2-Day Tohoku Autumn Foliage Tour | Lake Towada, Oirase Gorge, Genbike Gorge, Chuson-ji Temple | Departure from Sendai | Stay at Onsen Hotel
- This limited-time autumn tour offers a chance to explore four of the most famous autumn foliage viewing spots in the Tohoku region: Lake Towada, Oirase Gorge, Genbike Gorge, and Chuson-ji Temple, allowing you to witness the most classic and spectacular autumn leaves in the Tohoku area.
- Stroll along the century-old cedar path of Towada Shrine, feel the autumn atmosphere intertwined with the tranquil forest and the historic shrine, take photos at the famous landmark "Statue of the Maiden" on Lake Towada, and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Lake Towada in all four seasons.
- Stroll along the carefully selected scenic route of the Oirase Gorge, accompanied by the babbling of the stream, and admire the dreamy autumn colors created by the clear stream, waterfalls, primeval forests, and colorful autumn leaves, experiencing the beauty of the most representative valley in the Tohoku region of Japan.
- Visit the Yanbi Creek, a scenic spot and natural monument designated by Japan, and admire the magnificent scenery where strange cliffs, emerald green streams and colorful autumn leaves complement each other, experiencing the unique natural beauty and local customs of the Tohoku region.
- Visit Chung-zun Temple, a World Heritage Site and a representative ancient temple in Northeast China, and admire the enchanting autumn scenery where the ancient temple and colorful red leaves intertwine.
- Along the way, we stopped at ALA-DATE, one of the most popular roadside stations in Miyagi Prefecture, which won first place in the "Grand Prix of Roadside Stations" nationwide in Japan. Enjoy shopping and select souvenirs with Tohoku characteristics.
Package Options
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Hotel transfer |
| Departure Time | Early Departure (Before 8 am) |
| Minimum participant requirement | 4 travelers |
| Meal arrangement | Breakfast included, With dinner, Arrange yourself |
| Seasonal | Autumn Maple |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights, Temples & shrines |
| Transport | Bus tour |
Product Info
The content of this product is provided by machine translation and may not reflect the actual information, please take this into consideration before booking.
Follow the gentle autumn breezes blowing through the Tohoku mountains and embark on a unique autumn journey starting from Sendai. Visit Towada Lake, Oirase Gorge, Genbike Gorge, and Chuson-ji Temple, all representative natural and cultural landmarks of the Tohoku region. Stay at a lakeside hot spring hotel and admire the stunning autumn scenery created by the interplay of lakes, streams, waterfalls, valleys, and ancient temples.
On the first day, head to Lake Towada, stroll along the historic Towada Shrine and lakeside, and visit the famous landmark, the Statue of the Maiden. You can also choose to take a sightseeing boat on Lake Towada to admire the magnificent scenery of mountains and autumn leaves. From the Yoha Pass observation deck, enjoy panoramic views of Lake Towada and experience the breathtaking interplay of the volcanic lake's topography and the vibrant colors of autumn foliage.
Stay at a distinctive hot spring hotel in Northeast China, enjoy hot springs and dinner surrounded by forests and nature, and experience a pleasant stay in the mountains of Northeast China.
On the second day, we'll travel to the "Wonderland" of the Tohoku region – the Oirase Stream. Enjoy the gentle murmur of the stream as you stroll along its banks, surrounded by pristine forests, moss-covered rocks, and the serene beauty of the clear water and cascading waterfalls. The itinerary includes the most scenic sections of the Oirase Stream, which you can choose to explore on foot or by car, enjoying the enchanting, fairytale-like scenery. Effortlessly experience the autumn charm of this hidden gem of the Tohoku region.
Visit the "Genbi Creek," a designated scenic spot and natural monument in Japan, and experience the unique fun of the century-old specialty "Flying Dango."
Visit the World Heritage Site "Chūson-ji Temple", stroll along the ancient temple's approach, explore the Japanese National Treasure "Kiniro-do", and experience the culture of the Heian period and the prosperous history of the Fujiwara clan of Ōshū.
On the way back to Sendai, we will stop at one of the most popular rest stops in Tohoku to purchase local specialties and create wonderful memories of this autumn foliage viewing trip to Tohoku.
