Northern Tohoku Highlights 3-Day Tour: Tradition, Samurai & Oirase Gorge

8 - 20 days prior to the departure date of the tour	20%
2 - 7 days prior to the departure date of the tour	30%
the day immediately before the departure date of the tour	40%
before the departure time on the departure date of the tour	50%
after the departure time or no cancellation notice is received	100%

8 - 20 days prior to the departure date of the tour	20%
2 - 7 days prior to the departure date of the tour	30%
the day immediately before the departure date of the tour	40%
before the departure time on the departure date of the tour	50%
after the departure time or no cancellation notice is received	100%

The Iaido experience in Kakunodate
Oirase Gorge
Hakkoda Mountains
Nanbu Ironware
The Iaido experience in Kakunodate

Tour Details

- This 3-day round-trip tour from Tokyo introduces the tradition, culture, and nature of the northern area of northeastern Japan, visiting the prefectures of Akita, Iwate, and Aomori. On this course, customers can experience traditional crafts, culture, nature, and other aspects of life in the region of Tohoku. Filled with charms of the Tohoku region that await visitors, this course offers experiences that are truly out of the ordinary. The entire itinerary is accompanied by an English-speaking guide from arrival at Kakunodate Station on Day 1 until Shin-Aomori Station on Day 3.
- On Day 1, take the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Akita Prefecture's Kakunodate, the so-called Little Kyoto of Tohoku lined with samurai residences. The beautiful scenery creates an atmosphere as if having slipped back in time to the Edo period (1603-1868). The Iaido experience in Kakunodate is an authentic opportunity to deeply engage with the spirit of Japanese martial arts for 2 and a half hours. Put on a training uniform and learn the spirit and manners of the samurai while mastering the basic handling and forms of the Japanese sword.
- On Day 2, head to Iwate Prefecture's Morioka, which flourished as a castle town and has a townscape characterized by a harmony of tradition and modernity even today. At Kunzan Kobo, take this rare opportunity of getting in touch with the charm of Morioka's traditional craft, Nambu ironware. At Chuson-ji Temple, behold the Konjikido Golden Hall and various national treasures and important cultural properties. Japan's history and aesthetic sense are condensed amidst a tranquil atmosphere, creating a mystical space that cleanses the heart and providing a valuable opportunity to touch upon the spirituality of Japan.
- On Day 3, head on to Aomori Prefecture, known for having the highest apple production in the country and is attractive for its beautiful natural scenery such as the Oirase Gorge. At Oirase Gorge, take a short walk at scenic spots along the beautiful stream—Samidare-no-Nagare, Ashura-no-Nagare, Kumoi Falls, and Choshi Otaki Waterfall. At the Hakkoda Mountains, visit a scenic spot overlooking the whole of Aomori Prefecture. On clear days, visitors can feel the grandeur of Aomori's terrain and nature as they gaze out at the Tsugaru Plain, Mutsu Bay, and the Shimokita Peninsula all at once.
- This is a private tour for 2 customers.

About Initiatives for Sustainable Tourism:
This tour promotes Environment(Eco)-friendly efforts, Cross-cultural Understanding, and Social Contribution as stated under Sunrise Tours' Sustainable Development Goals.
We advocate for responsible travel, and urge one and all to become responsible travelers.
Please check the following page for details.
http://jtbgmt.com/en/g-web/sdgs

Tour Overview

Req. to Run Tour: 2guest(s)

Req. per Booking: 2guest(s)

Departs: Tokyo

Guide Service: Not Available

Tour Guide/Conductor Language: English

Audio Guide: Not Available

Tangential multilingual assistant or multilingual reception accepted: Not Available

Meeting Place/Time: Tokyo Station Marunouchi South Exit Tokyo City i on the 1st basement floor of the KITTE building / 06:50

Included: Accommodation charges; Accommodation breakfast; English-speaking guide fee (from Day 1 arrival at Kakunodate Station to Day 3 Shin-Aomori Station); Admission fees, experience fees, and transportation costs included in the tour, Tokyo Station assistant (Day 1 morning only)

Not Included: Transportation expenses to the meeting location; Lunch and dinner for entire itinerary

Remarks

Planning Company：JTB Global Marketing & Travel Inc.
Address：2-3-14 Higashi Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo
Japan Tourism Agency Registered Travel Agent (No. 1723) A member of the Japan Association of Travel

[Reception Method]
At reception, please show the reservation confirmation sheet or e-mail (printout/digital copy on mobile device) to staff.　

