What to do and see in Tohoku, Japan: The Best Bus Tours

April 14, 2022 Trinity Boughner

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. 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!

2. Hirosaki Full-Day Private Tour with Nationally-Licensed Guide

Japan Guide Agency
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This value-packed trip with a nationally-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore Hirosaki! Set in the shadow of the impressive Mt. Iwaki, the historic town of Hirosaki is said to be the cultural capital of the prefecture. Its semi-rural setting is complemented by beautiful parks and temples, while the various boutique fashion stores, one-room bars, and stylish cafes create an impression of hip culture. Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize a six-hour tour that's best for you! Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary. Note*2: The Nationally-licensed Tour Guide-Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.

Inclusions: Free Photos, Hotel Pick up and Drop-off, Licensed Local Guide

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

Reviewed By Cwshaman

The flexibility to chose locations that suited our wants and abilities was great. Hiro San was very quick to put together an itinerary that accommodated a family with a stroller-baby (no monkey park due to long unpacked walking paths). Taking in the beautiful temples and view of the Kyoto from the west was breath taking and the guide was able to explain many things we as new Japanese learners could not read or know through cultural knowledge. Overall a great experience, a wonderful and lively guide, and some great memories.

3. Overnight Stay at Takinoyu Ryokan in an Annex Special Room with Onsen and Meals

Takinoyu Hotel

Takinoyu is a ryokan located in Tendo city in Yamagata prefecture, on the northern side of the Japanese mainland. It is a popular ryokan with a history of over 100 years. You can choose from different room types -- traditional Japanese style, Western style, Japanese-Western style - with an open-air rotenburo onsen (outdoor hot spring). Your meals are prepared with fresh organic vegetables grown in the ryokan's own garden. One reason for Takinoyu's popularity is the food it serves. Dinner consists of Yamagata's local dish (Imoni) and its all-you-can-eat supply of free organic vegetables grown right at the ryokan. The main dish for dinner is locally-raised Yonezawa beef, a popular breed of Japanese wagyu beef. At the "Kurazen" restaurant, guests can enjoy a relaxing meal with a significant other with views overlooking an exquisite traditional Japanese garden. Breakfast is served in buffet style.

Inclusions: Overnight accommodation in an Annex Special room, Breakfast, Dinner, Communal bath access, Yukata rental (Japanese-style robe), Bath towel rental, Wi-Fi access

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Infant meals

Reviewed By GaryL537

Located about a kilometre from the Station and 5 minutes walk to Tendō Park. The room was one of the largest we stayed in at Japan. The staff were very helpful. The building and interior is a little dated but clean and in good condition. The onsen is large. Breakfast has a good range of food but it run out early so you need to arrive at the restaurant no later than 8am

4. 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

5. 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

6. Local life experience with Bar hopping and Morning markets with guides

Hachinohe Portal Museum "hacchi", 11-1 Mikkamachi, Hachinohe, Aomori 031-0032, Japan AC Tourism

Since the guide accompanies, you can enter shops and popular stores that you can not easily enter alone. You can eat in the morning market without worrying about having delicious food introduced. Enjoy the culture and life unique to Hachinohe while enjoying exchange with local people. ○ {22:00} Meeting (Hachinohe Portal Museum Hachimae) ○ 22:05-22:30 Yokocho Orientation ○ {22:30-04:00} Tour of Yokocho (plan: 4 houses) ○ {05:00-06:00} Visit Japan's leading morning market in front of Mutsuminato Station ○ 06:15-07:00 Morning bath in public bath ○ 07:30 Dissolution (Hachinohe Station) (Transportation during the tour: small taxi)

Inclusions: Dinner, Breakfast, Air-conditioned vehicle

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7. Aomori Highlights Private Tour from Aomori Port

1-chōme-4-1 Yanakawa, Aomori, 038-0012, Japan OMAKASE

This is a 5-hour tour of sightseeing spots in Aomori city. A guide will greet you at Aomori Port where you will then take a taxi and walk around the highlights of Aomori city. Aomori City is surrounded by beautiful nature such as Hakkoda Mountain Federation and Mutsu Bay. It is blessed with abundant edible resources such as seafood and fruits, and it is a town that has many historical and cultural attractions such as Japan's famous Nebuta and Neputa festivals and traditional arts. In this tour, you will visit the ruins where ancient people lived, and museums and tourist facilities where you can experience Aomori's art and culture. Recommended for guests coming to Aomori Port on a cruise ship such as Celebrity Millennium and Diamond Princess.

Inclusions: All Fees and Taxes, English Guide, Round-trip taxi

Exclusions: Food and drinks

Reviewed By lenorer9950

Tomomi, our tour guide was so well informed. Plus gave us great tips on other things to do & places to visit - great bonus!

8. 2-Day Thatched Roof Craftsman Visit in Ouchijuku and Trekking

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

For 1 night and 2 days enjoy the great nature that Aizu has to offer with this tour! From Tokyo time slip back to the Edo period in Ouchijuku. A once flourished post down where feudal lords and soldiers stayed at, the building and the atmosphere really gives the feeling that you went back in time! While at the Ouchijuku village you will be able to have a hands on experience of making thatched roof with of course with the help of a professional thatched roof craftsman. On the next day you will arrive at Kannon-numa, where you will be able to trek around the area. The Kannon-numa Pond is very beautiful area filled with varities of flowers, trees, and wild birds.  The walk around the pond is especially beautiful that you would want to take a picture.

Inclusions: Accommodation, Breakfast on Day 2, Dinner on Day 1, Local guide in Ou chijuku and Kannon-numa, Taxi from Kannon-numa to Aizu-Tajima station

Exclusions: Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Tokyo, Local train fare (Aizu-Tajima to Yunokami-onsen, and Yunokami-onsen to Aizu-shimogo) *Approx. 1,500 yen, Lunch

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. Discover the best of Tsuruoka : visit the Jellyfish Aquarium and Sake Brewery *A

Tsuruoka Station, 1 Suehiromachi, Tsuruoka, Yamagata 997-0015, Japan ANA Sales Co Ltd

Odyseey Winter Special,Shonai Yamagata,KAMO Aquarium Special plan. 12:45 Tsuruoka station departure with Chartered car. 13:15to15:15 free time at KAMO Aquarium. 15:30to15:45 free time at Dewa Snow Brewery. 16:15 Arrive at Tsuruoka Station KAMO Aquarium Yamagata Prefecture, Shonai region.A wondrous aquarium praised worldwide Nicknamed Jellyfish Dream Hall.More than 50 jellyfish display types. Recognized by Guinness World Records for the number of types. Dewa Snow Brewery Sake that won the best gold award in the Sake a glass of delicious sake award. You can taste sake in a wine glass.

Inclusions: KAMO Aquarium admission ticket.

Exclusions: Dewa Snow Brewery admission ticket 100yen.

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!

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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