Tohoku Autumn Leaves Tour 2026

Arrive at either Narita Int’l Airport or Haneda Int’l Airport. After clearing Customs, you’ll transfer to your hotel via private transfer. Shiba Park Hotel is a classic, well-established hotel located in central Tokyo, offering a comfortable stay with a refined, library-inspired atmosphere

Your tour of Japan’s fabled northeastern Tohoku region in Honshu begins right here, in Tokyo – a city of unbridled energy, storied history and peerless sights. You’ll be met in the hotel lobby by your English-speaking tour guide and embark on a day-long tour of one of the world’s most fascinating cities. Tokyo is a study in contrasts, where dramatic skyscrapers and towers stand next to exquisitely maintained palaces, shrines and temples dating back hundreds of years. Among many highlights of the day will be the timeless Imperial Palace, ancient Meiji Shrine, stylish Omotesando shopping area. We’ll travel on Tokyo’s super-efficient public transportation, which makes it easy to get around and make the most of our precious time here.

Your English-speaking guide for the remainder of the trip, Ken Takenaga, will meet you at your hotel and travel with you to Morioka.

• 08:37: Depart Tokyo Station

  • Board the Shinkansen Hayabusa 7 bound for Morioka

10:55 Arrive at Morioka Station.

Upon arrival, we will depart for Morioka City sightseeing visiting following attractions;

• Morioka Castle Ruins Park (Iwate Park) - A central park, 20 minutes from the station featuring scenic granite stonewalls, a stone bridge, and vibrant colorful autumn leaves.
  • Nanshoso – A historic 19-century villa and garden offering picturesque traditional Japanese scenery with brilliant autumn colors.

  • Former Nambu Clan Bettei Garden – A quiet traditional pond style garden creating a relaxing authentic setting.

We will check into Hotel Metropolitan New Wing where we will stay next 4 nights.

We will have dinner at local Izakaya restaurant.

Today we will make a day trip to Aomori.

08:50: Depart Morioka station bound for Shin Aomori on Hayabusa 1.
09:49: Arrive at Shin Aomori Station.

Our first visit in Aomori will be Hakkoda Gold Line & Hakkoda Ropeway
Activity: Take the 10-minute ropeway ride to the Tamoyachidake summit (approx. 1,320m) for panoramic views of the Aomori countryside and autumn colours.

Continue toward Oirase stream and Towada Hachimantai Park, which are one of Japan’s top autumn foliage spots. At this time of year, you will be in the heart of the peak autumn foliage season. Oirase Gorge features a 14km walking path along the stream with numerous waterfalls like Choshi Otaki. We will drive through the gorge and use the roadside parking pockets at major falls to take quick photos.

We will return to Shin Aomori station to catch Shinkansen bound for Morioka.

We will have dinner at local Izakaya.

We will make a day trip to Hachimantai area. Foliage in Hachimantai peaks at late October in lower valleys, making some Honshu’s earliest fall color.

Key spots include the panoramic Hachimantai Aspite Line and volcanic Matsukawa Valley.

08:30 AM – Depart hotel. The drive from the hotel to Hachimantai area takes approximately 2 hours.

05:00 PM – Return to the hotel.

Today we will make a day trip to Kakunodate City where you’ll step back in time to the samurai era.

This famous samurai district once housed 80 families, each with a house that uniquely captures the architecture of the period. Kakunodate’s samurai district is one of the best examples that vividly show how this warrior caste lived in close proximity – ready for action! Several of the old houses are open for tourists, and a few have been inhabited by generations of samurai relations even to this day. The wide open streets lined by maple trees frames a picture-perfect view into the past. There are museums, gift shops, gardens and architecture to explore here.

We depart hotel and head south to Hiraizumi and its top attraction: Chusonji Buddhist Temple.

Built in 850 A.D. on top of Kanzan hill, this Tendai-sect Buddhist temple commands a spectacular view of autumn color leaves. Your guide will share details of Chusonji’s lofty past from prominence and power to decline. Among the few remaining sites here is the fabulous Golden Pavilion, completely covered in gold leaf, which is protected from the elements housed inside a larger structure.

Chusonji is a treasure-trove of more than 3,000 ancient relics made from many master craftsmen: lacquered pieces, woodwork, metalwork, hand-dyed items and intricate calligraphy, which together stand testament to the height of Heian-era Buddhist art in eastern Japan.

We will check into Japanese Ryokan Osawa Onsen Sansuikaku

We will check out and depart for Kitakami Shinkansen Station where we will catch Shinkansen to Koriyama, gateway to Fukushima’s mountain ranges to the east and west. Your first stop by private car is the famed Tsuruga Castle, built in 1384.

The final stronghold of samurai loyal to the shogunate there, Tsuruga Castle complex is a colorful blend of traditional architecture, a samurai museum and tea house, all of which immerse you in a bygone era of conflict and serenity with lovely views from the castle keep.

After a local lunch, we’ll continue on to Ouchijuku, a former post town in a beautiful mountain setting. Now restored to its Edo-era style, the entire town features charming thatch-roofed shops, restaurants and inns. A serene shrine and temple are located at the edge of town, and the local char-grilled fish and savory soba noodles are not to be missed.

Tonight you’ll relax at a Japanese-style ryokan inn that offers all the creature comforts.

You’ll depart for Tokyo by bullet train. Enjoy the snacks and drinks on-board while admiring the view.