2-Day Tohoku Tour of Japan | Aomori Nebuta Festival Reserved Seating Experience, Ginzan Onsen Stroll, Mountain Temple Pilgrimage | Departure from Sendai, Accommodation Included
- A two-day tour of Tohoku, Japan, will take you to the Aomori Nebuta Festival and let you experience its breathtaking charm.
- Visit the old street of Yinshan Hot Spring and immerse yourself in the romantic atmosphere of this retro hot spring town.
- Visit mountain temples for pilgrimage and enjoy the natural and historical beauty of Northeast China.
- Witness the Aomori Nebuta Festival, one of the three major festivals in the Tohoku region, watch the giant lantern parade, and experience an authentic summer festival celebration.
- Stay at the thousand-year-old Naruko Onsen Ryokan and enjoy a private soak in the natural spring water.
Package Options
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.
—Important Notice—
- Each person may bring one piece of luggage free of charge, with no size restrictions. Please indicate this when registering (if the carriage becomes crowded due to failure to indicate this, the driver/guide has the right to refuse you boarding, and the fee will not be refunded); if the number of luggage pieces exceeds the limit, an additional fee of 2000 yen per piece will be charged.
- Reference vehicle types: 9-14 seater: Toyota Hitch or equivalent; 18-22 seater: minibus; 22 seater and above: large bus. The above vehicles are for reference only and will be adjusted according to the number of participants on the day of the tour.
- Driver and guide service (small group of 1-13 people; bus tour of 14-45 people, the actual number will be adjusted according to the number of people on the day of departure).
- Due to the unpredictability of factors such as traffic conditions, weather, holidays, or crowds on the day of travel, arrival times for each itinerary may vary. According to Japanese law, the maximum working time for a driver is 10 hours. To ensure driver safety and smooth driving, itineraries may be adjusted based on actual circumstances, including reducing sightseeing time, changing the order of attractions, or canceling certain attractions. We sincerely hope that our passengers can understand and support these adjustments made while prioritizing safety. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause in the event of the aforementioned or other unforeseen circumstances. Please understand that we will not be able to offer refunds for such situations. This decision is made out of responsibility for the safety of both drivers and passengers, and to ensure the smooth operation of the entire team. We are always committed to providing you with the best travel experience, but in some cases, we need to flexibly adjust itinerary plans based on actual circumstances. Thank you for your understanding and support.
The Aomori Nebuta Festival is one of the most representative summer festivals in the Tohoku region of Japan, and also one of Japan's three major fire festivals. Held annually from August 2nd to 7th in Aomori City, it attracts over 3 million tourists from Japan and around the world each year for its vibrant atmosphere and grand scale. On the evening of the 7th, the Nebuta lanterns are moved to boats and cruise the waters off Aomori Harbor, accompanied by fireworks, bringing the festival to a spectacular close.
Ginzan Onsen Town: A hot spring town with a 500-year history, Ginzan Onsen is home to the popular Noto-ya bathhouse, which served as the inspiration for Hayao Miyazaki's "Spirited Away." Famous for its therapeutic hot springs since the Edo period, the town still retains its old-world charm. Along the tranquil banks of the Ginzan River stand wooden inns built between the Taisho and early Showa eras. The trails leading from the hot spring town into the mountains are lush and green in summer, making them a truly unforgettable experience. Strolling through Ginzan Onsen Town, you can feel the retro and romantic atmosphere at any time.
Hōjuzan Temple (Tateishi-ji): The 1015 stone steps leading from the mountain gate to the summit are known as the path of asceticism. Legend has it that each step climbed eliminates a worry and purifies the mind. Since ancient times, this temple has been revered by the people as a place of prayer, capable of severing karmic ties and forging good relationships. Reference Fees: Entrance Fee: Adults (junior high school students and above) 500 yen, Children (4 years and older) 200 yen Treasure Hall: Adults (high school students and above) 200 yen, Children (4 years and older) 100 yen Inner Hall of the Main Hall: 200 yen
Purchase Notice
[Tourism Conditions]
Travel Departure Point & Destination: Miyagi, Aomori/Yamagata
Trip duration: 2 days 1 night
Transportation: Bus
Bus company name: Iroha Kanko Kotsu Co., Ltd.
Meals included: Breakfast once, Lunch once, Dinner once.
Accommodation: Naruko Onsen - Kameya Hotel
Minimum group size: 4
Team Leader: 1
Tour guide: 0
【Travel Planning/Implementation】
Operating Company Name: Shuzenji Takitei Co., Ltd.
