Tohoku Discovered
Member Savings
Sign in to see which companies give additional
savings to Travelstride Members (it’s free)
Overview
What's this trip about?
Compare to similar trips
View Similar Trips
Itinerary
Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Tokyo.
After passing through customs and luggage collection, you're met by an airport guide who will give you your trip documents and direct you to the shared shuttle service which takes you to your hotel. After checking in, spend the rest of the day at leisure, resting and relaxing after your flight. If you do feel like starting exploring, you may wish to walk around the Imperial Gardens.
Your guide will meet you today in the hotel lobby to run through your trip and offer any local advice to you so you can enjoy the country with confidence. In the first section the guide will explain your itinerary in more detail and answer any questions you might have...
Leave Tokyo by high-speed bullet train this morning and head north to the intricate shrines and lakeside scenery of the old city of Nikko in the mountains just north of Tokyo.
Explore the temples, Lake Chuzenji or go walking in the hills around the town.
Continue by bullet train today to Sendai then local train to Matsushima, one of Japan's top three most scenic spots. Take a boat trip out to the bay this afternoon.
Take the train north to Hachinohe, where you pick up your hire car for the journey to Lake Towada. This is a very scenic drive, taking you through the Oirase Gorge.
Explore the lake area on foot or by hire car. There are lots of hot springs to enjoy if you feel like enjoying the scenery and relaxing.
Drive south to Nyuto Onsen, one of the best known hot springs in northern Japan. Spend the evening relaxing in one of the outdoor baths, some of which are mixed sex - this is rural Japan so modesty goes out of the window here!
After a leisurely morning continue your drive through the scenic backbone of Japan to Kakunodate, a town known for its samurai history. Some samurai houses have been restored to their feudal era glory and you even spend the night in a converted samurai residence.
Explore the town at your leisure today. You may like to drive out to Lake Tazawa too, which although a little touristy, has some lovely views and you can stroll along the sandy shore to take them in.
Leave Kakunodate early this morning for the relatively long but atmopspheric drive to the secluded, holy mountain trio known collectively as Dewa Sanzan. You overnight in basic but charming temple lodgings.
This morning climb the stone steps to the summit of the smallest peak, Mt Haguro. Walk or take the bus back to Haguro for the evening.
Drive to the midway point of Mt Gassan and then climb to the top to visit the shrine and take in the views, an ascent of around two hours. Treat your aching limbs to a dip in the temple's communal bath this evening.
Drop off your car in Tsuruoka and then take local and bullet line trains to Tokyo.
Return to the airport by shuttle bus and fly back home. Your return flight will arrive the same day.
Want a tailor-made trip instead?
Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:
- You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
- Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Dates & Availability
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Audley Travel.
The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
Audley Travel Reviews & Ratings
Other Audley Travel Reviews
Cape Town and the Sourhern Cape Region
Another wonderful trip organised by the team at Audley Travel. This time we arranged a holiday to South Africa. Robyn Hutchons was our advisor and her personal expe...
Kudos to Audley’s Travel representative Robyn
Having used Audley previously to successfully travel to SEAsia several years ago I went back to them to try to put together a family trip to Costa Rica for Christma...
Extremely well organised and planned trip
This was an extremely well organised and planned trip to Singapore and Borneo which met all our expectations. David Walters, our Audley specialist, demonstrated det...
Travelers also viewed
Tour Operator
About Travelstride
Find your perfect trip
Save time
Save money
Travel confidently
Logistics
Accommodation
Become a member
- Save up to $700 per person
- Access members-only specials
- Personalize trip recommendations