Tokyo and Aomori – Urban and Rural Adventures

8 Nights/9 Days

Day 1Arrive Tokyo

Arrive in Tokyo and meet your driver to transfer you to your hotel for check. In the evening, enjoy a delicious yakitori dinner at Ginza Torishin, where premium skewers are grilled to perfection over traditional charcoal. After dinner, take a short walk back to your hotel and rest up for the adventures ahead.

Day 2Cultural Immersion in Tokyo

After breakfast, depart by private car for a full day exploring Japan’s deep cultural traditions.

Begin with a tea ceremony experience at Sadōgu Kakinuma, where you’ll learn the art of preparing and serving matcha in a serene setting guided by a professional tea master.

Continue to Sushi Hyakumangoku for an exquisite omakase lunch showcasing the freshest seasonal seafood.

In the afternoon, take part in a hands-on Edo Furin (Wind Chime) Painting Workshop and also try glass blowing at Shinohara Maruyoshi Furin, crafting your own colorful keepsake.

Then step into Japan’s warrior past during an exciting SAMURAI experience at Musashi Ninja Clan, where you’ll don traditional attire and learn sword techniques and ninja skills.

As evening falls, board a Yakatabune cruise on Tokyo Bay with Harumiya, savoring dinner and drinks while the city skyline sparkles around you. Return to your hotel to relax after a memorable cultural day.

Day 3Northbound Shinkansen Train to Hachinohe and Coastal Discovery

Depart Tokyo in the morning and transfer by taxi to Tokyo Station to board the bullet train north to Hachinohe in Aomori Prefecture.

On arrival, enjoy a refined Japanese lunch at Kappo Kongou, a restaurant known for its seasonal local dishes and artistic presentation.

In the afternoon, set out along a scenic section of the Michinoku Coastal Trail, walking from Kabushima Shrine to the Tanesashi Coast, where dramatic cliffs, sea breezes, and wildflowers define the landscape.

After your hike, celebrate the day with a relaxed barbecue dinner in the Tanesashi Park overlooking the sea.

Conclude the evening with a leisurely stroll through Hachinohe Yokocho, a lively alleyway filled with local food stalls and pubs, before returning to your hotel.

Day 4Hachinohe Cultural and Local Life

Spend an additional day uncovering the charms of Hachinohe, a port city with deep fishing traditions and creative local culture.

Begin your morning at Tatehana Wharf Morning Market, one of Japan’s largest open-air markets (Sunday mornings only), where locals sell fresh seafood, produce, and street snacks along the waterfront.

Enjoy a seafood-focused lunch highlighting Aomori’s bounty, then explore the Hachinohe Book Center or Hachinohe Portal Museum, where interactive exhibits introduce the region’s folklore and artistry. This evening, unwind with a casual izakaya dinner sampling local sake and small plates before returning to your hotel for the night.

Day 5Art, Nature, and Craft in Towada & Oirase

After breakfast, depart for the Towada Art Center, a striking museum that blends contemporary art with architecture and nature. Its open-air installations and international exhibits make for a truly thought-provoking visit.

Enjoy a delicious Italian lunch at Ortolana, featuring locally sourced ingredients prepared with creativity and flair.

Afterward, continue to Oirase Gorge, one of Japan’s most scenic mountain valleys. Take a gentle 2.5 km walk from Tamasudare Waterfall to Choshi Otaki Waterfall, passing mossy rocks, crystal streams, and lush forest.

Return to your onsen hotel in Oirase and unwind after an inspiring day immersed in art, nature, and creativity.

Day 6Leisure in Oirase Gorge and Lake Towada

Spend a free day at a relaxed pace exploring the natural beauty of Oirase Gorge and nearby Lake Towada on your own.

After breakfast, perhaps rent a bicycle or take another light walk along the Oirase Stream, admiring the waterfalls, ferns, and serene forest atmosphere.

Visit the Oirase Stream Museum to learn about the local ecosystem or enjoy a coffee overlooking the river.

In the afternoon, visit Lake Towada, a stunning caldera lake surrounded by forested peaks. Take a short boat cruise to appreciate the tranquil scenery and capture panoramic views.

Return to your hotel for a soothing onsen hot spring soak and a traditional dinner featuring regional Aomori cuisine.

Day 7Aomori Heritage and Festival Culture

After breakfast, travel by private car to the Sannai Maruyama Site, one of Japan’s largest and best-preserved Jomon-era archaeological sites.

Explore reconstructed pit dwellings and learn about life over 5,000 years ago. For lunch, visit the lively Aomori Gyosai Center (Nokkedon), where you’ll create your own seafood rice bowl from an array of fresh local catches.

In the afternoon, experience the energy of Aomori’s iconic Nebuta Festival at Wa Rasse, where you can enjoy traditional Haneto dance performances and Nebuta music, and witness the artistry behind the illuminated floats.

Before returning to your hotel, stop at A-FACTORY, a charming marketplace offering local apple products, sweets, and crafts.

Conclude the day with a rejuvenating spa experience at Wellness Spa ReLabo, the perfect way to unwind after exploring Aomori’s cultural treasures.

Day 8Return to Tokyo

After breakfast, walk to Aomori Station and board the bullet train back to Tokyo.

Sit back and relax as you travel swiftly through scenic countryside on Japan’s world-renowned Shinkansen.

Upon arrival in Tokyo, your journey concludes—leaving you with lasting memories of Aomori’s vibrant culture, art, and natural beauty.