5 days tohoku travel itinerary

BEST Guide: 5 Days Tohoku Travel Itinerary

For the entire five days of our Tohoku travel, we used the JR Tohoku pass/JR East Pass and saved up to 89 120 yen travel costs.  With JR Tohoku pass we traveled to 5 prefectures without worrying about travel fare. 

 

It’s advisable to secure a seat in advance when boarding the Shinkansen for your convenience. Additionally, if you’ve purchased a standard Shinkansen ticket, an extra fee is required, but this charge is waived with a JR Tohoku pass. For a detailed guide about my entire Tohoku travel, get my Tohoku travel itinerary in (PDF format)  or (Google sheet)  for free.  

Table of Contents

Day 1: Yamagata Prefecture

zao sanroku station - tohoku travel itinerary
Zao sanroku station

Our first day of travel in Tohoku started bright and early with a 6:18 AM departure. We took a local JR train to Ueno Station, aiming to catch the Shinkansen to Yamagata. Unfortunately, there were no available seats for the direct route, so we adjusted our plans. Instead, we hopped on the Shinkansen to Sendai Station, then transferred to a local JR train on the Senzan Line to reach Yamagata. The journey from Sendai to Yamagata was breathtaking, as the snow-covered forests and mountains outside the train windows made the ride magical.

Once we arrived at Yamagata Station, we took the East exit and bought bus tickets to Zao Onsen. The ride was smooth, and after a short walk from the Zao bus terminal, we reached the Zao Ropeway. Spending around four hours there, we took in stunning views, enjoyed the Zao snow monsters (Juhyo), and visited the Zao Jizoson statue at the summit. After a delicious lunch at the station’s restaurant, we headed back down, catching the bus back to Yamagata. We returned to Sendai Station just in time for dinner at Heirokusushi, then made our final journey to Morioka, where we settled in for the rest of our  day one Tohoku travel itinerary.

From Ueno Station to Sendai Station

Ticket gate at Ueno Station for Shinkansen

Schedule: 6:18AM - 7:58AM

Travel Fare:  ¥11,880

Using JR Tohoku Pass: 0

 

We initially took a local JR train to Ueno Station, planning to travel to Tohoku via the Shinkansen. However, due to the unavailability of seats for our direct journey to Yamagata Station, we altered our plans and opted to go to Sendai Station via the Shinkansen and then take a local JR train to reach Yamagata Station from Sendai.

Sendai Station

to Yamagata Station

Schedule: 8:18AM - 9:45 AM

Travel Fare:  ¥1170 

Using JR Tohoku Pass:¥ 0

 

Senzan Line going to Yamagata Station. Beautiful snow-covered forest and mountains outside the train window.

Yamagata Station to Zao Onsen Bus Terminal

Schedule: 10:19 AM - 11:00 AM

Travel Fare:  ¥5,700 (Back and forth bus fare plus Zao Ropeway fare)

JR Tohoku Pass: not included

 

Took the East exit and went to the bus ticket counter for Zao bus terminal.

 Zao Onsen Bus Terminal to Zao Ropeway

Zao Ropeway is around a 5-minute walk from Zao bus terminal.

We spent around 4 hours enjoying the place. If you love skiing? this place is perfect for you.

Juhyo Kogen Station

Juhyo Kogen Station. Transferred to another ropeway from here going up to the peak.

Snow monster

You will see Snow Monsters when heading to Jizo Sancho Station (Summit Station).

Snow Monster known as Juhyo is a result of Siberian wind and heavy snowfall.

Jizo Sancho Station

Jizo Sancho station is the Summit station. Strong wind and heavy snow didn't stop us from taking a short walk and enjoying the snowy environment. 

Zao Ropeway Restaurant

Arrived at Jizo Sancho Station and were too hungry so we had our lunch at the restaurant adjacent to the station.

Zao Jizoson

Zao Jizoson, one of the three Gods enshrined on the mountain of Yamagata Zao.

Head back to Zao Sanroku Ropeway

Go down to the base station and return to Zao bus terminal. Be cautious of the time.

Zao Onsen Bus Terminal to Yamagata Station 

Schedule: 15:00 - 16:00 

 

Ride the bus going back to Sendai Station. Just show the ticket you purchase at the Yamako Bus information center at Yamagata Station.

Yamagata Station to

Sendai Station

Schedule: 16:00- 17:10

Travel fare: ¥1500

Using JR Pass: ¥ 0

Ride the local train going back to Sendai Station.

Heirokuzushi

Dined in this sushi restaurant. It is just a few walks from Sendai Station.

