9 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.

Your inner history buff will appreciate Risshaku-ji Temple and Entsu-in Temple. Head to Sunmall Ichibancho and Kawamachi Terasu Yuriagefor plenty of shopping. Get out of town with these interesting Sendai side-trips: Shiogama Seafood Market (in Shiogama), Yamagata (Bunshokan & Yamagata Retro Museum) and Matsushima-machi (Zuiganji, Godaido, &more). The adventure continues: get engrossed in the history at Zuihoden, take in the spiritual surroundings of Osaki Hachiman Shrine, get a new perspective on nature at Tohoku University of Natural History, and explore the galleries of Aoba Castle Museum.

To find maps, reviews, more things to do, and tourist information, go to the Sendai road trip website.

Bangkok, Thailand to Sendai is an approximately 10-hour flight. You can also do a combination of car and ferry. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 2 hours traveling from Bangkok to Sendai. Expect colder weather when traveling from Bangkok in October: highs in Sendai hover around 21°C, while lows dip to 19°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 10th (Tue) 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.

Kick off your visit on the 11th (Wed): admire the striking features of Aizu Old Samurai Residences, step into the grandiose world of Tsuruga jo Castle, take in the exciting artwork at Suzuzen, then don't miss a visit to Sazaedo, then explore the different monuments and memorials at Sadao Iinuma's Tomb, and finally stop by Aizu Shurakukan.

To see traveler tips, photos, more things to do, and other tourist information, go to the Aizuwakamatsu trip planner.

Traveling by car from Sendai to Aizuwakamatsu takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. Expect little chillier evenings in Aizuwakamatsu when traveling from Sendai in October, with lows around 13°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 11th (Wed) so you can go by car to Hiraizumi-cho.

On the 12th (Thu), take in the spiritual surroundings of Chuson-ji Konjiki-do, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Chuson-ji Temple, get engrossed in the history at Hiraizumi Cultural Heritage Center, steep yourself in history at Motsu-ji Temple, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Takkoku no Iwaya, and finally explore the galleries of Sankozo.

For ratings, maps, reviews, and other tourist information, go to the Hiraizumi-cho online trip itinerary planner.

Traveling by car from Aizuwakamatsu to Hiraizumi-cho takes 3.5 hours. In October in Hiraizumi-cho, expect temperatures between 20°C during the day and 12°C at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 12th (Thu) so you can go by car 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.

On the 13th (Fri), take an in-depth tour of Kakunodate Samurai House Museum, take a stroll through Samurai District, steep yourself in history at Ishiguro Samurai House, take an in-depth tour of Aoyagi Samurai Manor Museum, then indulge your taste buds at Shokusai Machiyakan, and finally indulge in Japan's hot spring tradition at some of the top local onsens.

To find photos, ratings, maps, and more tourist information, read our Semboku tour builder site.

Traveling by car from Hiraizumi-cho to Semboku takes 2 hours. In October, daily temperatures in Semboku can reach 19°C, while at night they dip to 11°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 13th (Fri) to allow enough time to take a train to Aomori.

Facing Mutsu Bay on the northernmost tip of Honshu, Aomori is a bustling regional capital known for its fresh seafood and modern architecture.

Kick off your visit on the 14th (Sat): explore the ancient world of Sannai-Maruyama Site, admire the masterpieces at Aomori Museum of Art, then indulge in Japan's hot spring tradition at some of the top local onsens, then make a trip to Nebuta Museum Wa Rasse, and finally examine the collection at Seikan Ferry Memorial Ship Hakkodamaru. Keep things going the next day: browse the fresh offerings at Furukawa Market Aomori Gyosai Center Nokkedon, buy something for everyone on your list at A-FACTORY, and then make a trip to Auga Fresh Market.

For reviews, where to stay, ratings, and tourist information, you can read our Aomori trip maker tool.

Getting from Semboku to Aomori by train takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: drive; or do a combination of train and bus. In October in Aomori, expect temperatures between 17°C during the day and 9°C at night. On the 15th (Sun), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can fly back home.