This is a high-quality, reliable Japan tour offered by Club Tourism, a major Japanese travel company with over 70 years of history. Tours are accompanied by tour guides renowned for their hospitality, and are highly regarded by customers from various nationalities. While the tours are conducted in Japanese, many participants do not speak Japanese, so even first-time travelers can participate with confidence.
A luxury difficult to experience on an individual trip! You can conquer five famous scenic spots in Japan, where rich nature and history thrive, all at once: Oirase Gorge, Kakunodate, Lake Towada, Lake Tazawa, and Matsukawa Valley!
Enjoy a buffet featuring Akita regional cuisine such as kiritanpo hot pot and Inaniwa udon noodles.
Stay at a hot spring hotel! Relax and soothe your tired body in the open-air bath and large public bath.
[Travel conditions]
Departure point/Destination: Tokyo/Aomori/Akita/Iwate
Trip duration: 1 night, 2 days
Transportation used: Shinkansen (bullet train) and bus
Bus company: Iwate Kotsu or equivalent
Meal plan: Breakfast 1 time, Lunch 1 time (packed lunch), Dinner 1 time
Accommodation: Tazawako Kamei Hotel Tazawako [B] [Japanese-style room, Japanese-style single or twin room (bed on tatami floor), Western-style room (twin), Japanese-Western style room] *Rooms may not have a bathtub. In that case, please use the public bath. Please note that you cannot specify the room type.
Alternatively, you can choose from Tazawako Lake Resort [B] [Japanese-style room, Japanese-style triple room (bed on tatami flooring), Western-style room (semi-double, twin), Japanese-Western style room / with bath and toilet] or Cerulean Resort AONI [Japanese-Western style room / with bath and toilet].
*Your accommodation details will be provided in the "Travel Itinerary (Departure Information)" which will be sent to you approximately 5 days before your departure date.
Room types: Japanese-style rooms, Western-style rooms (single, twin), Japanese-Western style rooms
*Room assignments will be at our discretion.
Minimum number of participants: 25
Tour guide: 1
Guide: 0 (Guidance will be in Japanese) *A licensed tour guide will not accompany the tour.
[Travel planning/execution]
Company Name: Club Tourism International Inc
Address: 1-9-6 Edagawa, Koto-ku, Tokyo
Registration Number: Japan Tourism Agency Registered Travel Agency No. 1693
Affiliated travel industry association: Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA) Regular Member
[Consignment Sales]
KKDAY JAPAN Co., Ltd.
2nd Floor, WESTALL Yotsuya Building, 1-22-5 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0004, Japan
Registered Travel Agency No. 2045, Commissioner of the Japan Tourism Agency
Member organization: Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA)
A minimum of 25 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 20 day(s) before the departure date
In accordance with the Personal Information Protection Act, please consent to us providing your name, age, gender, and other personal information to third parties such as hotels for travel arrangements.
A fee of 1,500 yen per meal will be charged for any changes to the meal plan due to food allergies, religious reasons, etc., plus any difference in price. Please notify us at least 14 days before your departure date. For requests made after that, please contact us to discuss.
The order of the itinerary may be changed.
Even when booking for two or more people, train seats may not be adjacent or may be separated. Please be aware of this in advance.
While tour departure dates are set based on typical conditions each year, the peak viewing period may change due to inclement weather or other reasons. We may also adjust the tour schedule to match the autumn foliage conditions on the day of the tour.
Please note that we may rearrange or omit parts of the itinerary.
Regardless of the autumn foliage conditions, if the tour has already been scheduled, we will proceed with the tour.
<Typical peak viewing times for autumn foliage> ・Hachimantai/Matsukawa Valley: Late September to mid-October ・Kakunodate: Late October to early November ・Lake Tazawa: Mid-October to late October ・Lake Towada: Mid-October to early November ・Oirase Stream: Mid-October to early November
Some rooms may not have a private bathroom. Please use the public bath.
Please be aware that you will need to use stairs when moving around the building.
The optimal period to witness the stunning autumn foliage at Oirase Gorge is typically from late October to early November. During this time, the entire渓流 (stream) transforms into a vibrant canvas of reds, oranges, and yellows from maple and beech trees, creating breathtaking scenery ideal for photography and nature walks.
Lake Towada and its surrounding natural areas are home to various wildlife, including deer, foxes, and a diverse range of bird species. While encounters with larger animals like bears are rare, it's always advisable to remain aware of your surroundings, especially when hiking. Carrying a bear bell, making noise while walking, and refraining from leaving food scraps behind are good safety practices to minimize potential encounters.
Oirase Gorge is famed for its numerous waterfalls and dynamic stream. Highlights include the Choshi Otaki Waterfall, known for its powerful flow; Kumoi no Taki Waterfall, which cascades gracefully in multiple tiers; and Ashura no Nagare, a rapid section celebrated for its turbulent beauty. The entire gorge offers lush moss-covered rocks and crystal-clear waters, making it a picturesque experience for nature enthusiasts.
Visitors to Oirase Gorge can primarily enjoy walking and hiking along the scenic trail that runs parallel to the stream. This allows for close-up views of the waterfalls and the diverse flora. Photography is a popular activity due to the stunning natural beauty. Some sections are also suitable for cycling, offering a different perspective of the gorge's splendor, especially during autumn.
To thoroughly enjoy Oirase Gorge, a leisurely walk covering its main highlights typically takes between 2 to 4 hours. The main walking trail spans about 14 kilometers, but visitors can choose to explore shorter sections based on their preferences and available time. This allows for ample stops to admire the waterfalls and take photographs.
A comprehensive multi-day tour often includes other spectacular autumn foliage spots such as Kakunodate, known for its historic samurai district and fiery autumn colors; Lake Tazawa, Japan's deepest lake offering serene views; and Matsukawa Gorge, famous for its dynamic volcanic landscape framed by vibrant fall leaves. These destinations offer a diverse range of natural and cultural experiences alongside the stunning scenery.
During the tour, visitors have the opportunity to savor authentic local cuisine from the Akita region. This typically includes a buffet featuring traditional dishes such as Kiritanpo Nabe, a hearty hot pot with grilled rice sticks, and Inaniwa Udon, a delicate, thin-noodled udon renowned for its smooth texture. These meals provide an immersive taste of the regional culinary heritage.
Multi-day tours often include stays at comfortable onsen hotels, allowing visitors to relax and rejuvenate after a day of exploring. These hotels typically feature open-air baths (露天風呂) and large public baths (大浴場) with natural hot spring water, perfect for soothing tired muscles while enjoying the serene natural environment. The focus is on comfort and a culturally authentic relaxation experience.