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Northern Tohoku Highlights 3-Day Tour: Tradition, Samurai & Oirase Gorge

Northern Tohoku Highlights 3-Day Tour: Tradition, Samurai & Oirase Gorge

C$3,681.00Price
This 3-day round-trip tour from Tokyo explores the culture, traditions, and nature of northern Japan, visiting Akita, Iwate, and Aomori. It offers unique experiences, including traditional crafts and local culture, showcasing the charms of the Tohoku region.
 
Day1
7:00 From Tokyo Station to Akita Prefecture Kakunodate Station (Komachi Shinkansen, reserved seat)
**Guides and other staff do not ride on the Shinkansen with tour participants.
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Aoyagi Samurai Manor Museum (Old Japanese House)
Visit a 400-year-old samurai residence to see Edo-period architecture and samurai life up close. Enjoy the beautiful garden with seasonal views, reflecting Kakunodate's rich history and culture.
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Lunch (not Incuded)
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Kakunodate Iaido Experience
Enjoy a 2.5-hour Iaido session, learning basic techniques and samurai spirit in a training uniform. Guided by a master, practice sword movements and finish by cutting a human-shaped cardboard figure.
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Head to Kakunodate Station (by hired car)
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Take the Shinkansen from Kakunodate Station to Morioka Station. (Komachi Shinkansen, reserved seat)
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After arriving at Morioka Station, walk to the accommodation facility.
 
Day2
Breakfast at the hotel
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12:00 Head to Morioka Handi-works Square. (by hired car)
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Konyacho Banya/Bank of Iwate Red Brick Building (Drive-by)
Explore Edo and Meiji-era spots, including the Konyacho Banya townhouse and the Meiji-era Bank of Iwate Red Brick Building.
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Morioka Handi-works Square Kunzan Kobo- Nambu Ironware Traditional Craft Experience
Discover the 400-year history of Nambu ironware. Experience traditional crafts by touring the workshop, pressing patterns into molds, and tasting water boiled in Nambu ironware.
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Head to Chuson-ji Temple.(by hired car)
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Chuson-ji Temple
This World Heritage site showcases the beauty of the Heian period (794-1185), featuring the Konjikido Golden Hall and other national treasures. With its serene atmosphere, it offers a unique chance to experience Japan's history, aesthetics, and spirituality.
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Head to Morioka Station.(by hired car) and walk to the accommodation facility.
 
Day3
Breakfast at the hotel
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8:30 Take the Shinkansen from Morioka Station to Hachinohe Station. (Hayabusa or Yamabiko Shinkansen, reserved seat)
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Head to Oirase Gorge (by hired car)
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Oirase Gorge
Tour Oirase Gorge by car, with short walks to scenic spots like Kumoi Falls and Choshi Otaki Waterfall. Finish at the mysterious Lake Towada for a luxurious nature experience.
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Nagaiki-no-Chaya Kayano (Stopover)
At this local teahouse, travelers can enjoy Aomori’s regional cuisine and relax. A specialty is ginger miso oden, a local dish. **Customers are responsible for purchasing their own meal.
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Hakkoda Ropeway Ride
Enjoy a panoramic view of Aomori, including Tsugaru Plain, Mutsu Bay, and the Shimokita Peninsula. In autumn, the mountains are beautifully colored in red and yellow, offering a stunning display throughout the seasons.
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Head to Shin-Aomori Station (by hired car)
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Take the Shinkansen from Shin-Aomori Station to Tokyo Station (Hayabusa Shinkansen, reserved seat)
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Arrival at Tokyo Station and end of the tour.

  • Price(JPY)

    From JPY368,100 per person

    *In the case of two people per room.

    *Payment will be settled in Canadian dollars at the exchange rate on the payment date.

  • Departure Dates

    From May 11, 2026 to October 19, 2026

    Departure on irregular Mondays.

  • Cancel Policy

     Cancellation fees will be charged from 20 days in advance.

