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USA
Tailor-made
Self-Guided Adventure
Japan's Undiscovered North
from AU$6380 per person (twin share)
11 Nights Trip Code: AOM
For travellers who want to discover a Japan that feels more traditional, with landscapes that feel wild, our Japan's Undiscovered North tour was made for you. Read more >
Hop on the Shinkansen bullet train and take a tour of the northern Tohoku region – where tourists are few and everyday life feels a little closer to old Japan.
Your journey begins and ends in Tokyo, balancing headline sights with time in everyday, lesser-known neighbourhoods.
From there, you head to Sendai, Tohoku’s gateway city – and your first proper taste of the region after dark. Tightly packed, lantern-lit drinking alleys, tiny izakaya bars, and regional sake: it can feel like you’ve travelled back decades into Japan’s past.
Heading north to Hachinohe, the coastal adventure really begins – you’re unlikely to cross paths with another tourist. You’ll walk a section of the Michinoku Trail along the coast, breaking for a traditional hotpot fisherman's lunch. The next day, with a local guide, you’ll follow the clear streams of Oirase Gorge, past moss-covered rocks and small waterfalls. You’ll stay at a hot spring resort – exactly what you need after a day on your feet.
Tohoku isn’t only about the outdoors – the region is fiercely proud of its culture. The Aomori Nebuta Warasse Museum offers look at the Nebuta Matsuri festival (worth catching in August yourself, for real). A few days later, in Hirosaki, you’ll make your own lantern using last year’s Nebura festival paintings. In Kakunodate, black wooden fences still flank the streets of its samurai district – it feels like you could bump into a warrior at any moment.
Choosing the season you travel really matters here. Spring arrives later (late April), bringing cherry and apple blossoms without the crowds. In summer, rice paddies are transformed into living canvases, with works of art imprinted onto the fields, recreating anything from the Mona Lisa to traditional geisha prints. Autumn here is a strong alternative to Kyoto’s busiest weeks, and it comes with Aomori’s apple harvest – a local point of pride.
Designed for travellers who want to go beyond the usual route, this 11-night itinerary is an InsideJapan favourite.
What's included
11 nights' accommodation in Japan (1 nights Japanese style)
Breakfast every day
Back-alley bar hopping in Sendai
Trekking tour and lunch at Tanesashi Coast
Oirase Gorge Guided Walking Tour
Aomori City Private Walking Tour
Kuroishi Neputa Lantern-Making
All transport between destinations
Manaca transport card with 2,500 yen credit for city transport
Pocket WiFi device
Your personalised InsideJapan Info-Pack
What's NOT included:
International flights
Local transport (buses, subways, taxis) at any destination unless otherwise specified
Any entrance fees including those for shrines, temples and museums
Baggage handling and luggage forwarding
Trip Highlights
- Bar hop in the backstreets of Sendai
- Trek the scenic Tanesashi coast
- Explore Aomori, the city of apples and vibrant seasonal festivals
- Step into the samurai town of Kakunodate.
- See Hirosaki Castle and its vast fortified moats
- Walk in nature along the Oirase Gorge
- Make your own Neputa lantern
Ready to plan your trip?
For more information email us: [email protected] or call: + 61 7 2104 5561
What, where, when and how...
Japan's Undiscovered North - 12 Days
Japan's Undiscovered North - 12 Days - Day by Day
Japan's Undiscovered North - 12 Days - Accommodation
Japan's Undiscovered North - 12 Days - Experiences
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Day 1-2
Begin your adventure in Japan's vibrant capital.
Arrive in Tokyo, where neon lights and soaring towers frame the city's vibrant energy. Your base is in the heart of the capital, offering easy access to bustling districts and serene gardens. Spend your first evening strolling through lively streets, sampling izakaya dishes, and soaking in the rhythm of modern Japan. The following day, board the Shinkansen and watch Tokyo's skyline melt into rolling hills and rice fields as you journey north to Sendai.
Overnight: Shiba Park
-
Day 3-4
Discover culture and flavours in Tohoku's largest city.
Known as the “City of Trees,” Sendai blends urban sophistication with a relaxed atmosphere. After checking in, dive into local culture with a back-alley bar hopping tour, sampling regional sake and dishes like gyutan (grilled beef tongue). Wander through lantern-lit lanes and feel the warmth of Tohoku hospitality. Take a day trip to Matsushima Bay, celebrated as one of Japan's three most scenic views. Cruise among pine-clad islands scattered across calm waters, visit Zuiganji Temple with its centuries-old halls, and stroll through gardens that frame the bay's shimmering beauty. Pause for fresh oysters or seafood at a local eatery before returning to Sendai for a relaxed evening.
Overnight: Hotel Metropolitan Sendai East
-
Day 5
Trek along rugged shores and savour local traditions.
Travel to Hachinohe, a charming port city where the sea shapes daily life. Begin with a trek along the Tanesashi Coast, a rugged shoreline dotted with wildflowers and sweeping ocean vistas. Enjoy a fisherman's lunch featuring the day's catch, then explore morning markets brimming with local flavours. In the evening, unwind at your hotel or venture out to discover Hachinohe's lively food stalls and izakayas.
Overnight: Dormy Inn Hon-Hachinohe
-
Day 6-7
Immerse yourself in Tohoku's natural wonders.
Journey inland to Oirase Gorge, a paradise of cascading waterfalls and moss-covered rocks. Stay at a luxury hot spring resort and savour seasonal dinners after a day of exploration. A guided walk reveals hidden trails and crystal-clear streams, while Lake Towada's serene expanse offers breathtaking views. This is Tohoku at its most tranquil, a retreat into nature's embrace.
