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14-day private tour
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Visit Tokyo, Yamagata, Akita, Morioka and Aomori
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Add-ons available
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Local tour leaders

14-day private tour

Slow Travel

Cultural Highlights

The Northern Golden Route: Tokyo & Tohoku Wonders

Uncover Tohoku’s quiet trails and timeless towns in this journey along the Northern Golden Route, blending culture, nature, and hidden gems in every step.

Tour Highlights

Image by Fumiaki Hayashi
Image by Fumiaki Hayashi
Image by Fumiaki Hayashi
Yamadera Temple Hike & Onsen Serenity


Climb the 1,000 steps to Yamadera Temple, nestled in the mountains with sweeping views of the valley below, then soak in the healing waters of Zao’s historic hot springs at a secluded ryokan.

Tohoku’s Artistic Heritage & Historic Towns


Marvel at Aomori’s illuminated Nebuta floats, explore ancient history at Sannai Maruyama archaeological site, then discover Akita’s merchant culture and Morioka’s World Heritage temples and scenic coastlines.

Tokyo Contrasts & Vintage Streets


Wander from Tokyo’s iconic Shibuya Crossing to the peaceful backstreets of Yanaka and Nezu, where old-fashioned charm, indie shops, and neighborhood cafes reveal a quieter side of the capital.

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What's Included?

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Accommodation

Hotels in Tokyo, Yamagata, Akita, Morioka and Aomori.

Transportation
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Bullet trains, public trains and buses.

Private transfers with Alphard (Airport + Day Tours as needed).

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Activities
  • Tokyo - Nakamise Street

  • Tokyo - Sensoji Temple

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Meals

13 breakfasts at the hotel.

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Optional add-ons

To be determined upon inquiry.

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Guides

Guided days by experienced English-speaking local tour leaders.

What's Not Included?

All flight services.

Meals not mentioned in the itinerary.

Snacks, drinks or any other personal shopping expenses.

Entrance tickets to museums, temples, etc. not mentioned in the itinerary.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Tokyo: Arrival in Japan
  • Arrive at the airport and transfer to hotel via private car.

  • Check-in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the night in.

  • Night in Tokyo

Accommodation

Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza Gochome (4*) or similar

Day 2 - Tokyo: Asakusa & Yanesen Exploration
  • Walk through Nakamise Street, a 250-meter-long shopping street lined with stores selling traditional souvenirs, snacks, and sweets. This lively street leads to Sensoji Temple, the oldest temple in Tokyo.

  • As you stroll through the area, take in the sights of the red bridge, the iconic Asahi Beer building, and Tokyo Skytree—the tallest tower in Japan.

  • Visit Ueno Park to see natural beauty in Tokyo. Drive to the nostalgic area of Yanaka, an old residential area full of locally owned shops, cafes and food stalls. Head to the wonderful Nezu Shrine, to discover more about Japan’s religious heritage.

  • Head to Shibuya Sky for a dynamic city sunset view and explore iconic spots like Shibuya Crossing and Hachiko Statue.

  • Night in Tokyo

Accommodation

Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza Gochome (4*) or similar

Day 3 - Yamagata: Temples, Art & Nature
  • Visit Risshakuji Temple (Yamadera), a mountainside temple offering panoramic views after a scenic climb.

  • Explore the Yamagata Museum of Art and local culture.

  • Stop by the majestic Okama Crater on Mt. Zao to enjoy the spectacular sceneries.

  • Soak in the rejuvenating waters at Zao Onsen and rest at your Japanese-styled hot spring inn.

  • Night in Yamagata.

Accommodation

Takamiya Ryokan Miyamaso (4*) or similar

Japanese Ryokan (feature stay)

Day 4 - Yamagata: Local Heritage
  • Visit Road Station Shirataka Yana-koen, which is known for fresh local produce and riverside views.

  • Explore the Kashiwa Kurake, an elegant old house representing local heritage. 

  • Transfer to Akita via the bullet train to conclude your day.

  • Night in Akita.

Accommodation

Yui-no-yado Bettei Tsubaki (3*) or similar

Japanese Ryokan (feature stay)

Day 5 - Akita: Coastal Culture & Markets
  • Explore the Former House of the Kaneko Family, a well-preserved merchant house.

  • Visit the Akita Municipal Red Brick Local Museum and shop at the Akita Citizen’s Market, where you could have the fresh taste from the sea.

  • Stop at Roadside Station Akitako for snacks and souvenirs.

  • Drive out to the scenic Oga Peninsula.

  • Night in Akita.

Accommodation

Yui-no-yado Bettei Tsubaki (3*) or similar

Japanese Ryokan (feature stay)

Day 6 - Akita: Oga Peninsula & Local Flavors
  • Stroll Unosaki Beach Park, known for its unique rock formations.

  • Visit the atmospheric Unshoji Temple, famous for hydrangeas in summer.

