Little Adventure North East 8 Days
Nikko, Sendai, Kakunodate, Matsushima
| Duration | 7 nights and 8 days |
| Departs | Daily |
| Price | From $1,683 per person (based on twin share) |
This package provides an introduction to Tohoku, the north part of Japan, including a trip to the UNESCO World Heritage site, Nikko.
The lavishly decorated shrines and the unison of nature with man-made structures will have you captivated. Discover the historical samurai culture instilled in Sendai and Kakunodate. Experience one of Japan’s 3 most beautiful views in Matsushima and enjoy a relaxing cruise in the bay. The relaxed cities, historic towns and the beauty of nature in Tohoku provides a new perspective of Japan. Find your new favourite place in Tohoku.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Tokyo
Upon arrival in Tokyo, discover some new places around the city. Try strolling around the Yanaka, Nezu area, known for its numerous temples, a sloping maze of streets and narrow alleys, and unique small museums and galleries.
Accommodation: Tokyo – 2 nights
Day 2: Tokyo
Take a day trip to the town called ‘Little Edo’, Kawagoe. Wander around streets lined with traditional clay-walled warehouses and see and hear the symbol of Kawagoe – the bell tower.
*Optional guided tours are available. See Tokyo Day Tours
Day 3: Tokyo – Nikko
Board a train to Nikko, home to world heritage listed temples and shrines. Explore the lavishly designed structures such as the luxurious Toshogu Shrine, the flamboyant Taiyuinbyo, Iemitsu Mausoleum, Rinnoji Temple (Nikko’s most important temple) and Futarasan Shrine. Unwind in the onsen hot spring hotel.
Accommodation: Nikko – 1 night (Dinner and Breakfast)
Day 4: Nikko – Sendai
Take a stroll through the Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park in the morning, then head off to Sendai, the largest city in Tohoku, known as the ‘City of Trees’. Stop by the tranquil Aoba Castle Ruins and enjoy a sweeping Sendai city view. Admire the glorious Zuihoden Mausoleum, the final resting place of the founder of Sendai, Date Masamune. Wander around the bustling shopping arcades, and try the local snack food, Shyotan-age (Sendai style corndog).
Accommodation: Sendai – 3 nights
Day 5: Sendai – Kakunodate – Sendai
Take an expedition to Kakunodate, a former castle town containing rows of samurai residences. Stroll around this charming historical town at your own pace. On the way back, drop in to Morioka for lunch and feast on the famous Wanko Soba. Explore the city, and its beautiful landscape with Mt Iwate and its two rivers, Kitakami River and Nakatsu River, at leisure.
OR
Take a day trip to Yamadera temple complex where a magnificent valley view awaits you. On the way back to Sendai, stop by the Nikka Whisky Distillery. Learn about the process of distilling whisky and taste this famous and delicious Japanese whisky.
Day 6: Sendai – Hiraizumi – Sendai
Board a train for Hiraizumi, which contains over 3,000 national treasures, historical sites and cultural attractions. Visit Chusonji Temple, famous for its Konjiki-do Hall, and Motsuji Temple, best known for its ‘Pure Land Garden’. Then return to Sendai.
OR
Visit the exquisitely beautiful Geibikei Gorge. Take a calming tour along the river on a flat-bottomed, non-motorised vessel. You’ll be enchanted by the stunning seasonal vista and amazed by the impressive rock formations.
Day 7: Sendai – Matsushima – Tokyo
Explore Matsushima, one of Japan’s Three Most Scenic Places. See the bay of islands close-up with a leisurely cruise. Stop by the many sights including Zuiganji Temple, sacred Ojima Island, Kanrantei tea room, the beautiful garden at the Entsuin Temple, and don’t miss Godaido Hall. Make your way back to Tokyo.
Accommodation: Tokyo – 1 night
Day 8: Tokyo – Narita International Airport
Depart Japan or head to your next destination.
*The order of the tour can be changed and the length increased or decreased to match your requirements.
Highlights:
– UNESCO World Heritage Site Nikko
– The samurai history and spirit of Sendai
– ‘Little Kyoto in Tohoku’, the samurai district Kakunodate
– One of Japan’s Three Most Scenic Places, Matsushima
Package Details:
| Duration | 7 nights and 8 days (travel order can be changed, length of tour can be extended or decreased) |
| Departure Dates | Available all year round |
| Route | Tokyo, Nikko, Sendai, Matsushima, Hiraizumi, Kakunodate |
| Tour type | Self-guided package: pick up/drop off service is not available |
| Price (land fee) | Twin share from $1,683 per person Triple share from $1,511 per person Single from $2,350 per person |
| *Seasonal fee may apply (arriving in April, May, June, July, August and October) | |
Package inclusions:
– 6 nights accommodation in a standard room in 3-4 star hotels, 1 night in Onsen Hotel
・ 3 nights in Tokyo – Shiba Park Hotel or similar
・ 1 night in Nikko – Kozuchi-no-Yado Tsurukame Daikichi or similar
・ 3 nights in Sendai – Daiwa Roynet Hotel Sendai or similar
– Meals
・ 1 dinner and 1 breakfast in Nikko
– JR East Pass (Tohoku Area 5 days)
– Transport card loaded with JPY1,500 credit (Suica/Pasmo etc)
Package exclusions:
– Flights: We can assist with your flights to match your itinerary.
*If you have already booked your flight, please provide us your flight details or send us copies of e-tickets when you book/enquire.
– Travel expenses: Unless covered by the JR East Pass and/or mentioned in the Package inclusions.
– Meals: Except as mentioned in the Package inclusions.
– Activities or tours: Except as mentioned in the Package inclusions.
*You can add any day tours or activities you like, we can arrange this for you.
– Admission fees: Except as mentioned in the Package inclusions.
– Personal expenses
– Travel insurance
Notes:
*Non-smoking rooms may be available on request. We book non-smoking rooms when available.
*Please read our term and conditions.
*Package inclusions are subject to availability.
*Prices are subject to currency fluctuations.