Overnight: Oirase Keiryu Hotel By Hoshino Resorts
-
Day 8
Step into the heart of Aomori's cultural heritage.
Continue to Aomori, a city steeped in festival spirit. Visit the Nebuta Warasse Museum to see vibrant floats and learn about the artistry behind this iconic celebration. A private walking tour introduces you to local markets, waterfront views, and cultural landmarks. Sample Aomori's famed apples or savour a bowl of miso-laden ramen before settling in for the night.
Overnight: Daiwa Roynet Aomori
-
Day 9-10
Experience history in a picturesque setting.
Step into history at Hirosaki, home to one of Japan's most beautiful castles. Wander through its grounds, framed by seasonal blossoms or fiery autumn leaves, and explore samurai residences that reflect the area's historic past. Try your hand at a hands‑on lantern‑making experience before tasting Aomori's renowned apple treats and ducking into one of the city's cosy cafés.
Overnight: Ishiba Ryokan
-
Day 11
Walk through time in a preserved samurai town.
Travel to Kakunodate, a town frozen in time. Walk along streets flanked by black wooden fences and preserved samurai houses, each with centuries of tradition. A few minutes away, the merchant district offers a different pace, and from there it's an easy walk down to the Hinokinai River for a quiet riverside stroll. Pick up a local snack before boarding the evening Shinkansen back to Tokyo, watching rural landscapes fade into the city lights.
Overnight: Wanoi Kakunodate
-
Day 12
Conclude your journey with a taste of modern Japan.
Spend your last day in Tokyo at leisure, perhaps shopping, exploring art galleries, or enjoying a final sushi feast. Reflect on your journey through Tohoku's landscapes and traditions before departing with unforgettable memories.
Overnight: Shiba Park
-
Day 1-2
Begin your adventure in Japan's vibrant capital.
Arrive in Tokyo, where neon lights and soaring towers frame the city's vibrant energy. Your base is in the heart of the capital, offering easy access to bustling districts and serene gardens. Spend your first evening strolling through lively streets, sampling izakaya dishes, and soaking in the rhythm of modern Japan. The following day, board the Shinkansen and watch Tokyo's skyline melt into rolling hills and rice fields as you journey north to Sendai.
Overnight: Shiba Park
-
Day 3-4
Discover culture and flavours in Tohoku's largest city.
Known as the “City of Trees,” Sendai blends urban sophistication with a relaxed atmosphere. After checking in, dive into local culture with a back-alley bar hopping tour, sampling regional sake and dishes like gyutan (grilled beef tongue). Wander through lantern-lit lanes and feel the warmth of Tohoku hospitality. Take a day trip to Matsushima Bay, celebrated as one of Japan's three most scenic views. Cruise among pine-clad islands scattered across calm waters, visit Zuiganji Temple with its centuries-old halls, and stroll through gardens that frame the bay's shimmering beauty. Pause for fresh oysters or seafood at a local eatery before returning to Sendai for a relaxed evening.
Overnight: Hotel Metropolitan Sendai East
-
Day 5
Trek along rugged shores and savour local traditions.
Travel to Hachinohe, a charming port city where the sea shapes daily life. Begin with a trek along the Tanesashi Coast, a rugged shoreline dotted with wildflowers and sweeping ocean vistas. Enjoy a fisherman's lunch featuring the day's catch, then explore morning markets brimming with local flavours. In the evening, unwind at your hotel or venture out to discover Hachinohe's lively food stalls and izakayas.
Overnight: Dormy Inn Hon-Hachinohe
-
Day 6-7
Immerse yourself in Tohoku's natural wonders.
Journey inland to Oirase Gorge, a paradise of cascading waterfalls and moss-covered rocks. Stay at a luxury hot spring resort and savour seasonal dinners after a day of exploration. A guided walk reveals hidden trails and crystal-clear streams, while Lake Towada's serene expanse offers breathtaking views. This is Tohoku at its most tranquil, a retreat into nature's embrace.
Overnight: Oirase Keiryu Hotel By Hoshino Resorts
-
Day 8
Step into the heart of Aomori's cultural heritage.
Continue to Aomori, a city steeped in festival spirit. Visit the Nebuta Warasse Museum to see vibrant floats and learn about the artistry behind this iconic celebration. A private walking tour introduces you to local markets, waterfront views, and cultural landmarks. Sample Aomori's famed apples or savour a bowl of miso-laden ramen before settling in for the night.
Overnight: Daiwa Roynet Aomori
-
Day 9-10
Experience history in a picturesque setting.
Step into history at Hirosaki, home to one of Japan's most beautiful castles. Wander through its grounds, framed by seasonal blossoms or fiery autumn leaves, and explore samurai residences that reflect the area's historic past. Try your hand at a hands‑on lantern‑making experience before tasting Aomori's renowned apple treats and ducking into one of the city's cosy cafés.
Overnight: Ishiba Ryokan
-
Day 11
Walk through time in a preserved samurai town.
Travel to Kakunodate, a town frozen in time. Walk along streets flanked by black wooden fences and preserved samurai houses, each with centuries of tradition. A few minutes away, the merchant district offers a different pace, and from there it's an easy walk down to the Hinokinai River for a quiet riverside stroll. Pick up a local snack before boarding the evening Shinkansen back to Tokyo, watching rural landscapes fade into the city lights.
Overnight: Wanoi Kakunodate
-
Day 12
Conclude your journey with a taste of modern Japan.
Spend your last day in Tokyo at leisure, perhaps shopping, exploring art galleries, or enjoying a final sushi feast. Reflect on your journey through Tohoku's landscapes and traditions before departing with unforgettable memories.
Overnight: Shiba Park
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