12-Day Scenic Road Trip from Tokyo to Yamagata in December

Day 1: Tokyo Exploration

Tokyo, Japan on December 1, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Start your day with fresh sushi and local delicacies at Tsukiji Outer Market, a must-visit for food lovers.
JPY1500, 1 hour

10:00AM

Sensō-ji Temple Visit

Visit Tokyo's oldest temple, Sensō-ji, and explore the surrounding Asakusa district known for traditional shops.
JPY0, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Asakusa Menchi

Try their famous menchi katsu, deep-fried breaded minced meat, perfect for a hearty lunch.
JPY1200, 1 hour

3:00PM

Tokyo Skytree Observation Deck

Enjoy breathtaking views of Tokyo from the observation deck of the tallest tower in Japan.
JPY2100, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Ikebukuro Sunshine City

Finish off the day with a dinner at one of the many restaurants in Sunshine City, offering various cuisines.
JPY2500, 2 hours
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Day 2: Nikko National Park

Nikko, Japan on December 2, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a traditional Japanese breakfast at your hotel before heading out.
JPY1500, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit to Toshogu Shrine

Explore the ornate Toshogu Shrine, the final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, surrounded by beautiful forest.
JPY1300, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Hippari Dako

Savor some delicious yakitori and soba noodles at this popular local eatery.
JPY1600, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Explore Kegon Falls

Visit Kegon Falls, one of Japan's most famous waterfalls, famed for its breathtaking view.
JPY0, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Yuba-ya

Enjoy a traditional meal featuring yuba (tofu skin), a local specialty, in a serene atmosphere.
JPY3000, 2 hours
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Day 3: Utsunomiya and Beyond

Utsunomiya, Japan on December 3, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe Koto

Grab a delicious Japanese-style breakfast set with grilled fish and miso soup.
JPY1200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Utsunomiya Tower

Get panoramic views of the city from the observation deck of Utsunomiya Tower.
JPY500, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Tochigi Prefectural Museum

Learn about the history and culture of the Tochigi region, a great stop for museum lovers.
JPY600, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Gyoza Center

Sample the famous Utsunomiya gyoza at this vibrant center dedicated to the local dumpling specialty.
JPY1500, 1 hour

3:00PM

Drive to Sendai

Enjoy the scenic drive to Sendai, with beautiful countryside views.
JPY0, 2.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Zunda Saryo

Taste the unique zunda (sweet edamame paste) desserts and local izakaya dishes.
JPY2500, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Discover Sendai

Sendai, Japan on December 4, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Kaze no Sato

Enjoy a cozy breakfast with miso soup, rice, and grilled fish in a warm atmosphere.
JPY1400, 1 hour

9:30AM

Site of Sendai Castle

Visit the ruins of Sendai Castle for stunning views and to learn about the city’s history.
JPY0, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Gyutan Yoshikazu

Savor Sendai's famous gyutan (grilled beef tongue) at this well-regarded restaurant.
JPY1800, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Osaki Hachiman Shrine

Explore this important Shinto shrine known for its stunning architecture and tranquility.
JPY0, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Shopping at Sendai Asaichi

Browse local goods and delicacies at Sendai's morning market—great for souvenirs.
JPY0, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Sakanazuki

Enjoy fresh seafood and izakaya-style dishes at this lively restaurant offering local specialties.
JPY3500, 2 hours
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Day 5: Matsushima Bay

Matsushima, Japan on December 5, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a hearty breakfast at the hotel before checking out.
JPY1500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Scenic Boat Tour of Matsushima Bay

Take a scenic cruise around Matsushima Bay and witness its stunning islands.
JPY2000, 1 hour

11:00AM

Visit Zuigan-ji Temple

Explore this historic temple, a National Treasure, set in a lush and peaceful garden.
JPY700, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Matsushima Sakanaya

Dine on fresh seafood and local fish dishes at a restaurant overlooking the bay.
JPY2000, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Drive to Yamagata

Travel to Yamagata, known for its stunning natural beauty and history.
JPY0, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Yamagata Diners

Enjoy hearty Yamagata beef and seasonal vegetables in a cozy, local restaurant.
JPY4000, 2 hours
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Day 6: Yamagata Adventures

Yamagata, Japan on December 6, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Yamagata Bakery

Start your day with fresh baked goods and coffee from a local bakery.
JPY1000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Yamagata Zao Onsen

Relax and enjoy the hot springs at Zao Onsen, located in the mountains nearby.
JPY1500, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Zao Rest House

Fuel up with a warm soup and rice bowl at the Zao Rest House situated in the scenic mountains.
JPY1800, 1 hour

