In the previous edition, we went through Hokkaido, its sights to see, food to eat, and experiences to enjoy. With exclusive tours of old whisky museums and views of majestic lakes, we curated an itinerary of the best travel spots found only in Japan, and this edition is no different when it comes to the careful selection of destinations to unravel and discover. In this piece for the Japan Agenda: The Premium Travel Blueprint series, we’re taking you south of Hokkaido, to the vibrant and mystical Tohoku Region, that will captivate you and might even make you want to extend your five-day trip.
Continuing the theme of places less traveled, the Tohoku Region is an excellent place to plan your next vacation. There is a wide range of activities in this region for every type of explorer. From forests and landscapes to graceful temples and monuments, this area should be on your list of places in Japan to visit.
Day 1: Sendai (Arrival)
Sendai is the Gateway to the North of Japan. It’s only an hour and a half from Tokyo Station via Shinkansen.
Morning: Arrive at Sendai via Shinkansen from Tokyo Station.
Afternoon: Check in at the relaxing Hoshino Resorts KAI Akiu and rest your body at the hot spring within resort premises, where you can learn about hot springs and its qualities. You may also take this to visit the nearby picturesque sights like the Rairaikyo Gorge and Akiu Otaki Falls.
Evening: Enjoy a special kaiseki dinner in the resort with premium seasonal ingredients, served on a lacquer standing tray, similar to how daimyo’s received their meals.
Akiu Otaki Falls Photo by Visit Japan International Facebook Page
Day 2: Matsushima Bay
Matsushima Bay Photo from Japan National Tourism Organization
Morning: If you’re looking to experience other premium accommodations, check out of Hoshino Resorts KAI Akiu and check-in at Mitsui Garden Hotel!
Take the train to Matsushima, and experience one of Japan’s many incredible seascapes. Matsushima Bay is one of the most beautiful in the world and it’s best appreciated by boat. Book one of the many tours from the city and see what makes this region special.
Afternoon: For lunch, you must try the salt-water eels. These anago are a popular dish in the summertime and are particular to this region. After sampling the local cuisine, learn a little more about the history of the place. Ruler and warlord, Date Masamune, left behind historical sites such as Zuiganji Temple, Entsuin Temple, and the Kanrantei Tea House. Spend the afternoon exploring these fascinating treasures.
Evening: Head back to Sendai for some bar hopping. Some good options are among the back alleys and izakaya houses of Bunka-yokocho (back alley cafes) and Iroha-yokocho (a historic arcade). After drinking and eating like a local, spend a night recharging at the Mitsui Garden Hotel in Sendai.
Day 3: Hiraizumi, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Iwate Prefecture
Morning: Book a car and drive the hour to Hiraizumi. Explore the Chūson-ji Temple and visit the Konjikidō or Golden Hall. After that, check out Mōtsū-ji Temple, known for its beautiful garden.
Afternoon: After lunch of wanko soba, which is like a small plates tapas experience but with refills of your soba bowl, head over to the Geibikei Gorge and book a boat trip. You don’t want to miss the pristine natural landscapes in this area.
Evening: Spend the evening in the quaint mountain town of Ginzan Onsen. It’s one of the most picturesque onsens in Japan so you won’t want to miss it.
Photo from Japan National Tourism Organization
Day 4: Yamagata
Morning: Drive to Yamagata. Give yourself some time to take in the trip. Have a leisurely lunch of Yamagata beef at a place like Yamagata Sugi Beef.
Afternoon: Hike to the incredible Yamadera Temple and experience scenic views from a structure perched on the side of the mountain.
Yamadera Temple. Photo from Japan National Tourism Organization
Evening: Check-in at another luxury hotel like the Hotel Metropolitan Yamagata with its spotless rooms and nice view of the surrounding area. If you manage to get up after all those steps from Yamadera Temple, walk around Yamagata’s many vibrant neighborhoods!
Day 5: Sendai (departure)
Morning: Head back to Sendai and get your bearings after such a whirlwind trip!
Afternoon: Go on a tour of the city to say goodbye! There are some wonderful temples and castles in Sendai as well. Be sure to try Zunda-mochi, a unique Sendai delicacy of a sweet soybean rice cake.
Photo from Japan National Tourism Organization
If you are more into shopping, there are some great options for retail therapy. There are the Sendai Izumi Premium Outlets. The shopping center is a half hour away from your hotel by car. Another option is Mitsui Outlet Park Sendai Port which is thirty minutes by car from Sendai Station. It’s the largest outlet mall in Tohoku. If you are looking for something closer to home, there is also Sendai PARCO which is just in front of Sendai Station.
Evening: Head back to Tokyo Station on the Shinkansen.
This itinerary is just a slice of what you can experience in the Tohoku region. While 5 days is a good length for a trip, you’ll find that the natural beauty and fascinating history will keep you coming back to Tohoku for more.
Stay longer next time and you will find the secret spots only the locals know. There are day trips to Fukushima, hiking on Mt. Zao, and there are even winter adventures to partake – just in case you forgot this area is a winter wonderland too! With so much to do in the summer, it’s easy to forget. Check out the sites and stay tuned for next month’s agenda to help you plan your next trip to Japan.
