Japan 17 Days - Tohoku, Tochigi & Nagano

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All 45 places on this map are pinned at their exact location, grouped into 11 areas (Day 1-2 - Tokyo Arrival & City, Day 3 - Sendai, Day 4 - Matsushima Bay and more). Each one comes with a short note on what it is and why it is worth your time. Browsing is free, and with an Ikuzo account you can copy the whole map and reshape it into your own trip.

Day 1-2 - Tokyo Arrival & City

Senso-ji Temple

Tokyo's oldest temple, Asakusa landmark

Yanaka Ginza

Old-town shopping street with retro atmosphere

Shimokitazawa

Vintage shops, live music bars, bohemian vibe

Day 3 - Sendai

Rikyu Gyutan

Famous beef tongue restaurant, Sendai specialty

Sendai Castle Ruins

Hilltop ruins with panoramic city views

Zuihoden

Date Masamune's ornate mausoleum

Day 4 - Matsushima Bay

Fukuura Island

Connected by red bridge, peaceful island walks

Zuigan-ji Temple

Important Zen temple with Date clan connection

Matsushima Bay

One of Japan's three scenic views, 260 pine islands

Day 5 - Yamadera & Shiogama

Risshaku-ji (Yamadera)

1,000-step climb to mountain temple, Basho's poetry inspiration

Shiogama Fish Market

Fresh seafood market, less touristy than Tsukiji

Shiogama Shrine

Ancient coastal shrine between Sendai and Matsushima

Day 6 - Tashirojima Cat Island

Tashirojima (Cat Island)

Island where cats outnumber humans, cat shrines and fishing village

Day 7 - Aizuwakamatsu

Tsuruga Castle

Beautifully rebuilt castle on original site

Sazaedo Temple

Unique double-helix wooden pagoda, walk up and down without retracing steps

Suehiro Sake Brewery

Sake brewery with tours and tastings

Aizu Bukeyashiki

Reconstructed samurai residence complex

Day 8 - Nikko

Nikko Toshogu Shrine

Ornate, colorful shrine with three wise monkeys

Taiyuin Temple

Less crowded than Toshogu, arguably more atmospheric

Shinkyo Bridge

Sacred red lacquered bridge, beautiful in any season

Day 9 - Ashikaga

Ashikaga Flower Park

Famous for wisteria, illumination events, seasonal displays

Day 10-11 - Karuizawa

Old Mikasa Hotel

Meiji-era Western-style architecture

Kumoba Pond

Peaceful morning walk spot surrounded by forest

Shiraito Falls

Scenic waterfall in the Karuizawa mountains

Kyu-Karuizawa Ginza

Main street with bakeries, jam shops, mountain town charm

Sezon Museum of Modern Art

Modern art in a forest setting, rain day option

Day 12-17 - Tokyo & Day Trips

Hokokuji Temple

Famous bamboo grove with matcha tea

Yokohama Chinatown

Largest Chinatown in Japan

Kotoku-in (Great Buddha)

Iconic Great Buddha of Kamakura

Enoshima Island

Coastal island with caves, shrine, ocean views

Minato Mirai

Waterfront skyline, Landmark Tower, modern Yokohama

Recommendations

Yayoi Kusama Museum

Yayoi Kusama Museum

Coordinates: 35.7026196, 139.7264548

Koishikawa Korakuen

Torii of Tarumi Heritage

Torii of Tarumi Heritage

垂水遺跡 #torii

Mitsutaya

Mitsutaya

満田屋 This is a miso specialty shop established in 1834. You can enjoy Aizu's local dish "Miso Tadaku" inside the store. More info: https://www.mitsutaya.jp/ IG post: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cy0f9vWM-9Y/?img_index=4 #food

Sakudari Kannon

Sakudari Kannon

左下観音堂

Matsushima Umanose

Matsushima Umanose

Ouchi Juku

Ouchi Juku

大内宿

Kegon Waterfall (華厳滝)

Hasedera

Hasedera

Hase-dera, commonly called the Hase-kannon is one of the Buddhist temples in the city of Kamakura in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, famous for housing a massive wooden statue of Kannon.

Ranjatai

Best yakitori in Tokyo? Michelin star. Delicious and friendly owners. Need booking one month in advance. #yakitori

Mitama Shrine (Train)

Mitama Shrine (Train)

御霊神社 #torii

Sugimoto-dera

Sugimoto-dera

Sugimotodera Temple, founded by Gyoki, is said to be the oldest sacred ground in Kamakura, existing prior to Minamoto Yoritomo's arrival. Its mossy stone stairway lined by banners covered in calligraphy representing the eleven-faced Goddess of Mercy, Kannon, allow visitors to sense its rich history.

Zeniarai Benzaiten Shrine

Zeniarai Benzaiten Shrine

Meigetsu-in

Meigetsu-in