After clearing Customs, you’ll transfer to your hotel via limousine bus. The Park Hotel Tokyo is located on the 25^th floor of the Shiodome Media Tower downtown, where you’ll enjoy a stunning panorama of the city from your window.

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, the bustling Ginza district, and serene Hama Rikyu Gardens. 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 Shin-Aomori.

08:37: Depart Tokyo Station
Board the Shinkansen Hayabusa 7 bound for Shin-Aomori
11:51: Arrive at Shin-Aomori Station
Upon arrival met at the Station and transfer to Mini Van for onward travel.
Hakkoda Gold Line & Ropeway
12:15: Depart for Hakkoda Gold Line
13:15: 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.
15:30: Drive the Hakkoda Gold Line
Continue toward your hotel along National Route 103, known as the Hakkoda Gold Line
This scenic drive takes you through vibrant forests and past volcanic landscapes.
Evening: Arrival at Oirase
16:30 – 17:00: Arrive at Oirase Mori No Hotel
Location: The hotel is located in the Oirase Keiryu Onsen area (Yakeyama), roughly 50 minutes from the Hakkoda Ropeway

Check-in & Relax: Settle in and enjoy the hotel’s natural hot springs (onsen) and dinner featuring local Aomori ingredients.

This itinerary covers your drive from the Oirase/Towada area south through Akita Prefecture to Morioka Oirase stream and Towada Hachimantai Park are one of Japan’s to autumn fall Foliage spots.

At this time of year, you will be in the heart of the peak autumn foliage season. •

08:30 AM – Check out from Hotel Depart early to maximize daylight for the scenic Oirase Gorge
09:00 AM – Visit Oirase Gorge The gorge features a 14km walking path along the stream with numerous waterfalls like Choshi Otaki .Activity: We will drive through the gorge and use the roadside parking pockets at major falls to take quick photos.

12:30 PM – Lunch at Lake Towada Head to the Yasumiya area, the main hub for dining on the lakeshore. Lunch at Restaurant Morita (Open 12:00 PM – 2:50 PM) specializes in locally caught Himemasu (kokanee salmon) and Wakasagi tempura.

After lunch for a panoramic farewell view of the lake before heading south. • 02:00 PM – Drive through Kazuno Area.Take Route 103/282 south through Kazuno City a historic gateway known for its cultural heritage. o Scenic Stop: Michi-no-Eki Kazuno “Antler” to see festival floats.
Drive along the Yuze Gorge to see the “Tengu Bridge” and vibrant autumn maples.

05:00 PM – Check into Hotel Metropolitan Morioka New Wing

The drive from Lake Towada to Morioka takes approximately 2 hours. 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.