
Walking distance from your accommodation.
JPY1500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Free Time in Sendai

Take some leisure time to pick up souvenirs or relax at a café.
Explore the nearby shopping areas.
Variable, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Sendai’s Best Ramen Spot

Sample a flavorful bowl of ramen at a highly-rated local spot.
Short walk from shopping area.
JPY1000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Check-out and Departure

Check out of your hotel, taking memories of Tohoku with you.
Take the Loople bus to Sendai Station.
JPY100, 30 minutes
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