From Sendai Station, take the JR Senseki Line to Matsushima‑Kaigan Station. Begin your visit with a leisurely stroll through the historic temples of Zuiganji and Entsuin, soaking in their serene atmosphere and cultural beauty. After exploring the temple grounds, board a scenic cruise to tour the countless islands scattered across Matsushima Bay—one of Japan’s celebrated Three Most Scenic Views. The breathtaking panorama of the bay is an experience you won’t forget. Return to Sendai Station afterward, and in the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner of Sendai’s famous grilled gyūtan (beef tongue) at one of the many restaurants around the station area.

From Sendai Station, take the JR Senzan Line to Yamadera Station. Begin your journey with a visit to Risshakuji Temple, widely known as Yamadera, where scenic stone steps and breathtaking views offer a memorable cultural experience. After exploring the temple, continue on the JR Senzan Line to Yamagata Station, then take a bus to Zao. From spring through autumn, visitors can enjoy the spectacular Okama Crater near the mountaintop, while winter brings the magical snow monsters (juhyō) and excellent skiing and snowboarding opportunities. After enjoying the activities in Zao, return to Yamagata City and savor the region’s famous Yamagata Ramen. From Cold Ramen to Akayu Ramen, a wide variety of flavors awaits. Yamagata is known as a true “Ramen Kingdom,” where the love for ramen runs deeper than anywhere else in Japan.

From Yamagata Station, take the JR Ōu Main Line (JR Yamagata Line) to Ōishida Station. At Ōishida Station, you can continue to Ginzan Onsen by bus or taxi. Please note that buses have limited seating and operate only a few times a day, so taking a taxi may be more convenient. After enjoying a stroll through the charming townscape of Ginzan Onsen, return to Sendai via Yamagata.

From Sendai Station, take the highway bus to Hiraizumi. Explore the World Heritage sites of Chūson‑ji and Mōtsū‑ji, sacred places that once flourished as part of a prosperous Golden Land ruled over three generations. After your visit, travel from JR Hiraizumi Station to Ichinoseki Station, then board the Shinkansen for Morioka. The scenery from the train windows evokes the “Ihatov” world portrayed in the works of Kenji Miyazawa, and it is also the hometown landscape where today’s MLB star Shohei Ohtani spent his childhood. Morioka was selected by The New York Times as one of the “52 Places to Go in 2023.” You can wander through nostalgic early‑modern architecture, explore specialty coffee shops and unique craft stores—this city will never leave you bored. And of course, don’t miss Morioka's local iconic dishes such as Wanko Soba and Jajamen.

From Morioka Station, take the Shinkansen to Shin-Aomori, then transfer to the next station, Aomori. From Aomori Station, board the bus bound for Lake Towada. The route takes you through the Hakkōda Mountains. Don’t assume that Zao is the only place to see “snow monsters”—this region, with winter snowfall exceeding 400 cm, naturally forms its own impressive juhyō. In winter, this is as far as you can travel. From spring to autumn, however, you can continue onward and enjoy a scenic walk along the beautiful Oirase Gorge, following the stream all the way to Lake Towada, your final destination. After your hike, relax and unwind in the hot springs at a hotel around Lake Towada.

Return to downtown Aomori. Right next to Aomori Station is the Nebuta Museum WA‑RASSE, where you can see the powerful full-sized Nebuta floats that actually took part in the festival. On the outskirts of the city lies the Sannai‑Maruyama Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can trace the roots of the Japanese people from around 5,900 to 4,200 years ago. Aomori is also known for a unique and much‑loved local specialty created when local high school students experimented with toppings on their favorite miso ramen: Miso Curry Milk Ramen, an unusual but surprisingly delicious dish. After fully enjoying Northern Tohoku, you can head back to Sendai or Tokyo by Shinkansen from Shin‑Aomori Station. If you have extra time, continue your journey—beyond the tunnel on the Shinkansen line lies Hokkaido. Enjoy the next chapter of your adventure in Japan’s northernmost region.