Hello everyone! I went on a solo trip to Tohoku in October 2025 and I used this subreddit for advice so its time to give back:) Especially since there isn't many trip reports from the region. These are all my own thoughts so experiences may differ from person to person!!!

If I were to give a TLDR bout my trip and the takeaways:

Would I recommend Tohoku for your first ever trip to Japan? Probably not, the golden route is popular for a reason and is definitely easier to navigate/plan as a first timer.

BUT if you already did the golden route OR you really want to experience a different side of Japan compared to the Tokyo/Osaka/Kyoto. I 100% RECOMEND IT. I am definitely going back to Tohoku in the future and I can't wait:)

Transport

Another thing is that I did this trip fully public transport no driving. Because of this I definitely had to research travel options in more detail and be more disciplined in my time management. However, it is really not as hard or bad as what people may suggest. There will be definitely be some compromises on the number of locations you can visit in a single day but I really feel a slower pace trip is really beneficial in Tohoku to enjoy the natural beauty as well as chill vibes of the region. There is really no point rushing the sights here.

Just take note of the different trains/buses that you need to get around and my rule of thumb is as long as you can still get back to your hotel that night, really don't sweat it too much. If the train/bus is only going to come in an hour, it just means more time to explore the area and relax.

For transport i got the JR EAST (Tohoku) pass, I got a 10 day pass followed by a 5 day pass for the whole trip. The thing about Tohoku is that almost all trains are under JR East. In contrast to the big cities where there are local subway lines and private lines not under JR. Every single train I took, be it the Shinkansen or local lines, were all covered by the pass. There are also buses to the nature areas I went that are operated by JR and the pass works as well! Overall I saved around $9,500 Yen compared to if I had pay for all the trips regularly. Not only that, it helped with making stuff alot more convenient cause some of the lines did not except IC Cards and i avoided the trouble of figuring out what to do. The flexibility also helped me alot on my last day where my entire itinerary had to be changed on the fly. So one of the few specific times where getting a pass is actually worth it in my opinion!

Okay before going into the details of each day. I am someone who really enjoys trekking/hiking and also exploring random parts of cities. If the walk to somewhere is not too long and I am not in a rush, then I would usually choose to walk even if there is public transport.

Day 1 (19/10) Tokyo – Aomori: Landed in the morning, queue at customs took like 2hrs but that could be cause like 8 other flights landed around the same time oops. Collected my JR East (Tohoku) Pass and took the Narita Express to Tokyo Station. Ate lunch and then took the Shinkansen to Shin Aomori. Transferred to the local JR Line to Aomori Station. Due to the airport delay, I arrived later than expected so just took the time to explore the area around Aomori Station. Most places close by 7/8pm unless its a Izakaya.

– Explored the LOVINA mall & took the time to walk around Aoiumi Park and climbed the Aomori Bay Bridge for a better view of the area. Nth too special but its a nice stroll

Day 2 (20/10) Aomori – Hirosaki: Took the JR Line from Aomori to Hirosaki Station. Walked to Hirosaki Castle, buses are available as well.

Hirosaki Park & Castle (Recommended): Park around the castle was really beautiful and serene and quiet, lovely for a walk. Autumn leaves did not change yet but even w/o it was a nice place to be. Castle is alot smaller than expected but has it own charm.

Took a local bus to Hirosaki Apple Park and had lunch there.

Hirosaki Apple Park (HIGHLY RECOMENDED): Try to have a meal here they have many different food items centered around apples. Perfect place to buy apple-related souvenirs as well. I went during apple season so every half an hr they have tours that allow you to pick your own apples. Do it!!!! The whimsy of picking your own apple is really fun and they are really delicious. Payment is based on weight of the apples picked. Lastly, you are allowed to walk around the apple park by yourself, so go explore and also admire the jaw dropping view of Mt Iwate in the background! A highlight of the trip definitely.

Day 3 (21/10) Aomori: Entire day was spent exploring Aomori itself.

Nebuta Warasse Museum: Cool museum containing the floats

Jomon Jiyukan Museum (Recommended): Take a local bus to this museum from Aomori Station. Outdoor exhibits were mostly reconstructions but its just a nice place to just chill and walk around. Indoor museum was really detailed and has English translation as well.

Seikan Train Ferry Memorial Ship Hakkōda-maru (Highly Recommended!): Surprised more people don't visit here. Its right next to Aomori Station and you are getting on an actual boat that was used to ferry people to Hokkaido in the past. Very detailed explanations about the history of transportation in the area in Japanese, nothing google lens cant help with. It was really unique to be able to explore all parts of the ship including the bowels of the ship, the bridge, the deck etc. There are entire full sized trains in the boat itself and its a really unique experience.

A-FACTORY: Able to buy souvenirs here as well as well as sample different types of cider. Some food options here as well. Didnt get anything because I already bought at the apple park.

ASPAM: Another place to buy souvenirs, there is a shop on the first floor selling fresh apple pies and it was delicious. There is an observation deck near the top but you have to pay for it. Honestly if you want a view just climb the stairs up to Aomori Bay Bridge instead and its free.

