15 Days Tokyo Itinerary

Tohoku Route

NORTH OF MAIN – ISLAND OF JAPAN

Embark on a 15-day journey through Japan's northern regions, visiting gems like Akechidaira Ropeway, Nikko National Park, and the Namahage Museum. Enjoy campgrounds and RV-friendly locations amidst serene landscapes and unique cultural experiences.

In this 15 days trip, you will be able to explore the most underrated region in Japan which is the Tohoku region. It has some of the best hidden gems Japan has to offer. In this trip, you will be able to pass through cities like Nikko, Fukushima, Yamagata, Sakata, Akita,　Aomori, Moryoka and Iwate Miyako. With this route guide, we have listed some of the activities you can do at a certain city. You have a choice if you want to go hiking, sightseeing and even food tasting. We also listed some museums if you are looking for more Japanese history. This trip will not just be any other trip because it will be an eye opener for everyone and love the 日本の文化 Nihon no bunka, or the Japanese culture even more.

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Day 1

Start in Our shop, 15-20 mins away from Narita Airport by Taxi.

Recommended starting time is in the morning but if you’re arriving late, you can stay at the nearby Campgrounds and Roadside Station nearby below.

Entrance to Arnomien Auto Camping Ground surrounded by tall trees and greenery under a clear blue sky.

Arinomien Auto Campground ↗

Grassy campsite with tents, parked cars, and a paved path leading into a tree-lined area under a partly cloudy sky.

Narita Yume Farm Auto Campsite ↗

Day 2

From Rental Car Station to Nikko, it is approximately 200KM, around 3 to 4 hours of driving depending on traffic.

It is stunning destination for nature lovers and culture seekers alike. Explore the World Heritage shrines and temples that showcase the rich history and spirituality of Japan, such as the ornate Toshogu Shrine and the serene Rinnoji Temple. Enjoy the scenic beauty of the park in any season, from the snowy peaks and frozen lakes in winter to the colorful flowers and waterfalls in spring and summer.

Ornate golden and white traditional Japanese temple gate surrounded by trees and stone steps.

Nikko National Park ↗

A waterfall surrounded by colorful autumn trees with a blue lake and mountains in the background.

Nakimushiyama

Red and white ropeway cable car with passengers traveling over green forested mountains under a blue sky with scattered clouds.

Akechidaira Ropeway Observation Deck ↗

A viewing platform with vistas over Kegon Waterfall and Lake Chuzenjiko which can be accessed by ropeway or hiking.
Opens at 8:40 – 15:30.
Ropeway fare: Adult: One-way 600JPY | Roundtrip: 1,000JPY / Child: One-way 300JPY | Roundtrip: 500JPY

Campground & Roadside Station

White teepee-style tent decorated with colorful triangular flags under a brown canopy in a wooded campsite with a white vehicle partially visible on the left.

Nikko Daiyagawa Park Auto Camping Ground ↗

Modern white and gray roadside station buildings with an empty parking lot under a clear blue sky.

Roadside Station Nikko ↗

Day 3

After a tiring day 2, its time to relax and cool down. Enjoy Nikko’s enchanting waterfalls.

Two waterfalls flowing through a forest with vibrant autumn foliage in red, orange, and yellow.

Ryuzu Waterfall

Ryuzu Waterfall (竜頭ノ滝, Ryūzu no Taki) means "dragon head waterfall" in Japanese. The name comes from the shape of the falls, which resembles the head of a dragon. The waterfall is located on Yukawa River, shortly before the river discharges into Lake Chuzenji.

Tall waterfall cascading down rocky cliffs surrounded by autumn-colored trees under a clear blue sky.

Kegon Waterfall

Kegon waterfall is Nikko`s most famous waterfall, and was also listed as one of Japan's most beautiful waterfalls. Kegon Waterfall can be seen from a free observation platform that is easily accessible on foot, as well as from a paid platform at the base of the falls. The paid platform is accessed via a 100-metre-deep elevator and offers more impressive views.

Elevator to the lower observation deck:
‍8:00 to 17:00 (March to November) | 9:00 to 16:30 (December to February) | No closing days | Admission Fee: 570JPY

Campground with a grassy field, small tent, shelter structure, and person among green forested hills under a clear blue sky.

Nikkoyumoto Camping Ground ↗

Day 4

After witnessing the natural beauty of Nikko, it’s time to explore Japan’s unique culture. Head to Fukushima, the third largest prefecture in Japan. Aizu Wakamatsu (Old Japanese Village) Known as the City of Samurai and Sake. Aizu Wakamatsu is about 1 1/2 to 2 hours (77km) drive from Nikko National Park.

A traditional Japanese village with thatched roof houses lining a sunlit pathway surrounded by green trees and forested hills.

Ouchi-juku ↗

Traditional two-story Japanese wooden building with a hanging green foliage ball and white banner with black Japanese characters.

Campground & Roadside Station

Traditional Japanese building housing a local produce center with blue banners and green grass in front.

Roadside station Aizu Yanaizu ↗

This roadside station has a cafe corner and restaurant. There is also a facility where you can paint your very own akeboko red ox bubblehead.