Address: Shuzenji 722, Shizuoka Prefecture I▖ City
License exemption number: Shizuoka Prefecture Governor Registration Tourism No. 2-723
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
In the event of inclement weather such as typhoons or snowstorms, a decision on whether to cancel the tour will be made 4 day(s) before departure (local time 18:00). Notifications will then be sent via email
Travelers with the following conditions or other health issues that could be worsened by excessive stimulation should not participate in this activity: High blood pressure, Heart disease, Asthma, Epilepsy, Pregnant women, Acrophobia
Please arrive at the designated location 10 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
This is a shared ride with fixed itinerary. Customers participating in this tour are requested to adhere to the time allotted at each attraction and follow the instructions of the driver/guide.
If you leave the group midway through the trip, the transaction will be considered invalid, and no refund will be given. Furthermore, you will be solely responsible for any personal injury or property damage resulting from this.
No refunds will be given for any absences or cancellations due to personal issues, lateness, or other reasons. Please take note.
When there are fewer passengers, a small vehicle with a driver/guide providing simple explanations will be used. Please be aware that this is a shared ride service, and other guests will be traveling with you. Stops are not allowed outside of designated attractions.
The transportation and tourist attractions in this itinerary will be kept as faithful as possible to the original plan. However, in the event of special circumstances such as traffic congestion, inclement weather, large tourist crowds, or other force majeure events, the company reserves the right to make changes to the itinerary to ensure the safety of travelers and the smoothness of the trip.
Room type is subject to availability and cannot be specified. Please note any special requests such as smoking/non-smoking rooms or allergy conditions in advance. The hotel will make the final arrangements, but cannot guarantee availability. We apologize for any inconvenience.
The booked tour itinerary may be changed or cancelled due to traffic conditions or crowding on the day.
In the event of force majeure such as severe weather or poor traffic conditions that prevent 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 are not entitled to refunds or fee reductions for such reasons.
Due to limited luggage space, each person is only allowed to bring one piece of luggage on board. If you have more than two pieces, please inform us in advance. Thank you for your cooperation.
Customized meals are not available. If you require vegetarian food, please specify this when ordering.
FAQ
The Aomori Nebuta Festival features large, illuminated floats called "Nebuta," which are said to represent historical figures or mythological beings. The term "Nebuta" is thought to derive from "nemuri-nagashi," a traditional summer event where people float lanterns down rivers to ward off drowsiness and bad luck, wishing for good health and a bountiful harvest. It is a purification ritual adapted into a vibrant festival.
The Aomori Nebuta Festival is traditionally held annually from August 2nd to August 7th. The main events, featuring the grand parade of giant Nebuta floats, usually occur in the evenings between August 2nd and August 6th. The final day, August 7th, features a daytime parade and a spectacular marine procession with fireworks over Aomori Bay.
The Aomori Nebuta Festival takes place in central Aomori City. If you are part of an organized tour, dedicated transportation is typically provided to the designated reserved seating areas, ensuring convenient access. For independent visitors, Aomori Station is the main hub, easily accessible by JR trains, and the festival parade route is usually within walking distance from the station.
Beyond the summer festival, Aomori offers unique beauty in other seasons. Spring (April-May) is excellent for cherry blossoms, notably at Hirosaki Castle. Autumn (October-November) presents stunning foliage, especially in the Hakkoda Mountains. Winter (December-March) transforms the landscape into a snowy wonderland, ideal for enjoying hot springs like those in Naruko Onsen or engaging in snow activities.
Ginzan Onsen is renowned for its nostalgic early 20th-century atmosphere, with charming wooden ryokan lining a picturesque river. Visitors can stroll along the gas lamp-lit streets in the evening, soaking in the retro ambiance. You can also explore local shops, enjoy foot baths, and admire the beautiful Ginzan Falls nearby, all contributing to a uniquely immersive hot spring village experience.
Yamadera, officially Risshakuji Temple, is a significant Buddhist temple established in 860 AD, famous for its scenic mountain setting and numerous smaller temples and halls built into the cliffs. Visitors undertake a pilgrimage by climbing over 1,000 stone steps to reach the main hall, Godaido, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding valley. The serene atmosphere and historical architecture make it a profound cultural experience.
The Tohoku 2-day tour typically includes accommodation in a traditional inn within the historic Naruko Onsen Village. Naruko Onsen is one of Japan's "100 Famous Hot Springs," known for its diverse spring qualities. Guests can enjoy authentic Japanese hospitality and relax in natural hot springs sourced directly from the area's rich volcanic activity, offering a rejuvenating experience after a day of sightseeing.
For a comprehensive Tohoku tour combining vibrant festivals like Nebuta with relaxing onsen experiences and scenic beauty, late summer (early August) is often ideal, aligning with major festival dates. Alternatively, early autumn (September-October) offers pleasant weather for sightseeing and stunning fall foliage without the peak summer crowds, while still allowing for enjoyable onsen visits.
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