I am planning 2 weeks in Tohoku in the second half of March 2024.
I have been to Japan multiple times (and speak Japanese), but this will be my first time travelling Tohoku and my first time solo travelling.
I am in my 20s and very active so fatigue/tiredness are not major concerns. I am aware I am trying to do a lot but I am someone that likes to have a detailed plan but am also happy to adjust on the spot if issues arise or I run out of time.
I will mainly using public transport except for 2 days where I will be renting a car as listed below (but open to renting more days).
I would appreciate any feedback/recommendations or any must-see things I have missed. I have some specific questions highlighted at the bottom 🙂
**Day 1 – Aomori:**
* Shinkansen from Tokyo
* Aomori Gyosai Center (Aomori Nokkedon)
* Nebuta Museum Wa Rasse
* A-FACTORY
* Aomori Prefecture Tourism Information Center ASPAM (Observation deck)
* Aoiumi Park
* Aomori Bay Bridge
* Stay in Aomori
**Day 2 – Hirosaki**
* Train from Aomori station to Hirosaki Station
* Hirosaki City Apple Park
* Hirosaki Park (and Castle)
* Fujita Memorial Garden
* Former Fifty-Ninth Bank Head Office Main Building
* Former Hirosaki City Library
* Stay in Aomori
**Day 3 – Mount Hakkoda**
* Bus to Ropeway
* Hakkōda Ropeway
* Considering hiking here but it appears not possible in March
* **Is it worth renting ski gear and skiing for the half the day instead**? If so, any recommendations? Or should I extend this to an overnight trip and ski the following morning as well?
* Return to Aomori
**Day 4 – Hachinohe**
* Train from Aomori
* Drop luggage at Hachinohe station. **Are there luggage lockers here for a large suitcase**? Google seems to indicate there is.
* Tatehana Wharf Morning Market
* Kabushima Shrine
* Samekado toudai lighthouse
* Ashigezaki tenbōdai Observatory
* Tanesashi Coast/Beach
* Walk along the coast as far as time allows
* Shirahama Beach
* Hachinohe Yatai Mura (Food Stall Village) – Miroku Yokocho (みろく横丁)
* Continue on to Morioka and stay in Morioka
**Day 5 – Morioka**
* Takamatsu Park
* Hōonji Temple (500 Rakan)
* Ishiwarizakura (The Rock-Splitting Cherry Tree)
* Azumaya Honten (Wanko Soba Challenge) – Nearby so can fit this between sights
* Bank of Iwate Red Brick Building
* Iwate Park
* Morioka Castle Ruins Park
* Sakurayama Shrine
* Morioka Hachimangu Shrine
* Nanshoso
* Head to Iwayama Park for Iwayama Observatory after dinner
* Stay in Morioka
**Day 6 – Kakunodate**
* Walk along Hinokinai river
* Pass through Hinokinaigawa Tsutsumi Park
* Kakunodate Castle Remains
* 角館武家屋敷通り (Main street in Samurai District)
* Aoyagi Samurai House
* Ishiguro Samurai House
* Enishi Inn – **Can I actually pay to pet/play with/walk the dogs**?
* Train minutes to Morioka Station
* Explore Morioka Oodoori (Shopping street) for dinner and drinks
* Stay in Morioka
**Day 7 – Lake Tazawa**
* **Should I rent a car this day as well? Is it safe driving in this weather from someone who has never driven in snow/icy conditions?**
* Train to Tazawako Station
* Tazawako Resthouse (starting point)
* Lake Tazawa
* Initial plan was to rent a bike and cycle around lake but it appears this is not yet open in March.
