Tohoku 7 Days

Tohoku 7 Days 

Independent Suggested Itinerary

2nd Trip Inspiration – Explore Tohoku with the JR Tohoku 5-day East Area pass 

From $1,357 per person twin share

JTB Australia Tour
JTB Australia Tour
JTB Australia Tour

Known worldwide for the devastating 2011 Tohoku Earthquake, the region has quickly rebuilt to become one of Japan’s best destinations for unspoiled nature, cultural sites and adventure that changes experiences with all four seasons. 

Highlights include :

  • Staying in a Samurai Town in the mountains.
  • World Heritage Shrines in Nikko 
  • Unspoiled Nature off the beaten path 

  1. Day
  2. 1
KAKUNODATE  ( D ) 
Start your journey from Tokyo Station and exchange your JR East 5-Day East Area Pass before boarding the Akita Shinkansen to the small rural town of Kakunodate hidden in northern Tohoku. Kakunodate is a former castle town famous for its well-kept Samurai House district, with some of the best cherry blossoms nationwide in the spring. Stay a night in a traditional ryokan here to soak up the ancient atmosphere the town holds.
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  2. 2
SENDAI ( B ) 
Catch a bullet train to Tohoku’s largest city Sendai, and explore the major sights of the city including Aoba Castle Ruins for a fantastic view of the city. Nearby Zuihoden Mausoleum is surrounded by giant cedar trees to symbolise the long history of the former ruling clan that is enshrined here.
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  2. 3
SENDAI ( B ) 

Stop by the Sendai morning market to taste some delicious local cuisine before heading out of the city for a day trip. Matsushima Bay is heralded as one of Japan’s most beautiful landscapes thanks to its pine tree covered islands that protected the region from the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami. Alternatively, Yamadera mountainside temple offers incredible views of the neighbouring valley, perfect for a rural escape.
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  2. 4
AIZUWAKAMATSU ( D, B ) 

Hop on the train to Aizuwakamatsu, a small city nestled in a valley with a storied history. Commonly referred to as Aizu, the city has many historical sites including Tsuruga Castle, Aizu Bukeyashiki – a reconstructed samurai mansion and Iimoriyama where Sazaedo Pagoda stands, unique for its spiralling staircase. End the day by staying in ryokan at Higashiyama Onsen, just outside of downtown.
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  2. 5
NIKKO (B )  

Take a side trip to Ouchijuku, a former postal town with beautiful straw thatched roof houses in a quaint valley. Be sure to try some soba noodles served in the small restaurants here, eaten with a stick of leek instead of utensils. In the afternoon consider a side trip to the small town of Kitakata, Japan’s ramen capital – with more ramen stores per capita than anywhere else in the country. Catch an evening train to Nikko so that you can make an early start to avoid the crowds
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  2. 6
NIKKO ( B ) 

Home to multiple UNESCO World Heritage sights including Toshogu Shrine, Nikko is a must see in any trip north of Tokyo. Spend the day roaming central Nikko and consider a stroll through the gorge at Kanmangafuchi Abyss or a side trip to Edo Wonderland, a recreation of ancient Tokyo
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Return to Tokyo ( B ) 

Take the bus from Central Nikko up to Okunikko, home to Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls – best seen during autumn for the incredible autumn colours the area is renowned for. Hikers can enjoy one of the many hiking trails in the region or for those looking for an easier way to take in the beautiful vistas, consider visiting the Akechidaira Plataeu ropeway. End your journey by catching a train back to central Tokyo.
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  2. 8
  Spend the morning exploring the Beppu Hells (Jigoku), seven pools of bubbling thermal activity too hot to swim in. Visit the Beppu Jigoku Museum before visiting the pools to best understand the wonder of Beppu and why all of Japan has fallen in love with onsen culture. Wrap up your journey of Kyushu by catching an express train back to Fukuoka  

JTB Australia Tour
JTB Australia Tour
JTB Australia Tour