Sendai Station

to Morioka Station

Schedule: 19:18-20:00

Regular Travel fare: ¥6,590

Using JR Tohoku Pass: ¥ 0

 

Finally arrived in Morioka where we will be staying for the entire 5-day Tohoku trip. 

Unizo Inn Express 

Walk around 5 minutes going to Unizo Inn Express. Follow the signs going to the WEST Exit. There is a direct overpass heading to the  Hotel which is very convenient if you have large luggage.

Day 2: Aomori Prefecture

aomori station
Aomori station

On the second day of our Tohoku travel itinerary, we started bright and early with a 6:54 AM Shinkansen ride from Morioka to Shin-Aomori—thanks to the JR Tohoku Pass, it was all covered! After a quick hop on a local train, we reached Aomori Station and headed to Kominato Station. From there, we enjoyed a relaxing 30-minute walk to Asadokoro Kaigan, soaking in the beautiful coastal views before making our way back to Aomori.

Once we returned to Aomori, we visited the Nebuta Warasse Museum, where we got to see the incredible lanterns from the August 2023 Nebuta Festival. The artwork was amazing, and we couldn’t resist grabbing some souvenirs afterward. Then it was time to head back to Morioka by train. After arriving, we took a short bus ride to visit the peaceful Morioka Ruined Castle before ending the day with a delicious dinner at Kumamoto Oppeshan, just a few minutes from the station. Finally, we headed back to our hotel, ready for the next day’s adventure!

From Morioka to Shin Aomori

Schedule: 6:54 AM- 7:54 AM

Regular Travel fare: ¥6,650

Using Jr Tohoku Pass: ¥ 0

 

Ride a Shinkansen going to Shin Aomori. 

Shin Aomori Station

to Aomori station

Schedule: 8:02 AM - 8:08 AM

Regular Travel Fare: ¥190

Using Jr Tohoku Pass: ¥ 0

Ride a  local train from Shin-Aomori to Aomori Station.

Aomori station to Kominato Station

Schedule: 8:33 AM - 9:02 AM

Regular Travel Fare: ¥690

Using Jr Tohoku Pass: ¥ 0

 

Ride a  local train from  Aomori Station to Kominato Station. 

Asadokoro Kaigan

From Kominato station, walk around 30 minutes going to Asadokoro Kaigan.

Kominato Station to Aomori Station

Schedule: 11:09 AM - 11:42 AM

Regular Travel Fare: ¥690

Using Jr Tohoku Pass: ¥ 0

 

Go back to Kominato Station and ride again local train to  Aomori Station. 

Nebuta Museum Warasse

Schedule: 12:30 - 13:35

Entrance Fee: ¥620- Adult 

The museum is located near the station. These are the lanterns displayed at the museum. According to the staff, these were the winners last Nebuta Festival, August 2023.

A Factory

Buy souvenir for your love ones.

Aomori Station to

Morioka Station

Schedule: 14:00 - 16:05

Regular fare: ¥6,980

Using Jr Tohoku pass : ¥0

 

Ride a local train going back to Shin Aomori and then  Ride a Shinkansen going back to Morioka. 

Morioka Ruined  Castle

20-minute bus ride.

Visit Morioka Ruined Castle. 

Kumamoto Oppeshan

Dinner at Kumamoto Oppeshan. Five minutes walk from Morioka station. 

Unizon Inn Express

Back to hotel.

Day 3: Odate City

odate city tourism
Odate city tourism - home of Hachiko

On the third day, we kicked off early again, catching the 6:38 AM Shinkansen from Morioka to Shin-Aomori, all covered by our JR Tohoku Pass. From there, we transferred to a local JR train to reach Hirosaki Station, and then continued on another local train to Odate Station.

Our first stop in Odate was the Akita Dog Visitor Center and Museum, where we learned about the famous Akita breed and even spotted Mt. Houou in the distance. After exploring the area and walking around the city, we took the train back to Hirosaki. From there, we hopped into a taxi to visit the beautiful Hirosaki Castle, where we spent time strolling through the scenic grounds.

As the afternoon wrapped up, we caught the Limited Express Tsugaru back to Shin-Aomori, a quick 30-minute ride. With some time to spare before our next train, we enjoyed a relaxing dinner at one of the seafood restaurants inside the station, a perfect way to end our day before heading back to Morioka.

Morioka Station to Shin Aomori Station

Schedule: 6:38 - 07:44

Regular fare: ¥6650

Using Jr Tohoku pass: ¥0

Back to Shin-Aomori Station to get to Hirosaki Station and then Odate Station.

Shin Aomori

to Hirosaki Station

Schedule: 8:02 - 08:39

Regular fare: ¥6650

Using Jr Tohoku pass: ¥0

 

From the Shinkansen platform, we transferred to the local JR train platform 2 for Hirosaki.

