JPEN
From Tokyo to Zao, Hiraizumi, Hachinohe, Oirase, Aomori, and Hakodate. The journey then continues on to Kyoto and Osaka, letting you experience Japan's essential Golden Route and the hidden Japan of the north all at once.
After enjoying the essential Golden Route of Tokyo, head north by shinkansen. The journey continues to the crater lake of Zao, the World Heritage Site of Hiraizumi, the sea at Hachinohe, the forests of Oirase, the food of Aomori, and the port town of Hakodate.
Gyutan, Maesawa beef, seafood, Nanbu ironware, kokeshi dolls — this course weaves each region’s food and craftsmanship into the journey, giving you a rich, three-dimensional taste of “northern Japan.”
Indicative Price (per person): USD 9,300〜
Visit the Okama crater lake of Zao and its kokeshi doll culture, then enjoy Sendai's gyutan (grilled beef tongue). Savor the mountains and the town as a single story.
Visit Chuson-ji Temple, Motsu-ji Temple, and Genbikei Gorge, along with local culture such as Nanbu ironware and mochi-pounding.
Stay two nights in Oirase rather than passing through. Immerse yourself in the rhythm of nature — the mountain stream, moss, and waterfalls.
Markets, seafood, port towns, and night views. Enjoy the food and scenery unique to a journey in the north.
The itinerary below is a model plan. The content and order can be adjusted to match your interests, fitness level, travel companions, and preferred pace.
After arriving at Narita or Haneda Airport, a private vehicle takes you to your hotel. Take it easy on the first day.
Visit the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, Sensoji Temple, the Sumida River, Hama-rikyu Gardens, and Ginza with an English-speaking guide and private vehicle.
Travel to Sendai by shinkansen. Visit the Okama crater lake of Zao, the Zao Fox Village, and a kokeshi doll museum. Gyutan is also recommended for dinner.
Visit Chuson-ji Temple, Motsu-ji Temple, and Genbikei Gorge, and also enjoy Maesawa beef as a local flavor.
Choose from a Geibikei Gorge boat ride, Nanbu ironware, mochi-pounding, Tsugaru shamisen, or Japanese sweets-making.
Visit Hachinohe's market, Kabushima Island, and Tanesashi Coast, then head to the Oirase Gorge area.
Free time. Choose from e-bike riding, moss ball (kokedama) making, lamp making, waterfall guided walks, and more.
Enjoy Nebuta culture, apples, and nokke-don (build-your-own seafood rice bowl), then travel through the Seikan Tunnel to Hakodate.
Visit Goryokaku, the Bay Area, the church district, and Hachimanzaka Slope, then enjoy the night view from Mt. Hakodate in the evening.
Enjoy seafood at the morning market, fly to Osaka, then travel by private vehicle to Kyoto.
Visit Kinkaku-ji Temple, Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Arashiyama, and more, according to your interests.
Enjoy Osaka Castle, Kuromon Ichiba Market, Shinsekai, and Dotonbori, then head to the Kansai Airport area.
The tour ends after breakfast. Return travel, extended stays, and onward travel to your next region can all be arranged.
Hotel New Otani Tokyo Garden Tower or an equivalent-class property
Hotel Metropolitan Sendai or an equivalent-class property
Hiraizumi Club -Farm & Resort- or an equivalent-class property
Hoshino Resorts Oirase Keiryu Hotel or an equivalent-class property
Bourou Noguchi Hakodate or an equivalent-class property
The Thousand Kyoto or an equivalent-class property
13 days, 12 nights, best suited for summer and autumn, with a moderate activity level. The price listed on the source page is USD 9,300 per person and up. Content is adjusted according to local conditions, availability, and your preferences.
We incorporate Tohoku's food, craftsmanship, hot springs, and nature — things you won't find in Tokyo and Kyoto alone — into your trip at a comfortable pace.