Tohoku 6 Days Itinerary-A

Summary

  • Start
    Sendai
  • Finish
    Aomori
  • Mileage
    Total 1100km
    180km per day
  • Travel Pace
    Fast
  • Onsen Stay
    Max.2 nights

It is a one-way itinerary from Sendai to Aomori. It offers a good balance of nature, culture, and cuisine, and is recommended for first-time travelers to Tohoku. The daily mileage is a little long at about 180km, but it’s a well-balanced course because you’ll stay two consecutive nights in Akita on the third and fourth nights in the middle of the trip.

If you prefer round trip, please refer 7 and 8 day itineraries.
If you prefer one-way itinerary to Aomori, please also refer 4 and 5 day itineraries.

 

Sendai – Yamagata

Start: Sendai (仙台)
Finish: Yamagata (山形)
Mileage:160km
Travel Pace: Normal

On this day you will head from Sendai to Yamagata, your first accommodation.

Recommended Itinerary(Sample)

1

Inn in Sendai

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9:30

The mileage is 160km, which is a standard distance, but there are many things to see, so it is recommended that you leave Sendai around 8 or 9 o’clock.




40 min

2

Aoba Castle Ruins

Parking MAPCODE:

21 583 692*73What is MAPCODE?

Statue of Date Masamune mounted at Aoba Castle

10:10

First, please stop by the [Aoba Castle Ruins] in the city. Aoba Castle is the site of Sendai Castle built by Date Masamune, and the horse-riding statue of Date Masamune is a recommended photo spot.




80 min

[Hitome Senbonzakura (Funaoka Castle Park]] is recommended during the spring cherry blossom season. It is definitely recommended if you visit during the cherry blossom season.

SENBON cherry blossoms blooming along Shiraishi River (early April-mid April)

3

Zao

Parking MAPCODE:

569 428 898*75What is MAPCODE?

Zao Echo Line, the best driving course in Tohoku

12:30

Next, take the highway (E4) and [Zao Echo Line] to the highlight of the day, Zao. The Zao Echo Line offers a spectacular view of the four seasons, with a snow corridor in the spring, fresh greenery in the summer, and autumn leaves in the fall. It’s closed in winter, but a drive along the snow corridor right after the opening in spring is great.

Emerald green crater lake, Mikama, viewed from along the Zao Echo Line

[Okama] in Zao is very famous as an emerald green crater lake, and it is also attractive that you can walk from the parking lot in 2 minutes.

Karitamine Shrine (Okumiya) near Okama in Zao

[Katamine Shrine] is a shrine on the summit of Mt. Zao, and it is very close to the Okama, so please visit it as well. The view from the surrounding area is the best.




80 min

4

Yamadera Temple(Rissyakuji)

Parking MAPCODE:

62 233 090*86What is MAPCODE?

A mountain temple (Risshakuji Temple) whose precincts encompass the entire mountain, which is made up of strange rocks and monstrous stones.

15:10

The final destination of the day is the famous [Yamadera Temple (Rissyakuji)]. The entire mountain is the precincts of the temple, and there is wonderful scenery here and there on the way to Okunoin for about an hour. It is also in this place that Basho Matsuo, who is famous for haiku, wrote “The Stillness: A Cicada’s Cry Penetrating The Rock.” Please note that the gate will be closed at 17:00 and you will not be able to go to Okunoin after that.




40 min

5

Inn in Yamagata

Parking MAPCODE:

Please head to the hotel you reserved.What is MAPCODE?

Yamagata’s stewed sweet potato

17:10

In Yamagata, enjoy local gourmet foods such as [Imoni], [Dongara-jiru], [Tamakonnyaku], or [Yonezawa beef].




Driving Map For This Day(Sample)

The driving map will show additional 10-20 spots for the day! You will travel only to your favorite spots.
Check pin color and MAPCODE usage.

[Drive Map]Sendai-Yamagata – Google マイマップ
Japan Road Trip itinerary search "Drive Japan"

Where to stay in Yamagata

On this day, you will stay in Yamagata(山形).
Many inns are concentrated in the following two areas.

