Best of Northern Honshu - 15 day tour

Welcome to Tokyo! Upon landing at Tokyo's Narita Airport, you will be transported via shared shuttle bus to our accommodation in Asakusa, a traditional district in Tokyo. Here, you will meet your tour guide and have the opportunity to start acquainting yourself with your fellow travellers. Asakusa is a captivating and easily accessible part of Tokyo, renowned for the striking Senso-ji Temple, bustling market stalls, and Kappabashi-dori (Kitchen Street). It serves as an excellent starting point for our adventure in Japan. Tonight, we head out for an included welcome dinner at one of the district's fine dining establishments.

On day 2, after a restful night's sleep, our tour leader will lead us on a city tour using public transportation, visiting famous locales like the Shibuya scramble crossing, the lively shopping streets of Harajuku, and Akihabara - known as 'electric town'. We also explore the peaceful Hamarikyu Gardens, a tranquil retreat amidst the city's hustle and bustle.

Accommodation: Gracery Asakusa Hotel or similar
Overnight: Tokyo (2)  |  Breakfast x 1, Dinner x 1

Tokyo - Nikko. On day 3, we take a direct train from Asakusa to Nikko, a short distance from Tokyo but rich in unique character. Nikko is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the burial place of Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of Japan's most powerful shogunate (military dictatorship), which lasted from 1603 - 1868! On arrival at our traditional ryokan accommodation, we join a local guide for a comprehensive tour of the area's highlights, including Tokugawa's mausoleum, the iconic "three wise monkeys" carving, and a scenic cable car ride.

Day 4 is spent exploring Nikko National Park, home to lush forests, serene lakes, spectacular waterfalls, and rejuvenating hot springs. We have a private bus at our disposal to visit picturesque locations like the Akechidaira Plateau and Kegon Falls. Alternatively, if you prefer a leisure day in Nikko, you are free to venture out independently.

Accommodation: Kanaya Hotel or similar
Overnight: Nikko (2) (ryokan)  |  Breakfast x 2, Dinner x 2

Nikko - Hiraizumi. The next two days are spent in Hiraizumi, where we explore its stunning temples and shrines, testament to its former glory as the seat of the powerful Fujiwara clan during the 12th century Heian Period. These impressive structures are considered some of the most beautiful in the Tohoku region and have been designated as a World Heritage Site.

During our stay in Hiraizumi, we visit Chuson-ji, the town's most famous temple, which is surrounded by picturesque woodland. This temple complex, once extensive, now consists of two buildings, including Konjikido, which is completely covered in gold similar to Kyoto's famous pavilion. After our visit, you can enjoy an optional cycle ride to Genbikei Gorge or a traditional lantern-painting workshop.

On day 6, we further explore the Hiraizumi region. Activities include a boat ride through Geibikei Gorge, a visit to Yugendo Caves, and participation in a paper-making workshop.

In Hiraizumi, we stay at a traditional Japanese-style hotel, where you can enjoy a traditional multi-course meal on both nights of our stay.

Accommodation: Musashibo or similar
Overnight: Hiraizumi (2)  |  Breakfast x 2, Dinner x 2

Hiraizumi - Naruko Onsen. This morning we transfer by private coach from Hiraizumi to Naruko Onsen, a quaint town known for its nine different hot springs, each with unique mineral compositions and health benefits. We embark on a day tour to Naruko Gorge, Naruko Dam, a nearby geyser, and there's an optional rowing boat trip on Katanuma Pond. We also have the opportunity to visit a wooden kokeshi doll museum and participate in a doll-painting workshop to learn about Naruko's famous traditional craft. Spend the night at a traditional ryokan inn, where a delicious kaiseki dinner will be served.

Please note: 2025 departures will visit lakeside Izu Numa town to enjoy a mochi rice cake making experience instead of the kokeshi doll painting workshop/museum.

