Tohoku Road Trip 9 Days - Spring 2026

Hagurosan Five Story Pagoda

National treasure at the base of Mt. Haguro. Start of the 2,446 stone steps to the summit.

Dewasanzan Shrine

Summit shrine of Mt. Haguro, one of Japan's most sacred mountain pilgrimages.

Yamadera (Risshaku-ji Temple)

Mountain temple with over 1,000 steps. Famous for Basho's haiku about the silence of cicadas.

Ginzan Onsen

Fairy-tale onsen town with Taisho-era wooden ryokan lining a narrow river gorge.

Takkoku no Iwaya Bishamondō

Cliff-face temple built into the rock. Often compared to Kyoto's Kiyomizu-dera but without the crowds.

Azumaya Honten (Wanko Soba)

Morioka's most famous wanko soba restaurant. Endless small bowls served as fast as you can eat.

Chūsonji Temple

UNESCO World Heritage. The golden Konjikido hall is the main highlight.

Motsuji Temple

UNESCO World Heritage. Famous for its Pure Land garden, one of the finest Heian-era gardens in Japan.

Tono Furusato Village

Reconstructed farming village preserving traditional thatched-roof magariya (L-shaped houses).

Kappa Pool (Kappabuchi)

Legendary home of the kappa water spirits. Part of Tono's rich folklore trail.

Natsuse Onsen Miyakowasure

Secluded mountain ryokan along a river gorge. One of Tohoku's finest onsen retreats.

Kakunodate Samurai District

Beautifully preserved samurai quarter with weeping cherry trees lining the streets.

Fujita Memorial Garden

Elegant Taisho-era Japanese garden near Hirosaki Castle. Quiet alternative to the busy park.

Hirosaki Apple Park

Apple orchards with views of Mt. Iwaki. Try fresh apple pie and cider at the on-site restaurant.

Hirosaki Castle

One of Japan's 12 original castles. The surrounding park is one of the top cherry blossom spots in Japan.

Nebuta Museum Wa Rasse

Year-round museum showcasing the massive illuminated Nebuta floats from Aomori's famous summer festival.

A-Factory

Waterfront market with local Aomori crafts, apple cider brewery, and food stalls.

Geibikei Gorge

Fukuda Bakery

福田パン 長田町本店 You can enjoy various flavors of jam with this soft bread, beloved by locals. More info: https://iwatetabi.jp/spot/detail.spn.php?spot_id=1643#gallery-2 IG post: https://www.instagram.com/p/CvpHyuNyUa0/?img_index=1 #food

Nakamachi Komise Street

中町こみせ通り It's a street lined with traditional Japanese houses, with shops and restaurants. It comes alive in the summer. More info: https://kuroishi.or.jp/english/nakamachi-komise-street-en IG post: https://www.instagram.com/p/C2hbvMayxs_/?img_index=8 #oldstreet #architecture

Iwate Bank

岩手銀行赤レンガ館 The building, which served as the Iwate Bank until 2012, is now open to the public. It was designed by the same architect who designed Tokyo Station. More info: https://www.iwagin-akarengakan.jp/ IG post: https://www.instagram.com/p/CvpHyuNyUa0/?img_index=10 #architecture

Dakigaeri Gorge

抱返り渓谷

The Sakura Tree of Kowai Farm

小岩井農場の一本桜

Nanshoso

南昌荘 You can enjoy coffee or matcha, among other things, inside a building constructed in 1885. The Japanese garden is also great. More info: https://www.tohokukanko.jp/en/attractions/detail_1003971.html IG post: https://www.instagram.com/p/CvpHyuNyUa0/?img_index=2 #architecture #autumn

Iwakiyama-jinja Shrine

岩木山神社 On clear days, you can see the majestic Mt. Iwaki from this shrine. More info: https://aomori-tourism.com/en/spot/detail_19.html IG post: https://www.instagram.com/p/C2XJNo7S-wy/?img_index=7 #torii #shrine #snow

Ouchi Juku

大内宿

Goshikinuma

Tadami River Bridge Viewpoint

第一只見川橋梁展望台

Sazaedo Temple

Higashiyama Onsen Mukaitaki

会津東山温泉 向瀧 #onsen There is a beautiful sakura also (April 23) https://www.mukaitaki.com/livecamR/

Turuga Castle

鶴ヶ城 t was originally built about 630years ago. Cherry blossom season is especially amazing. More info: http://samurai-city.jp/en/sightseeing/1287 IG post: https://www.instagram.com/p/CbNGzQrLDhV/ #castle #sakura