①Yamagata City(山形)
The inns are concentrated around Yamagata Station. But the east side of the station is more convenient for dinner. No inns offer Onsen.

  • Inn Type
    Most of these inns are 3 to 4-star western-style hotels.
  • Parking
    Most inns have official parking but in addition to the accommodation fee, the parking lot fee will be charged separately.
  • Onsen
    There is no Onsen in this town and no inns have Onsens.
  • Meal Plan Reservations
    As many restaurants are open till midnight, it is recommended to book your inns with breakfast only or without meals.

②Zao(蔵王)
It is Onsen village in the middle of Mt.Zao. It is located 20km south of Yamagata city, 30min by car. It is recommended if you prefer better accommodation with Onsen.

  • Inn Type
    Most of these inns are 3 to 4-star Japanese-style Ryokans with Onsen facilities.
  • Parking
    Most inns will offer free parking.
  • Onsen
    This area is famous for Onsen and most of the inns have one.
  • Meal Plan Reservations
    There are few restaurants in this area and be sure to make a reservation with a plan that includes dinner and breakfast.

 

Yamagata – Sakata🔒

Start:Yamagata (山形)
Finish:Sakata (酒田)
Mileage:
To Sakata: 200km
To Tsuruoka: 180km
Travel Pace:Fast

On this day you will head from Yamagata to Sakata.

Recommended Itinerary

1

Inn in Yamagata

Parking MAPCODE:

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8:30

Depending on the arrival point, the mileage is about 180-200km, which is very long and there are many attractions, so it is recommended to depart by 9 o’clock at the latest. Also, use the expressway as much as possible to reduce travel time.




75 min

2

Ginzan Onsen

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Ginzan Onsen with a retro atmosphere from the Taisho era (1912-1926)

9:45

The first destination is [Ginzan Onsen]. Please use the expressway (E13) to reduce travel time.

This is a hot spring village full of retro atmosphere in the Taisho era (1912-1926) and is often posted on Instagram. We recommend taking a leisurely stroll through the hot spring town along the river to the Shiragane Falls in the back.




65 min

3

Genso no Mori

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Like a fantasy world, a forest of illusion

12:20

Next, stop by [Genso no Mori (Fantasy Forest)]. It is about a 60km drive from Ginzan Onsen. Although it is not well known, it is a fantastic space where a mysterious giant tree spreads all over the forest and you jump into the world of movies.




30 min

4

Dewasanzan (Three Mountains of Dewa)

Parking MAPCODE:

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Dewa Sanzan Shrine, which enshrines the three deities of Gassan, Haguro, and Yudono

14:00

Then head to Dewa Sanzan Shrine. Dewasanzan has long been known as a place of mountain worship centered on Shugendo. Dewa Sanzan Shrine is a shrine that enshrines the three gods of Dewasanzan, which consists of Mt. Gassan, Mt. Haguro, and Mt. Yudono.

The five-story pagoda of Mt. Hagurosan rises amidst a row of giant cedar trees.

Next, head to the [Hagurosan Five Story Pagoda] at the foot of Mt. Haguro. From the parking lot (MAPCODE: 90 146 215), walk through the sacred Sugi forest for about 10 minutes and you will arrive at the five-storied pagoda. It is a photo spot where you can take pictures of the giant sequoia and the five-storied pagoda, which is a national treasure.

Entrance to the three mountains of Dewa, Mt.Hagurosan Otorii

About 3km from Hagurosan Five Story Pagoda, there is [Hagurosan Otorii] (MAPCODE: 90 172 677 * 32). The torii gate, which is about 24 meters high and is built at the entrance of Dewa Sanzan. The torii was rebuilt in 2018 and is very large.




50 min

5

Kamo Aquarium

Parking MAPCODE:

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Kamo Aquarium, the world’s largest jellyfish aquarium

16:30

Finally, if you have time, we also recommend the Kamo Aquarium, the world’s number one jellyfish aquarium. The appearance of various colorful jellyfish floating in the aquarium is very fascinating.




