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Japan
TOHOKU: MYSTICAL LAKES AND DRAMATIC VOLCANIC MOUNTAIN DRAMA
Crater lakes reflecting volcanoes, hot springs steaming in mountain silence. Tohoku, natural drama and cultural depth.
≈ 18
Days
0
Km
18
Stops
Circle the crater lakes of Urabandai, then head out to the islets of Matsushima, set on a peaceful bay. Stop at Ginzan Onsen in a hot spring atmosphere, before approaching Tazawako and its deep waters. In Kakunodate, ancient lanes tell of an elegant and secret northern Japan.
- Urabandai: crater lakes mirror cliffs
- Matsushima: islands float emerald waters
- Tazawako: deepest blue lake gleams
- Ginzan: hot springs steam snow
Your day-by-day itinerary
1
Day
3 photos
Discover
1
Miharu Takizakura, one of Japan's three great cherry trees over 1,000 years old
2
Weeping cherry tree with 13.5m height, 11.3m root circumference, 9.5m trunk circumference
Activities
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View cherry blossoms in mid-April peak season
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Night illumination of the magnificent tree
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Photograph contrast of pink blossoms against blue sky
2
Day
3 photos
Discover
1
Goshikinuma Five-Colored Lakes, 30+ mystical ponds in Urabandai
2
Bishamonnuma Pond with emerald green waters
3
Akanuma, Rurinuma, and Aonuma colored ponds
Activities
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View panoramic collaboration of ponds with Mt. Bandai
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Observe mysterious color changes depending on viewing angle
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Hiking through seasonal greenery and autumn foliage
3
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Nunobiki Plateau at 1,000m elevation with 33 wind turbines
2
Panoramic views of Mt. Bandai and Lake Inawashiro
Activities
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View 200,000 sunflowers blooming mid-August to early September
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Photograph wind turbines against blue sky and yellow flowers
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Experience Tohoku's representative sunflower field
4
Day
3 photos
Discover
1
Matsushima Bay, one of Japan's three most scenic views
2
Over 260 pine-covered islands in the bay
3
Matsushima Four Great Views observation points
Activities
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Cruise around the bay viewing island formations
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Watch sunset transform the bay into postcard scenery
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Experience landscapes praised by famous poets throughout history
5
Day
2 photos
Discover
1
Naruko Gorge V-shaped valley with 100m+ cliff walls
2
Railway bridge photogenic spot with autumn foliage
Activities
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View panoramic autumn colors mid-October to early November
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Photograph trains crossing bridge amid red and orange foliage
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Relax in Naruko Onsen hot springs after hiking
+1 Optional activities
6
Day
Discover
1
Okama Crater Lake at Zao mountain summit
2
Emerald green volcanic crater lake shaped like rice pot
Activities
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View lake changing colors with seasons and weather
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Walk barrier-free path to observation deck
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Marvel at seven-colored scenery of the mystical lake
+1 Optional activities
7
Day
3 photos
Discover
1
Zao Ice Monsters (Juhyo) snow-covered trees on mountain slopes
2
Snow Monsters visible January to February
Activities
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Ride ropeway to view ice monsters from above
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Experience nighttime illumination of snow formations
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Learn how Siberian winds create natural ice art
+1 Optional activities
8
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Ginzan Onsen with Taisho-era wooden ryokan inns
2
Nostalgic streetscape along the central river
Activities
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Stroll streets lined with historic wooden buildings
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View gas lamps illuminating snowy winter scenery at night
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Experience romantic atmosphere featured in dramas and anime
+1 Optional activities
9
Day
2 photos
Discover
1
Lake Tazawa, deepest lake in Japan with lapis lazuli blue waters
2
Tatsuko Princess statue and legend
Activities
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Take sightseeing boat cruise around the lake
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View collaboration of blue lake with majestic mountains
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Experience seasonal changes: fresh green, autumn leaves, snow
+1 Optional activities
10
Day
2 photos
Discover
1
Dakigaeri Gorge with original forest and cobalt blue stream
2
Kami no Iwabashi suspension bridge
Activities
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Walk trails viewing blue river and mountain scenery
