14-Day Tohoku Autumn Leaves Tour

57 Reviews

14 days 13 nights

Price On Request

Meet your tour guide at the EXIT GATE and transfer to your hotel in Tokyo.

Tokyo Bay Shiomi Prince Hotel or similar class

After breakfast, travel to Omiya for a visit to the Omiya Bonsai Village and bonsai workshop. Opened in 1925, the Omiya Bonsai Village is dedicated to displaying the beauty of the bonsai art, and has six different bonsai gardens on display, each with their own distinct character - some focusing on the artistic styles of the Edo period, some that use only deciduous trees, and others that hold community classes to pass on their passion for and knowledge of bonsai. We travel to Nikko to visit Nikko Edo Wonderland. This medieval Japanese theme park appeals to those wishing to fully immerse themselves in the history and culture of the Edo period. There are shops, restaurants, and museums based out of that time period, as well as special experiences to try and live-action featuring samurai and ninja. You can also dress up in period-specific clothing and the samurai, merchants, oiran courtesans, and other cast members will treat you as a member of the town.

Breakfast / Dinner

Asaya Hotel (Japanese Style Room) or similar class

This morning, travel to Nikko where you will visit the lavishly decorated Toshogu Shrine. This palatial landmark enshrines the spirit of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate that ruled Japan for over 250 years. While here, search for the carving of the famed "Three Wise Monkeys", as well as the statue of the Sleeping Cat. Here, you will be able to experience a traditional Shinto ceremony performed by a priest or priestess. Then, participate in a candle making class. We proceed from there to see one of Japan’s most spectacular waterfalls: Kegon Falls. Pouring down from Lake Chuzenji, Kegon Falls can be viewed from an observation point spilling down into a picturesque mountain gorge. Then we head up to explore the region around Lake Chuzenji, a landscape dominated by the sight of the Fuji-shaped Mount Nantai.

Breakfast / Dinner

Asaya Hotel (Japanese Style Room) or similar class

After breakfast, we travel to the village of Ouchijuku, a traditional post town carefully preserved to retain the character of what it was during the Edo period. Its thatched roofs and lack of any modern fixtures in sight (even power lines), make walking into Ouchijuku feel like you’re stepping right into Japan's medieval past. We proceed to Aizuwakamatsu where we visit Suehiro Sake Brewery, a historic sake brewery that has been producing sake for over 150 years. It is famous for its high-quality sake made from locally sourced rice and pure spring water from the surrounding mountains. You will have the opportunity to experience the art of lacquerware making firsthand at a lacquerware workshop.

Breakfast / Lunch

Nikko Niigata or similar class

Today, we tour Murakami, where we learn of the local culture of the city through the Kikkawa Sennenzake company. Kikkawa uses time- honored methods of preserving salmon, creating methods of serving them that waste no part of the fish. In Sakata, we will visit a traditional Somaro tea house, featuring intricate wooden carvings, sliding paper doors (shoji), tatami mat flooring, and a thatched roof. Then, enjoy local cuisine while entertained by elegant Maiko (geisha apprentices). Then visit the lively atmosphere of a seafood marketplace hall at Sakata Seafood Market; Sakata is known for having delicious seafood in the Yamagata Prefecture! After, learn about the area's samurai heritage, traditional crafts such as lacquerware and sake brewing, and the role of rice in the local economy and culture at the Sankyo Warehouses. We then head to Shonai where you will check into your hotel and rest for the night.

Breakfast / Lunch

Shonai Hotel Suiden Terrasse or similar class

After breakfast, we visit Mt. Haguro for a Yamabushi experience. Mount Haguro is closely associated with the Yamabushi, Japanese mountain ascetic hermits who follow a spiritual tradition that combines elements of Shintoism and Buddhism. We proceed to one of the oldest wooden pagodas in Japan, The Five-storied Pagoda, at the base of Mount Haguro. The famous Goju-no-to, or Five-storied Pagoda was built in 1372 and is designated as a National Treasure. Enjoy a Shojin Ryori Lunch at the Saikan: a traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine practiced by monks. The meal typically consists of seasonal vegetables, tofu, mushrooms, and other plant-based dishes prepared with careful attention to flavor and presentation. Next, we admire the reanquil atmosphere at Haguro-san Shrine — dedicated to the mountain's deity and is a place of worship and pilgrimage for visitors seeking blessings for good fortune, health, and prosperity. After, we return to your hotel in Shonai for a restful night.

Breakfast / Shojin Ryori Lunch at the Saikan / Dinner

Shonai Hotel Suiden Terrasse or similar class

After breakfast, we head to Kakunodate. Here we will browse through the Samurai District, where you can admire beautifully preserved traditional samurai residences, dating back to the Edo period (1603-1868). Two notable houses in this district are the Aoyagi House and the Odano Samurai House. Then, enjoy a relaxing rickshaw tour for a different perspective of Kakunodate cobble stoned streets and historic buildings. We then proceed to Lake Tazawa, with views of a stunning crater lake located near Kakunodate; famous for its clear blue waters and scenic surroundings. In autumn, the foliage around Lake Tazawa transforms into vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold, creating an aesthetic backdrop for sightseeing. Afterwards, soak in the therapeutic waters of an onsen and enjoy dinner at your ryokan.

