This 8-day journey is designed for travelers who want to experience the summer heart of northern Japan. Beginning and ending in Tokyo, the itinerary follows Tohoku’s greatest festival season — a week of lantern floats, dancers, and open-air celebration — paired with the region’s mountains, gorges, and coastal scenery.

Travel north from Tokyo aboard the Shinkansen bullet train to Aomori, where the Nebuta Festival fills the streets with illuminated floats and the chance to join the Haneto dancers yourself. Explore Hirosaki Castle and Tsugaru-han Neputa Village, ride the Hakkoda Ropeway above the highlands, and follow the mossy stream of Oirase Gorge to Lake Towada. Continue to Sendai for the Matsushima Bay cruise, the serene halls of Zuiganji Temple, and the vibrant paper streamers of the Sendai Tanabata Festival, before returning to Tokyo for a free afternoon at leisure.

With guided sightseeing, private transfers where they matter most, and bullet train connections that keep travel days short, this tour offers a comfortable and effortless way to reach a region many visitors never see — and it slots neatly into a Tokyo-based trip, since it starts and finishes in the capital.

Why This Tour Stands Out

• Experience two of Japan’s most celebrated summer festivals — Aomori Nebuta and Sendai Tanabata — in a single journey.
• Starts and ends in Tokyo, making it easy to combine with your existing Tokyo plans.
• Bullet trains and private transfers keep travel relaxed, so Tohoku feels close and effortless.
• A rewarding choice for travelers who have already seen Japan’s classic route and want something beyond the usual.

Tour Period

Aug 3, 2027 – Aug 10, 2027

Tour Pricing

Tour prices do not include airfare, guide tips, meals, or transportation to/from airports.

*Exchange rate used: 1 USD = 160 JPY

Group size is flexible—please contact us for details.

Final pricing will be confirmed based on travel dates and availability.

Itinerary

Day 1 | Tokyo

Relax at your hotel and settle in after arrival.

Hotel: 3 Star Hotel in Tokyo

Day 2 | Aomori

• Bullet train from Tokyo to Aomori
• Visit Nebuta Museum WA RASSE
• Explore A-FACTORY Waterfront
• Aomori Nebuta Festival

Hotel: 3 Star Hotel in Aomori

Day 3 | Aomori

• Visit Hirosaki Castle
• Visit Tsugaru-han Neputa Village
• Aomori Nebuta Festival with Haneto Dancer participation (e.g. join the procession in traditional costume)

Hotel: 3 Star Hotel in Aomori

Day 4 | Aomori

• Ride the Hakkoda Ropeway
• Explore Oirase Gorge and Lake Towada

Hotel: 3 Star Hotel in Aomori

Day 5 | Sendai

• Visit Sannai-Maruyama Site (e.g. reconstructed Jomon-era village and museum)
• Bullet train from Aomori to Sendai

Hotel: 3 Star Hotel in Sendai

Day 6 | Sendai

• Matsushima Bay Cruise
• Visit Zuiganji Temple
• Sendai Tanabata Festival

Hotel: 3 Star Hotel in Sendai

Day 7 | Tokyo

• Bullet train from Sendai to Tokyo
• Free afternoon at leisure in Tokyo (e.g. shopping in Ginza, exploring Asakusa or visiting Shibuya)

Hotel: 3 Star Hotel in Tokyo

Day 8 | Tokyo

Check out from your hotel and transfer to Narita or Haneda International Airport.

If you’d like to extend your stay, add experiences, or arrange hotels only without a guide, we’re happy to customize your plans.

Inclusions

• Private tour
• Dedicated English-speaking guide (Day 2 to Day 6)
• 8 days itinerary
• 7 nights accommodation in 3 star accommodation
• Breakfast everyday
• Public transportation
• Private transfer for the Hakkoda and Oirase Gorge sightseeing day
• All entry fees to sites, activities as specified
• Ride the shinkansen bullet train

Exclusions

• International airfares
• Arrival airport transfer / Departure airport transfer
• Visas
• Tipping
• Optional activities
• Personal expenses
• Luggage transfer for bullet train (if required)
• Travel Insurance
• Anything not mentioned in the itinerary

Important Notes

If your inquiry is made within three months of your desired arrival date, the above prices may not apply. In such cases, we will provide a custom quotation based on availability and travel conditions.

This tour is built around fixed festival dates in early August, so travel dates cannot be moved freely. Accommodation in Aomori and Sendai is extremely limited during the festival period, and early booking is strongly recommended. Festival programs, including the Haneto dancer participation, may be adjusted or cancelled due to weather or local decisions.

Tell Us More, and We’ll Find the Best Plan for You

Interested in this 8-day package? Contact us anytime to begin planning your trip.

If you would like to extend your stay or add more experiences, we can arrange additional days, activities, or accommodations upon request.

We also offer fully customized itineraries tailored to your interests and travel style. To learn more, check out Tailor-Made Tour by ENJYU JAPAN.