25 min

6

Inn in Sakata

Parking MAPCODE:

Please head to the hotel you reserved.What is MAPCODE?

18:00

You will be staying in Sakata or Tsuruoka on this day. Sakata and Tsuruoka are about 25 km away, about 40 minutes by car. Sakata is a little big as a city, but considering the mileage on the day, we recommend staying in Tsuruoka.




Driving Map For the Day🔒

The driving map will show additional 10-20 sightseeing spots and local restaurants for the day!
You can travel freely, choosing only the spots you like!
Check pin color and MAPCODE usage.

Where to stay in Sakata

On this day, you will stay in Sakata Area.
It is recommended to stay in the following two areas.

①Sakata city(酒田)
The inns are concentrated west side of Sakata Station. This area is convenient for dinner and visiting sightseeing spots in the city but no inns offer Onsen.

  • Inn Type
    Most of these inns are 2 to 3-star western-style hotels.
  • Parking
    Most inns have official parking but in addition to the accommodation fee, the parking lot fee will be charged separately.
  • Onsen
    There is no Onsen in this town and no inns have Onsens.
  • Meal Plan Reservations
    As many restaurants are open till midnight, it is recommended to book your inns with breakfast only or without meals.

②Yunohama Onsen(湯野浜温泉)
This hot spring resort area is located 17km south of Sakata city, 30min by car. It is recommended if you prefer better accommodation with Onsen.

  • Inn Type
    Most of these inns are 4 to 5-star Japanese-style Ryokans with Onsen facilities.
  • Parking
    Most inns will offer free parking.
  • Onsen
    This area is famous for Onsen and most of the inns have one.
  • Meal Plan Reservations
    There are a few restaurants in this area and be sure to make a reservation with a plan that includes dinner and breakfast.

 

Sakata – Akita🔒

Start:Sakata (酒田)
Finish: Akita (秋田)
Mileage:
From Sakara: 150km
Travel Pace: Normal

On this day you will head from Sakata to Akita.

Recommended Itinerary

1

Inn in Sakata

Parking MAPCODE:

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10:00

The mileage is about 150km, which is a standard distance.




30 min

2

Sankyo Warehouses

Parking MAPCODE:

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Historic rice warehouse and photo spot, Yamai Warehouse

10:30

The first destination of the day is the historic Sankyo Warehouses. The warehouse is made of dozo (thick mortar walls) and the row of zelkova trees is famous on Instagram. The famous serial TV novel “Oshin” was also filmed here.




55 min

3

Mt.Chokai Hokodate Observatory (Chokai Blue Line)

Parking MAPCODE:

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Chokai Blue Line with spectacular views of the Sea of Japan below

12:25

Next, you will go to the Chokaisan Hokodate Observatory through the [Chokai Blue Line]. This road is a driving route where you can enjoy the fresh greenery, the remaining snow, the autumn leaves, and the Sea of Japan below while driving. It is closed in winter, but shortly after the opening of spring, you can see high snow corridors on both sides of the road.

Chokaisan Hokodate Observatory at an elevation of 1,000 meters

At the highest point of the Chokai Blue Line, at an altitude of 1,000m, there is the [Hokodate Observatory], and the view of the Sea of Japan and the Shonai Plain from there is amazing.




20 min

4

Mototaki Waterfall

Parking MAPCODE:

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Mototaki subterranean water is certified as one of the 100 best waters of the Heisei era

13:45

When you go down Mt. Chokai there is [Mototaki Waterfall], which was certified as one of the 100 Selected Waterfalls in Heisei (the Heisei period is 1989-2019). It is a wonderful view with an abundant amount of water that springs from the slope to the surface of the earth.




80 min

5

Inn in Akita

Parking MAPCODE:

Please head to the hotel you reserved.What is MAPCODE?

It is about 85km from Mototaki Waterfall to Akita. There aren’t many things to see along the way, so it’s recommended that you take the Nihonkai Tohoku Expressway to Akita directly. It takes about an hour and a half, so please drive while taking a break on the way.

