6 Days - 5 Nights
Winter Northern Japan Discovery Route
Overview
A Journey of
Discovery
Iwate + Akita + Aomori
旅
Visual Journey
日程
Detailed Itinerary
Day by Day
01
Tokyo to Sendai
- 08:00 AM: Depart from Tokyo via Shinkansen to Sendai, the largest city in the Tohoku region.
- 10:30 AM: Arrive in Sendai, transfer to Miyagikyo Distillery for a tour of the famous Nikka Whisky distillery.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at a local restaurant.
- 01:30 PM: Visit Sendai Tansu Kumanodo to experience lacquering techniques. Participate in a chopstick lacquering workshop.
- 04:00 PM: Free time to explore downtown Sendai or rest.
- 06:00 PM: Dinner at a local restaurant
02
Iwate – Historical and Cultural Immersion
- 09:00 AM: Depart for Iwate's Sekino-ichi, a century-old brewery famous for sake and local beer.
- 11:00 AM: Visit Chūson-ji Temple, home to the Konjiki-do (Golden Hall), a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- 01:00 PM: Lunch at a traditional restaurant.
- 02:30 PM: Tour the Nambu ironware foundry and observe craftsmen creating the region’s iconic metalwork.
- 05:00 PM: Return to the hotel and leisure time.
- 07:00 PM: Dinner at a local restaurant
03
Kakunodate - "Little Kyoto of Michinoku"
- 09:00 AM: Depart for Kakunodate, a historic samurai town.
- 11:00 AM: Explore the samurai residences of Kakunodate, known for their preserved architecture from the Edo period.
- 12:30 PM: Lunch at a local restaurant featuring regional cuisine.
- 02:00 PM: Continue to Cherry Blossom Road or enjoy the winter atmosphere with snow-covered streets and houses.
- 04:00 PM: Free time to stroll around and shop for local handicrafts.
- 06:00 PM: Return to the hotel for dinner.
04
Aomori – Nebuta Festival Experience
- 09:00 AM: Visit Nebuta Museum WaRasse in Aomori to learn about the Nebuta Festival's cultural significance.
- 11:30 AM: Participate in a hands-on workshop creating lanterns from neputa paintings.
- 01:00 PM: Lunch at a local seafood restaurant.
- 02:30 PM: Free time to explore Aomori City and its scenic waterfront.
- 05:00 PM: Return to the hotel for a relaxing evening and dinner.
05
Aomori – Tsurunomai Bridge and Shirakami Sanchi
- 09:00 AM: Head to Tsurunomai Bridge, Japan’s longest triple-arch wooden bridge. Enjoy the serene winter landscape (roads may be closed based on the season).
- 11:00 AM: Travel to Shirakami-Sanchi Visitor Center to learn about Japan’s natural heritage and its preserved beech forest ecosystem.
- 01:00 PM: Lunch break at a local restaurant.
- 02:30 PM: Explore Shirakami Sanchi with a short hike (if open to visitors based on season).
- 05:00 PM: Return to the hotel for dinner and rest.
06
Hirosaki Castle and Takayama Inari Shrine
- 09:00 AM: Visit Hirosaki Castle, a rare example of an Edo-period castle with the stunning winter landscape.
- 11:30 AM: Explore the Tachineputa Museum to see the massive floats used in summer festivals.
- 01:00 PM: Lunch at a local restaurant.
- 02:30 PM: Conclude the tour with a visit to Takayama Inari Shrine, known for its hundreds of red torii gates creating a mystical atmosphere.
- 04:00 PM: Depart for Shin-Aomori Station to take the Shinkansen back to Tokyo.
- 07:00 PM: Arrive at Tokyo Station and conclude the tour