[Cancellation Charge]
- Cancellation fees will be charged from 20 days in advance.

[Operation Conditions/Tour Conditions]
- If the minimum number of participants (2) is not met by 14 days before the scheduled date, the tour on that date may be canceled.
- The last reception day (reservation deadline) is 14 days prior to the tour.
- For requests regarding tours where answers from the tour operator are required in advance, please input in the Remarks field and contact the tour operator.　
- The itinerary displayed on the booking screen is the final itinerary.
- Please note that participants may not join partway through the tour. Also, participants may join only from the meeting location specified in advance.

[Exemptions/Itinerary Guarantee: Itinerary/Destinations]
- The order of activities and arrival times may differ on the day depending on reasons such as road conditions and congestion at destinations.
*Depending on the number of tour participants, transportation to be used may be other than a hired car (passenger vehicle, van, minivan), small bus, taxi, or a train or route bus on some parts of the tour such as in case of heavy traffic.
- Seats may not be designated.
- Day 1 Kakunodate: The Iaido experience is available for customers from 12 years old to under 75 years old. Those under 12 years old and 75 years old and up, those with heart or respiratory diseases, pregnant individuals, and those who are intoxicated cannot participate, and will only be able to observe. Refunds for this reason will not be issued.
- While the sword is a replica, the tip is sharp, so please handle it with care.

[Important Notes/Supplements: Meeting/Pick-up/Pick-up Location]
In front of Tokyo City i (Tokyo Station Marunouchi South Exit KITTE Building B1F) / 06:50
About 1 min on foot from JR Tokyo Station; directly connected to Marunouchi Line Tokyo Station via underground passage)
*Customers who are late for the departure time will have their reservations canceled. Please give yourself plenty of time.

[Important Notes/Supplements: Guide/Tour Conductor]
- There will be an accompanying English-speaking guide from arrival at Kakunodate Station on Day 1 until Shin-Aomori Station on Day 3. There is an accompanying English-speaking assistant on Day 1 at Tokyo Station.

[Important Notes/Supplements: Regarding Children/Infants]
- Children up to 5 years old may join free of charge, but will not be provided with Shinkansen seats. Furthermore, if there are many participants, children 0-5 years old may have to sit on the lap of a parent or guardian on board the hired car. If guaranteed seats on the Shinkansen and hired car are required for such children, please book them under the child rate.
Furthermore, meals (breakfast) will not be provided. If meals are required for children 0-5 years old, please book them under the child rate.

[Important Notes/Supplements: Regarding Meals]
- Day 1 Kakunodate / Day 2 Morioka / Day 3 Oirase: Customers will be purchasing their own lunch. Customers are to pay for their own lunch as it is not included in the tour booking charge.
- Day 1 Kakunodate: Customers are free to have lunch in Kakunodate.
- Day 2 Morioka: As this is an afternoon tour, please have lunch prior to participating. There are many restaurants and cafes in the Morioka Station Building FES"AN near Morioka Station.
- Day 3 Oirase: Customers will purchase their own meal near Hachinohe Station or at a stopover on the tour.

[Important Notes/Supplements: What to Wear/Bring]
- Please leave large luggage such as suitcases at your hotel or a station locker prior to participating in the tour. As for medium-size suitcases whose total height, width, and length is within 140cm, each person is allowed to bring only 1 during the tour.
- Day 1 Kakunodate: For the Kakunodate Iaido experience, as customers will change into the training uniform, please wear clothes that are easy to change and shoes that are easy to remove.
- Day 2 Morioka: At Chuson-ji Temple, as there are many stairs and areas or paths with poor or unequal footing, please participate wearing shoes and clothing that are comfortable to walk in.
- Day 3 Oirase: For the Oirase Gorge itinerary, wearing long pants and sneakers easy to walk in is recommended. Please prepare sunglasses, hat, and gloves as necessary.