Kiritanpo hot pot in Akita

16:10

Hotels are concentrated around the west exit around Akita Station where you stay on this day. There are many restaurants in the area, so enjoy local gourmet food such as Kiritanpo and Hinai chicken while strolling after checking in at the hotel. Akita sake is also the best.




Driving Map For the Day🔒

The driving map will show additional 10-20 sightseeing spots and local restaurants for the day!
You can travel freely, choosing only the spots you like!
Check pin color and MAPCODE usage.

Where to stay in Akita

On this day, you will stay in Akita city(秋田).
The inns are concentrated on the west side of Akita Station.

  • Inn Type
    Most of these inns are 3 to 4-star western-style hotels.
  • Parking
    Most inns have official parking, but the parking lot fee will be charged separately in addition to the accommodation fee.
  • Onsen
    There is no Onsen in this town and no inns have Onsens.
  • Meal Plan Reservations
    As many restaurants are open till midnight, it is recommended to book your inns with breakfast only or without meals.

 

Akita – Akita🔒

Start: Akita (秋田)
Finish: Akita (秋田)
Mileage:165km
Travel Pace: Normal

On this day, you will stay in Akita again following yesterday and will tour Akita prefecture. The recommended tour courses are in the direction of Oga Peninsula and Lake Tazawa, but this one, in particular, is in the direction of Lake Tazawa.

Recommended Itinerary

1

Inn in Akita

Parking MAPCODE:

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9:00

The mileage is a little long at 165km, so it is recommended to leave by 9 o’clock at the latest.




5 min

2

Akita Citizen’s Market

Parking MAPCODE:

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Fresh sashimi

9:05

First of all, please get up early in the morning and visit [Akita Citizen’s Market]. The restaurants in the market are open early in the morning, so please try the sashimi set meals and other morning set meals that are unique to the market.




90 min

3

Lake Tazawa Cruise

Parking MAPCODE:

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Cruise on Lake Tazawa

11:30

Your first destination on this day is Lake Tazawa, the deepest lake in Japan (maximum depth 425m, average depth 280m). First of all, why don’t you board the [Lake Tazawa Cruise]? It is a sightseeing boat that goes around Lake Tazawa, where the clear lapis lazuli gives off a mysterious beauty, and there is also a guided broadcast provided.




15 min

4

Lake Tazawa Tatsuko Statue

Parking MAPCODE:

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Lake Tazawa is also famous for the legend of Princess Tatsuko

12:50

Next, drive around Lake Tazawa. There are many attractions such as [Gozanoishi Shrine Torii], [Tatsuko Statue], [Tatsuko Chaya], and [Omoide no Katabunko]. For attractions other than the Statue of Tatsuko (above MAPCODE), see the drive map.




30 min

5

Dakigaeri Valley

Parking MAPCODE:

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The cobalt blue surface of the river is beautiful.

14:20

After Lake Tazawa, you will stop at [Dakigaeri Valley]. There is a promenade here where you can easily see strange rocks, rapids, and large and small waterfalls. It takes about 1 hour to go back and forth to the waterfall in the back.




15 min

6

Kakunodate

Parking MAPCODE:

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Samurai house in Kakunodate

15:30

Finally, you go to [Kakunodate], Little Kyoto in Tohoku. It is a historical tourist area with samurai residences and a cityscape with a historical atmosphere that is attractive.




60 min

7

Inn in Akita

Parking MAPCODE:

Please head to the hotel you reserved.What is MAPCODE?

Kiritanpo hot pot in Akita

17:30

On this day you are staying in Akita following the previous day. Enjoy gourmet food, sake, and the nightlife in Akita.




From mid-April to early May, you can’t miss the [skunk cabbages in the Sashimaki Marsh. If you are traveling during this period, please include it in your itinerary.

Stinging marshes with Mizubasho (Asian skunk-cabbage) in full bloom

If you have been to Lake Tazawa, why not go around the Oga Peninsula on this day? In that case, first go to see Namahage, which is registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. At the [Namahage Museum], valuable materials, masks, and costumes from each district are all on display, which is quite spectacular. There is also a demonstration at the adjacent [Oga Mayama Densetsukan], where you can experience the realism.