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Photograph unique rock formations and waterfalls
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Experience seasonal changes in greenery and autumn colors
+1 Optional activities
11
Day
2 photos
Discover
1
Yokote Kamakura Festival with 100 snow igloos over 3m tall
2
Traditional event with over 450 years of history
Activities
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View 2,000 mini kamakura illuminated by candles at night
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Experience private kamakura igloo reservation
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Try building mini kamakura snow dome
+1 Optional activities
12
Day
2 photos
Discover
1
Genbikei Gorge along 2km of Iwai River
2
Strange rock formations designated National Natural Monument since 1927
Activities
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Walk trails viewing rugged rocks and clear blue river
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Cross Tenko Bridge and Goranba Bridge viewpoints
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Try famous Kakko Dango sweets at rest house
+1 Optional activities
13
Day
3 photos
Discover
1
Ryusendo Cave, one of Japan's three largest limestone caves
2
Underground lake with world-class transparency, 4,088m total length
Activities
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Explore 700m of open cave passages
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Marvel at deep blue underground lake waters
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View LED-lit Gekkuden Moon Palace formation
+1 Optional activities
14
Day
3 photos
Discover
1
Hachimantai Dragon Eye at mountain summit
2
Kagaminuma Pond creating dragon eye illusion when snow melts
Activities
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View rare phenomenon of blue water and white snow creating dragon eye
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Visit only during brief snow-melt season in late May to early June
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Take aerial view for dramatic dragon eye shape
+1 Optional activities
15
Day
3 photos
Discover
1
Oirase Gorge, 14km stream from Lake Towada, National Natural Monument
2
Multiple waterfalls along upper, middle, and lower stream sections
Activities
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Walk well-maintained hiking trails through pristine nature
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Photograph cascading waterfalls amid lush greenery
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Visit late May to early June for best fresh green scenery
+1 Optional activities
16
Day
2 photos
Discover
1
Tsuta Marsh at foot of Mt. Hakkoda
2
Hidden gem with beech forests reflecting on water
Activities
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Visit mid to late October for peak autumn colors
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Photograph mirror reflection of red and orange foliage on calm water
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Arrive at sunrise for magical light on autumn leaves
+1 Optional activities
17
Day
3 photos
Discover
1
Hirosaki Castle Cherry Blossom Festival with 2,600 trees of 52 varieties
2
One of Japan's top three cherry blossom viewing spots
Activities
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View cherry blossom tunnels along west moat
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See flower rafts floating in outer moat
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Experience nighttime illumination creating fairytale atmosphere
+1 Optional activities
18
Day
4 photos
Discover
1
Aoike Blue Pond in Shirakami-Sanchi World Heritage Site
2
Most beautiful of the Juniko Twelve Lakes
Activities
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Marvel at crystal clear blue water surface
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Experience color changes from bright blue in morning to deep blue in afternoon
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Relax surrounded by pristine World Heritage nature
+1 Optional activities
🗺️ Itinerary map
🗺️ Nearby itineraries
🛡️ Travel advice - Japan
Check official recommendations
❓ Frequently asked questions
What weather should you expect?
Spring (March-May): Cherry blossom season, perfect weather, mild temperatures, iconic sakura viewing, peak tourist season, advance booking essential, magical atmosphere.
Fall (September-November): Autumn colors, comfortable weather, clear skies, beautiful foliage, excellent touring, fewer crowds, ideal photography, pleasant conditions.
Summer (June-August): Hot humid weather, rainy season, festival season, vibrant atmosphere, mountain hiking, beach activities, air conditioning essential.
Winter (December-February): Cold weather, snow sports, illuminations, onsen season, fewer crowds, winter festivals, cozy atmosphere, skiing opportunities.
How many days should I plan?
We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 14 and 22 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.
What to discover in Japan?
Unique culture with ancient traditions, modern innovation, and incredible attention to detail. Experience temples, technology, and authentic Japanese lifestyle. The country offers cultural immersion with natural beauty and culinary excellence. Japan provides transformative cultural experiences with historical depth and modern sophistication.