The northern Tohoku region is known for its natural beauty, rich history and traditions, and delicious food. Take a magical five-day adventure into the heart of samurai culture, admire pristine lakes and mountain streams, visit traditional castles, and take in spectacular seaside and waterfall views. All this and more awaits you in Akita and Aomori Prefectures.
Discover four prefectures in the Tohoku region over five days. Encounter pristine landscapes, spectacular coastlines, historical treasures and pastoral delights. Follow in the footsteps of poets and samurai as you explore ancient temples, soothing hot springs, a quaint castle town, breathtaking gorges, intimate eateries, and World Heritage sites.
Travelers need look no further than Tsugaru-han Neputa Village in Hirosaki city to immerse themselves in the traditional Tsugaru culture of Aomori Prefecture. Take part in folk craft workshops by painting a Neputa Goldfish—a vibrant red talisman that brings forth happiness—or add your own touch to an apple-shaped earthenware bell to create a souvenir all your own.
Just a half-hour train ride from Ichinoseki Station in Iwate Prefecture, discover Geibikei Gorge—a 2-kilometer-long ravine shaped by the Satetsu river lined with towering 50-meter-tall limestone walls. Delight in a romantic 90-minute round-trip river pleasure cruise and bask in the serenity of the gorge’s natural beauty.
A travelling restaurant in concept and design, indulge in the first-class train ride that is TOHOKU EMOTION as you travel to northern Honshu. Delight in masterpiece dishes meticulously fashioned from locally sourced ingredients and savor each bite as you enjoy taking in breathtaking natural vistas from the other side of the window.
Just an hour’s train ride from Akita Airport stands the Namahage Museum—a place to experience the history, mystique, and culture of this striking creature from Japanese folklore. For an immersive experience, head to the Oga Shinzan Folklore Museum and enjoy a captivating reenactment of a New Year’s Namahage visit set in a traditional farmhouse.
Footbaths are popular amongst travelers as a perfect way to sooth fatigue before hitting the road again. Now you can enjoy this luxury while en route to your next adventure thanks to Toreiyu Tsubasa, a train that runs between Yamagata and Fukushima Prefecture featuring footbaths right on board.
*Saturdays and Sundays only (with exceptions).
Approximately 40 minutes by train from Sendai lies Matsushima, a scenic destination home to some of Japan’s most breathtaking sights. Hop aboard the Matsushima Sightseeing Cruise, and delight your eyes with an enchanting view of magnificent islands that seem as if they’re from another time and place. The scene is sure to be etched in your memory forever.
Join one of the hands-on painting sessions to create your own lucky talisman at the Aizu Samurai Residence—an akabeko, the red cow that bestows the bearer with good health, or the okiagari-koboshi, a roly-poly doll that always stands up, symbolizing a never-give-up spirit. These delightful items are sure to make memorable souvenirs for loved ones.
Treat yourself to a selection of dessert from some of the most famed cafes in Fukushima on FruiTea Fukushima. You’ll find mouthwatering masterpieces exquisitely fashioned using seasonal fruit and paired with bottomless tea and coffee. It’s a trip sure to delight anyone with a sweet tooth.* Saturdays and Sundays only (with exceptions).
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