Breakfast / Dinner

Kashintei Shirahama or similar class

After breakfast, we travel to Hirosaki to visit Hirosaki Castle; one of Japan's most famous and well-preserved castles, dating back to the early 17th century. Next, we will stroll along Fujita Memorial Garden, located near Hirosaki Castle. Designed by a local businessman in the early 20th century, the garden features calming ponds, winding pathways, and various seasonal flowers and plants. Then, partake in Aomori Apple Picking where Aomori Prefecture is famous for its delicious crisp apples. Tonight, unwind in a hot spring and enjoy dinner at a ryokan.

Breakfast / Dinner

Hotel Kazuno or similar class

Today, enjoy viewing Autumn leaves at Lake Towada. Though Lake Towada (Towada-ko) technically lies within two prefectures, it is considered the jewel of Aomori Prefecture. Towada-ko is situated 400 meters above sea level in the Hakkoda Mountain range. Its crystal blue water reaches depths of more than 300 meters, making it Japan’s third deepest lake. After a sightseeing boar ride, we visit Oirase Gorge where the crystal clear Oirase River flows through the forest. This area is popular with nature-lovers the world over, especially for its foliage. After, proceed to Morioka where you will have the chance to try one of Morioka’s most famous eating experiences: Wanko Soba. This is not so much a dish as it is an eating challenge. Many locals get competitive and strive to eat over 100 bowls of soba in one sitting! But don’t worry, there’s no shame in sitting back and enjoying the flavor.

Breakfast / Dinner

Hotel Metropolitan Morioka or similar class

Today, we visit Chusonji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Chusonji is a Tendai Buddhist temple that features the Konjikido Golden Hall, a tiny ceremonial hall covered entirely in gold leaf, hidden within a larger building to conceal its brilliance. There is also a museum on the grounds preserving the temple’s treasures, Kyozo Hall, which contains copied sutras, and other historic buildings. Here, you will partake in a mindful Zen meditation experience. Explore the calm temple grounds of Motsuji Temple, featuring a pond garden known as the Pure Land Garden (Jodo Garden), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will then take a leisurely boat tour through the Geibikei Gorge, where you may pass under the iconic Red Cliff Bridge and spot wildlife such as herons and kingfishers. Afterwards, we will head to Sendai where you will check into your hotel and rest for the night.

Breakfast / Dinner

The Westin Sendai or similar class

After breakfast, enjoy a cruise around breathtaking Matsushima Bay. It features hundreds of small islets crowned with pine trees, and has been called one of the “Three Scenic Views of Japan”. Visit the busy Matsushima Fish Market, where you can partake in an All You Can Eat oyster experience. Here, you will join a fish cake making workshop. Check out Kanrantei, a Momoyama-style tea house where you will find traditional Japanese tea and sweets. After, we will explore the volcanic terrain of Oshima Island, where you will discover how people and wildlife have adapted to living on a volcanic island post-eruption. We will head back to Sendai where you will return to your hotel for a restful night.

Breakfast

The Westin Sendai or similar class

We start our day at Asaichi Morning Market, one of Sendai's most lively attractions. Browse a wide variety of stalls offering fresh produce, seafood, snacks, and local specialties. From here, we will visit Ichibancho Arcade, a covered shopping arcade in the heart of Sendai's downtown area. Stretching for over 550 meters, it is one of the longest shopping arcades in Japan. Stroll along the arcade's pedestrian- friendly streets lined with a wide range of shopping options, from fashion and accessories to souvenirs and local crafts. Then we travel to Mito where we will visit Kairakuen Garden, one of Japan's three great gardens. The garden was built in the 19th century by the local lord Tokugawa Nariaki. Partake in the unique opportunity to experience the art of tatami through a mini tatami making workshop. Tatami are traditional Japanese floor mats made from woven rush grass, commonly used in traditional Japanese-style rooms (washitsu).

Breakfast

Hotel Terrace The Garden Mito or similar class

After breakfast, we travel to Oarai where we will explore Mentai Park, a unique seafood-themed attraction. Mentaiko is a popular Japanese delicacy made from spicy marinated pollock or cod roe, and Mentai Park offers visitors the opportunity to learn about its production process. Then we visit Mentaiko factory, where you will observe how mentaiko is made, from the cleaning and preparation of the fish roe to the marinating and packaging stages. After, we visit Oarai Seafood Market, located near the Oarai Isosaki Shrine. Browse though stalls offering a wide variety of fresh seafood caught locally in the Pacific Ocean. You will have the opportunity to taste local dishes of Oarai as many of the market's vendors also offer prepared seafood dishes, such as sushi, sashimi, grilled fish, and seafood bowls. Proceed to Hitachinaka where we stroll along Hitachi Seaside Park's Autumn Kochia Fields. Hitachi Seaside Park is a large public park known for its aesthetic floral displays. One of the park's most popular attractions is the Kochia Fields, which come alive with vibrant hues of red and orange during the autumn season. Kochia, also known as summer cypress or burning bush, is a type of shrub that turns fiery red in the fall. We then head to Tokyo where you will check into your hotel for a restful night.

Breakfast / Dinner

Tokyo Bay Shiomi Prince Hotel or similar class

After breakfast, free for leisure until transfer to the Airport for departure.

Breakfast