14 nights – Tokyo | Nikko | Hiraizumi | Naruko Onsen | Sanriku Coast | Sendai | Niigata | Sado Island | Tokyo
What to expect?
The northern reaches of Japan's main island hold some of the country's most beguiling attractions: rugged national parks, mountaintop temple communities, and enchanting hot spring villages.
A Northern Soul introduces some of these hidden delights, revealing a side of Japan rarely seen by outsiders. The region of Tohoku lies north of Tokyo, stretching all the way up to the tip of Honshu Island and encompassing six prefectures. This is one of the most remote regions in Japan, with a reputation for stunning scenery, deep winters, and exceptionally warm hospitality - and until 2011 it was a name virtually unknown to the outside world. Then, in March 2011, this unassuming region suddenly found itself at the centre of the world's attention due to the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami.
To help you understand the effects of the earthquake, the tour will include a visit to one of the towns worst affected by the tsunami where you'll have the chance to learn about the events of 2011 first-hand.
Tohoku is a truly beautiful region and this tour is packed with stunning locations and fascinating cultural experiences - including several World Heritage Sites.
As part of this tour you'll visit beautiful Matsushima Bay, considered one of the top three scenic views in Japan; historic Hiraizumi, whose golden temple rivals Kinkaku-ji in Kyoto for brilliance; and Naruko Onsen, a charming onsen town where hot spring steam billows through the wood-panelled streets.
Outside of the Tohoku region you'll also visit the monumentally elaborate shrines of Nikko, final resting place of Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, and the abandoned gold mines of Sado Island, a rural isle known for its world-famous taiko drummers. This is a fantastic itinerary taking you well off the beaten path into Japan's magical northern reaches.
Though most of Tohoku was completely untouched by the disaster of 2011, the whole region has suffered the effects of a decline in tourism to the area, so your presence will be greatly appreciated by the hotels, inns, restaurants and museums we'll visit on the tour.
Visit the stunning Toshogu shrine complex
Let the wonders of this UNESCO designated shrine complex at Nikko blow you away
Taste locally brewed sake on Sado island
Drift around the island in the island's iconic little tub boats before stopping off to sample Japan's tastiest drink
Catch one of Japan's three most beautiful views
Enjoy the beauty of a cruise through the tiny islands scattered around Matsushima Bay
INSIDER TOP TIP
Nobody knows our trips as well as our Insiders, the expert guides that run them, do. If you're thinking about joining us on A Northern Soul, here are Richard's highlights.
"This is our only tour that includes a visit and stay in Nikko and the stunning UNESCO shrine complex. The shrines are amazingly ornate and they're in a beautiful setting with towering cedar trees.
We also stay at one of the oldest western style hotels in Japan while we're in Nikko, so you get a real sense of history and a sort of Victorian 'days of yore' feel to the place which makes things interesting - plus there's always a great dinner.
One of the most moving parts of the tour is the visit to a school that was affected by the tsunami and earthquake, and has been kept in its ruined state and turned into a museum. A visit to this area is a great chance to have a positive financial impact on the region."
"It was the best organised tour that I’ve ever had. Very well organised and every fine detail is taken care of. Both the travel consultant (Jarrod) and the tour leader (Steve) were professional, helpful, caring and friendly. The tour itself was great and we visited some beautiful off the beaten track destinations"
Suzi, Australia - A Northern Soul, Sept 2023
Ready to find out more or book a small group tour?
Call:
0117 244 3380 (Bristol, UK)
07 3186 8800 (Brisbane, Australia)
303 952 0379 (Broomfield, Colorado)
Email:
info@insidejapantours.com