The Statue of the Maidens, located on the shores of Lake Towada, is the lake's most iconic landmark. Created in 1953 by renowned Japanese sculptor Kotaro Takamura, it was his last large-scale sculpture. The two statues of maidens facing each other symbolize innocence, peace, and the beauty of nature, complementing the tranquil lake and mountain scenery, making it one of Lake Towada's most popular photo spots.
Lake Towada sightseeing boat: Estimated boarding time 14:40-15:30 (approx. 50 minutes). Operating period: April 24th to November 16th annually (actual operating dates and schedules are subject to local announcements). **Estimated ticket price:** Adults ¥1,760 / Children (6-12 years old) ¥880 / Children under 5 years old are free. ※Whether to take the boat is entirely up to individual preference; actual schedules may be adjusted due to weather, lake conditions, or operational arrangements.
Towada Shrine – founded in the early Heian period, located on the shores of Lake Towada, is a renowned sacred site for lake worship in the Tohoku region. Legend has it that it enshrines the Azure Dragon Daigen and has been revered throughout history. Stroll along the century-old cedar-lined approach and experience the solemn atmosphere created by the interplay of the ancient shrine and the natural landscape of Lake Towada; in autumn, when the maple leaves turn red, it presents a tranquil and beautiful autumn scene typical of the Tohoku region.
Oirase Gorge is one of the most representative natural landscapes in the Tohoku region of Japan. The 14-kilometer-long gorge flows towards the Yakitori area, winding its way through primeval forests, moss-covered rocks, and more than ten waterfalls, creating a picturesque valley landscape. It offers different views in each season, but in autumn, the vibrant red and golden leaves intertwine with the clear stream to create a magnificent spectacle, making it a famous spot for viewing autumn foliage in Japan.
In autumn, the maple leaves on both sides of the valley turn golden and red, contrasting beautifully with the emerald green water, showcasing a stunning autumn scene in northeastern Taiwan. During your stroll, you can optionally experience the most representative century-old specialty of Yanmei Creek, "Flying Dumplings (郭公だんご)". After placing cash in a hanging basket, the shopkeeper will use a steel cable spanning the valley to deliver steaming hot dumplings and hot tea to the other side, creating a unique experience that combines natural scenery with local culture.
Chūson-ji Temple's "Golden Hall," renowned for its gold leaf covering and exquisite craftsmanship, is a National Treasure of Japan, showcasing the prosperity of Buddhist culture during the Heian period and the glorious history of the Fujiwara clan of Ōshū. Strolling along the tranquil approach, one can admire the beautiful harmony between the ancient architecture and natural landscape, experiencing the solemn and serene atmosphere of this thousand-year-old temple. In autumn, the temple grounds are ablaze with red leaves, adding to the poetic beauty of the historical buildings, making it an unmissable destination for autumn foliage viewing and cultural pilgrimage in the Tohoku region. Visiting hours: March 1st to November 3rd, 08:30–17:00; November 4th to the end of February, 08:30–16:30. (Visit fee not included)
ALA-DATE Station is a great place to rest during your trip and purchase a wide variety of Tohoku specialties and local products, including Aomori apple juice, dried apples and jam, Iwate Nanbu pancakes, Miyagi's famous edamame dessert, the popular souvenir "Hagi no Tsuki", Tohoku sake, honey, local agricultural products, as well as various specialty snacks and cultural and creative products. It is an ideal stop to experience the Tohoku local food culture and buy souvenirs.
Purchase Notice
[Tourism Conditions]
Travel departure point/destination: Miyagi, Aomori/Iwate
Trip duration: 2 days 1 night
Transportation: Chartered bus
Bus company name: Asahi/ドリーム観光
Meals: Breakfast once, lunch once, dinner once
Accommodation: Towada-so/Towada Prince Hotel or similar hot spring hotel
Minimum group size: 4
Tour Leader: 1 (When there are fewer than 10 people, the driver will also serve as the tour leader)
Tour guide: 0
[Travel Planning/Implementation]
Operating Company Name: LION TRAVEL JAPAN Co., Ltd.