Day 4 (22/10) Aomori – Oirase Stream/Lake Towada: There is a JR Bus that runs between Aomori Station and the different stops along the Stream and Lake. Buses are limited so plan your time well. Most of the tourists in Aomori are Japanese and they love queuing. I went to Aomori Station half an hour before the bus timing and it was already around the block. They do count the number of people in the queue and get as many buses as possible. But try to queue up abit earlier just to be safe.

Oirase Steam (HIGHLY RECOMENDED!!!): The bus ride to the stream is already beautiful with full blown red leaves outside on certain parts of the ride. The stream itself was still mostly green with hints of yellow and red. I got off at Kumoi-no-Taki Falls and started walking from there due to time constrains due to the return buses timings . Most people got off earlier at the starting point of the walk. The path itself is amazingly beautiful and even though the starting point is crowded it gets quieter the closer to Lake Towada. Really nice hike to enjoy the nature.

Lake Towada Boat Ride: The trees around the lake were still green and honestly the boat ride was forgettable. The ending point of Yasumiya is nothing special as well.

If I could redo this day I would get off at the starting point of the hike instead of midway through and skip the boat ride entirely. The hike along the stream is really quite nice and the main attraction.

Day 5 (23/10) Aomori to Mt Hakkoda: Took the same bus as the previous day but got off earlier at the Hakkoda Ropeway Station. The queue for the Ropeway is really long so join it ASAP.

My initial plans was to take the Ropeway up and then hike the Kenashi Paradise Line down to a onsen to relax and take the bus back to Aomori.

That didn't happen as the peak was snowing…yes snow in late October and temperature was in the negative Celsius…and the hiking paths were covered in ice, making walking in normal shoes basically impossible. I think it took most people by surprise so everyone just went up took photos and went back down.

Due to the ice, I was at the bottom of the ropeway 4hrs before my bus back was supposed to come. There is only a restaurant at the ropeway station and nothing else that is walkable.

So this is the only time I took a cab on this trip to salvage the day. The trip from the ropeway to Aomori Station was around 7500Yen and its a cost you have to sometimes pay when you are only taking public transport in Tohoku. Sometime plans change out of your control and only with a car you can have the flexibility.

So I went back to Aomori and took a bus to the local megamall with for some shopping and more for the rest of the day.

Hakkoda Ropeway (Highly Recommended with conditions!): The best autumn leaves view was from the ropeway. You really get to see the transition from green to yellow to red all in one trip. So if you are driving this place is a no-brainer BUT if you are like me and taking public transport, you risk facing the same situation I had, so be prepared to either wait there for 4hrs or pay for cab.

Hakkoda Mountain: Obviously I did not experience it fully due to the snow and ice but I must say that its still very pretty with snow. Same thing, good experience if you have a car otherwise check the Ropeway website on the morning itself and do not go if the weather is not clear/snowing etc.

Day 6 (24/10) Aomori to Hachinohe to Morioka: Checked out of hotel and Shinkansen from Shin-Aomori to Hachinohe. Stored luggage at Hachinohe Station. Took JR Line to Same Station.

Kabushima Shrine: Picturesque little shrine, would be cooler when the seagulls are present. Heard there is a Sunday Morning Market nearby that is quite large.

Tanesashi Coast Hike (YES YES HIGHLY RECOMENDED!): Just a beautiful hike along the coast, the amount of different scenery you come across is crazy. From meadows, to beaches, rocky coastlines, pine tree forests etc, take a look online to see pics to get an idea. Remember to pack food along.

Ended the hike at Tanesashi-Kaigan, took the train back to Hachinohe before taking the Shinkansen to Morioka.

Day 7 (25/10): Morioka to Mt Hachimantai: Get the bus ticket on the morning itself at the interchange. Its called the Hachimantai Nature Explorer Bus and it will bring you all the way to the hiking trails, check online for more details.

Mt Hachimantai (PERSONAL NATURE RECOMENDATION): I have recommended most of the nature spots in my trip, but my personal favorite is Mt Hachimantai. The huge lakes at the top of the mountain, the view of snow-capped Mt Iwate in the background, the crimson marshlands under the vast blue sky. My favorite hike and scenery of the trip.

Took the return bus back down to Morioka.

Day 8 (26/10) Morioka to Ryusendo Cave: There is a JR Bus to the cave so that made travel pretty hassle free.

Ryusendo Cave: Pretty cool cave with deep blue water, but it is quite out of the way. Having a car would definitely make it easier, because the bus schedule makes this cave a full day activity. Theres a hiking path to the nearby town of Iwaizumi but didnt do that cause it was raining heavily.

Took the return JR bus back to Morioka

Day 9 (27/10) Morioka – Ichinoseki – Hiraizumi: Checked out of Morioka and took Shinkansen to Ichinoseki. Left bags at hotel before heading to Hiraizumi via bus.

