15 DAYS TOHOKU PRIVATE TOUR

Hiraizumi Town is located in Iwate Prefecture in the Tohoku region of Japan. In 2011, it was registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site under the title "Hiraizumi – Temples, Gardens and Archaeological Sites Representing the Buddhist Pure Land." The Hiraizumi World Heritage consists of five sites in Hiraizumi Town: Chuson-ji Temple, Motsu-ji Temple, the ruins of Kanjizaio-in, the ruins of Muryoko-in, and Mt. Kinkeisan.Naruko Gorge is a grand canyon formed by the erosion of the Oya River, designated as a scenic spot in Miyagi Prefecture and located within Kurikoma National Park. The cliffs extend about 100 meters, with numerous bizarre rocks and trees growing from the rock formations, creating a majestic landscape. It is also one of the top autumn foliage viewing spots in the Tohoku region, with the autumn leaves adorning the gorge offering breathtaking views.  The houses in Tono Furusato Village are old buildings from the Edo period, relocated from various parts of the local area. The village recreates the nostalgic scenery of old times, with features like a stream with a waterwheel, fields, and small charcoal-grilled shops. This nostalgic landscape is often used for filming historical movies and TV dramas. Jodogahama, located within Sanriku Fukko National Park and Sanriku Geopark, is a scenic spot featuring a bay formed by white volcanic rocks and pebbles, lined with lush green pines. Its beauty resembles that of a Japanese garden, earning it the designation of a national scenic spot. It is said that a monk who visited this place once exclaimed, "It is like the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss," which is how it got its name. The waves here are calm, and the clear sea is popular for swimming in the summer. It has been selected as one of the "Top 100 Best Swimming Beaches" and "Japan's 88 Best Swimming Beaches."Ryusendo Cave is one of Japan's three great limestone caves and, along with the bats inhabiting it, has been designated a national natural monument. The known total length of the cave is 4,088 meters, of which 700 meters are open to the public. Eight underground lakes have been discovered, three of which are open to the public. Ongoing investigations continue to reveal many mysteries, and some believe the total length of the cave could exceed 5,000 meters.Koiwai Farm has a history of over 120 years. Out of its total area of 3,000 hectares, a part is open to the public as the "Farm Park," where visitors can see natural landscapes, production sites, and important cultural properties. Hachimantai Aspite Line stretches 27 kilometers, crossing Iwate and Akita Prefectures and winding over the summit of Mt. Hachimantai. As you drive along this road, you’ll be greeted by blue lakes nestled in wild fir forests, showcasing Hachimantai’s unique scenery. Along the route, you can enjoy different natural landscapes in each season, such as the snow corridors formed by clear white snow in spring and the mountains covered with colorful leaves in autumn. The Hachimantai Jukai Line, starting from the summit of Mt. Hachimantai, is also an excellent driving route, where you can admire Ryofu Waterfall. Every year from late May to early June, a mysterious phenomenon called the "Dragon Eye of Hachimantai" can be observed at "Kagami Pond" near the summit of Hachimantai. This occurs when the snow that fell on Kagami Pond during winter melts in spring, forming a donut-like shape around the edges and center. This phenomenon, combined with the sunlight and the color of the sky, creates a unique sight. Near Kagami Pond, there is another pond called "Megane Pond," which shines with a bright green hue. Recently, it has been referred to as the "Tear of the Dragon" and is just as popular as the "Dragon Eye."  Hachinohe's kitchen, spanning 170 meters in length, boasts around 70 specialty shops offering fresh seafood, dried goods, fruits and vegetables, meat, sweets, and local sake. This is a popular spot in Hachinohe tourism with a wide variety of souvenirs. The "Kitchen Stadium" allows you to enjoy seafood dishes and local cuisine made with seafood caught nearby, and "Aji Yokocho" offers a comprehensive taste of Hachinohe's culinary delights. "Shichirin Village" is immensely popular, where you can grill the seafood and meat you purchase right on the spot with charcoal. Oysters, sea squirts, and squid are fresh and exceptionally delicious. You can also enjoy the famous local dishes like senbei soup and apple juice. According to legend, Mount Osore was established as a sacred mountain by Jikaku Daishi of the Tendai sect over a thousand years ago in 862 AD. Also known as "Usoriyama," Mount Osore is one of Japan's three great sacred mountains, alongside Mount Koya and Mount Hiei. The spiritual sites known as Blood Pond Hell, Heavy Sinner's Hell, Hell Valley, Sai no Kawara, Paradise Beach, and Sanzu River are complemented by the varying seasonal landscapes of Lake Usoriyama, creating a unique and natural beauty.Lake Towada straddles Towada City in Aomori Prefecture and Kosaka Town in Kazuno District, Akita Prefecture. Formed by the volcanic activity of Mount Towada about 200,000 years ago, it is a caldera lake ranking 12th in area among Japanese lakes and 3rd in maximum depth at 327 meters. The Oirase Gorge, flowing out from the lake, is also designated as a national special scenic spot and natural monument. Oirase Gorge is a famous tourist attraction awarded two stars in the Michelin Green Guide. The approximately 14-kilometer-long stream offers stunning views wherever you walk! Strolling through the green tunnels and walking paths created by nature, you can fully enjoy the clear forest air, the sparkling water surface in the sunlight, the expressive clear streams, and the charm of the leaves and moss, all showcasing the beauty of nature. Tsutanuma Pond is located deep within the Towada-Hachimantai National Park in Aomori Prefecture and is collectively known with six other lakes as the "Seven Numa of Tsuta." Tsutanuma is surrounded by primeval beech forests, and the scenery changes with the seasons. In May, lush green grass covers the area, and in autumn, the beautiful red leaves are captivating. The best time for photography is when the morning light shines on the water's surface, creating reflections of the autumn leaves. However, this mesmerizing view can only be seen on calm, windless, overcast mornings. Located within the "Towada-Hachimantai National Park," the Jogakura Ohashi Bridge spans 360 meters in total length, with an arch span of 255 meters, making it Japan's longest overhead arch bridge. The view from the bridge is nothing short of breathtaking. Among the renowned autumn foliage spots in Aomori Prefecture is "Nakano Momiji Mountain." With around 130 maple trees, each over 100 years old, creating a colorful display of autumn leaves, the scenery is breathtaking. "Rice Paddy Art" involves using rice paddies as canvases and different colored rice plants as paint to create massive artworks. In Inakadate Village, this art form began in 1993 with three colors of rice plants. Over the years, the technique has improved, and now they use seven colors of rice plants to create intricate and delicate artworks. Passed down through generations in Tsugaru, the unique garden landscaping style known as "Oishi Bugekuryu" is exemplified by Seibien, a nationally designated scenic spot. The garden's construction began in 1902 during the Meiji era and took 9 years to complete. It spans 3,600 tsubo (about 1.2 hectares) and features a pond strolling garden. The garden's northern Japanese yews are extensively pruned to emulate the gods of creation. Additionally, the garden borrows scenery from the Tsugaru Plain and distant mountains, combined with meticulously placed garden stones, making this renowned garden famous both near and far.The Tsuru-no-Mai Bridge, spanning 300 meters across Tsugaru Fujimi Lake, is constructed using 700 Aomori cypress trees, each over 150 years old. It is Japan's longest triple-arch wooden bridge. The view of the arching bridge in harmony with Mount Iwaki's reflection creates a scene reminiscent of cranes dancing in the sky. It is also believed that crossing this bridge can extend one's life. 

