15 days in Tohoku Itinerary

Human history and nature combine seamlessly in Sendai, with the influence of each never far away in this green and storied city.

Kick off your visit on the 6th (Thu): browse the eclectic array of goods at Shiogama Seafood Market, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Takekoma Shrine, then take in the pleasant sights at Shiroishigawa Embankment Hitome Sembonzakura, and finally steep yourself in history at Funaoka Castle Ruins. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 7th (Fri): contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Rinnoji Temple, don't miss a visit to Sendaijo Ato, then walk around Tsutsujigaoka Park, and finally take a stroll through Sunmall Ichibancho.

To see photos, more things to do, ratings, and more tourist information, read Sendai road trip planner.

Singapore, Singapore to Sendai is an approximately 12.5-hour flight. You can also do a combination of car and ferry. You'll lose 1 hour traveling from Singapore to Sendai due to the time zone difference. Expect much colder temperatures when traveling from Singapore in April; daily highs in Sendai reach 17°C and lows reach 13°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 7th (Fri) early enough to drive to Hiraizumi-cho.

Start off your visit on the 8th (Sat): contemplate the long history of Motsu-ji Temple, take in the spiritual surroundings of Takkoku no Iwaya, take in the spiritual surroundings of Chuson-ji Konjiki-do, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Chuson-ji Temple, and finally examine the collection at Sankozo.

To find photos, traveler tips, ratings, and more tourist information, refer to the Hiraizumi-cho trip itinerary planning site.

Getting from Sendai to Hiraizumi-cho by car takes about 1.5 hours. Expect slightly colder evenings in Hiraizumi-cho when traveling from Sendai in April, with lows around 9°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 8th (Sat) early enough to go by car to Hirosaki.

A center of political power during the feudal era, Hirosaki today stands as a hub of culture and history in the north of the island.

Let the collections at Shayokan and Tsugaruhan Neputa Mura capture your imagination. Deepen your sense of the past at sights like Hirosaki Castle and Saishoin Temple. Explore Hirosaki's surroundings by going to Tsurunomai Bridge (in Tsuruta-machi) and Ashino Park (in Goshogawara). And it doesn't end there: take in the spiritual surroundings of Iwakiyama Shrine, steep yourself in history at Western Style Architecture, take in nature's colorful creations at Fujita Memorial Japanese Garden, and stroll around Hirosaki Park.

To find more things to do, ratings, where to stay, and other tourist information, read Hirosaki vacation maker app.

You can drive from Hiraizumi-cho to Hirosaki in 3.5 hours. Plan for slightly colder temperatures traveling from Hiraizumi-cho in April, with highs in Hirosaki at 13°C and lows at 4°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 11th (Tue) to allow time to drive to Semboku.

Established in 2005 by the merging of several towns and villages, Semboku boasts an Old Japan atmosphere, punctuated by traditional onsen resorts, old samurai houses, and weeping cherry trees.

Get a sense of the local culture at Kakunodate and Gozanoishi Shrine. You'll discover tucked-away gems like Tenshochi Park and Ishiguro Samurai House. Step out of Semboku to go to Kitakami and see Geto Onsen, which is approximately 1h 30 min away. There's much more to do: take in the pleasant sights at Hinokinaigawa Kasen Ryokuchi, take a stroll through Samurai District, sample the tasty concoctions at Ando Jozo Brewery Honten, and take an in-depth tour of Aoyagi Samurai Manor Museum.

For maps, photos, reviews, and tourist information, you can read our Semboku tour itinerary planner.

Drive from Hirosaki to Semboku in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train. In April in Semboku, expect temperatures between 15°C during the day and 6°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 14th (Fri) to allow time to drive to Tsuruoka.

Tsuruoka, famous for its scenic surroundings, attracts tourists due to its proximity to the Dewa Sanzan, sacred mountains revered by the Shugendo religion.

Start off your visit on the 15th (Sat): see the interesting displays at Somaro, then browse the exhibits of Homma Art Museum Garden, then explore the world behind art at Ken Domon Museum of Photography, and finally get all the information you need at Sakata Yumenokura. Here are some ideas for day two: contemplate the long history of Mt.Haguro- Dewasanzan Sanjin Gosaiden, appreciate the extensive heritage of Mt.Haguro- Cedat Trees along the Approach, then get engrossed in the history at Fujiswa Shuhei Memorial Museum, and finally steep yourself in history at Tsuruoka Roman Catholic Church.

To see where to stay, more things to do, other places to visit, and more tourist information, you can read our Tsuruoka trip itinerary builder website.

Traveling by car from Semboku to Tsuruoka takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or do a combination of train and bus. In April, plan for daily highs up to 16°C, and evening lows to 8°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 16th (Sun) to allow time to drive to Aizuwakamatsu.

Rich in culture and history, Aizuwakamatsu has retained much of its traditional character from its days as a feudal capital.

Start off your visit on the 17th (Mon): don't miss a visit to Iimoriyama, then make a trip to Sazaedo, then step into the grandiose world of Tsuruga jo Castle, and finally step into the grandiose world of Castle Tower Local Museum of Wakamatsu Castle. Keep things going the next day: contemplate the long history of Hanitsu Shrine, get engrossed in the history at Noguchi Hideyo Memorial, then don't miss a visit to Nisshinkan, and finally don't miss a visit to Aizuhanshu Matsudaira Family Grave.

For reviews, more things to do, where to stay, and tourist information, use the Aizuwakamatsu trip site.

Getting from Tsuruoka to Aizuwakamatsu by car takes about 4 hours. Other options: take a bus; or take a train. In April, daytime highs in Aizuwakamatsu are 17°C, while nighttime lows are 8°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 19th (Wed) to allow time to travel back home.