Hi all,
first time poster in this sub but a long time lurker. Couple heading to Tohoku region this end of November- Early December. already been to Japan a few times and this sub has been a great help but not much current/latest info on Tohoku region so wanting to getting some feedback about this general itinerary whether this is doable or too hectic as its involves a lot of moving about! we're both used to driving long distances.
Day 1: Land in Tokyo Narita Midday. Taking the Shinkansen up to Sendai to stay a night. Leisure, around the city depending how we feel. (usually we get quite jetlagged on the first day). Staying near sendai station
Day 2: Shinkansen up to Aomori. Furukawa Fish Market, Nebuta Museum, A-factory, ASPM, around the city itself. Staying in Aomori
Day 3: Rent a car here. Drive down towards Hakkoda Ropeway, Jogakura Bridge, Oirase Gorge, Lake Towada.(Decided to skip Hirosaki as end of november and no apple picking and takayama inari shrine abit too far). Stay a night at Odate.
Day 4: Visit the Akita dog visitor centre and museum. have hinaidori and kiritanpo, walk around the city. Then, drive south. may stop by Tamagawa onsen depending how we're doing for time (Would appreciate whether worth stopping by for a dip in the onsen?). if not, towards Lake Tazawa (Gozanoishi Jinja Shrine, Tatsuko Statue). Staying at Kakunodate.
(decided to skip Nyuto Onsen as we booked abit too late for the price and mixed-baths were a put off)
Day 5: Depending on day before, explore rest of Kakunodate (samurai street, Hinokinai River, Miso brewery, Kakunodate castle remains). Drive East towards Morioka – May stop by Koiwai Farm ( Is this worth visiting end of November?). In Morioka, visit Morioka Castle and Hachimangu shrine and try out the three great noodles. (Anything must see here in Morioka?) . Staying in area of Hanamaki Onsen.
Day 6: Drive down to Hiraizumi and Ichinoseki. Do Chosunji and Motsuji temple and likely Geibikei Gorge. stay in Inchinoseki Onsen.
Day 7: Drive down to Yamagata. enroute doing Naruko Gorge and then Yamagata city for Yonezawa beef/Tonkatsu. Dont think we can fit in Dewasanzan Shrine. Staying at Zao Onsen. (skipping ginzan onsen as again too late and pricey)
Day 8: Drive to Yamadera Temple, then drive back to Sendai to return car. Pending time, go to Shiogawa and Matsushima Bay for a day cruise and maybe sendai city sites, (any must see in Sendai?)
Day 9 onwards: Shinkansen to Tokyo for another few days before flying off. (already been to Tokyo but mainly to catch up with friends, shopping etc)
Thank you so much for reading and would appreciate any feedback and advice!
by Kitchen_Photo_5562