The Tohoku region located on the north side of Japan is well known for its nature, and country landscape of the good old times still remain. Since public transport can be inconvenient in many areas outside of urban cities, hiring one of our charter vehicles or charter bus is recommended.
- Aomori Prefecture
Aomori prefecture boasts beautiful nature and countryside, including the World Heritage Site Shirakami-Sanchi mountains.
At Shirakami-Sanchi, there is a lake called Aoike known as the “mystical pond” where there’s also the world’s largest beechwood forest. It would be worth while taking a long trek around the area. Lake Towada located on the border of Aomori and Akita prefectures and Oirase Stream that flows out of Lake Towada are both popular tourist attractions. The clear blue indigo colored lake surface is mystic, and from spring to autumn you can go on a pleasure boat on the lake.
If you are interested in Japanese history and culture, let’s go to the Sannai-Maruyama site and Aomori Prefectural Museum of Art both in close proximity to Shin-Aomori station. You can visit a village site from the Jomon Period, about 4000 years ago. If you want to learn more about local culture, head to Hirosaki Castle in Hirosaki or “Nebuta Museum Wa Rasse” near Aomori station. You can also enjoy great food in Aomori, such as the famous apples and tuna from Oma. You can travel efficiently if you hire our charter vehicle and charter bus, while taking in the views of the peaceful countryside with rice fields.
- Akita Prefecture
Akita prefecture is located on the northern part of Honshu Island, surrounded by mountains and the Japan Sea. You can experience its rich nature and distinctive local culture, while enjoying the views of the Japanese countryside. Since tourist attractions are located far from urban areas, use of a charter vehicle or charter bus is highly recommended for a relaxing trip around the area.
Lake Tazawa is the deepest and the most transparent lake in Japan and is somewhere you must visit when you’re in Akita. It is a popular tourist attraction where many people become fascinated by the rich blue color of the lake. Leisure activities such as fishing and boating is also available.
At the Kakunodate samurai residences in the inland area, you can walk along the streets and feel like you are part of old Japan. For more active people, why don’t you go trekking while watching the spectacular views of Dakigaeri Gorge, which is said to be one of the most beautiful landscapes in the Tohoku region, and Yasu Falls, which ranks second in “Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls”. It is also worthwhile taking a tour of the museums in the region, including the Oga Shinzan Folklore Museum (Namahage Museum), where you can experience the “Namahage” ritual, which is part of the traditional culture of the Oga region. Akita is also dotted with facilities that can be enjoyed by families such as zoos and aquariums. In between sightseeing in your charter vehicle, let’s get a taste of Akita cuisine such as Kiritanpo and Yokote Yakisoba, Hinai Chicken, and Inaniwa Udon noodles. If you want to stay overnight, hot spring ryokan accommodation is recommended.
- Yamagata Prefecture
Yamagata prefecture is about 3 hours away from Tokyo by bullet train and is known for its beautiful mountains and hot springs. Since the tourist attractions are scattered around, it will be much easier to hire a charter vehicle or charter bus to tour the area.
At Risshaku-ji (Yama-dera), one of the leading tourist attractions in Yamagata, you can see the beautiful and somewhat mysterious scenery of many temples and monuments rising from the mountain side. As you climb up to the observation deck, you will be greeted by the magnificent scenery surrounded by mountains. Dewa Sanzan (Three Mountains of Dewa) in Shonai district also has a long history and its shrines are a popular pilgrimage site visited by many tourists.
Yamagata Castle near Yamagata Station is a vast castle site, where a moat and a stone wall now remain. The castle site is now known as Kajo Park and it is a place for local people to relax. There are Museums and archives on the premises, so you can learn about Yamagata’s history over the years. There is also a hot-spring town popular with tourists called Ginzan Onsen. It will be a special experience to stay at a Japanese style Ryokan accommodation and enjoy the hot springs.
- Fukushima Prefecture
You can reach Fukushima in approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from Tokyo via the bullet train. Fukushima is located on the inland area and you can enjoy its rich nature such as beautiful mountains and lakes. Since there are three sightseeing roads in Bandai and Urabandai area, and it is recommended that you use a charter vehicle or charter bus for sightseeing around the area. Why don’t you sit back and relax in your charter vehicle while enjoying the beautiful view on the way to tourist attractions, such as the observation deck where you can view the lake below, Jododaira, and Mount Azuma-kofuji, which is often said to be “like on Mars”.
The symbol of Fukushima, Bandai Mountain is a great spot for trekking and mountain climbing. When you reach the summit, you can enjoy the magnificent view of Lake Inawashiro below. At Goshiki-numa, a cluster of five volcanic lakes popular with tourists, you can see the different color of the water depending on weather, temperature and time.
