Best of Nikko, Aizu Wakamatsu, Ginzan Onsen, Tsuruoka and Niigata: An Original Itinerary Crafted For You

Travelling to Tohoku? Take a look at our bespoke and inspiring Tohoku travel guide, guaranteed to create memories that last a lifetime.

More Than Just An Average Japan Travel Agency

At TokudAw Inc., we like to dive deep into the heart of destinations to craft transformative experiences that take simple trips and turn them into long lasting memories. Japan’s incredible and mesmerising Tohoku region is one gem, celebrated and favoured by tourists for many reasons. If you’re a seasoned Japan traveller or perhaps a curious explorer new to this far away world in search of an alternative destination to bustling tourist hubs, we guarantee Tohoku will leave a mark on your heart. Even better, we’ve done the hard work for you by pulling together an inspiring and uplifting plan for Tohoku travel tours.

 Just picture this: cruising through pristine and vibrant landscapes in the comfort of your own private car, picking your tour stops based on your group’s individual preferences and interests, and soaking up everything this wonderful region has to offer, all on your terms. If you’re looking for a way to explore the best of Tohoku without the fuss of group tours, or perhaps want to know the best places to visit in Japan, you’ve come to the right place. So, join us on this sample six-day journey and get ready to discover the magic that makes Japan’s Tohoku just so special in our very own Tohoku travel blog.

In our tour, we would be visiting Fukushima and Yamagata. (Image credit: Shutterstock)

Day 1: Tokyo to Nikko: A Captivating Start

Your Japan vacation begins with a scenic drive towards Nikko. Get ready to wave Tokyo goodbye as you head away from the hustle and bustle and head towards one of the country’s smaller cities in the heart of the Tokyo Mountains. But don’t get too comfy as first you’ll be stopping at Utsunomiya, where a mouth-watering gyoza lunch awaits. Then, it’s time to get back into your private tour car as you head towards the serene Lake Chuzenji, also known as the Sea of Happiness, followed by the Toshogu shrine - a magnificent memorial to Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, which ruled Japan for over 250 years. Once you arrive at the colourful and charming Nikko, it’s time to rest your heads as a day of big adventures follows tomorrow.

Day 2: Nikko to Aizu Wakamatsu: The Dance of the Samurai

Day two of this amazing Japan trip begins with a relaxing stroll through Ouchijuku, a peaceful village famous for its thatched roof buildings. Then, after a drive through incredible landscapes, it’s showtime. Get set to enjoy the Samurai Kengido experience with KAMUI! More than just a show, this is the ultimate Japanese experience. Led by Shimaguchi Tetsuro, a genius in the world of sword fighting, and the brains behind the choreography of ‘Kill Bill: Volume 1’, after a jaw-dropping performance, you’ll have the chance to take part in a private sword fighting lesson. Listen to Shimaguchi as he shows you the moves and lets you into a few industry secrets. This is one day that won’t be forgotten in a hurry. When night falls, nestle up into Ookawaso - a deluxe Japanese hotel that boasts free Wi-Fi and a delicious restaurant. And for anime fans, the hotel’s lobby might just take you back to a scene from Demon Slayer.

From left to right: The lobby at Ookawaso that resembles a scene from Demon Slayer, KAMUI’s exciting swordfighting performance and snippets of the private sword fighting lesson. (Image credit: Ookawaso Official Website and TokudAw Inc.)

Day 3: Aizu Wakamatsu to Ginza Onsen: A Foodie’s Delight

Heads rested and bodies refuelled after breakfast at the hotel, it’s time to get on the move again in your private car. This time, you’re being treated at Kitakata Ramen, a local cafe that serves up bowls of traditional Japanese ramen soup, dumplings, and fried chicken. If you can pull yourself away from the menu, it’s time to head to the tranquil waters of Lake Inawashiro where you can enjoy a moment of reflection. This is the fourth-largest lake in Japan and known as the Heavenly Mirror Lake for its beautiful scenery and surrounding landscapes. Finally, you’re heading to Ginzan Onsen, a secluded hot spring town in the Japanese mountains where you can relax and rejuvenate with an overnight stay.

Day 4: Ginzan Onsen to Yunohama Onsen: A UNESCO Affair

Foodies, rejoice! One of the best ways to explore Japan and everything it has to offer is using your tastebuds. You’ll begin by heading towards Tsuruoka, a UNESCO City of Gastronomy on the northwest coast. As well as firmly putting Japan on the foodie map, this area is also popular for its mountains, shrines, and beautiful cherry blossom trees. The city promises incredible meals and local delicacies that bring the region's rich culinary and heritage traditions to life. From vegan and vegetarian meals favoured by Buddhists to heirloom vegetables and the local dish of pork tonkatsu, your taste buds are in for a treat. Post lunch, it’s time to head to the majestic Mt Haguro - one of three mountains in the area and enveloped in mythical tales - before finding solace at Yunohama Onsen and resting your head for the evening.

From left to right: Local produce from Tsuruoka (Persimmons are our favourite), the pagoda Mt Haguro, shoshin ryori (Japan’s Sophisticated Buddhist Cuisine) and dongara soup. By looking at these photos, you can imagine the variety of cuisine you can enjoy at this UNESCO City of Gastronomy (Image credit: DEGAM-Tsuruoka Tourism Bureau)

Day 5: Tsuruoka to Minamiuonuma: Isle of Wonders

Day five begins with a trip to Sado Island which traditionally housed the country’s gold mines and were the most productive mines in the whole of Japan. Today, visitors come here to bring past stories to life and take in more incredible views. One of the best ways to see the landscape is to travel in a traditional tub boat. One thing’s for sure, it’s a journey that will have you reminiscing about your Japanese trip for years. Once done, you’ll head to Minami-uonuma, a city in Japan which also boasts a couple of ski and snowboarding resorts, for a night of relaxation and sleep.

From left to right: Tub-boat experience at Sado Island just like one of the scenes in the Ghibli movie Spirited Away, beautiful Sasagawa Nagare line from the car window, sea of clouds at Shioritoge pass and autumn colours at Ginzan daira.

Day 6: Minami Uonuma to Tokyo: Sky High Views

Your Japanese trip might be coming to an end but there’s one more magnificent experience. The Tanigawadake Ropeway promises never seen before views, breath-taking panoramas and unforgettable memories that ensure your holiday and tour ends on a high. Once back down on solid ground, this is where your tour comes to a finish, and you can make your way back to Tokyo.

 Are you ready to embrace tours to Japan? Come on in and dive into Japan’s less trodden paths, immerse yourself in communities off the beaten track and experience genuine culture, all while enjoying the luxury and comfort you’re accustomed to. To start planning a trip to Japan, allow us to craft your very own itinerary, by getting in touch today. We promise you won’t look back.