 Ashino Park, known as a place where the writer Osamu Dazai often played as a boy, has been selected as one of the "100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan," with around 1,500 cherry trees blooming gloriously in spring. The park, which spans approximately 80 hectares and features a lake, also contains monuments to Osamu Dazai's literature and statues of him, as well as a monument marking the birthplace of Tsugaru shamisen. Visitors can enjoy the Tsugaru Railway running through the park, along with the nostalgic, traditional small station buildings. Takayama Inari Shrine is a famous shrine in Aomori Prefecture, known for its blessings of abundant harvests, maritime safety, and prosperous business. It is said to have been built by local lords during the Kamakura to Muromachi periods. The highlight of this shrine is the path from the main hall to the Shinmei Shrine, lined with over 200 torii gates, each about 2 meters tall, winding like a dragon. These torii gates were donated by people whose wishes were granted. From the summit of Mount Kuzure, you can see exactly 12 lakes, hence the name "Juni-ko" (Twelve Lakes). In reality, there are 33 lakes, with the most famous being Aoike and Shirokane. These lakes are known for their clear and beautiful cobalt blue color. When sunlight shines on the lake's surface, the reflections of fish and beech tree branches create a breathtaking scene. From the summit of Mount Kuzure, you can see exactly 12 lakes, hence the name "Juni-ko" (Twelve Lakes). In reality, there are 33 lakes, with the most famous being Aoike and Shirokane. These lakes are known for their clear and beautiful cobalt blue color. When sunlight shines on the lake's surface, the reflections of fish and beech tree branches create a breathtaking scene. The elementary school, which was closed in 1974, was restored and reborn as the "Memory of Kata Branch School" in 2004. It is now often used as a venue for events. The classrooms, items, and warm lighting inside are filled with a nostalgic atmosphere, perfectly preserving the appearance of that time. Taking photos here makes you feel as if you've stepped back into the scenes of those days. 