Accommodation: Kameya or similar
Overnight: Naruko Onsen  |  Breakfast, Dinner

Naruko Onsen - Ishinomaki. March 11, 2011, marked the day when Japan's Tohoku region was struck by the most powerful earthquake in the country's history, leading to a destructive tsunami along the eastern coastline. Ishinomaki bore the brunt of the devastation, with the town almost entirely engulfed by the powerful wave.

The remnants of the tsunami may have been cleared away, but the scars of the disaster still linger in Ishinomaki, a reminder of the tragedy that unfolded. Today, a local volunteer guide will share their firsthand account of the events of 2011 and highlight key locations in the town. Despite the somber subject matter, the kindness and hospitality of the Ishinomaki residents will make our visit a memorable experience.

Please note: For 2025 departures, today's itinerary is different. We will visit the two tsunami hit towns of Minamisanriku and Kesennuma, with a stay in Kesennuma, instead of Ishinomaki. Visits will include the Minamisanriku Memorial Park, Kesennuma City Memorial Museum, and the Rias Ark Museum of Art.

Accommodation: Ishinomaki Grand Hotel (2024 departures) Kesennuma Plaza Hotel (2025 departures)
Overnight: Ishinomaki  |  Breakfast, Dinner

Ishinomaki - Matsushima Bay - Sendai. Leaving Ishinomaki, we make the short train journey to Matsushima Bay this morning. This ocean inlet is adorned with lush islands, recognized as one of the Nihon San-Kei, or "Three Great Sights of Japan". Explore the bay with an included boat tour, stopping at scenic piers, islands, and the beautiful Entsuin Temple Gardens. Following our exploration, we board a train to Sendai for the evening.

Known as the "city of trees" by locals, Sendai boasts tree-lined streets and spacious parks, an unexpected consequence of the destruction it faced during WWII. As the capital of northern Japan, it offers a vibrant restaurant scene, lively nightlife, and a variety of shops and galleries to enjoy. Spend the remainder of the day immersing yourself in all that Sendai has to offer.

Accommodation: Hotel Vista Sendai or similar
Overnight: Sendai  |  Breakfast

Sendai - Zao Onsen - Togatta Onsen - Niigata. Day 10 begins with a trip to the Sendai morning market before we embark on our coach journey east. Stopping at Zao Onsen, we visit a local dairy farm, interact with the cows, and indulge in making and tasting ice cream. We also stop at Togatta Onsen for a relaxing foot bath in the ashiyu hot spring. Travel along the scenic Zao Echo Line road, passing by stunning waterfalls and mountains, until we reach Kattadake Peak, offering panoramic vistas of the mysterious Okama Crater Lake with its colour-changing waters. Our day concludes in Niigata, a prominent city on Japan's western coast.

On day 11, we continue our exploration of the west coast with a full day of sightseeing in and around Niigata. Visit the elegant Saito Family Summer Villa, showcasing turn-of-the-century Japanese architecture. Explore the picturesque Hakusan Park and browse through the Honcho Market for shopping opportunities. Enjoy some leisure time in the afternoon, with suggestions from your tour leader on how best to utilize your free time.

Accommodation: Hotel Sunroute or similar
Overnight: Niigata (2)  |  Breakfast x 2, Lunch x 1

Niigata - Sado Island. On the morning of day 12, we take a taxi to the port and board a Jetfoil to Sado Island. Historically, Sado served as a place of exile for dissenting individuals, including poets, artists, and political figures.

Upon arrival on Sado, we meet a local guide who will be with us throughout our stay here. On a private minibus tour, we visit the Old Fishing Street, experience a tub boat ride, and participate in a taiko drumming lesson with Kodo, one of Japan's most famous taiko groups. Enjoy dinner at our traditional ryokan accommodation.

Day 13 sees us learning about Sado's gold mining history at the gold mine museum and the former magistrate's office. Explore other attractions on the island, such as the Ibis Sanctuary and a local sake brewery, before returning to our accommodation to relax in the hot spring bath.

Accommodation: Yoshidaya Ryokan or similar
Overnight: Sado Island (2) (ryokan)  |  Breakfast x 2, Dinner x 1