Itinerary

Start Date: 15 September 2025

End Date: 22 September 2025

Highlights:

• Hike the famous coastal Michinoku Trail 
• Sake taste testing 
• Join the Matagi and learn the art of foraging
• Hike a spiritual path of enlightenment with Yamabushi guides  

Day 1: Monday, September 15, 2025

Welcome to Japan! – From Tokyo to the Tranquility of Fukushima

Your journey begins as you touch down at either Haneda (HND) or Narita (NRT) International Airport in Tokyo. Whether you're arriving early or just in time, there's a buzz of anticipation in the air as your adventure officially kicks off in the Land of the Rising Sun.

From the bustling heart of Tokyo, we board the iconic Shinkansen (Bullet Train) toward Fukushima, setting the tone for the scenic and cultural immersion to come. Upon arrival, we’ll transition to our private charter bus for the week and head into the serene hot spring town of Shitanomachi. Check in at Hotel Sansuiso, a traditional yet modern Japanese ryokan that blends comfort with cultural charm. After settling in, gather with fellow explorers for an orientation Session, where you’ll meet your guide and fellow delegates.

As the sun sets, indulge in a local sake and cuisine pairing dinner, showcasing the region’s finest flavors and hospitality. This is your first true taste of Tohoku—and it's only just beginning.

Accommodation: Hotel Sansuiso (Japanese style Room)

Day 2: Tuesday, September 16, 2025

Temples, Mountains, and Cultural Deep Dives in Fukushima

We depart early and dive straight into the region’s rich heritage with a journey through ancient landscapes and cultural treasures. Known for their hot springs, it is no surprise this area is full of volcanic activity. We will hike the 6km “Volcano Trail” in Bandai-Asahi National Park. Learn the connection between bonsai artists and the park, and witness firsthand the beauty of a sub-alpine environment. The day is designed to blend discovery with serenity. Learn from local monks, experience timeless traditions, and breathe in the mountain air that has inspired generations. 

In the evening, we embrace tranquility with a rare overnight stay at a Shukubo—a Buddhist Temple Monastery House. We will learn and prepare for our spiritual day tomorrow with the Yamabushi guide. Here, you’ll sleep in simple yet beautiful surroundings, sharing the space (two people per room) as guests of a living tradition. While at the temple, we will embrace spiritual traditions and eat the traditional vegetarian meals of the pilgrims. A thoughtful, grounding end to a day rich in meaning. It’s not just a visit—it’s a spiritual and cultural immersion.

Accommodation: Shukubo, Temple Monastery House, shared Japanese-style rooms

Day 3: Wednesday, September 17, 2025

Into the Forests of Nature and Imagination 

Wake up to the peaceful ambiance of temple life and enjoy a modest breakfast prepared with mindfulness. Today, we trade temples for breathtaking nature as we journey deep into the wild beauty of Tadami, one of Japan’s most remote and stunning regions.

Don the spiritual white robes of pilgrims, and climb Mt Haguro’s 2,446 stone steps with a Yamabushi guide. Yamabushi seek spiritual enlightenment through the healing powers of nature, and the term translates to “one who bows down in the mountains.”  Learn why the people consider the Mountain as a God; bringer of blessings. Venture with your guide to Yudono-san Shrine, a very sacred and mysterious spot in the Three Mountains of Dewa trek. In the afternoon, continue your pilgrimage with a waterfall cleansing.

In the evening, check in to your hotel and enjoy a relaxing soak, reflecting on a day filled with scenery that stirs the soul.

Accommodation: Yameya Hotel, single rooms

Day 4: Thursday, September 18, 2025

Crafts and Culture - Preserving Tradition

Japan is famous for soy sauce, and this morning we will get to visit a soy sauce brewery that has been mastering the creation of this liquid gold for over 150 years. Taste test different types of soy sauce and learn how to pair this Japanese staple with different foods. We will enjoy a lunch made 

Later, step back into Edo-era Japan with a stroll through Kakunodate, a historic post town lined with preserved thatched-roof houses. Wander the charming streets, snack on local delicacies like negi soba (buckwheat noodles eaten with a green onion stalk!), and feel like you’ve stepped into a time capsule of samurai and merchants. 