Motsuji Temple: If you are in Hiraizumi, might as well come here. Nice temple with a lake and pretty autumn colors. It just faces the unfortunate situation of being compared to Chusonji which blows it out of the water

Chusonji Temple (HIGHLY RECOMENDED): The walk to the temple is through a cedar forest which is mind-blowing in itself. Autumn colors were in full bloom inside the complex which is pretty big. Go see the golden hall, take your time to explore the complex. Chusonji easily outshines majority of Kyoto's temples in my opinion.

Walked from Chusonji and came across the

Hiraizumi World Heritage Information Center (Recomended): Really nice museum with lots of background information about Hiraizumi. English is available and really helpful staff!

Walked back to Hiraizumi Station and took a JR train back to Ichinoseki.

Day 10 (28/10) Ichinoseki to Geibikei: Took the JR Line to Geibikei

Geibikei Gorge: Chill boat ride through a gorge, bring an umbrella/poncho in case it rains halfway while ure on the boat. The rain and winds did create a pocahontas like situation with the leaves around us so that was pretty cool.

Day 11 (29/10) Ichinoseki to Kessennuma to Rikuzentakata: Long JR Train ride to Kessenuma before changing to the JR BRT to Rikuzentakata

Iwate Tsunami Memorial Museum (Personal Strongest Recommendation of the whole trip): Museum is very well done and English is available as well, you get to read and hear alot of personal stories. Entry is free but do make a donation if possible. The feelings you get while walking around is similar to Hiroshima Peace Park but without the crowds. I cannot emphasize how few people are there at the complex and the silence and peace really makes you think and reflect about things. You also get to walk up the seawall and along the replanted pine trees at the coast. The seawall is just massive with a beautiful view of the ocean. There is also the miracle pine tree as well as some of the buildings that was hit by the Tsunami that was preserved and left to stand there. It is honestly surreal knowing this was only 15 years ago and is relatively recent. Do take some time to just walk and take in the area. There is also a bus to the nearby town center as well.

If you are in the area, I would strongly recommend visiting Rikuzentakata to see how resilient the residents and how far the community has bounced back since the earthquake. By train it took like 2hrs from Ichinoseki and I would say that it was completely worth the time.

Kessennuma: Had some extra time so explored Kessennuma abit, the wharf was nice and I think the morning fish market would be nice to observe another time. They have a viewing platform which would allow you to see the all the action.

Took the JR Line all the way back to Ichinoseki.

Day 12 (30/10) Ichinoseki to Sendai to Matushima: Checked out and took the Shinkansen to Sendai and dropped off my bags. Took the JR Line to Hon-Shiogama and took the cruise to Matsushima from there. Boat wasn't crowded and still managed to view the famous islands. (Strongly recommend doing this, cause the lines to take the cruise at Matsushima itself was crazy)

Matushima (Recomended): One of the 3 Views of Japan, a really nice place to explore the different shrines and islands. Fukuurajima is a highlight as well as Zuiganji Temple. Personally I liked Itsukushima (Miyajima) more but Matushima is still a must visit if you are in Sendai.

Took the JR Line from Matsushimakaigan Station back to Sendai

Day 13 (31/10) Sendai to Yamadera: Took the JR Line to Yamadera Station and back.

Yamadera Temple (HIGHLY RECOMENDED): The climb up is gonna be tough, its basically almost all stairs so take your time. The journey and the views at the top are so worth it tho. Really unique temple being built on the side of a cliff and despite the tiring walk up its a definite must visit.

And also Sendai (Recommended): I stayed near Sendai Station and it is the only city on the trip so far that doesn't close at 8pm. The shopping is really fun, the food and atmosphere is vibrant at night and I would love to go back to spend more time in Sendai itself.

Day 14 (01/11) Sendai to ?: So my initial plan was to go to Naruko Gorge, so i set off via Shinkansen to Furukawa. I reached and due to heavy rain the previous day the entire local line to the gorge was closed for the day.

Soooo with some quick googling and the flexibility of the JR Pass, decided to go to Aizu-Wakamatsu instead! Took the Shinkansen to Koriyama before taking the JR Line to Aizu-Wakamatsu.

Aizu Bukeyashiki: Former samurai residences that has been converted to a museum.

Tsuruga Castle (Recommended): Really nice castle complex with quite a rich history as well. Lovely place to walk around.

Fukushima Prefectural Museum (Recommended): Mostly in Japanese but really nice staff who gave me every single English brochure they had. Good way to learn about the history of the area.

Shoutout to Akabeko, the red cow mascot of the town as he is adorable and seeing him being plastered around the town was really cute.

Was really pleased at how the last minute plan turned out and would love to go back to Aizu-Wakamatsu and the nearby Ouchijuku next time!

Day 15 (02/11) Sendai to Tokyo: Shinkansen all the way back to Tokyo, explored the station before heading to the airport and home afterwards.

Also regarding the bear situation in Tohoku, always check online for recent bear sightings and personally my hikes had locals on the trails so I always tried to follow their pace so I wont be completely alone.

And also when in the area just be aware of potential evacuation routes in light of the recent earthquake.

Hope this report is helpful for anyone in the future planning a trip to Tohoku! It was by far my favorite trip to Japan so far and I would love to go back again in the future!! If anyone has any questions feel free to dm me or post a comment here. Thanks for reading till the end:)