Hirosaki Station - Odate Station

Schedule: 9:02 - 09:44

Regular fare: ¥770

Using Jr Tohoku pass: ¥0

Ride a local train going to Odate Station.

 Odate Station

Visit Akita dog visitor center

and Akita Dog Museum

Mt Houou

Mt Houou is visible in front of Akita Dog visitor center.

Walk around the City

Roam around the area to feel the local vibes

Odate Station- Hirosaki Station

Schedule: 13:37 - 04:42

Regular fare: ¥770

Using Jr Tohoku pass: ¥0

From Odate station,  ride the local train back to Hirosaki Station. Take a taxi going to Hirosaki Castle. It will cost you around ¥1400. 

Hirosaki Castle

Schedule: 14:42 - 15:35

Entrance fee: Free

Walk around the castle. 

Hirosaki Station to Shin Aomori Station

Schedule: 16:00 - 16:57

Regular fare: ¥1,440

Using Jr Tohoku pass: ¥0

We rode the Limited Express Tsugaru train for our travel back to Shin-Aomori which only took us 30 minutes. 

Dinner inside Shin Aomori Station

Schedule: 17:22 - 18:20

We dined in one of the seafood restaurants inside the station because we still had enough time to spare before our train schedule. 

Shin Aomori Station to Morioka Station

Schedule: 18:25 - 19:13

Travel fare: ¥6650

 

We ride the Hokkaido Railway train back to Morioka Station.

Unizo Inn Express

Back to Hotel.

Day 4: Joyful Train Ride - Tohoku Travel

Resort shirakami - Joyful train bound for Akita

On day four, we started our day with an early 6:54 AM Shinkansen ride from Morioka to Shin-Aomori, once again using our JR Tohoku Pass. Before boarding the Joyful Train, we made sure to grab an ekiben (a special bento box meal) for lunch—a perfect way to enjoy local flavors while on the go.

The Resort Shirakami Joyful Train is more than just transportation; it’s an experience in itself. With its large windows, we were able to take in the breathtaking views of snow-covered rice fields as we traveled. Between Mutsu-Tsuruda and Kawabe Stations, we enjoyed a unique performance of “Katarabe,” a Tsugaru dialect storytelling event that made the journey even more memorable. We also had a quick photo stop at Senjojiki Station, with the stunning Senjojiki Coast right across the road.

The scenic seaside views continued as we traveled from Senjojiki to Fukaura Station. We even made a brief stop at Noshiro City, famous for its basketball legacy. By the time we arrived at Akita Station, we picked up another ekiben before heading to our next stop, Tazawako Station.

At Tazawako Station, we caught a bus to the stunning Lake Tazawa, Japan’s deepest lake. Its tranquil beauty was captivating, and we visited the golden Statue of Tatsuko, which tells the legend of a young woman transformed into a dragon, guarding the lake’s depths. After soaking in the serenity of the lake, we headed back to Tazawako Station for our train ride back to Morioka, ending the day with a delicious dinner near the station before returning to our hotel, Unizo Inn Express, for a restful night.

Morioka  Station to Shin Aomori Station

Schedule: 6:54 - 07:54

Regular fare: ¥6650

Using Jr Tohoku pass: ¥0

Early shinkansen ride going to Shin Aomori

Buy Ekiben 

Buy Ekiben(bento box meal) before riding Joyful Train.

Special boxed meals known as ekiben are available at train stops and are intended to be consumed on lengthy train trips that highlight regional cuisine.

Resort Shirakami Train

According to JR East website, a Joyful Train is not only a means of transportation but also a package of various pleasures, allowing for the train journey itself to become the purpose of travel.

Snow Field

One thing I love about this train is their large windows that will let you enjoy the beautiful view outside

Resort Shirakami Train Entertainment

Between Mutsu-Tsuruda Station and Kawabe Station, a demonstration of Tsugaru dialect called "Katarabe" was held at the event space. You can go to the event space or just listen on your seat as speakers are installed on every cars making it audible for everyone.

Lunch

Seaside view while having our lunch.

Senjojiki Station

Senjojiki Coast is located just across the road from Senjojiki Station an unmanned station without a station building or even walls.

Seaside of Japan

The seaside view when travelling to Fukaura Station from Senjoji Station.

Noshiro City

Noshiro City is known for its basketball powerhouse. Noshiro Technical High School is said to be the model school of Sanno Industry that appeared in a famous series slamdunk.

Akita Station

Finally arrived at Akita station. Buy another ekiben here before riding to our next destination>  Tazawako Station.