Accommodation: Regional Ryokan or Hotel 

Day 5: Friday, September 19, 2025

Explore Matagi Heritage

Next, we dive into the world of the Matagi, an indigenous group of people local to Akita. Also known as “protectors of the forest”, the Matagi people have mastered the art of surviving the harsh landscape of Tohoku. The Matagi continuously change their hunting and gathering techniques, changing with the tune of the seasons. Springtime brings edible plants to the land, and an end to the bear hunting season, while Autumn means mushroom harvesting. Spend the morning with a Matagi guide and learn the techniques used to spot and identify edible mushrooms, plants, and their medical uses. For lunch, enjoy a feast of Matagi foods, like bear hot pot, after our hike through the woods.

We will transfer to Hachinohe, and return to a bigger city after a few days spent in smaller towns. We will receive a true Hachinohe welcome with a night filled with food and bar-hopping, a local tradition. Meet the owners of these fascinating and traditional bars, some only big enough to hold 6 people, and hear their stories.

Accommodation: Daiwa Roynet Hotel, single rooms

Day 6: Saturday, September 20, 2025

Mountain Spirit and Fisherman Lifestyle

Embark on an invigorating coastal trek along one of Japan’s most scenic and soulful walking routes—the Michinoku Coastal Trail. This first segment is a breathtaking 7.9-kilometer journey that winds through the dramatic seascapes of Kabushima to the serene, sweeping grasslands of the Tanesashi Natural Lawn, ending at the Tanesashi Coast Information Center. With a gentle elevation change of just 18 meters and a leisurely pace, this hike is perfect for all levels, offering a harmonious blend of nature and movement. Lunch will be served “fisherman style” with fish soup and local delicacies. Enjoy the view of the ocean as we learn about the history of the area, and how modernity is changing the fishing lifestyle.

Along the way, you’ll be enchanted by ever-changing ocean views, rugged rock formations, and the rhythmic soundtrack of waves crashing against the shore while seabirds soar overhead—especially around Kabushima, a protected nesting site for black-tailed gulls. As you follow this well-marked and thoughtfully preserved trail, every step invites reflection and connection to the natural world.

Accommodation: The Park Hotel Jodogahama, Japanese-style rooms

Day 7: Sunday, September 21, 2025

Nature and Nourishment 

Begin the day with a splash of adventure at the stunning Jodogahama Beach, where you’ll take to the crystal-clear waters for a sea kayaking experience unlike any other. Glide past dramatic cliffs, wave-sculpted rock formations, and serene coves that define this stretch of Iwate’s Sanriku Coast. Whether you're new to paddling or a seasoned kayaker, this peaceful excursion offers an intimate encounter with Japan’s rugged coastal beauty—and a chance to spot local marine life along the way.

After drying off, we’ll journey inland to Morioka (approx. 1 hour and 40 minutes), where lunch is both a meal and a performance. At the famous Hatsukoma Main Store, dive into the delightful chaos of the Wanko Soba Challenge—a beloved culinary tradition where servers rapidly refill your bowl with small servings of soba noodles until you say stop. How many tiny bowls can you conquer? It’s fun, fast-paced, and a truly unforgettable way to taste Tohoku.

From Morioka, we board the Shinkansen for a sleek, high-speed ride to Sendai, Tohoku’s lively capital city. Upon arrival, check in to the stylish Hotel Keihan Sendai, where comfort and convenience await.

To end the journey on a high note, we gather for a Farewell Dinner—a heartfelt celebration of the landscapes explored, friendships forged, and memories made along Japan’s inspiring northern coast.

Accommodation: Hotel Keihan Sendai, Single rooms

Day 8: Monday, September 22, 2025

Marketplace

Spend your day getting to know the local tour operators and suppliers of Tohoku with pre-scheduled Marketplace meetings. After Marketplace, it is our time to say goodbye to a wonderful AdventureWEEK!

Please note that the region reserves the right for changes in the program. Activities will be done according to the weather conditions. A detailed itinerary will be shared with accepted participants.