Namahage Museum on the Oga Peninsula. A must-see!

The Oga Peninsula is also known for its spectacular spots, and we especially recommend visiting [Cape Nyudozaki], [Hachibodai], [Godzilla Rock], and [Unosaki Kaigan].

Irimizaki, a spectacular viewpoint on the Oga Peninsula
Driving Map For the Day🔒

The driving map will show additional 10-20 sightseeing spots and local restaurants for the day!
You can travel freely, choosing only the spots you like!
Check pin color and MAPCODE usage.

Where to stay in Akita

On this day, you will stay in Akita city(秋田).
The inns are concentrated on the west side of Akita Station.

  • Inn Type
    Most of these inns are 3 to 4-star western-style hotels.
  • Parking
    Most inns have official parking, but the parking lot fee will be charged separately in addition to the accommodation fee.
  • Onsen
    There is no Onsen in this town and no inns have Onsens.
  • Meal Plan Reservations
    As many restaurants are open till midnight, it is recommended to book your inns with breakfast only or without meals.

 

Akita – Aomori🔒

Start: Akita (秋田)
Finish: Aomori (青森)
Mileage:280km
Travel Pace: Fast

On this day you are heading from Akita to Aomori.

Recommended Itinerary

1

Inn in Akita

Parking MAPCODE:

🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?

8:30

The mileage is very long, about 280km, and there is no expressway, so it will be a drive on a general road. For this reason, we recommend that you leave by about 8 o’clock if possible, and at the latest around 9 o’clock.




60 min

2

Mt.Kanpuzan Observatory

Parking MAPCODE:

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360-degree spectacular view of Mt.Kampu

9:30

Your first visit on this day is [Mt. Kanpuzan Observatory], which is located at the entrance of the Oga Peninsula. Since there are no high mountains in the vicinity, you can enjoy a 360-degree view, overlooking the Shinzan and Honzan mountain range on the Oga Peninsula, Cape Nyudo, Akita City, and the surrounding coastline.




120 min

3

Lake Juniko (Shirakami Sanchi)

Parking MAPCODE:

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青森県の日本海側海岸線を五能線が走る風景

12:00

After Mt. Kanpu, you head to Lake Juniko (Shirakami Sanchi). It will be a long drive of about 100km and 2 hours from Kanpuzan Observatory. However, on the way, you can drive along the coast facing the Sea of Japan on Route 101, enjoying the spectacular scenery. Also, the JR Gono Line runs in parallel with Route 101, so you can see pretty trains running along the coastline.

The most popular blue pond in the Twelve Lakes

Juniko is a general term for 33 lakes and marshes surrounded by beech forests located in the western part of the Shirakami Mountains. Among them, [Aoike], which looks like flowing blue ink, is especially famous. The color of the water changes depending on the position of the sun and your position from the view is fantastic.

World Heritage Site: The beech forests of Shirakami Sanchi

If you walk further back from Aoike, you will find a natural beech forest, which is a World Heritage Site [Shirakami Mountains] with almost no human foresting. The length of stay at Juniko is about 90 minutes including walking.




100 min

4

Tsurunomaihashi Bridge

Parking MAPCODE:

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Tsuru-no-mai Bridge with the majestic view of Mt. Iwaki

15:20

Next is the Tsurunomaihashi Bridge, the longest triple drum bridge in Japan with a total length of 300 meters, which is the final destination of the day. This section is also a long drive of about 75km for about 1 hour and 40 minutes, but the appearance of Tsuru no Maihashi with Mt. Iwaki in the background is wonderful as it really looks like a crane flying in the sky.




60 min

5

Inn in Aomori

Parking MAPCODE:

Please head to the hotel you reserved.What is MAPCODE?

