Itinerary for 10 day trip to North East Japan

North East Japan, or Tohoku, is a stunning region filled with natural beauty, rich culture, and delicious food. Here’s a fun and engaging 10-day itinerary that will let you soak in the best of what this area has to offer. Let’s dive in!

Day 1: Arrival in

Morning: Arrive in , the largest city in Tohoku. Check into your hotel and freshen up.
Afternoon: Head to the famous , the mausoleum of Date Masamune, the founder of . The intricate woodwork and serene surroundings are a treat!
Evening: Stroll through the bustling streets of and try the local specialty, gyutan (grilled beef tongue), for dinner. Don’t forget to grab some zunda mochi (sweet soybean paste) for dessert!

Day 2:

Morning: Take a short train ride to Matsushima, known for its stunning bay dotted with pine-covered islands.
Afternoon: Enjoy a scenic boat cruise around the bay. Afterward, visit , a beautiful Zen temple with a rich history.
Evening: Return to and explore the nightlife. Check out the local izakayas for a casual dinner and some sake!

Day 3: Yamadera and Yamagata

Morning: Head to , a beautiful temple perched on a mountain. The hike up the 1,000 steps is worth it for the breathtaking views!
Afternoon: After exploring, take a train to . Visit the to see some fantastic exhibits.
Evening: Try Yamagata’s famous imoni (a taro and meat stew) for dinner. It’s a local comfort food!

Day 4:

Morning: Travel to , a famous hot spring area. Check into a ryokan (traditional inn) and enjoy the onsen experience.
Afternoon: Explore the area, perhaps take a walk to see the or the (if in winter).
Evening: Enjoy a kaiseki dinner at your ryokan, a multi-course Japanese meal that’s a feast for the senses!

Day 5:

Morning: Depart for , a city rich in samurai history. Visit , a beautiful reconstruction of a historic fortress.
Afternoon: Explore the historic streets of the city, including the Sake Brewery district. Don’t miss tasting some local sake!
Evening: Try Aizu’s famous katsu (pork cutlet) for dinner.

Day 6: and Fukushima

Morning: Visit , a preserved post town from the Edo period. The thatched-roof houses are picturesque!
Afternoon: Head to and visit the .
Evening: Enjoy a local specialty, negi soba (soba noodles served with green onions), for dinner.

Day 7: Day Trip

Morning: Take a day trip to , a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the stunning , dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu.
Afternoon: Explore the beautiful natural scenery, including and .
Evening: Return to your accommodation in Fukushima and relax after a day of exploration.

Day 8: Akita

Morning: Travel to . Visit the , which features works by local artists.
Afternoon: Explore and see the beautiful ruins of .
Evening: Try Akita’s famous kiritanpo (grilled rice on a stick) for dinner.

Day 9: and

Morning: Head to , known for its well-preserved samurai district. Stroll through the charming streets and visit the samurai houses.
Afternoon: Continue to , the deepest lake in Japan. Enjoy the stunning views and perhaps rent a bike to explore the area.
Evening: Return to Akita and enjoy a relaxing evening.

Day 10: Return to

Morning: Travel back to . Spend your last day shopping for souvenirs and enjoying any sights you may have missed.
Afternoon: Visit the or relax in a local café.
Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, reminiscing about your amazing journey through Tohoku!

Tips:

Transportation: Consider getting a JR East Pass for convenient travel on trains.
Language: While many signs are in English, learning a few basic Japanese phrases can enhance your experience.
Cash: Japan is still a cash-based society in many areas, so keep some yen handy.

I hope this itinerary excites you! North East Japan is a treasure trove of experiences, and you’re sure to have an unforgettable adventure. Safe travels! 🌸✈️