[Important Notes/Supplements: Bus/Hired Car Company]
Day 1: Kakunodate Kanko Taxi; Nakasen Taxi
Day 2: Hinoya Taxi; Ota Taxi
Day 3: Aomori Taxi; Naricho Taxi; Hokusei Kotsu; Miyago Kanko Taxi; Hachinohe Taxi; Post Taxi; Miyago Kotsu; Tokyo Taiyo Co., Ltd. Aomori Taxi Office
*Depending on the number of tour participants, transportation to be used may be other than a hired car (passenger vehicle, van, minivan), small bus, taxi, or a train or route bus on some parts of the tour such as in case of heavy traffic.

[Important Notes/Supplements: Language Support]
Tour Guide/Assistant Language: English
*Drivers do not work as guides.

[Important Notes/Supplements: Regarding Luggage on Shinkansen]
It will not be possible to bring large luggage whose total height, width, and length exceeds 160 cm onto Shinkansen. If bringing large luggage, please make use of a delivery service on your own.

[Important Notes/Supplements: Accommodation Information]
- Requests regarding hotel rooms are accepted, but are not guaranteed. For any requests, please input in the Remarks field and contact the tour operator.
- Baby cots are available for a charge at some facilities. Please pay at the location. Also, children sharing beds with adults are limited to 1 child per bed.
[Art Hotel Morioka]
3-3-18 Odori, Morioka-shi, Iwate Prefecture
Guestroom Type: Western-style Triple room
Website: https://iconia.co.jp/en-us/hotel-art-hotel-morioka-iwate

In the event that a bus company not listed in the Remarks/Important Notes will be used, customers will receive a separate confirmation document via email at least 1 day in advance.

Tour Calendar

2026

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Seats available
Few seats available
Not available
Requests Accepted

Number of stocks
Request date
Price (per person)	Adults (12-99) JPY children (6-11) JPY Infants (0-5) JPY
Number of People	Adults Children Infants

Payment in Advance Total: JPY

Please agree to the following before booking.

The Terms & Conditions Document will be delivered via electronic means.
Customers are to check and save the content themselves.
The [Plan Name], [Tour Date], [Tour Price], [Tour Outline], [Remarks/Important Notes], and [Itinerary] on the booking screen are part of the Terms & Conditions Document (Important Items). Print or save as PDF.
The Terms & Conditions Document (General Items) has been displayed and saved.
Payments must be made using credit card.
After the payment has been processed, the travel contract will be finalized once the customer receives a reservation confirmation email along with an attached reservation confirmation sheet.
The cancellation policy has been checked and agreed upon.

