10-Day Tohoku Relaxation and Culture Immersion Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Explore

Sendai, Japan

9:00AM

Breakfast at Sendai’s Tsyukemen Matsuri

Start your day with a delicious bowl of tsukemen, a cold noodle dish served with rich dipping sauce, right in Sendai’s bustling food district.
Walk to the nearby site.
JPY1200, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Sendai Castle Ruins

Stroll through the historical Sendai Castle ruins, marveling at the sweeping views of the city and surrounding mountains.
Take a bus from the restaurant to the castle.
JPY500, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Gyutan Uesugi

Savor the famous Sendai gyutan (beef tongue) for lunch, a must-try local delicacy.
Walk back into the city center.
JPY1500, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit Zuihoden Mausoleum

Explore the beautiful Zuihoden Mausoleum, where the founder of Sendai, Date Masamune, rests, showcased amidst lush nature.
20-minute walk from lunch.
JPY300, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Sasaki

Indulge in a traditional kaiseki dinner at Sasaki, renowned for its seasonal dishes.
Short walk from Zuihoden.
JPY5000, 2 hours

8:30PM

Evening Stroll at Jozenji-dori Avenue

Enjoy a leisurely evening stroll along the beautifully illuminated Jozenji-dori Avenue.
10-minute walk from dinner.
Free, 1 hour
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Day 2: Coastal Wonders

Matsushima, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Local Café

Begin your day with a light breakfast of mochi and green tea at a local café in Sendai.
Walk to the café.
JPY800, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Matsushima

Take a local train to Matsushima, celebrated for its stunning bay with over 200 islands.
Local train from Sendai Station.
JPY600, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Matsushima Bay Cruise

Embark on a scenic boat cruise around Matsushima Bay, taking in unique perspectives of the islands.
Near the port area.
JPY1500, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Matsushima Seafood Greats

Devour fresh seafood at Matsushima Seafood, known for its succulent sashimi and tempura.
Walk to the restaurant from the port.
JPY2500, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Godaido Temple

Explore the historic Godaido Temple located on an island, which offers rich cultural experiences.
Walk to the temple.
JPY300, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Zuiganji Temple

Discover the serene beauty and historical significance of Zuiganji Temple, full of intricate carvings.
Walk from Godaido Temple.
JPY500, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Kisen

Enjoy dinner at Kisen, famous for its grilled fish and local wine.
Short walk from Zuiganji.
JPY3500, 2 hours

7:30PM

Travel Back to Sendai

Return to Sendai for a relaxing evening.
Local train back to Sendai.
JPY600, 30 minutes
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Day 3: Cultural Heights

Yamadera, Japan

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel to prepare for a day of exploration.
N/A
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Yamadera

Catch a local train to Yamadera, a sacred mountain town known for its beautiful temples.
Train from Sendai.
JPY700, 45 minutes

10:00AM

Climb Yamadera Temple

Embark on the beautiful hike up to Yamadera Temple, where breathtaking vista views await you.
Walking trail access from the station.
JPY300, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Local Soba Restaurant

Relish handmade soba noodles at a homely restaurant nearby.
Walk down from the temple.
JPY1200, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit Risshakuji Temple

Continue to explore the beautiful Risshakuji Temple complex with its scenic serenity.
Walking distance from lunch.
JPY400, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Stroll around Yamadera Town

Wander through the quaint streets of Yamadera, taking in the local culture.
Walking through local streets.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Local Izakaya

Indulge in a delicious dinner at a local izakaya with traditional Japanese dishes.
Walk to the izakaya.
JPY2000, 2 hours

8:00PM

Travel Back to Sendai

Return to Sendai for the night.
Local train back to Sendai.
JPY700, 45 minutes
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Cultural Capital

Yamagata, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a delicious breakfast to kick off your exploration of Yamagata.
N/A
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Yamagata

Take a local train to Yamagata City, the cultural heart of the region.
Train from Sendai.
JPY1000, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Yamagata Castle

Explore Yamagata Castle's remains and neighboring park, taking in this piece of local history.
Short walk from the station.
Free, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Yamagata Burger

Savor a gourmet Yamagata burger topped with local ingredients at a trendy spot.
Walk to the restaurant.
JPY1500, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Yamagata Prefectural Museum

Delve into Yamagata’s cultural history and art at the city museum.
Walk to the museum.
JPY300, 2 hours

4:00PM

Relax at Kajo Park

Spend a leisurely afternoon resting at Kajo Park, surrounded by nature.
Walk to Kajo Park.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Yamagata Ramen Restaurant

Treat yourself to local Yamagata ramen at a beloved ramen shop.
Short walk back to the city center.
JPY1200, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Travel to Zao Onsen

Take a bus to the popular hot spring town of Zao Onsen.
Local bus service from Yamagata.
JPY800, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Relaxation in Hot Springs

Zao Onsen, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your morning at a ryokan with a traditional Japanese breakfast.
N/A
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Morning At Zao Onsen

Spend the morning soaking in the therapeutic hot springs, a source of relaxation.
Onsen facilities nearby.
JPY2500, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Ryokan

Enjoy a traditional kaiseki lunch prepared with local rices and vegetables.
At your accommodation.
Included, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore Zao Fox Village

Visit the charming Zao Fox Village, where you can interact with adorable foxes in a natural setting.
Local bus ride to the village.
JPY1000, 2 hours

4:00PM

Return & Relax at Onsen

Head back and indulge in more onsen time as you recharge your energy.
Local bus back to Zao Onsen.
JPY500, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Local Restaurant