* Instead: Take bus around lake and get off at main attractions
* **As I am leaving Morioka this morning and not returning, is it possible to take my luggage with me this day? I’d be happy to leave it at Tazawako station if required.**
* Gozanoishi Shrine
* Tatsuko Statue
* Train to Akita Station and stay in Akita
**Day 8 – Akita (RENTAL CAR)**
* Rent car from Akita Station
* Namahage Museum
* Shinzan Shrine
* Akagami Shrine Goshado
* Akita City Folk Arts Center (Neburinagashi-Kan)
* Senshu Park (Kubota Castle)
* Akita Arts Theatre Mille Has
* Return Car to Akita Station
* Dinner at Kawabata Street
* Akita City Port Tower Selion (free observation tower)
* Stay Overnight in Akita
**Day 9 – Yamadera**
* Train from Akita Station to Sendai then to Yamadera
* Yamadera Temple (Rissyakuji Temple)
* Minenoura Tarumizu Iseki
* If time available, continue to Yamagata and visit Kajo Park & Yamagata Folk Museum Bunshokan
* Return to Sendai
**Day 10 – Sendai**
* Buy Loople Bus Ticket
* Sendai Morning Market (Sendai Asaichi)
* Zuihōden Temple (Mausoleum)
* Sendai Castle ruins (Aoba Castle)
* Aobayama Park
* Osaki Hachimangu Shrine
* Rinnoji
* Jozenji dori (main street through city) for dinner at Aji Tasuke (famous gyutan restaurant)
* AER Building (free observation deck)
* Nightlife – Whatever I do not do tonight, can visit other nights:
* Kokubuncho
* Iroha yokocho
**Day 11 – Matsushima**
* Train to Higashi-Shiogama Station
* Shiogama Fish Market (breakfast)
* Shiogama shrine
* Marine Gate Shiogama (Purchase ferry to Matsushima)
* Lunch (near Matsushima Shoreline)
* Godaido of Zuiganji Temple (Godaido Temple)
* Zuiganji Temple
* Entsuin Temple (and gardens)
* Fukuurabashi Bridge
* Walk across to Fukuurabashi Island
* After Fukuurabashi Island, the below places are optional depending on time
* Saigyo Modoshi no Matsu Park
* Oshima Island
* Train to Sendai Station
**Day 11 – Hiraizumi**
* Train from Sendai Station
* Geibikei Gorge
* Geibikei boat tour from dock: 猊鼻渓終点船着場
* Buy Hiraizumi “Run Run” Loop Bus. **Is this bus running in March and is this worth buying?**
* Chusonji Temple
* Take Tsukimizaka (Slope) to reach temple
* Konjikido: temple grand hall
* Motsuji Temple
* Return to Sendai
**Day 12 – Fukushima (RENTAL CAR)**
* Goshikinuma ponds
* Aizuwakamatsu Castle (Tsuruga Castle)
* Sazaedo Temple
* Lake Inawashiro
* Stay Overnight in Aizuwakamatsu or Fukushima City?
**Day 13 – UNDECIDED!**
* I have a spare day that I have not decided on what to do and this can be inserted anywhere above
* I am highly interested in something active (particularly hiking) or some type of cultural experience that is unique to Tohoku.
* I have considered staying somewhere to ski however I would prefer to do a full ‘ski trip’ on a future holiday to Japan. Still open to suggestions for skiing 🙂
Questions:
* Are any train passes worth it? I’m considering the 14-day JR Pass but not sure my travel will make this worth buying? Could buying one or two 5-day JR Tohoku passes be worth it instead? Am I better to just pay for the individual trains?
* What exactly is the weather like in late March? I understand it will be very cold but coming from a city that receives no snow, just how cold will it be? What clothing will be most suitable?
* I am planning on buying waterproof hiking shoes and ice cleats/snow grips as well as 1 snow jacket and 1 pair of snow pants
* Are there are others days I have planned where I need to rent a car?
* Are there any things listed that I should skip or are not worth it?
* Is it possible at all to hike Mount Iwate in late March? Most research shows it is too early in the year but I just want to confirm this is true?
* Any nightlife/clubs/bars/izakaya recommendations? Specifically, any areas that I should visit?