To Booking Request

Itinerary

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06:50 - 07:00	【Day1】Tokyo Station Marunouchi South Entrance KITTE Building B1F Tokyo City i Meet-up Tokyo Station Marunouchi South Entrance KITTE Building B1F Tokyo City i - Meet at 06:50, Dep. at 07:00 (about 1 min on foot from JR Tokyo Station; directly connected to Marunouchi Line Tokyo Station via underground passage) After the meet-up, the English-speaking tour conductor will guide customers to board the Shinkansen at Tokyo Station.
(190 min)	From Tokyo Station to Akita Prefecture Kakunodate Station From Tokyo Station to Akita Prefecture Kakunodate Station　 (Komachi Shinkansen, reserved seat) Guides and other staff do not ride on the Shinkansen with tour participants.
(10 min)	Transfer (Kakunodate Station to Aoyagi Samurai Manor Museum) Take the hired car from Kakunodate Station to Aoyagi Samurai Manor Museum.
(60 min)	Aoyagi Samurai Manor Museum (Old Japanese House) A samurai residence with a history of over 400 years. See the architectural style of the Edo period and the life of the samurai up close. At this spot that condenses the history and culture of Kakunodate, enjoy seasonal scenery in a beautiful garden.
	Lunch (meal charges not included in the tour) Customers can purchase their own lunch at the Aoyagi Samurai Manor Museum. In the atmospheric space of a samurai residence, enjoy Akita's local cuisine such as kiritanpo and Inaniwa udon noodles.
(150 min)	Kakunodate Iaido Experience An authentic martial arts experience for 2 and a half hours. Learn the basic techniques of Iaido in a training uniform and embody the spirit and manners of a samurai. Under the guidance of a local Iaido master who has continued training, customers can learn concentration and how to use the body through drawing and sheathing the sword and other basic movements. Lastly, try cutting the human cardboard figure.
(10 min)	Transfer (Kakunodate Budokan to Kakunodate Station) Take the hired car from Kakunodate Budokan to Kakunodate.
(60 min)	Transfer (Kakunodate Station to Morioka Station) Take the Shinkansen from Kakunodate Station to Morioka Station. (Komachi Shinkansen, reserved seat)
- 17:50	Morioka Station After arriving at Morioka Station, walk to the accommodation facility.
	Stay at Hotel in Morioka
11:50 - 12:00	【Day2】Meet at Morioka Station 2F in front of Tourist Information Center Morioka City After having breakfast (at the hotel) / lunch (free time allotted), please be at the meet-up. Morioka Station 2F in front of Tourist Information Center Morioka City Access: 2F South Exit inside the Morioka Station building, on foot from JR Morioka Station Meet at 11:50, Dep. at 12:00
(40 min)	Transfer Take the hired car from Morioka Station and head to Morioka Handi-works Square.
	Konyacho Banya/Bank of Iwate Red Brick Building (Drive-by) Go around spots that retain the atmosphere of the Edo period (1603-1868) and Meiji period (1868-1912). Feel the atmosphere of a townhouse from the Edo period gazing at Konyacho Banya, and take in the beauty of Western-style architecture from the Meiji period looking at the Bank of Iwate Red Brick Building.
