Tokyo – Arrive at either Narita Int’l Airport or Haneda Int’l Airport.

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

Accommodation: Park Hotel Tokyo (2 nights)
Higashi Shimbashi, Minato-ku 1057227
Tel: + 81-3-6252-1111

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. Enjoy a Welcome Dinner this evening overlooking Tokyo night view.

Accommodation: Park Hotel Tokyo (2 nights)
Higashi Shimbashi, Minato-ku 1057227
Tel: + 81-3-6252-1111

We’ll travel by high-speed bullet train to Koriyama, gateway to Fukushima’s mountain ranges to the east and west.

Your English-speaking guide for the remainder of the trip, Ken Takenaga, will meet you at the train station. 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 among cherry-blossomed splendor at a Japanese-style ryokan inn that offers all the creature comforts.

Today, you’ll plunge into the redolent fragrance of cherry blossoms! We’ll travel leisurely by car to our destination, stopping en-route at the famous Tenshochi Park in Kitakami.

Registered as one of the 100 Best Sakura Viewing Sites in Japan, Tenshochi Park dazzles the senses with its 10,000 cherry blossom trees, a spectacular tree tunnel in full bloom, and distant views of snow-capped peaks. You can grab a snack at one of the many food stalls and revel in unparalleled photo opportunities.

After a satisfying day, you’ll be ready to relax in a steaming hot springs bath at our onsen inn tonight.

Accommodation:
Osawa Onsen Sansuikaku ( 2 nts)
Azaoosawa 181, Yuguchi Hanamaki-shi Iwate
Tel: +81-198-25-2021

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 cherry blossoms in full bloom. 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.

Accommodation:
Osawa Onsen Sansuikaku (2 nights)
Azaoosawa 181, Yuguchi Hanamaki-shi Iwate
Tel: +81-198-25-2021

After breakfast, we will depart for Morioka, with a stop at the Morioka Handy-Works
Square.

This amazing cultural craft “village” offers workshops as well as a wide range of
stores selling popular gift items by master craftsmen: indigo accessories, cast-iron ware,
wooden toys, tasty foods and jewelry crafts. It’s a hands-on experience to touch, see,
build and enjoy the best of Morioka’s unique offerings.

After lunch at the local restaurant, we will visit poplar cherry blossom spots in the area.

Accommodation:
Hotel Metropolitan New Wing (3 nights)
2-27 Morioka Ekimae Dori
Morioka City, Iwate 020-0033
Tel: +81-19-625-1211

Today, if weather permits, we will visit Machimantai Aspite Line to view incredible snow walls known as the Snow Corridor, which is formed by snow-ploughs cutting through the deep snow drifts.

We then continue on 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 a lacy canopy of cherry blossoms frames a picture-perfect view into the past. There are museums, gift shops, gardens and architecture to explore here.

Hotel Metropolitan New Wing (3 nights)

After breakfast, we will depart for Aomori for a day trip.

Upon arrival, we will pick up our car and depart for the Sannai-Maruyama Site, which is an archaeological site and museum containing the ruins of a very large JOMON period settlement.

After lunch at the local restaurant, we will depart for Hirosaki City, which is known to be one of best places to see cherry blossoms in Japan. Over 2,600 cherry trees are planted and the dynamic scenery of the castle and cherry blossoms can be seen.

Hotel Metropolitan New Wing (3 nights)

Depart for Tokyo by bullet train.
Enjoy the snacks and drinks on-board while admiring the view.
Your Rail tickets will be arranged through to Hamamatsucho.Station Tokyo.
From there you can use your Pasmo Card which you’ll receive from the Tokyo Guide to purchase monorail tickets to Haneda Airport