Nebuta House Wa Rasse in Aomori Waterfront Area

17:25

If you plan to stay on this day, we recommend hotels near the east exit of Aomori Station. There are many restaurants on the east side of the station, so enjoy local gourmet food such as seafood, senbei soup, shellfish miso, and ichigoni while strolling after checking in at the hotel. Also, since Nebuta House Wa Rasse and A FACTORY are located on the Aomori Waterfront within walking distance, you may try walking in that direction.




Near the road that goes through this day, you can enjoy the cherry blossoms of Hirosaki Castle, the rape blossoms road of Hachirogata (rape blossoms and cherry blossoms) in the spring, and the hydrangea of Unshoji during the rainy season. Although time is tight, we recommend that you include these in your itinerary if you are traveling during these flower seasons.

Cherry blossoms at Hirosaki Castle (late April-early May)

Rape Blossom Road (late April-early May)

Hydrangeas at Unshoji Temple (mid-June to mid-July)
Driving Map For the Day🔒

The driving map will show additional 10-20 sightseeing spots and local restaurants for the day!
You can travel freely, choosing only the spots you like!
Check pin color and MAPCODE usage.

Where to stay in Aomori

On this day, you will stay in Aomori.
It is recommended to stay in the following two areas.

①Aomori city(青森)
The inns are concentrated east side of Aomori Station. It is recommended to stay inn located walking distance to [Nebuta house Warasse] and [Aomori Gyosai Center].

  • Inn Type
    Most of these inns are 3 to 4-star western-style hotels.
  • Parking
    Most inns have official parking but in addition to the accommodation fee, the parking lot fee will be charged separately.
  • Onsen
    There is no Onsen in this town and no inns have Onsens.
  • Meal Plan Reservations
    As many restaurants are open till midnight, it is recommended to book your inns with breakfast only or without meals.

②Asamushi Onsen(浅虫温泉)
This hot spring resort area is located 17km east of Aomori city, 30min by car. It is recommended if you prefer better accommodation with Onsen.

  • Inn Type
    Most of these inns are 4 to 5-star Japanese-style Ryokans with Onsen facilities.
  • Parking
    Most inns will offer free parking.
  • Onsen
    This area is famous for Onsen and most of the inns have one.
  • Meal Plan Reservations
    There are a few restaurants for dinner and be sure to make a reservation with a plan that includes dinner and breakfast.

 

Aomori – Aomori🔒

Start: Aomori (青森)
Finish: Aomori (青森)
Mileage:200km
Travel Pace: Fast

This day is the day when you stay in Aomori for consecutive nights following yesterday. You can drive to any place you like based in Aomori, but we recommend driving to Hachinohe.

Recommended Itinerary

1

Inn in Aomori

Parking MAPCODE:

🔒Book rental car or hotelWhat is MAPCODE?

9:00

Since the mileage is as long as 200km, we recommend that you leave at the latest by 9 o’clock. Also, use the expressway as much as possible to reduce travel time.




135 min

2

Ashigezaki Observatory

Parking MAPCODE:

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Reeded peak like an old castle in the West.

11:15

The first destination is [Ashigezaki Observatory] in the east of Hachinohe City. It is a 2 hour and 15 minute drive on the expressway (E4A) for about 100 km to travel to the Pacific Ocean side.

It has the atmosphere of an old western castle and is a wonderful viewing spot with a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean.

Short break at a cafe

Next, please stop by the nearby [Cafe & Gallery Umine] (MAPCODE: 346 743 525 * 48). This cafe is located on a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean, and the seats by the window are especially recommended.




5 min

3

Kabushima Shrine

Parking MAPCODE:

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Breeding ground for petrels, Kabura-shima Shrine

12:50

After taking a break at the cafe, please go to [Kabushima Shrine], which has a mysterious atmosphere with countless birds. Here, you can see many black-tailed gulls from early February to early August every year. The number of birds is like a scene from Hitchcock’s suspense film “Birds” and is a must-see.




30 min

4

Hasshoku Center

Parking MAPCODE:

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Huge Hasshoku center for fresh seafood

14:00

Please stop by the large market [Hachishoku Center] where you can find fresh seafood caught in Hachinohe. You can eat seafood dishes, eat local dishes, and buy souvenirs at the huge market.