(60 min)	Morioka Handi-works Square Kunzan Kobo - Nambu Ironware Traditional Craft Experience Discover the charm of Nambu ironware, which has a history of 400 years. Learn directly about the depth of traditional crafts through activities such as touring the workshop, pressing patterns into molds, and tasting water boiled in Nambu ironware.
(80 min)	Transfer Take the hired car from Morioka Handi-works Square and head to Chuson-ji Temple.
(100 min)	Chuson-ji Temple This World Heritage site conveys the beauty of the Heian period (794-1185) to the present. Behold the Konjikido Golden Hall and various national treasures and important cultural properties. Japan's history and aesthetic sense are condensed amidst a tranquil atmosphere, creating a mystical space that cleanses the heart and providing a valuable opportunity to touch upon the spirituality of Japan.
(80 min)	Transfer Take the hired car from Chuson-ji Temple to Morioka Station.
- 18:00	Morioka Station After arriving at Morioka Station, walk to the accommodation facility.
	Stay at Hotel in Morioka
08:20 - 08:30	【Day3】Meet at Morioka Station 2F in front of Tourist Information Center Morioka City After finishing breakfast, please be at the tour meet-up. Morioka Station 2F in front of Tourist Information Center Morioka City (2F South Exit inside the Morioka Station building, on foot from JR Morioka Station) Meet at 08:20, Dep. at 08:30
(35 min)	Transfer (Morioka Station to Hachinohe Station) Take the Shinkansen from Morioka Station to Hachinohe Station. (Hayabusa or Yamabiko Shinkansen, reserved seat)
(60 min)	Transfer (Hachinohe Station to Oirase Gorge) Take the hired car from Hachinohe Station to Oirase Gorge.
(120 min)	Oirase Gorge Enjoy an efficient tour around Oirase Gorge as a car will be used as the main method of transportation. Take a short walk at scenic spots along the beautiful stream—Samidare-no-Nagare, Ashura-no-Nagare, Kumoi Falls, and Choshi Otaki Waterfall. This luxurious nature experience concludes at the mysterious Lake Towada.
(50 min)	Transfer Take the hired car from Oirase Gorge to a stopover.
(30 min)	Nagaiki-no-Chaya Kayano (Stopover) At this local teahouse, travelers can casually enjoy the flavors of Aomori's regional cuisine and relieve fatigue from the trip. Aomori's local dish, ginger miso oden, is a specialty.
(10 min)	Transfer Take the hired car from the stopover location to Hakkoda Ropeway.
(60 min)	Hakkoda Ropeway Ride Relish a scenic spot overlooking the whole of Aomori Prefecture. On clear days, visitors can feel the grandeur of Aomori's terrain and nature as they gaze out at the Tsugaru Plain, Mutsu Bay, and the Shimokita Peninsula all at once. Particularly during the autumn foliage season, the mountains display a beauty like a natural carpet dyed in red and yellow, showcasing unique beauty in each of the four seasons. [Duration Estimate] One-way ropeway ride to summit 10 min – stroll around summit (30 min) – one-way ropeway ride to base 10 min (total 50 min) *Please refer to [Exemptions/Itinerary Guarantee: Itinerary/Destinations].
(45 min)	From Hakkoda Ropeway to Shin-Aomori Station Take the hired car from Hakkoda Ropeway to Shin-Aomori Station.
(200 min)	From Shin-Aomori Station to Tokyo Station Take the Shinkansen from Shin-Aomori Station to Tokyo Station. (Hayabusa Shinkansen, reserved seat)
- 20:35	Arrive at Tokyo Station Tour ends at Tokyo Station