1:30PM

Skiing at Zao Ski Resort

Experience some of the best skiing in Japan with beautiful slopes and views.
JPY5000, 3 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Local Izakaya

Enjoy some local izakaya fare, including seasonal fish and rice.
JPY3000, 2 hours
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Day 7: Sakata Shores

Sakata, Japan on December 7, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Sakata Café

Enjoy a selection of coffee and pastries at a cozy café before heading out.
JPY1200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Sakata Historical Museum

Learn about the rich maritime history of Sakata in this informative museum.
JPY500, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Explore Sakata Port

Take a leisurely stroll around Sakata Port, enjoying the seaside views.
JPY0, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Sakata Sushi

Enjoy fresh sushi from local fish at one of the best sushi spots in Sakata.
JPY2500, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Beach Walk at Gamo Beach

Relax with a beach walk at Gamo Beach, known for its serene views.
JPY0, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Local Seafood Restaurant

Dine on seasonal seafood dishes, freshly caught from the Sea of Japan.
JPY4000, 2 hours
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Day 8: Akita Excursion

Akita, Japan on December 8, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Local Café

Start your day with breakfast at a popular local café, featuring rice bowls and coffee.
JPY1500, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Akita Kanto Festival Museum

Discover the history of this unique festival and see traditional floats on display.
JPY600, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Explore Senshu Park

Stroll through this beautiful park featuring historic structures and a lovely pond.
JPY0, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Akita Ramen Shop

Savor a bowl of fluffy ramen, renowned in Akita for its unique flavor.
JPY1200, 1 hour

3:00PM

Drive to Kakunodate

Travel to Kakunodate, famous for its well-preserved samurai district.
JPY0, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Kakunodate Samurai Town

Enjoy a traditional kaiseki meal in a charming atmosphere of the historic district.
JPY5000, 2 hours
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Day 9: Kakunodate Heritage

Kakunodate, Japan on December 9, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Guesthouse

Start your day with a simple yet filling breakfast at your guesthouse.
JPY1000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Samurai District

Wander through the beautifully preserved samurai houses and learn their history.
JPY0, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Local Café

Enjoy homemade soba noodles at a cozy café in town.
JPY1500, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Kakunodate Cherry Blossom Trees

Stroll through the beautiful cherry blossom trees, even in winter, creating a lovely atmosphere.
JPY0, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Drive to Hirosaki

Hit the road to Hirosaki, famous for its beautiful historic castle.
JPY0, 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Hirosaki Local Cuisine

Savor local dishes featuring apples which are a significant product of the area.
JPY3000, 1.5 hours
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Day 10: Hirosaki Highlights

Hirosaki, Japan on December 10, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Local Diner

Enjoy a hearty breakfast of rice and local grilled fish at a simple diner.
JPY1200, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Hirosaki Castle

Explore Hirosaki Castle, especially beautiful during the winter with a backdrop of snow.
JPY600, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Dongo Meshi

Taste unique dongo rice balls, a traditional dish from the region, at a quaint restaurant.
JPY1500, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Hirosaki Park

Enjoy walking through the gorgeous park and admire the winter scenery.
JPY0, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Hirosaki Apple Park

Discover the history of apple cultivation in the area at this unique park.
JPY0, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Local Izakaya

Have dinner at a local izakaya, sampling small dishes and local beer.
JPY3000, 2 hours
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Day 11: Return Journey

Return to Tokyo, Japan on December 11, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hirosaki Hotel

Enjoy a filling buffet breakfast at your hotel before heading out.
JPY2000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive Back to Tokyo

Embark on your road trip back to Tokyo, soaking in the winter scenery along the way.
JPY0, 6 hours

4:30PM

Late Lunch at Rest Stop

Stop at a service area for a late lunch, trying some regional specialties.
JPY1500, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Tokyo Restaurant

Wrap up your trip with a dinner at a highly-rated restaurant, enjoying a final taste of Tokyo.
JPY4000, 2 hours
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Day 12: Final Day in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan on December 12, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy one last breakfast at your hotel, indulging in a mix of Japanese and western dishes.
JPY1800, 1 hour

10:00AM

Shopping in Shibuya

Explore Shibuya for some last-minute shopping and take a photo at the famous Shibuya Crossing.
JPY0, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Harajuku Gyoza

Try delicious gyoza in Harajuku before heading home.
JPY1200, 1 hour

3:00PM

Final Stroll in Ueno Park

Take a leisurely stroll in Ueno Park, enjoying the winter scenery one last time.
JPY0, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Departure

Travel to the airport for your departure, full of cherished memories from this trip.
JPY0, N/A
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