Exterior view of a beige and wood-paneled building with Japanese signage and a covered entrance area.

Roadside station Nishiaizu ↗

A roadside station standing along National Route 49 in Nishiaizu town, Yama country, Fukushima prefecture.

Camping site with large tan tents and a hammock set among tall trees with green leaves.

Inawashiroko Mobillage ↗

Day 5-6

After a long day of exploring Aizu Wakamatsu, it’s time to relax, enjoy the day and prepare for your next trip.

Traditional Japanese wooden building by a river with a wooden bridge and lantern decorations, surrounded by lush green trees and mountains.

Higashiyama Onsen

Higashiyama Onsen is a hot spring resort in a valley just east of the downtown area of Aizu Wakamatsu. Although the hot bath may be relaxing and the surrounding valley is beautiful, the area seems a bit worn down and overdeveloped.

Two hikers walking on a stone path through green grassy hills under a blue sky with some clouds.

Bandai Asahi National Park ↗

A vast, straddling Fukushima, Yamagata and Niigata prefectures. Millions of years of volcanic activity have moulded its dramatic and diverse topography. The park encompasses sacred mountains steeped in history, dense beech forests, and volcanic lakes and ponds.

Green mountains reflected in a calm lake surrounded by grassy fields under a cloudy sky.

Tengu-no-Niwa

Mythical creatures called tengu were said to have danced in the beautiful rocky landscape of Tengu-no-iwa. This spot offers great views of the conical volcano, Mount Azuma, Kofuji.

Campgrounds & Roadside Station

Parking lot with a few vehicles in front of three buildings with steep gray roofs and wooden accents surrounded by forested hills.

Tsuchiyu Roadside Station ↗

The Tsuchiyu Roadside station was opened in April 1993 as the first roadside station in Fukushima prefecture. Vegetables, wild regables, and Konjac are often consumed in this rich area blessed by the mountains.The famous kon-jac, Konkororin, is made by hand using konjac flour from Japan and the water of Tsuchiyu. You can enjoy its traditional tasted texture without any coloring or preservatives.

Must try food: Tsuchiyu special ¥980 / Mountain Pass Oyaki ¥2800

Roadside station with brown-roofed buildings surrounded by green trees and mountains in the background on a clear day.

Urabandai Roadside Station ↗

Located in Kitashiobara Village, Yama country, Fukushima Prefecture. Located in an area surrounded by vast natural beauty, this station is frequently used by drivers taking a brief break. The station has a farm-fresh shop selling fresh produce straight from local farms.

Recommended Menu: Aizu mountain salt ramen ¥7000

Day 7

For your day 7, continue to explore Niigata.

About an hour away from Bandai Asahi National Park is an 11-kilometre stretch of coastline. Niigata is not just famous during the winter season. You will be surprised at how many caves, white sandy beaches and great scenery there are in Niigata. Make sure to pass through the coastline before you head to Sakata.

Rocky coastal cliffs with pine trees and a sea cave opening, overlooking calm blue ocean waters under a partly cloudy sky.

Sasagawa Nagare ↗

An 11-kilometre stretch of coastline near the city of Murakami, with beautifully contrasting clear blue water and white sandy beaches. Along this stretch of coast, the rough waters of the Sea of Japan have created uniquely eroded rocks with submerged peaks and caves, scenery that takes visitors’ breath away. The magnificent view has been designated a place of scenic beauty and a national natural treasure.

Sasagawanagare Michi-no-Eki ↗

Day 8

Drop by at Haguro-san Otorii. About 2 hours 24 mins - 3 hours’ drive from Bandai Asahi National Park (125km)

On your way to Sakata, don’t forget to drop by at Haguro-san Otorii. About 2 hours 24 mins - 3 hours’ drive from Bandai Asahi National Park (125km).

The traditional and recommended approach to the shrine is via a walking trail, which leads through a cedar forest over 2446 stone steps from the base of the mountain. 33 figures carved into the stoned steps bring prosperity to anyone who can find them all.

Red torii gate framing a traditional Japanese building with a thatched roof under a clear blue sky.

Haguro-san Otorii

The large torii gate located at the entrance of Mt. Haguro in Tsuruoka City. Yamagata Prefecture. It is known as one of the three great torii gates in Japan, it is designated as an important cultural property of the country.

Front view of a traditional Japanese temple with a large thatched roof, red wooden pillars, and stone lion statues at the entrance.

Haguro-San

Is the most easily accessible of the three mountains of Dewa sanzan. At its summit stands Haguro-san Shrine, the only of the three Dewa Sanzan shrines that is open year-round. Symbolizing birth, Haguro-san is usually the first shrine visited.

White building of Ideha Cultural Museum surrounded by greenery under a cloudy sky.

Ideha Museum ↗

Information on shugendo (a folk religion based on mountain worship), Yamabushi (practitioners of shugendo) and the Dewa Sanzan. Many of the explanations are in English, and a risit is a good way to learn about the area’s history and religious values.
April - November: 9:00 4:300M / December - March: 9:30 - 4:00 | Adult:400¥ / Student: 300¥

Campground & Roadside Station

Traditional Japanese building with banners featuring illustrations of a mushroom, green onion, and tomato under a clear sky.