Itinerary

06:50 - 07:00	【Day1】Tokyo Station Marunouchi South Entrance KITTE Building B1F Tokyo City i Meet-up Tokyo Station Marunouchi South Entrance KITTE Building B1F Tokyo City i - Meet at 06:50, Dep. at 07:00 (about 1 min on foot from JR Tokyo Station; directly connected to Marunouchi Line Tokyo Station via underground passage) After the meet-up, the English-speaking tour conductor will guide customers to board the Shinkansen at Tokyo Station.
(190 min)	From Tokyo Station to Akita Prefecture Kakunodate Station From Tokyo Station to Akita Prefecture Kakunodate Station　 (Komachi Shinkansen, reserved seat) Guides and other staff do not ride on the Shinkansen with tour participants.
(10 min)	Transfer (Kakunodate Station to Aoyagi Samurai Manor Museum) Take the hired car from Kakunodate Station to Aoyagi Samurai Manor Museum.
(60 min)	Aoyagi Samurai Manor Museum (Old Japanese House) A samurai residence with a history of over 400 years. See the architectural style of the Edo period and the life of the samurai up close. At this spot that condenses the history and culture of Kakunodate, enjoy seasonal scenery in a beautiful garden.
	Lunch (meal charges not included in the tour) Customers can purchase their own lunch at the Aoyagi Samurai Manor Museum. In the atmospheric space of a samurai residence, enjoy Akita's local cuisine such as kiritanpo and Inaniwa udon noodles.
(150 min)	Kakunodate Iaido Experience An authentic martial arts experience for 2 and a half hours. Learn the basic techniques of Iaido in a training uniform and embody the spirit and manners of a samurai. Under the guidance of a local Iaido master who has continued training, customers can learn concentration and how to use the body through drawing and sheathing the sword and other basic movements. Lastly, try cutting the human cardboard figure.
(10 min)	Transfer (Kakunodate Budokan to Kakunodate Station) Take the hired car from Kakunodate Budokan to Kakunodate.
(60 min)	Transfer (Kakunodate Station to Morioka Station) Take the Shinkansen from Kakunodate Station to Morioka Station. (Komachi Shinkansen, reserved seat)
- 17:50	Morioka Station After arriving at Morioka Station, walk to the accommodation facility.
	Stay at Hotel in Morioka
11:50 - 12:00	【Day2】Meet at Morioka Station 2F in front of Tourist Information Center Morioka City After having breakfast (at the hotel) / lunch (free time allotted), please be at the meet-up. Morioka Station 2F in front of Tourist Information Center Morioka City Access: 2F South Exit inside the Morioka Station building, on foot from JR Morioka Station Meet at 11:50, Dep. at 12:00
(40 min)	Transfer Take the hired car from Morioka Station and head to Morioka Handi-works Square.
	Konyacho Banya/Bank of Iwate Red Brick Building (Drive-by) Go around spots that retain the atmosphere of the Edo period (1603-1868) and Meiji period (1868-1912). Feel the atmosphere of a townhouse from the Edo period gazing at Konyacho Banya, and take in the beauty of Western-style architecture from the Meiji period looking at the Bank of Iwate Red Brick Building.
(60 min)	Morioka Handi-works Square Kunzan Kobo - Nambu Ironware Traditional Craft Experience Discover the charm of Nambu ironware, which has a history of 400 years. Learn directly about the depth of traditional crafts through activities such as touring the workshop, pressing patterns into molds, and tasting water boiled in Nambu ironware.
(80 min)	Transfer Take the hired car from Morioka Handi-works Square and head to Chuson-ji Temple.
(100 min)	Chuson-ji Temple This World Heritage site conveys the beauty of the Heian period (794-1185) to the present. Behold the Konjikido Golden Hall and various national treasures and important cultural properties. Japan's history and aesthetic sense are condensed amidst a tranquil atmosphere, creating a mystical space that cleanses the heart and providing a valuable opportunity to touch upon the spirituality of Japan.
(80 min)	Transfer Take the hired car from Chuson-ji Temple to Morioka Station.
- 18:00	Morioka Station After arriving at Morioka Station, walk to the accommodation facility.
	Stay at Hotel in Morioka
08:20 - 08:30	【Day3】Meet at Morioka Station 2F in front of Tourist Information Center Morioka City After finishing breakfast, please be at the tour meet-up. Morioka Station 2F in front of Tourist Information Center Morioka City (2F South Exit inside the Morioka Station building, on foot from JR Morioka Station) Meet at 08:20, Dep. at 08:30
(35 min)	Transfer (Morioka Station to Hachinohe Station) Take the Shinkansen from Morioka Station to Hachinohe Station. (Hayabusa or Yamabiko Shinkansen, reserved seat)
(60 min)	Transfer (Hachinohe Station to Oirase Gorge) Take the hired car from Hachinohe Station to Oirase Gorge.
(120 min)	Oirase Gorge Enjoy an efficient tour around Oirase Gorge as a car will be used as the main method of transportation. Take a short walk at scenic spots along the beautiful stream—Samidare-no-Nagare, Ashura-no-Nagare, Kumoi Falls, and Choshi Otaki Waterfall. This luxurious nature experience concludes at the mysterious Lake Towada.
(50 min)	Transfer Take the hired car from Oirase Gorge to a stopover.
(30 min)	Nagaiki-no-Chaya Kayano (Stopover) At this local teahouse, travelers can casually enjoy the flavors of Aomori's regional cuisine and relieve fatigue from the trip. Aomori's local dish, ginger miso oden, is a specialty.
(10 min)	Transfer Take the hired car from the stopover location to Hakkoda Ropeway.
(60 min)	Hakkoda Ropeway Ride Relish a scenic spot overlooking the whole of Aomori Prefecture. On clear days, visitors can feel the grandeur of Aomori's terrain and nature as they gaze out at the Tsugaru Plain, Mutsu Bay, and the Shimokita Peninsula all at once. Particularly during the autumn foliage season, the mountains display a beauty like a natural carpet dyed in red and yellow, showcasing unique beauty in each of the four seasons. [Duration Estimate] One-way ropeway ride to summit 10 min – stroll around summit (30 min) – one-way ropeway ride to base 10 min (total 50 min) *Please refer to [Exemptions/Itinerary Guarantee: Itinerary/Destinations].
(45 min)	From Hakkoda Ropeway to Shin-Aomori Station Take the hired car from Hakkoda Ropeway to Shin-Aomori Station.
(200 min)	From Shin-Aomori Station to Tokyo Station Take the Shinkansen from Shin-Aomori Station to Tokyo Station. (Hayabusa Shinkansen, reserved seat)
- 20:35	Arrive at Tokyo Station Tour ends at Tokyo Station

PLAN