 Known for its mysterious blue stream and as a famous spot for fresh green foliage and autumn leaves, " Dakigaeri Gorge " was named because the narrow and steep mountain path was so difficult to pass that people had to embrace each other to get through. "Kakunodate" is located in Semboku City, in the eastern part of Akita Prefecture. Surrounded by the Tamagawa and Hinokinaigawa Rivers, and dense mountain ranges, it is a basin that still preserves many samurai residences (Bukeyashiki) and other buildings intact. With many valuable historical heritage sites, it is also known as "Little Kyoto of the North" and has been selected as one of Japan's Important Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings.Ginzan Onsen is filled with nostalgic scenery that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a time tunnel. The wooden onsen inns line both sides of the Ginzan River, and in the evening, the gas lamps light up, immediately creating an atmosphere reminiscent of old Japan, just like scenes from the movie "Spirited Away." This place is also famous as the filming location for the renowned drama series "Oshin." The best time for photography is on snowy nights, when the snow-covered streets and lights create a picturesque contrast.In the beautiful natural environment of Zao, over 100 foxes are freely roaming in the Zao Fox Village, where you can get up close and personal with these adorable creatures. In recent years, thanks to photos on social media, many foreign tourists have been attracted to visit Zao Fox Village. Especially from autumn to winter, the foxes' fur becomes the most fluffy and soft, making it the best season to capture their cute appearances. Sitting on the border of Yamagata and Miyagi prefectures, Mt. Zao is one of Tohoku's most prominent mountains. Within the mountain lies Okama Crater, a breathtaking caldera lake famous for its changes in color. The deep, water-filled crater is similar in shape (though not in size) to an “okama” cooking pot, thus giving the volcano its name. A combination of perfect winter weather and Zao's high altitude give birth to these monsters of the mountains. Cold air blowing from Siberia is trapped by the mountains running north to south through Tohoku. Water droplets in the air freeze onto the trees, creating towering monsters of snow and ice. While there are several places in the world to see this phenomenon, Zao is one of the largest.  Mogami River Cruise - Drifting along the Mogami River, enjoy the scenery from the boat on the Mogami Gorge Basho Line Boat Ride. Amidst the majestic nature, listen to the boatman’s song as you slowly drift downstream. This boat ride can be enjoyed at any time throughout the four seasons. Dewa Sanzan consists of Mount Haguro, Mount Gassan, and Mount Yudono, known for mountain worship. Mount Haguro protects present happiness, while Mount Gassan and Mount Yudono protect past and future happiness. The pilgrimage route on Mount Haguro is lined with cedar trees, featuring a thousand-year-old cedar and a national treasure five-story pagoda. In summer, the area is illuminated, creating a dreamy landscape. Sankyo Soko, built in 1893 by the Sakai family, became a national historic site in 2021. Of the 12 white-walled warehouses, 9 were used for agricultural storage until 2022, with a capacity of 10,800 tons of rice. To prevent summer heat, zelkova trees were planted behind the warehouses, and double roofs were used to prevent humidity. Currently, 2 warehouses serve as the tourist center “Sakata Yume no Kura,” where various souvenirs can be purchased. The zelkova tree-lined area is a popular photo spot and is also used for commercial filming. The Tsuruoka Castle Ruins served as the residence of the Sakai family of the Shonai Domain for about 250 years. The moat, stone walls, and centuries-old cedar trees evoke the remnants of the castle. Throughout the seasons, beautiful flowers bloom, and the park, which features around 710 cherry trees, is selected as one of the “100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan,” making it a renowned cherry blossom viewing spot in the prefecture. The area around Tsuruoka Park, rich in historical sites and cultural assets, also appears in the works of Fujisawa, retaining the strong atmosphere of a castle town.

" Risshakuji Temple" commonly known as "Yamadera," is famed for its unique rock formations and serves as a sacred site for training and faith. The trail from the base to the Oku-no-in, which houses the Great Buddha Hall, takes about an hour and is lined with beautiful scenery. Climbing the 1,015 stone steps to reach the Oku-no-in is a classic pilgrimage route, and it is said that ascending these steps accumulates spiritual training, dissipating worldly desires. Despite being a form of ascetic training, the numerous historical monuments and stunning views along the way make it a highly enjoyable experience, both mentally and sensorially. The colorful ponds and lakes in Fukushima known as Goshikinuma were born when Mt. Bandai  erupted over a century ago. Influenced by the volcanic elements and minerals, each body of water has its own distinctive color, and these hues are enhanced and altered by the changing seasons.Nicchu Line Weeping Cherry Trees - The disused section of the former Japan National Railways Nichu Line, which was abandoned in 1984, has been transformed into a promenade. Starting from the entrance located a 5-minute walk west of Kitakata Station, the 3-kilometer-long path features approximately 1,000 weeping cherry trees, forming one of Japan's largest weeping cherry tree avenues. At the midpoint of the path, there is a display of the steam locomotive (SL) that used to run there, offering a beautiful collaboration with the weeping cherry blossoms. The cherry blossom tunnel is a perfect spot for photography.

Built on the remains of an underground quarry, the Oya History Museum allows visitors to understand the quarrying history of Oya stone, a specialty of Utsunomiya. The exhibition hall showcases materials related to the large-scale quarrying of Oya stone from the mid-Edo period to 1959, including transportation tools and the evolution of quarrying methods. The underground quarry covers an area of 20,000 square meters and is 30 meters deep, with the deepest point reaching 60 meters. The average temperature is only 8°C. Over time, approximately 10 million stones have been quarried, creating a space large enough to fit an entire baseball field. Besides exhibitions, the museum also hosts concerts, theatrical performances, Noh performances, and more, making it a versatile venue.One of the three largest Buddha statues in the world, Ushiku Daibutsu is said to be big enough to hold Nara Prefecture's Todaiji Buddha statue in its hand. Visit and climb this statue to take in amazing views of the area and learn about the Jodo Shinshu sect of Buddhism.