10 Cultural Tours in Tohoku That You Shouldn't Miss

July 21, 2021 Venice Greaves

The Tōhoku region (東北地方, Tōhoku-chihō), Northeast region, or Northeast Japan consists of the northeastern portion of Honshu, the largest island of Japan. This traditional region consists of six prefectures (ken): Akita, Aomori, Fukushima, Iwate, Miyagi and Yamagata.
Restaurants in Tohoku

1. Matsushima and Shiogama Cultural Tour Including One-Way Train Ticket from Tokyo

Hon-Shiogama Station, 15 Kaigandori, Shiogama, Miyagi 985-0002, Japan Beauty of Japan
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This is a rare chance to experience a green tea tasting, a local sake tasting, a tea ceremony at an important historical teahouse and many other activities with your guide who will explain to you about the long history of Matsushima as a sightseeing spot due to its beautiful landscape. Matsushima is also known as a historically important location for being the base of the shogunate during the Sengoku (Warring States) period. This tour includes both one-way bullet train and local train tickets. Enjoy the relaxing train ride as well as beautiful rural landscape in Japan!

Inclusions: Local guide (after arrival in Matsushima), Tea ceremony experience, Green tea tasting, Local original sake-based cocktail tasting (minimum drinking age in Japan is 20 years)

Exclusions: Return ticket to Tokyo, Food and beverage, unless specified, Gratuities

Reviewed By Glenn B

We cancelled the tour in advance and have NEVER been refunded the payment, my advice to anybody is to avoid at all costs this tour

2. 1-Day Private Sendai Tour

Japan Wonder Travel
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Sendai is the biggest city of northern part of Japan, and well known for unique history, food and nature. You could select 4 hours or 7 hours private tour and our team would suggest the best itinerary based on your interests. For instance, Zuihoden (the mausoleum of Shogun), Osaki Hachimangu Shrine (Shinto shrine, one of the national Treasure of Japan), Matsushima (One of the three most scenic spots of Japan), Whiskey distillery, Sake brewery, Winery, Shiogama Shrine and so on. Do not miss the best place and experience in Sendai, Miyagi! Let's enjoy Japan one step deeper!

Inclusions: Professional local guide, Hotel pickup

Exclusions: Transportation fee (for yourself and your guide), Entrance fee (for yourself and your guide), Lunch (for yourself and your guide), Other personal expenses

3. Samurai training program at Samurai School "Nisshinkan"

965-0041, Japan ANA Sales Co Ltd
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Train to become a samurai at the former young samurai school. Discover how and what samurai learned to become warriors. Try Kyudo, the Japanese archery. Experience Zen meditation, part of the samurai training. Paint your own wooden sword, an unique souvenir.

Inclusions: English speaking guide., Transportation and fees from Aizu-Wakamatsu station, Kyudo, Zazen, Painting experiences

Exclusions: Transportation to Aizu-Wakamatsu station, Meal

Reviewed By ShonanAlpsLine

This was a very enjoyable class, as the chef named Suda gave me instructions on fresh fish, how to use a kitchen knife, and how to grab sushi. I ate 10 of my own sushi, but it was so delicious that I didn't think I made it!

4. Experience Matsushima and Shiogama Cultural Tour including VIP Access to Private Tea House Room

Hon-Shiogama Station, 15 Kaigandori, Shiogama, Miyagi 985-0002, Japan Beauty of Japan

Book this amazing 6.5-hour tour to explore the local town of Matsushima and Shiogama! Visit the historical Kanrantei Tea House or Senshin-an. Experience a tea ceremony and green tea tasting in the most authentic way! Matsushima is also known as a historically important location for being the base of the shogunate during the Sengoku (Warring States) period. Visit the symbol of Matsushima - Zuiganji Temple, built by the local warrior Masamune Date, also known as the "one-eyed dragon". Learn the fascinating history of Matsushima from your knowledgeable guide while enjoying its beautiful landscape as well as local lifestyle.

Inclusions: Local guide, Access to private tea house room at Kanrantei Tea House, Tea ceremony experience, Green tea tasting, Local original sake-based cocktail tasting (minimum drinking age in Japan is 20 years)

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Food, Gratuities

Reviewed By Glenn B

We cancelled the tour in advance and have NEVER been refunded the payment, my advice to anybody is to avoid at all costs this tour

5. Full-Day Historical Cycling Tour in Matsushima

Matsushimakaigan Station, Namiuchihama Matsushima, Miyagi District, Miyagi 981-0213, Japan Beauty of Japan

Matsushima has had a long history as a sightseeing spot because of its beautiful landscape. It is also known as a historically important location for being a base of the shogunate during the Sengoku (Warring States) period. You will see and learn the history and the local culture by visiting historical sites and experiencing local activities.