Address: 7th Floor, Toranomon Central Building, 1-7-1 Nishi-Shinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
License Number: Tourism Authority Registered Travel Agent No. 1892
Name of travel agency: Japan Travel Agents Association (Regular Member)
Reminders
A minimum of 4 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 14 day(s) before the departure date
In case of delays caused by traffic, weather, or other force majeure factors resulting in the cancellation of some itinerary attractions, please contact customer service. We will arrange a partial refund for you
Please arrive at the designated location 10 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
Meals are not included for children under the age of 2
Please confirm the pick-up time and hotel address before departure. Please arrive at the hotel lobby approximately 10 minutes before the agreed pick-up time and confirm your arrival with the driver. The vehicle will depart on time as scheduled, and the trip will not be delayed due to personal reasons such as lateness. If you are unable to participate in the trip due to lateness or other personal reasons, it will be considered as a voluntary abandonment of the trip, and no refund or rescheduling will be possible.
The itinerary's order, arrival times, and stopover times are for reference only. The itinerary will be flexibly adjusted according to the weather and on-site conditions. The actual route and content will be subject to on-site announcements. In the event of inclement weather or traffic conditions preventing visits to attractions, the tour leader reserves the right to change or cancel parts of the itinerary at any time for the safety of all participants. Participants will not be entitled to refunds or fee reductions for such reasons. On the day of the trip, due to road conditions, the stopover time at attractions may be adjusted or some attractions may be cancelled. Return arrival times may also be significantly delayed; please avoid scheduling activities on the evening of the trip. If the trip is terminated due to weather conditions or natural disasters after departure, refunds will be issued for the unfulfilled portion of the itinerary based on actual costs incurred. However, additional expenses such as return transportation costs or local accommodation costs must be borne by the traveler.
Images are for reference only; some photos containing people are AI-generated illustrations. Actual scenery, facilities, and activities may vary depending on factors such as season, weather, natural environment, shooting time, and on-site conditions. Please refer to the actual situation on the day of your visit. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Each passenger is limited to one suitcase. The maximum size of luggage that can be stored in the bus's luggage compartment is 120 cm in total length on three sides. If customers have special-sized luggage (such as golf clubs/strollers/skis/surfboards/wheelchairs/non-suitcase luggage, etc.), please indicate the type, quantity, and size of the items in the remarks when making the reservation. The bus company reserves the right to determine whether the luggage can be carried.
If you need to leave the group during the trip, please inform us in advance when registering and sign a departure consent form with the tour leader/guide on the day of the activity. Travelers who leave the group midway through the trip or do not complete the entire itinerary will be considered to have automatically forfeited the remaining itinerary and related rights, and no refunds will be given. Travelers are solely responsible for their own transportation arrangements, personal safety, and the safekeeping of their belongings after leaving the group. The organizer will not be liable for any losses or expenses incurred as a result. During free time, please pay attention to your personal safety and belongings. If you ignore warnings and an accident or loss occurs, you will be solely responsible.
The Lake Towada sightseeing boat tour is an optional extra, and its actual operation depends on the weather and the boat company's announcements on the day. If the tour is cancelled due to inclement weather or safety concerns, we apologize for any inconvenience. ※ Oirase Stream Walking Reminder: Due to time constraints and weather conditions, this itinerary only includes a leisurely walk along the most scenic sections of the Oirase Stream. Some sections of the trail are slippery, so we recommend wearing waterproof and non-slip shoes. In case of inclement weather or road closures, the tour may be changed to a fixed-point photo opportunity and a drive-through view, depending on the situation. Thank you for your understanding.
Pick-up and drop-off service is only available for hotels in Sendai city.
Tour leader configuration: For groups of 10 or fewer, the driver will also act as the tour guide; for groups of 10 or more, a professional tour leader will be assigned.
When three guests are sharing a room, please select the "2 people per room" option and fill in the number of participants as 3. We will arrange a 3-person room according to the number of guests in the order. If you have special requests such as smoking/non-smoking rooms or allergy requirements, please make a note in advance. The hotel will make the final arrangements, and we apologize that we cannot make specific requests.