Feast on Yamagata beef, known for its tenderness and flavor, at a local restaurant.
Walking distance from your onsen lodging.
JPY4000, 2 hours

8:30PM

Rest and Relax at Ryokan

Enjoy a peaceful night at your ryokan soaking in the ambiance of your surroundings.
N/A
Included, N/A
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Cultural Immersion

Akita, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Relish a hearty breakfast before departing Zao Onsen.
N/A
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Akita

Catch a bus back to Yamagata and transfer to a train to Akita.
Local train connections.
JPY1500, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Kanto Restaurant

Enjoy an Akita-style kanto cuisine featuring seasonal veggies and fish.
Easy walk from the station.
JPY2000, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Akita Museum of Art

Explore the Akita Museum of Art with its diverse art collections.
25-minute walk or bus ride.
JPY500, 2 hours

4:00PM

Stroll through Senshu Park

Enjoy the tranquility of Senshu Park, home to beautiful cherry blossoms and old Akita Castle ruins.
Walk from the museum.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Izakaya Maru

Savor fresh sushi and local sake at this beloved local izakaya.
Short walk from the park.
JPY2500, 2 hours

8:30PM

Stay Overnight in Akita

Relax at a hotel or traditional ryokan ready for the next day’s adventures.
Transfer on foot.
JPY8000, N/A
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Historical Towns

Kakunodate, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a Japanese-style breakfast at your accommodation in Akita.
N/A
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Kakunodate

Take a local train to the beautifully preserved samurai district of Kakunodate.
Train from Akita.
JPY1000, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Visit Kakunodate Samurai District

Wander the charming streets of the Samurai District, filled with historic houses and cherry blossoms.
Walking distance from station.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Local Café

Grab lunch at a local café known for its soba dishes and warm ambiance.
Walk from the samurai district.
JPY900, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Bukeyashiki Houses

Explore the traditional Bukeyashiki houses for insight into samurai life.
Short walk from lunch.
JPY700, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Cultural Experience at Akita Kan

Participate in a cultural program featuring local crafts and traditions.
Short walk from the Bukeyashiki.
JPY1500, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Local Izakaya

Savor local cuisine at a cozy izakaya and try out the Akita rice wine.
Walking distance from cultural center.
JPY2500, 2 hours

8:00PM

Stay Overnight in Kakunodate

Rest at a local ryokan, soaking in the diplomatic history of the area.
Short walk to accommodation.
JPY8000, N/A
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Floral Splendor

Hirosaki, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Ryokan

Enjoy a traditional breakfast at your accommodation in Kakunodate.
N/A
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Hirosaki

Catch a local train that takes you to Hirosaki, famous for its cherry blossoms.
Train from Kakunodate.
JPY1500, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Hirosaki Park

Stroll through Hirosaki Park, especially beautiful when the cherry blossoms are in bloom.
Short walk from the station.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Local Restaurant

Enjoy Hirosaki’s famous apple curry at a local restaurant.
Walk from the park.
JPY1200, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Hirosaki Castle

Visit the nearby Hirosaki Castle, renowned for its stunning architecture and historical significance.
Short walk from lunch.
JPY400, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit Neputa Village

Learn about the historic Neputa festival at Neputa Village, with demonstrations and exhibits.
Short train ride or bus from the castle.
JPY500, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Yakiniku Restaurant

Relish a delectable dinner of grilled meats at a popular yakiniku restaurant.
Train or walk back to the city.
JPY3000, 2 hours

8:30PM

Stay Overnight in Hirosaki

Check into your hotel, ready for the next day’s adventures.
Transfer on foot.
JPY8000, N/A
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Art and Nature

Aomori, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start the day with a delicious breakfast at your hotel in Hirosaki.
N/A
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Aomori

Catch a local train to Aomori City, known for its rich cultural history.
Train from Hirosaki.
JPY1500, 30 minutes

10:00AM

Visit Aomori Museum of Art

Discover contemporary art exhibits at the Aomori Museum of Art.
Short taxi ride from the station.
JPY500, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Local Café

Enjoy local seafood dishes at a popular café known for its fresh catch.
Walk to the café.
JPY2000, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Visit Sannai-Maruyama Ruins

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sannai-Maruyama, with reconstructed Jomon period dwellings.
Short bus ride from lunch.
JPY700, 2 hours

4:00PM

Relax at Inaniwa Udon House

Indulge in hand-stretched Inaniwa Udon noodles, a local specialty.
Return to Aomori city center.
JPY1200, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Local Seafood Restaurant

Feast on Aomori’s famous seafood, known for its freshness and quality.
Short walk from the udon house.
JPY3000, 2 hours

8:00PM

Stay Overnight in Aomori

Check into your accommodation and rest for your return to Sendai.
Choose from a few local hotels.
JPY8000, N/A
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Departure

Sendai, Japan

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a final breakfast in Aomori before departing.
N/A
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel Back to Sendai

Catch a Shinkansen back to Sendai where your journey began.
Trains from Aomori to Sendai.
JPY3500, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Final lunch in Sendai

Enjoy a farewell meal at a local restaurant, diving into your favorite dishes from this incredible journey.
Walking distance from the station.
JPY2000, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Shopping and Souvenir Gathering

Spend your final hours in Sendai shopping for souvenirs to remember your Tohoku adventure.
Explore local shops.
Price varies, 2 hours

4:30PM

Departure

Depart from Sendai, taking with you unforgettable memories and experiences.
Head to Sendai Station.
Fare varies, N/A
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