Roadside station Shonai-Mikawa ↗

This station is located inside the full-service park, Iroribi no Sato along the Ushu coastal highway in Yokoyama Azatsutsumi, in Mikawa Town. Maideru means waiting for you in Shonai dialect.

Campsite with multiple tents and parked cars among tall pine trees on grassy area under clear sky.

Kyukamura Campground ↗

Day 9

Continue your journey to Sakata. To start your day, drive to Sakata Port Market

Display case at a seafood market with various fresh fish and seafood neatly arranged in trays.

Sakata Port Market ↗

Before starting your day in Sakata, head out to Komatsu Maguro. It is an understated restaurant in the Sakata Port market area.If you enjoy or love eating tuna donburi or tuna nice bowl, this is the perfect place for you.

Woman dressed as a maiko with traditional white makeup, floral hair ornaments, and a red kimono holding a red umbrella.

Somaro ↗

See the practiced perfection and elegance of the Marko of Somaro Maiko Teahouse in the heart of Sakata city. There are 2 scheduled performances of Maiko every day. (close on Wednesday)

Row of black wooden warehouses with tiled roofs beside a stone path lined with lush green trees.

Sankyo - Soko Rice Storehouses ↗

Although they are technically "rice" storehouses, the iconic structures of Sankyo - Soko house a much more interesting product. Specifically, you can try a sample of Nihonshu or most known as Japanese sake for around ¥110 per shot. Sakata’s Japanese name literally means "alcohol field"

Campground & Roadside Station

Parking lot with several cars surrounding a Japanese-style building with a steep, dark roof and wooden exterior.

Roadside station Chokai Flat ↗

This roadside station is located in Yusa Town, the northernmost town in Yamagata Prefecture, and is situated along National Route 7, which runs along the Sea of Japan.

Children playing on a large green lawn with houses and trees in the background under a clear sky.

Shonaiyuhinooka Autocamp ↗

If you’re into sports, this campsite is for you. They have different kinds of court for sports like archery, tennis, roller skates, and jogging course. It is said to be one of Sakata’s biggest campsites.

Day 10

After exploring the alcohol field of Japan, head to Akita.

Akita Prefecture, located on the northern tip of Japan's main island, has many natural sightseeing attractions! Among the cool things to do in Akita are soaking in hot springs and seeing the cherry blossom trees in the mountains, which can add an element of serenity to your trip. The best season to visit Akita is during the Autumn season. If you’re planning to visit Akita prefecture during the summer season, which is August, you definitely need to go to Kanto Matsuri.

Kanto Matsuri ↗

Kanto Matsuri (Pole lantern festival). It is celebrated every year from August 3 -6. Performers of this festival balance kanto or the long bamboo poles with arrays of paper lanterns attached to the end. It is a very famous festival that you must visit.

Traditional Japanese wooden gate surrounded by autumn trees with red, orange, and green leaves.

Kakunodate Samurai Residence

The little Kyoto of Tohoku. Take a walk along the samurai residence street in Kakunodate. The town is home to a district two-kilometres in radius consisting of samurai residences and traditional architecture. There are also a lot of kimono rentals in this town and a rickshaw ride will surely make for an unforgettable experience.

Group of traditional Namahage figures wearing straw capes and demon masks with horns, holding wooden objects.

Namahage Museum ↗

If you are looking for more intense Japanese culture, this is a museum for you. This is the ritual worth fighting your fear to see. The Namahage is said to have been a messenger of Yama-no-Kami, mountain gods of disaster, and wears a carved wooden mask, wielding a knife. You can see displays of actual Namahage masks, and even wear a Namahage costume yourself.

Natural rock formation resembling the silhouette of Godzilla monster at a coastal area.

Godzilla Rock

You can choose to end your day seeing the one-of-a-kind Godzilla rock! A famous rock that looks exactly like Godzilla is a popular tourist spot in Oga City. Standing in a rocky area called Shiosezaki, you can almost hear roars from the rugged, raised rocks.

Campground & Roadside Station

Modern tall glass tower and adjacent slanted glass building under blue sky with Japanese and English text reading Port Tower Selion.

Roadside Station Akitakōu ↗

The Michi-no-Eki of Akita Port has a landmark tower. It is a large tourism terminal facility composed of three buildings. There is a superb view of the sun setting into the Sea of Japan! The atmospheric night view is also splendid. It’s wonderful that such an observation platform is free.

Campsite with tents, vehicles, and people setting up camping gear near a lake surrounded by green hills under a clear blue sky.

Lake Tazawa Auto Campsite ↗

This campsite has a lot of facilities. If you want to relax and enjoy the night more comfortably, this campsite offers bungalows. With the amazing view of Lake Tazawa, you will surely want to stay more than just one night.

Day 11

If you’re looking for more nature trips, head to Aomori which literally means blue forest.

Aomori boasts stunning natural landscapes, including and mountains. When you visit Aomori, don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in its vibrant culture. This place is a hidden gem waiting to be explored.