Fukushima’s popular tourist destination, Lake Inawashiro is a lake known for high degree of transparency, and with the beautiful landscape of Mount Bandai in the background, it is somewhere you would want to enjoy a leisurely cycle or drive around in your charter vehicle. Nearby, there are also Tenkyokaku, listed as Important Cultural Properties of Japan, and Hideyo Noguchi Memorial Museum that commemorate the life of the famous Japanese scientist.
In addition, Fukushima’s central city Aizu Wakamatsu City has many wonderful historic sites, such as Aizu-Wakamatsu Castle (Tsuruga Castle) and former clan school Nisshinkan. As hot springs are also scattered around the area, it will also be a good idea to relax and unwind at a Japanese-style Ryokan accommodation and hot spring after a day of sightseeing.
- Miyagi Prefecture
Miyagi prefecture is where the largest city in the Tohoku region, Sendai, is located and the city is bustling as a base for sightseeing and business. For sightseeing tours, using one of our charter vehicles or charter bus mean that the day will run smoothly and without losing any time waiting.
Sendai Castle is a must see, as it was the base for one of Japan’s most popular samurai warriors, Date Masamune. Let’s enjoy the magnificent view from the observation deck surrounded by Mount Aoba that overlooks the city of Sendai. At the nearby Sendai City Museum, you can take a look at valuable historical materials and warrior armors. In Sendai, there are many temples related to the Date house, and the luxurious mausoleum at Zuiho-den that enshrine Date Masamune is a must see. There are also many facilities that can be enjoyed by couples and families, such as Yagiyama Zoo with polar bears and lions and Sendai Astronomical Observatory, one of the largest in Japan.
The Sakunami Onsen hot spring located about 30 minutes by car from the city is called “Sendai’s Inner-parlor (Okuzashiki)”, and its water is loved by locals. If you hire one of our charter vehicles, you can also drop by the hot spring during your trip. On the way to Sakunami Onsen, there is Homei Shijuhachi-taki Falls where large and small waterfalls flow, and you can enjoy the beautiful natural landscape.
If you venture out from Sendai City, you can also see the unique scenes of Miyagi such as Akiu Onsen, Akiu Great Falls, one of Three Views of Japan Matsushima, and Okama on Zao Renpo mountains. If you hire one of our charter vehicles, you can travel to areas outside Sendai easily and comfortably. Don’t forget to try the famous local cuisines such as beef tongue, Zunda (soy bean paste) sweets, and Sasa Kamaboko (fish cakes).
- Iwate Prefecture
Iwate prefecture, consisting of deep mountain inland areas and coastal areas that face the North Pacific Ocean, has many old architectural heritage sites and tourist attractions. Although the area suffered unprecedented damage in the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011, there are still ongoing recovery effort. It is easier and safer to hire a charter vehicle or charter bus and leave the driving up to the driver, as we will be driving along mountain roads to reach various sightseeing spots.
In the 11th – 12th century, Hiraizumi City prospered as center of the Tohoku region, and the city boasts World Heritage sites such as Chuson-ji and Motsu-ji temples. There is a cedar tree over 300 years old along Tsukimisaka on the path that leads to the front of the temple, and the stroll along this path is refreshing walk.
Since there are numerous historic temples scattered along the way, let’s take a good look at each of them as you walk. At the end of the path you will arrive at Sankozo, where precious national treasures and important cultural assets are located. Among them, the renowned Chusonji Konjiki-do is the only architectural heritage site in Japan that keeps its original form. Konjiki-do that glitters in gold is truly a masterpiece and is popular among both local and foreign tourists.
Motsu-ji nearby is designated as Special Historic Site and Special Place of Scenic Beauty in Japan, and it is a tourist attraction of high historical value. Highlights include the Motsu-ji Garden that was designed using traditional Japanese gardening technique. There are many small temples around the garden, so let’s take some time to during your walk to appreciate them.
Afterwards, why not visit museums related to Japanese children’s author Kenji Miyazawa and Tono district where it was the setting for many of his stories. The Koiwai Farm Makiba-en that suits families and groups, is packed full of leisure activities so you can play all day. Since the area is scattered with hot springs, we recommend dropping by in between sightseeing or staying overnight at a Japanese style Ryokan accommodation. Why don’t you try the famous Wankoba challenge in groups or families?
| Vehicle Types | Passengers | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Sedan | 3 pax | |
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Toyota Alphard | 6 pax | |
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Toyota Hiace Grand Cabin | 9 pax | |
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Micro Bus | 16～21 pax | |
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Small Size Bus | 21～25 pax | |
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Medium Size Bus | 27～28 pax | |
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Large Size Bus | 45～60 pax |
■Please let us know your rough plan as we can create a package tour based on your request.
■Please send your request to info@japan-land-service.com as our staff will reply you within 24 hours.
■Interpreter-guide in this area is very rare so price will be more expensive than other major city such as Tokyo or Osaka.
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