Hi everyone,
My husband and I, along with some friends are planning a trip to Tohoku and Tokyo in early November to catch the autumn foliage. We will be spending 1 week in Tohoku and 1 week in Tokyo. We're looking for advice on maximizing our experience! The plan is to take a Shinkansen from Tokyo to Aomori, rent a car and slowly head down south before returning the car in Niigata and taking a train back to Tokyo.
I realise that the list below is unrealistic as it would be impossible to see and do everything in one week. This is where I would really really really appreciate the advice of local experts in helping to narrow it down to something more feasible.
What can we skip? Anything I am missing that is an absolute must?
About Us:
We're a group of friends who love exploring local cultures and enjoying the great outdoors. We're always on the lookout for stunning views and unique experiences, whether it's a private wine tasting or a cooking class. We're also foodies at heart and would love to hear restaurant recommendations – from casual eats to fine dining. We're big fans of wine and whiskey, but are still discovering the world of sake – any recommendations welcome!
Need Advice On:
We're interested in seeing autumn foliage, but not sure which prefectures to prioritize. We also want to balance city exploration with countryside adventures. Any recommendations for light hiking trails with great views would be great. We're looking for unique experiences, good restaurants, and local food recommendations. Additionally, we're interested in visiting sake and whiskey breweries/distilleries – are there any must-see spots we're missing? Any advice or suggestions would be really helpful, thanks
Aomori – Arrive Sunday evening and tour around on Monday
Takayama Inari Shrine*
Lake Towada*
Towada-Hachimantai National Park
Oirase-keiryū gorge
Hirosaki Park (and Castle)
Hirosaki City Apple Park
Poka Poka*
Fujita Memorial Garden
A-FACTORY
Aomori Gyosai Center
Akita – Arrive early Tuesday and tour around for the day
Lake Tazawa / Gozanoishi Shrine*
Kakunodate Rekishi-mura Aoyagi-ke (Aoyagi Samurai House)
Kakunodatemachi
Senshu Park / Kubota Castle
Geisha performing show
Dakigaeri Valley (seems out of the way)
Iwate – Arrive early Wednesday and tour around for the day. This is probably the biggest challenge :-/
Chuson-ji temple
Geibikei Gorge (boat ride)
Takamatsu Park
Hōonji Temple
Towada-Hachimantai National Park (see various animals and unusual natural phenomena)
Bank of Iwate Red Brick Building
Morioka Castle & shrine
Morioka Hachimangu Shrine
Nanshoso
Iwayama Observatory (dawn)
Mōtsū-ji
Takkoku-no-iwaya Bishamondō
Kitakami Tenshochi Park
Koiwai Farm (experience)
Yamagata – Arrive early Thursday and tour around for the day
Yamadera Temple
Ginzan onsen
Zao Onsen (view)
Somaro Geisha/Meiko show
Miyagi/Sendai – Arrive early Friday and tour around for the day
Sendai Castle ruins
Zuihoden Mausoleum
Aoba Castle
Minenoura Tarumizu Iseki
Rinnoji Temple
Mastsushima Bay boat ride
Naruko Valley – Ofukazawa walking bridge
Miyagi Zao fox village
Zenko-ji Temple
Okama crater
Ryomi winery
Nikka Whiskey Sendai factory Miyagikyo Distillery
Miyagi Sake
Fukushima – Arrive early Saturday and tour around for the day
Tsuruga Castle
J Village
Goshikinuma ponds
Aizuwakamatsu Castle
Ōuchi-juku
Aizu Sake brewery
Toyokuni brewery
Takahashi Shosaku sake brewery
Homare Shuzu
Iwaki winery
Niigata (maybe) – Arrive early Sunday and tour around for the day
Yahiko Shrine
Sado Island – boat ride
Hoshitoge rice terrances
Takada Castle
Kiyotsu Gorge
Saito Villa
Gyokusendo
Imayo Tsukasa sake brewery
Uonuma no sato sake brewery
Raiden-sama Spring Water
Train back to Tokyo on Monday morning. Thanks again!!
by un2trois