11 Days Tohoku Hiking Group Tour

A private driver will meet you after immigration and take you straight to your hotel, keeping the arrival simple and stress free. Use the rest of the day to get your bearings and enjoy an easy introduction to the city. Tokyo’s neighbourhoods offer plenty to take in at your own pace, whether it is the clean, ordered streets, the mix of contemporary and traditional architecture, or the general buzz that hints at how much there is to explore in the days ahead.

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Spend the day with your private guide using public transport, a straightforward way to see how the city functions. Start in Asakusa, one of Tokyo’s oldest neighbourhoods, where Sensoji Temple introduces the city’s long religious history. Nakamise Street adds context with traditional shops that have served locals for generations.

Continue to the Imperial Palace area, a central site with landscaped grounds that reflect Japan’s imperial past and the quiet pockets that still exist in the middle of a modern capital. Finish in Shibuya, known for its crossing, fast pace and concentration of shops and cafés. The contrast between these districts gives a clear sense of Tokyo’s layers, from its historic heart to its everyday contemporary energy. (B)

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Your luggage will be sent ahead to Morioka, allowing you to travel light. A local assistant will accompany the group to Ueno Station and help you board the bullet train for the journey north. On arrival in Ichinoseki, your guide will meet you on the platform and lead the day’s exploration of Hiraizumi, a UNESCO World Heritage town that once rivalled Kyoto as a cultural centre in northern Japan.

Visit Chuson-ji Temple, known for Konjikido Hall, a gold-covered structure that reflects the wealth and artistic influence of the region during the 12th century. Continue to Motsu-ji Temple and its Pure Land garden, an elegant landscape designed to evoke a Buddhist vision of harmony and order. Lunch features Maesawa Beef, a wagyu prized for its depth of flavour and one of Iwate’s most respected local specialities. (B,L)

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Begin the day with a private vehicle transfer to Mt. Kurikoma, one of Tohoku’s most admired peaks. The mountain sits where three prefectures meet and is known for its wide, open views and colourful slopes during the autumn season. Your guided hike follows the Central Trail, the most accessible route, which starts with a gentle forested path before opening into broad panoramas across the Ou Mountains. It is a straightforward walk that offers a clear sense of the region’s volcanic terrain and seasonal scenery without feeling rushed.

After the hike, return by private vehicle to Ichinoseki Station, where your guide will assist you onto the bullet train for Morioka. On arrival, a local assistant will meet you on the platform and accompany you to the hotel. (B)

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Start the day with a transfer to Yakehashiri Lava Flow for a guided walk through one of Iwate’s most striking natural landscapes. Formed during Mt. Iwate’s 1732 eruption, the lava field stretches 3.4 km and retains its rugged, dark-brown terrain. The relatively recent eruption means little soil has formed, preserving the dramatic, raw surface. Walking here offers a vivid sense of the earth’s power and the geological forces that have shaped northern Japan. The trail is uneven, so sturdy footwear is recommended, and the 2 km route takes about 1.5 hours at a comfortable pace.

Afterwards, visit Morioka Handcrafts Village, a hub for local artisans set on the shores of Lake Gosho. Explore workshops where craftspeople create ceramics, textiles and lacquerware, and discover the hands-on heritage of Iwate’s traditional arts. The village offers insight into regional craftsmanship and provides an opportunity to witness skills passed down through generations. (B)

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Spend the day exploring the historic Samurai District of Kakunodate, where streets are lined with preserved samurai residences and atmospheric wooden homes. Your guide will share insights into samurai life, architecture, and local history, giving context to the town’s cultural significance. Visit workshops practising Kakunodate Kabazaiku, the region’s distinctive cherry bark craft, and watch artisans create delicate, handcrafted items.

Enjoy a sake tasting that highlights local brewing traditions and the subtle regional variations of this iconic Japanese drink. Depending on the season, the area’s vibrant cosmos fields offer a striking visual contrast to the dark wood of the historic homes. Conclude the day with a peaceful walk around Lake Tazawa, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and serene surroundings, offering a restorative moment in nature before returning to Morioka. (B,L)

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Start the day with luggage shipped ahead to Tokyo so you can travel light. A private vehicle will take you along the Hachimantai Aspite Line, one of Japan’s most scenic mountain roads. Explore the Hachimantai Highlands, part of Towada-Hachimantai National Park, on a guided hike that passes alpine vegetation and the Kuroyachi Wetlands. The 5.2 km trail is gentle and framed by expansive marshes, offering a serene experience and panoramic views of northern Japan’s volcanic landscapes.

After the hike, continue to Tamagawa Onsen, renowned for its therapeutic hot springs. Follow the Natural Study Trail through untouched beech and Aomori fir forests to reach steaming vents and warm rock surfaces. Along the way, learn about the rare, acidic springs containing radium, prized for their restorative properties. Enjoy a natural stone bath under the open sky, taking in the surrounding forest and volcanic energy for a deeply relaxing experience. (B,L)

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Travel by private vehicle to Lake Towada, a striking caldera lake known for its deep blue waters. Enjoy a 60-minute power boat ride that explores quieter sections of the lake, offering dramatic views of forested slopes and untouched shoreline. Continue to Oirase Gorge for a guided walk along one of Tohoku’s most celebrated natural landscapes. Follow forested paths along clear streams and moss-covered rocks, taking in the sounds and sights that make this area a two-star destination in the Michelin Green Guide. Lunch is included during the tour.

Return to Aomori and enjoy a relaxing onsen at the hotel. In the evening, experience the Michinoku Matsuriya show, where local storytellers bring Aomori’s festival culture to life. With images, performances, and interactive moments, this hour-long presentation captures the energy and excitement of the region’s traditional celebrations, offering insight into local customs and history. (B,L,D)

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Begin the day with a transfer from your hotel to Hachinohe Station using the hotel shuttle and a local train. Your guide will assist with boarding the bullet train for the journey south, ensuring a smooth and stress-free start. Travel approximately three hours to Ueno Station, where a local assistant will meet you, accompany you to Nippori Station, and help with hotel check-in.

The rest of the day is free to explore Tokyo at your own pace. (B)

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After breakfast, a private transfer will take you from your hotel to Narita or Haneda International Airport. (B)