1. This 6-day course departing from Tokyo introduces the tradition and culture of the Tohoku region, visiting the prefectures of Miyagi, Iwate, Akita, 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 a National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter from the meet-up in Sendai on Day 1.
2. On Day 1, take the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Sendai, Tohoku region's largest city. Visit Miyagikyo Distillery owned by world-famous Nikka Whisky, as well as Sendai Tansu Kumanodo, a workshop specializing in Sendai's traditional craft of creating tansu (traditional Japanese chests made of wood and iron fittings). Under the direct supervision of artisans during the chopsticks lacquering experience, customers can experience lacquer painting techniques used in the process of making Sendai tansu. Customers will be given the chopsticks they made on the last day of the tour, making for a great souvenir from their trip.
3. On Day 2, visit Sekino-ichi, a historical brewery that has been around for a hundred years; Chuson-ji Temple's Konjiki-do (Golden Hall), a National Treasure; and a foundry where traditional craft Nambu ironware is made.
4. On Day 3, take a stroll around Kakunodate, the "Little Kyoto of Michinoku," a castle town that flourished in the Edo period (1603-1868). Delight in the season's atmosphere whether it's cherry blossoms, fresh greenery, autumn leaves, or snowy scenery.
5. On Day 4, visit the so-called Hachinohe's kitchen, Hasshoku Center, and enjoy some fresh seafood (customers will purchase own lunch, charges not included in tour). Afterwards, take a stroll around Oirase Gorge, one of Japan's Natural Monuments (Natural Protected Areas) and Tohoku's famous sightseeing spot awarded 2 stars in the Michelin Green Guide.
6. On Day 5, visit Tsurunomai Bridge, Japan's longest triple-arch wooden bridge spanning a total length of 300 meters, built using cypress sourced from Aomori Prefecture. (*As the Tsurunomai Bridge will be undergoing repair work until Mar. 31, 2026, roads will be completely closed to traffic during the period of Sept. 1 to Mar. 31 every year. ) Afterwards, learn about the relationship between beech trees and the ecosystem in Shirakami Sanchi with a visit to the Shirakami-Sanchi Visitor Center, located at the gateway to World Natural Heritage Shirakami Sanchi.
7. On Day 6, visit one of Japan's important cultural properties, Hirosaki Castle, which features the only extant castle keep in Tohoku. Whether it's the season for cherry blossoms, autumn leaves, or snowy landscapes, the scenery will be simply stunning. Visit a museum with displays of tachineputa, colossal floats used in Goshogawara City's Tachineputa Festival, a summer tradition in Aomori Prefecture. After which, head to Takayama Inari Shrine and be immersed in a seemingly otherworldly realm of hundreds of vermilion torii gates.
8. Sustainable Tourism:
This tour promotes Environment(Eco)-friendly efforts, Cross-cultural Understanding, and Social Contribution as stated under Sunrise Tours' Sustainable Development Goals.
This is a carbon offset product where a portion of the tour booking charge is spent on renewable energy. By converting CO2 emissions during the tour to green energy, it's possible to contribute to activities protecting the planet's future.
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
9. Adventure Tourism:
This is a Sunrise Tours Adventure Tourism product featuring three elements: activity, nature, and cultural experience.