115 min

If you couldn’t go to tourist spots yesterday, you may try again on your way back to Aomori.

5

Inn in Aomori

Parking MAPCODE:

Please head to the hotel you reserved.What is MAPCODE?

Nebuta House Wa Rasse in Aomori Waterfront Area

17:00

Your stay on this day is the same as the day before in Aomori. If you are heading directly to Aomori, use the expressway (E4A) to shorten your travel time.

After returning to the hotel, enjoy local gourmet food at a restaurant on the east side of the station, or enjoy a walk in the direction of Aomori Waterfront.




During the cherry blossom season in spring, we definitely recommend [Hirosaki Castle] in the opposite direction of Hachinohe. These are cherry blossoms you want to see at least once in your life.

Cherry blossoms at Hirosaki Castle (late April-early May)

Driving Map For the Day🔒

The driving map will show additional 10-20 sightseeing spots and local restaurants for the day!
You can travel freely, choosing only the spots you like!
Check pin color and MAPCODE usage.

Where to stay in Aomori

On this day, you will stay in Aomori.
It is recommended to stay in the following two areas.

①Aomori city(青森)
The inns are concentrated east side of Aomori Station. It is recommended to stay inn located walking distance to [Nebuta house Warasse] and [Aomori Gyosai Center].

  • Inn Type
    Most of these inns are 3 to 4-star western-style hotels.
  • Parking
    Most inns have official parking but in addition to the accommodation fee, the parking lot fee will be charged separately.
  • Onsen
    There is no Onsen in this town and no inns have Onsens.
  • Meal Plan Reservations
    As many restaurants are open till midnight, it is recommended to book your inns with breakfast only or without meals.

②Asamushi Onsen(浅虫温泉)
This hot spring resort area is located 17km east of Aomori city, 30min by car. It is recommended if you prefer better accommodation with Onsen.

  • Inn Type
    Most of these inns are 4 to 5-star Japanese-style Ryokans with Onsen facilities.
  • Parking
    Most inns will offer free parking.
  • Onsen
    This area is famous for Onsen and most of the inns have one.
  • Meal Plan Reservations
    There are a few restaurants for dinner and be sure to make a reservation with a plan that includes dinner and breakfast.

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Our Travel Kit makes your road trip safer and more memorable!

What is DJ Travel Kit?


Embark on an unforgettable adventure with our expertly designed travel kit, perfect for uncovering Japan’s hidden treasures! Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or driving in Japan for the first time, this kit guarantees a seamless mix of excitement, culture, and relaxation.

What’s Inside:

Why Choose Our Travel Kit?

Unforgettable Memories: Each day promises unique experiences, from iconic landmarks to hidden treasures off the beaten path, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Flexibility in Your Itinerary: Our maps are packed with top attractions, hidden gems and eateries along the day’s route. Dive into the places that spark your interest and craft an itinerary that’s uniquely yours. The adventure is in your hands—make it unforgettable!

Stress-Free Travel: With everything you need in one convenient kit, you can focus on enjoying your road trip. Our comprehensive tools and expert tips ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience from start to finish.

Kit 1: Day-by-day Driving Map

Plan your perfect road trip day-by-day with our Google Maps-based driving maps. Each day’s itinerary, such as “Day.1 Tokyo to Hakone,” is packed with curated routes featuring 15-20 sightseeing spots and restaurants along the way, each pinpointed with a MAPCODE(Kit 2).