  • Enjoy an iconic seafood meal at New Hatake.

  • Walk to Cape Nyudo, home of the Namahage Museum and lighthouse views.

  • Night in Akita.

Accommodation

Yui-no-yado Bettei Tsubaki (3*) or similar

Japanese Ryokan (feature stay)

Day 7 - Morioka: Temples & Coastal Views
  • Starting a new day by transferring from Akita to Morioka by the bullet train. Visit Chūson-ji Temple to embark upon your visit in Morioka, a World Heritage Site with a golden hall.

  • Stroll the coast at Jodogahama Beach for dramatic sea views.

  • Night in Morioka.

Accommodation

The Park Hotel Jodogahama (3*) or similar

Day 8 - Morioka: Caves, Volcanic Landscapes & Farm Life
  • Explore the mystical Ryusendo Cave, one of Japan’s three greatest limestone caves.

  • Drive through Hachimantai for volcanic landscapes.

  • Visit Koiwai Farm, a working dairy farm with scenic grounds and fresh ice cream.

  • Night in Morioka.

Accommodation

The Park Hotel Jodogahama (3*) or similar

Day 9 - Aomori: Art, History & Festivals
  • Visit the Aomori Museum of Art and Sannai Maruyama Site, one of Japan’s oldest archaeological digs.

  • Enjoy local products at A-Factory and see floats at Nebuta Museum Wa Rasse.

  • Stop by Aomori Prefecture Tourist Center (ASPAM) for panoramic views.

  • Night in Aomori.

Accommodation

Richmond Hotel Aomori (3*) or similar

Day 10 - Aomori: Scenic Views & Literary Heritage
  • Cross the Tsuru-no-Mai Bridge, a picturesque wooden bridge over Lake Tsugaru.

  • Visit the Osamu Dazai Memorial Hall, honoring one of Japan’s literary legends.

  • Explore the colorful Takayama Inari Shrine, known for its hundreds of torii gates.

  • Night in Aomori.

Accommodation

Richmond Hotel Aomori (3*) or similar

Day 11 - Aomori to Hachinohe: Crafts & Cuisine
  • Transfer to Hachinohe and browse and dine at Hasshoku Center, a massive seafood market.

  • Experience a traditional Yawata-uma painting session at the Historical Site of Nejo Hiroba.

  • Night in Aomori (Hachinohe).

Accommodation

Hachinohe Plaza Hotel (4*) or similar

Day 12 - Tokyo: Free Day
  • Return to Tokyo from Hachinohe.

  • Enjoy a free day for shopping, rest, or spontaneous exploring.

  • Night in Tokyo.

Accommodation

Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza Gochome (4*) or similar

Day 13 - Tokyo: Vintage Neighborhoods & Shrines
  • Explore Kichijoji, with its boutique and nostalgic shopping streets and Inokashira Park.

  • Wander through Koenji, a hub for vintage shopping and indie culture.

  • Visit the peaceful Meiji Jingu Shrine, nestled in the forest near Harajuku to conclude your journey.

  • Night in Tokyo.

Accommodation

Mitsui Garden Hotel Ginza Gochome (4*) or similar

Day 14 - Tour Ends: Departure from Japan

Check out of your hotel and take a private car to the airport. Finally, board your flight and depart Japan! 


A glimpse of the hotels and traditional Ryokans you could experience!

Photos are for reference only, actual accommodations and rooms may vary depending on your tour and preferences,

Important Notes
  • The first and last day of the tour are reserved for arrival and departure, with no scheduled activities.

  • More hidden gems will be revealed in the final itinerary provided after booking.

  • Itinerary details, including activities, inclusions, and timings, may change based on weather conditions and availability.

  • Please inform us of any dietary restrictions, allergies, or any other medical conditions to be aware of prior to the tour departure.

Cancellation Policy

We understand plans can change. Our cancellation policy is as follows: ​ 90+ days before departure: 80% refund, 20% deposit held as credit. 60-89 days before departure: 50% refund. 7-59 days before departure: 20% refund. Less than 7 days before departure: No refund. ​ ​Once a tour is booked, no refund of deposit (20% of the total charge). ​ Failure to make full payment within 30 days of your tour start date may result in cancellation without refund of the deposit. ​ If your tour is canceled due to severe weather or unforeseen circumstances, we will refund all payments except the deposit. If inclement weather (e.g., a typhoon) disrupts your trip, we offer a ¥20,000 contribution to cover unexpected hotel or transport costs.

What Our Clients Say

Hear it from fellow travelers! Discover what our guests loved about their experience with us in Japan.

Image by Roméo A.

Why Book this Tour?

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Unique experiences and hidden gems

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Passionate local tour leaders

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Enjoy a private tour, no group setting

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Stress-free traveling in Japan

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Add-ons available

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24 hour support

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