I’m tentatively planning a trip to Tohoku for later this year (obviously COVID dependent) to take advantage of the new 5 day rail pass available for foreign residents, and looking for some feedback on my itinerary. I’ve already visited Akita and Iwate, so I’d quite like to visit the other four prefectures on this trip if it’s feasible.
**Day 1: Aizu-Wakamatsu**
Arrive in Tokyo early morning by night bus, get an early morning train to Aizu-Wakamatsu. Don’t really have many plans here, just explore the town and check out the sites, planning on staying in a fairly nice ryokan and just chilling in the evening.
**Day 2: Sendai (Matsushima)**
Early morning train to Sendai and drop off my bags somewhere, then head to Matsushima for the day. In the evening look for a nice restaurant and maybe try out some bars in Sendai.
**Day 3: Sendai (Yamadera)**
Day trip to Yamadera. I’m interested in visiting the Nikka Whiskey Distillery on this too as I noticed it’s not too far from Yamadera, has anyone here been there and know if it’s possible to fit them both in one day? Probably sleep in Sendai and check out the nightlife again.
**Day 4: Hirosaki/Hachinohe**
This is one day I’m not too sure about. I was planning on staying in Hachinohe for the Izakayas and morning market but I’ve heard that Hirosaki is a much more interesting place in the day, so I might go to Hirosaki in the day but then go back to Hachinohe in the evening. If there’s any other places nearby worth checking out in the day though, I’m all ears.
**Day 5: Nikko**
This day might be a tad ambitious, but I was planning on leaving early and spending the day in Nikko, and then maybe getting dinner in Utsunomiya afterwards. At about 11pm head back home on the night bus.
One of the things I’m not too sure about is the order of travel, might it be better to start in Aomori and work my way down? Any places I’ve skipped over which I really shouldn’t miss out on? If anyone has any food suggestions I’d appreciate them too, and I’m a big craft beer fan too so I’d like to try out some local craft breweries and good bars.
Thank you to anyone who took the time to read all of this – any suggestions or changes to my plans would be really appreciated! 🙂
5 comments
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These trip reports might be helpful for you. Also, don’t overlook the Joyful Trains since they’re included in the rail pass too. There’s some fun ones you can try in the JR East region. I did the Resort Shirakami from Aomori to Akita but since you’ve already done Akita maybe you want to try one of the others.
– [My Trip Report: Fukushima: Samurai History and Painted Candle Illumination in Aizuwakamatsu (mid-Feb) ](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/comments/metuf4/samurai_history_in_aizuwakamatsu_in_fukushima/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf)
– [My Trip Report: Aomori/Akita: Cherry Blossoms and Samurai History using the 5-day JR East Tohoku Pass ](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/comments/nahtfk/chasing_cherry_blossoms_in_aomori_and_samurai/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf)
– [JR East Joyful Trains ](https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/joyful/index.html?src=gnavi)
– [Guide to 13 Joyful Trains ](https://japanrailtimes.japanrailcafe.com.sg/web/article/rail-travel/joyful-trains)
Yes, it’s possible to fit both Yamadera and Miyagikyo Distillery day, assuming Miyagikyo tour schedule will be the same after the pandemic and you get an afternoon slot.
Day 4: Morning market in Hachinohe is Sunday only. Considering that you will need to get to Nikko via Utsunomiya, my advice is to choose a single destination (Hirosaki) and return to Sendai for the evening.
If you grab dinner in Utsunomiya, [Blue Magic](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Blue+Magic/@36.5608558,139.8804167,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x4ea39367b21c8ace!8m2!3d36.5608558!4d139.8826054) is a microbrewery I’ve heard good things about that is located by gyoza restaurants and the station.
[Craft Beer Market](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Craft+Beer+Market/@38.2628927,140.867797,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0xd4e3b85e58f1ac1!8m2!3d38.2628927!4d140.8699857) is a taproom in Sendai with a good amount of taps and English menus.
Just one thing to say, search for tohoku four temples pilgrimage, as you are likely going to them all.