Sample Day-by-day Driving Map(Tokyo – Hakone)

[Drive Map]Tokyo - Hakone/Atami - Google マイマップ
Japan Road Trip itinerary search "Drive Japan"

  • Scenic Routes:
    We designed for scenic drives, not just the shortest path, ensuring a memorable journey.
  • Flexibility:
    Spend your time only on your preferred tourist spots and dining venues.
  • Safety First:
    Routes are optimized for appropriate driving distances, avoiding risky roads for a secure road trip.
  • Find Hidden Gems:
    Discover spots Google misses or public transport can’t reach.
    • Example: Ukiha Inari Shrine
      This photogenic shrine is located along the route from Fukuoka to Yufuin, and within 20 minutes you can have the wonderful scenery all to yourself. Few Japanese, let alone foreigners, know about it, and its inconvenient location makes it difficult to visit except by car.
      https://maps.app.goo.gl/9ENmDp69E6V7V3B49

      Drive Japan day-by-day driving map will introduce you the these hidden gems everyday and make your road trip more wonderful experience!
Ukiba Inari Shrine with torii gate leading to the sky

Kit 2: Parking MAPCODE

MAPCODE
MAPCODE will navigate the most convenient parking

Tired of hunting for parking? Enter MAPCODE instead of addresses in your car’s navigation system! It lead you straight to the most convenient parking at each tourist hotspot, ensuring you spend less time circling and more time adventuring.

  • Accurate Navigation:
    With MAPCODE, you’re guided straight to the parking spots, not to the middle of a lake or inside a garden! For road trippers visiting 5-6 destinations each day, accurate parking guidance is crucial to make the most of your journey.
  • Time is Money:
    Why waste precious travel time searching for parking or researching routes? International travel is an investment, costing an average of USD 16 per person per hour. For a group of three on a 7-day trip, that’s over 10 hours lost to parking hunts alone. Let MAPCODE streamline your travels, so you can focus on what truly matters—enjoying your adventure!
Kit 3: Restaurant List

Explore curated restaurant lists for each town you stay in, featuring recommended dining options.

Sample Restaurant List(Asahikawa)

  • Local Cuisine:
    Taste regional specialties and must-try dishes at our handpicked spots. We do not accept advertising fees from restaurants. Our selected restaurants are chosen solely based on their appeal and our firsthand experience.
  • Convenience:
    Easily access Google Maps links for each restaurant, allowing quick checks on photos and operating hours.
  • Practical Advice:
    Provides things you should know about dinner in the town you’re staying in, such as “towns with few restaurants” and “towns with very fast last orders by ordinance.”

Car Booking

 

Rental Car Booking

Please rent a car with below “Rentalcars.com” link.

  • The abundant number of rental cars
  • Price comparisons with several major car rental companies
  • Free cancellation
*Please change the location and date by yourself
Pick-up & Drop-off Location Guide
  • Pick-up
    • Sendai Airport
      The main international airport in Miyagi prefecture, Tohoku. Recommended for Pick-up.
      If you arrive afternoon, consider moving to Sendai City, staying overnight, and departing the next morning.
      It takes 40min to the Sendai station by train.
    • Sendai City
      The biggest city in Tohoku area.
      Most car rental shops are located around Sendai Station which is also Shinkansen stop.
  • Drop-off
    • Aomori city
      The capital of Aomori prefecture. Rental car shops are located near the two stations below. The two stations are 5 minutes only by train.
      • Aomori Station
        For those who stay in Aomori City. Most shops are located downtown, east of the station
      • Shin-Aomori Station
        For those who return the car and take the Shinkansen directly.
    • Aomori Airport
      For those who take domestic flight. It is about 45min by bus.
Important reminder for renting a car
  • GPS(Car Navigation System)
    MAPCODE from Drive Japan navigates you precisely to the parking lot. GPS from major car rental companies(Nippon, ORIX, Nissan, Times) are always MAPCODE compatible. However, if you are renting a car from another company, we recommend that you check with the rental company after making a reservation, just to be sure.
  • One-way Rental
    Please note that one-way charge from Sendai to Aomori is about JPY30,000 per car.
  • Child Seat
    In Japan, the use of a child safety seat or baby seat is mandatory for children under 5 years old.
    Be sure to request one from “Extras”.
  • Snow Tire
    If you travel from the beginning of Nov to the beginning of April, you must book a car with snow tires. It should be installed without requests from rental car companies in Tohoku, but if you are concerned, you can double-check with them after making a reservation.
 
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