Tazawako Station

Schedule: 14:14 - 16:05

Regular fare: ¥5800

Using Jr Tohoku pass: ¥0

 

Arrive at Tazawako station. In front of the station, find the bus heading to "Lake Tazawa". 

Lake Tazawa 

At 423 meters deep, Lake Tazawa is the deepest lake in Japan. It's a picturesque caldera lake that hasn't been overdeveloped, maintaining its unspoiled, rustic charm. 

Statue of Tatsuko

The Statue of Tatsuko- a golden statue of a young woman looking over the lake.

Legend has it that Tatsuko was an exceptionally beautiful young woman who wished to be youthful and beautiful forever. She prayed to the merciful and compassionate Okura Kannon every night. The goddess responded to her long nights of prayer by telling her that her wish would be granted if she drank water from a nearby spring. Unfortunately for Tatsuko, her great thirst led her to drink until the spring ran dry, and she transformed into a dragon, fated to prowl the lake’s great depths for eternity as its guardian.

Tazawako  Station to Morioka Station

Go back to Tazawako Station, ride a local train, or Shinkansen train back to Morioka Station. 

We decided to have our dinner near Morioka Station.

Unizo Inn Express

Go back to hotel.

Day 5: Matsushima Bay

matsushima bay islets
One of hundred beautiful islets of Matsushima bay

On the last day of our Tohoku travel itinerary, we set off early from Morioka, catching the 7:08 AM Shinkansen to Sendai Station using our JR Tohoku Pass. From there, we took a local train to Matsushima Kaigan, excited for a day of exploration by the bay.

Our first stop was the Matsushima Yakigaki House, where we indulged in an all-you-can-eat oyster feast (kaki tabehoudai)—a real treat I had been looking forward to! Afterward, we wandered around Matsushima Bay, and to our surprise, we found an adorable Akita dog named Yu-chan at the park. The owners kindly let us take a photo, making it a special moment, especially after our earlier trip to Odate to see Akita dogs.

Next, we visited Godaido Temple, an iconic spot in Matsushima, and followed it up with a scenic cruise around Matsushima Bay. Seeing the 200 islets scattered across the water was breathtaking. Afterward, we walked across Fukuura Bridge to explore Fukuurajima Island, taking in the peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty.

In the afternoon, we returned to the main island for a mini food trip, savoring local treats before making our way back to Sendai Station. From there, we boarded a local train back to Sendai, and later, the Disney-themed bullet train to Ueno Station. It was the perfect way to wrap up our unforgettable journey through Tohoku!

Morioka Station - Sendai Station

Schedule: 7:08 - 07:51

Regular fare: ¥7190

Using Jr Tohoku pass: ¥0

Early morning ride going to Sendai Station.

Sendai Station

to Matsushima Kaigan

Schedule: 7:33 - 08:12

Regular fare: ¥420

Using Jr Tohoku pass: ¥0

 

Take a local train going to Matsushima Kaigan.

Matsushima Yakigaki House

Schedule: 8:30 - 10:00

Matsushima Yakigaki House- I was excited the whole time before this travel as I was excited about the カキ食べ放題(kaki tabehoudai) or all-you-can-eat oyster here in Sendai. This store offers 45 minutes tabehoudai starting from 3.3k depending on the course.

Walk around Matsushima Bay

Schedule: 10:00 - 11:00 

Found an Akita dog at the park and we were happy as the owners permitted us to take a photo with their dog called Yu-chan. We have been excited to see Akita dogs during this trip that we even went to Odate City in Akita just to pet one but we were unlucky as most of the establishments were closed for year-end holidays.

Godaido Temple

Schedule: 11:00 - 11:40

Explore Godaido temple.

Matsushima Bay Cruise

Schedule: 11:40 - 13:00

Ticket: ¥ 1000

Matsushima Bay is one of the three most scenic views in Japan along with Miyajima in Hiroshima and Amanohashidate in Kyoto. See the 200 small islands of Matsushima.

Fukuurajima Island

Schedule: 13:10 - 15:00

Paid a 200 yen entrance fee to enter the Fukuura Bridge and explore Fukuurajima.

Food trip 

Schedule: 15:00 - 17:00

Back to the main island and explore more foods.

Back to Sendai Station

Schedule: 17:12 - 17:51

Regular fare: ¥420

Using Jr Tohoku pass: ¥0

Ride the local train from  Matsushima Kaigan Station going back to Sendai Station.

Sendai Station

to Ueno Station

Schedule: 18:21 - 19:50

Regular fare: ¥11,200

Using Jr Tohoku pass: ¥0

 

We were able to catch a non-reserved seat and board this Disney-themed bullet train.

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