Infants under 2 years old who do not occupy a seat or bed can participate for free on the day of the event. Each adult can bring one eligible infant. If you are bringing an infant, please fill in the relevant information in the order remarks column. Children aged 2-5 years old who do not occupy a bed can purchase a child price; if a bed is required, please purchase a child price. When placing the order, please set the child's birth year to the year that qualifies for the child's eligibility and indicate the actual date of birth in the remarks column for processing purposes. Passengers aged 12 years and above are charged at the adult price. Passengers under 18 years of age cannot participate alone and must be accompanied by a passenger aged 18 years or older.
FAQ
1. When is the best time to visit Oirase Stream for autumn foliage?
The optimal period for experiencing Oirase Stream's vibrant autumn foliage is typically from late October to early November. During this time, the leaves of various trees along the stream transform into brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow, creating a breathtaking natural spectacle. This season offers picturesque views perfect for photography and leisurely walks amidst the colorful scenery.
2. How much time is recommended to explore Oirase Stream during an autumn foliage tour?
For a comprehensive experience of Oirase Stream's highlights, especially as part of a guided tour, typically 1.5 to 2 hours are recommended. This allows sufficient time to stroll along designated scenic paths, appreciate key waterfalls like Choshi Otaki and Kumoi-no-taki, and immerse yourself in the vibrant autumn colors and tranquil atmosphere of the stream's renowned sections.
3. What are the most scenic sections and highlights of Oirase Stream to experience its beauty?
Oirase Stream is renowned for several beautiful sections, showcasing its unique natural beauty. Key highlights often include powerful waterfalls such as Choshi Otaki (銚子大滝), Kumoi-no-taki (雲井の滝), and Ashura-no-nagare (阿修羅の流れ), which are easily accessible from the walking path. These areas spectacularly combine the stream's clear waters, dynamic rapids, ancient forests, and stunning autumn foliage, creating a captivating natural landscape.
4. Where is Oirase Stream located in Japan's Tohoku region?
Oirase Stream is located in Aomori Prefecture, Japan, within the Towada-Hachimantai National Park. It serves as the only outflow from Lake Towada, stretching approximately 14 kilometers from Nenokuchi by the lake to Yakeyama. Its position in the northern Tohoku region makes it a prominent destination for autumn foliage viewing, celebrated for its pristine natural beauty.
5. What is the best month to experience autumn foliage across the Tohoku region's famous spots like Lake Towada and Chusonji Temple?
The Tohoku region's autumn foliage season typically spans from late October to mid-November, with variations depending on elevation and specific location. For famous spots like Lake Towada, Oirase Stream, Genbikei Gorge, and the World Heritage site Chusonji Temple, late October to early November often presents the most vibrant colors, offering spectacular views across the diverse landscapes of the region.
6. Can IC cards like Suica (西瓜卡) be used for purchases when visiting attractions in the Tohoku region such as those on the tour?
Yes, major IC cards like Suica are generally accepted at many train stations, convenience stores, and some shops and restaurants across the Tohoku region, including popular tourist areas. While their use might be less widespread than in major cities, they can be convenient for small purchases at places like the ALA-DATE roadside station or gift shops at attractions such as Chusonji Temple. It is always advisable to carry some cash for smaller local vendors.
7. Is self-driving the only way to explore Tohoku's autumn foliage spots like Genbikei Gorge and Chusonji Temple?
No, self-driving is not the only way to explore Tohoku's autumn foliage spots. While it offers flexibility, guided bus tours provide a highly convenient and stress-free alternative, especially for efficiently covering multiple famous locations like Genbikei Gorge and the historical Chusonji Temple. These tours typically include transportation, allowing travelers to relax and enjoy the scenery without the hassle of navigating, parking, or coordinating public transport schedules.
8. What are the travel options for exploring the famous autumn foliage sites of Tohoku, suchs as Lake Towada and Genbikei Gorge?
There are several ways to explore Tohoku's famed autumn foliage sites. Options include self-driving, which offers flexibility for remote areas; utilizing public transportation like trains and local buses, though this may require extensive planning; and joining guided bus tours. Guided tours, such as those departing from Sendai, provide hassle-free transportation to multiple destinations like Lake Towada and Genbikei Gorge, offering a convenient way to visit iconic spots without logistics worries.