  • Inclusions

     Accommodation charges/Accommodation breakfast/English-speaking guide fee (from Day 1 arrival at Kakunodate Station to Day 3 Shin-Aomori Station)/Admission fees, experience fees, and transportation costs included in the tour, Tokyo Station assistant (Day 1 morning only)

  • Exclusions

    Transportation expenses to the meeting location/Lunch and dinner for entire itinerary

  • Operation Conditions/Tour Conditions

    - If the minimum number of participants (2) is not met by 14 days before the scheduled date, the tour on that date may be canceled.

    - The last reception day (reservation deadline) is 14 days prior to the tour.

    - Please note that participants may not join partway through the tour. Also, participants may join only from the meeting location specified in advance.

  • Exemptions/Itinerary Guarantee: Itinerary/Destinat

    - The order of activities and arrival times may differ on the day depending on reasons such as road conditions and congestion at destinations. *Depending on the number of tour participants, transportation to be used may be other than a hired car (passenger vehicle, van, minivan), small bus, taxi, or a train or route bus on some parts of the tour such as in case of heavy traffic.

    - Seats may not be designated.

    - Day 1 Kakunodate: The Iaido experience is available for customers from 12 years old to under 75 years old. Those under 12 years old and 75 years old and up, those with heart or respiratory diseases, pregnant individuals, and those who are intoxicated cannot participate, and will only be able to observe. Refunds for this reason will not be issued.

    - While the sword is a replica, the tip is sharp, so please handle it with care. [Important Notes/Supplements: Meeting/Pick-up/Pick-up Location] In front of Tokyo City i (Tokyo Station Marunouchi South Exit KITTE Building B1F) / 06:50 About 1 min on foot from JR Tokyo Station; directly connected to Marunouchi Line Tokyo Station via underground passage) *Customers who are late for the departure time will have their reservations canceled. Please give yourself plenty of time.

  • Important Notes

    -Customers who are late for the departure time will have their reservations canceled. Please give yourself plenty of time.

    - There will be an accompanying English-speaking guide from arrival at Kakunodate Station on Day 1 until Shin-Aomori Station on Day 3. There is an accompanying English-speaking assistant on Day 1 at Tokyo Station

  • Regarding Children/Infants

    Children up to 5 years old may join free of charge, but will not be provided with Shinkansen seats. Furthermore, if there are many participants, children 0-5 years old may have to sit on the lap of a parent or guardian on board the hired car. If guaranteed seats on the Shinkansen and hired car are required for such children, please book them under the child rate. Furthermore, meals (breakfast) will not be provided. If meals are required for children 0-5 years old, please book them under the child rate.

  • Regarding Meals

    - Day 1 Kakunodate / Day 2 Morioka / Day 3 Oirase: Customers will be purchasing their own lunch. Customers are to pay for their own lunch as it is not included in the tour booking charge.

    - Day 1 Kakunodate: Customers are free to have lunch in Kakunodate.

    - Day 2 Morioka: As this is an afternoon tour, please have lunch prior to participating. There are many restaurants and cafes in the Morioka Station Building FES"AN near Morioka Station.

    - Day 3 Oirase: Customers will purchase their own meal near Hachinohe Station or at a stopover on the tour.

  • What to Wear/Bring

    - As large luggage such as suitcases cannot be brought during the tour, please leave them in a locker or at your hotel before participating.

    - Day 1 Kakunodate: For the Kakunodate Iaido experience, as customers will change into the training uniform, please wear clothes that are easy to change and shoes that are easy to remove.

    - Day 2 Morioka: At Chuson-ji Temple, as there are many stairs and areas or paths with poor or unequal footing, please participate wearing shoes and clothing that are comfortable to walk in.

    - Day 3 Oirase: For the Oirase Gorge itinerary, wearing long pants and sneakers easy to walk in is recommended. Please prepare sunglasses, hat, and gloves as necessary.

  • Accommodation Information

    [Art Hotel Morioka]

    3-3-18 Odori, Morioka-shi, Iwate Prefecture

    Guestroom Type: Western-style Triple room

    - Requests regarding hotel rooms are accepted, but are not guaranteed. 

    - Baby cots are available for a charge at some facilities. Please pay at the location. Also, children sharing beds with adults are limited to 1 child per bed.

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