Inclusions: Local guide, Bicycle rental, Access to private tea house room at Kanrantei Tea House, Green tea tasting

Exclusions: Transportation fee to/from meeting point, Food and beverage, unless specified, Gratuities

Reviewed By Glenn B

We cancelled the tour in advance and have NEVER been refunded the payment, my advice to anybody is to avoid at all costs this tour

6. Oku-Matsushima 2-Day Local Homestay and Fishing Experience

Sendai Station, 1-chōme-10-10 Chūō, Aoba Ward, Sendai, Miyagi 980-0021, Japan Beauty of Japan

Book this 2-day tour in the Matsushima area and stay overnight at a local family's house, experience fishing with a local expert, and enjoy the freshest seafood BBQ. Matsushima is well known as one of Japan’s three most scenic destinations. Enjoy the mesmerizing coastal landscape of Matsushima with over 260 pine-covered islands while your local guide explains the fascinating local history especially about the famous shogunate, Masamune Date, the samurai ruler of the Sendai region who was known as ”Dokuganryu” (one-eyed hero) as he could only see with one eye. where you will enjoy the following unique and local experiences.

Inclusions: Overnight accommodation, Dinner, Lunch, Breakfast, Local guide, English translator during dinner and fishing experience, Meals as per itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Gratuities

Reviewed By Glenn B

We cancelled the tour in advance and have NEVER been refunded the payment, my advice to anybody is to avoid at all costs this tour

7. 2-Day Ochijuku Stay and Nikko Sightseeing Tour

Asakusa Sta., 1-chōme-1-3 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan Beauty of Japan

Explore Ochijuku, the traditional and nostalgic town in Fukushima area. Also, you will have a time to visit Nikko on Day 2.

Inclusions: Breakfast, If you select "With assistant option", English-speaking assistant, Zen meditation on Day 2, Local transportation fee on Day 1 and Day 2, Hotel arrangement (Breakfast included), Hotel pick-up and drop-off, If you select "No assistant option", Information sheet, Breakfast

Exclusions: If you select "With assistant option", Lunch and dinner, If you select "No assistant option", English-speaking assistant, Local transportation fee on Day 1 and Day 2, Hotel pick-up and drop-off

Reviewed By Glenn B

We cancelled the tour in advance and have NEVER been refunded the payment, my advice to anybody is to avoid at all costs this tour

8. Discover Tohoku -2 Days Trip to Zao and Fox Village from Tokyo

Tokyo Station, 1 Chome-9 Marunouchi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0005, Japan Beauty of Japan

On this 2 day trip you will be exploring the beautiful Zao area and visiting the cute fox village.  The tour will start in Tokyo, where you will meet your guide in Tokyo station and from there travel together to the Yamagata Prefecture.  You will be exploring Mount Zao and along the way see the Jizo statue, and at the top see the beautiful Okama crater.  You will also be visiting the fox village, where you can go and see Japanese foxes.  For this tour there will be accommodations included, where you will be staying at the Zao Astraea Hotel, where here you can enjoy an Onsen (Japanese hot springs) to relax from your exciting adventurous day.

Inclusions: Accommodation in Zao, Dinner on Day 1, Breakfast on Day 2

Exclusions: Lunch, Bus fare from Yamagata station to Zao Onsen bus stop (1,000yen), Ropeway fare (2,600yen), Shinkansen ticket for JR PASS holder, Admission fee (Fox village: 1,000yen), Tour assistant and guide (We will send you detailed information itinerary)

Reviewed By Glenn B

We cancelled the tour in advance and have NEVER been refunded the payment, my advice to anybody is to avoid at all costs this tour

9. Traditional Japanese Drum Performance On Board A Boat

GELATERIA LA FESTA

”Healing through traditional Japanese drums in great outdoors on board a boat" Marumori town in Miyagi prefecture gets its title, a literal translation of "Town of Water and Green" is blessed with spectacular mountains and streams that runs through it. This special program is unique and one of its kind in Japan and possibly in the world. Board the boat and set sail down the Abukuma river, watch, listen and feel the powerful performance by the "Marumori Date Daiko" team, a professional and a local traditional Japanese drumming team. Marumori town is located just south of Sendai City also known as "City of trees". The largest city in Tohoku region.

Inclusions: Boat trip

Exclusions: NA

Reviewed By Leo J

It is incredible that there is a beautiful little gelateria in Marumori which is a small town south of Sendai. The ice cream itself is very good and not too expensive. The gelateria is small but decorated with love and it has the vine “feels like home” :)

10. Explore Sakata : Maiko Traditional Dance at a traditional Tea House *B course

Tokyo Daiichi Hotel Tsuruoka, 2-10 Nishikimachi, 錦町 Tsuruoka, Yamagata 997-0031, Japan ANA Sales Co Ltd

Odyseey Winter Special,Shonai Maiko dance Special plan. 12:45 Tokyo Daiichi Hotel Tsuruoka departure with Chartered car. 13:15to14:30 Maiko dance performance at Somaro Tea House & free time. 14:45to15:15 free time at Sankyo warehouse. 15:45 Arrive at Sakata station. Activities Enjoy a Maiko, apprentice Geisha, a dance performance in a traditional setting at Somaro Tea House.

Inclusions: Somaro Tea House admission ticket.

Exclusions:

Reviewed By ShonanAlpsLine

This was a very enjoyable class, as the chef named Suda gave me instructions on fresh fish, how to use a kitchen knife, and how to grab sushi. I ate 10 of my own sushi, but it was so delicious that I didn't think I made it!

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