Fiery Autumn in Tohoku

Day 00 (Fri, 23 Oct’26)

Assemble at Singapore Changi Airport for flight to Haneda 

Day 01 (Sat, 24 Oct’26)
Singapore – Haneda – Aomori – Owani Onsen
(-/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Hoshino Resorts KAI Tsugaru (Hot Spring) or similar 

(Car pick-up at Aomori Airport)

Starting your Fly & Drive tour in Aomori, head first to one of Japan’s 100 famous mountains. Mt Hakkoda consists of a few volcanic peaks and is one of the first places in Tohoku to see autumn colours each year. Take the Hakkoda Ropeway up the side of the mountain this afternoon for breath-taking panoramic views of vivid autumn colours covering the mountainous landscape.

Then make a stop at Jogakura Bridge, the longest deck arch bridge in Japan spanning a distance of 360m. From here, you can gaze down at the Jogakura Keiryu stream in the valley 120m below, surrounded by walls of trees decked in autumn colours spreading up to the mountains.   

Day 02 (Sun, 25 Oct’26)
Owani Onsen
(Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Hoshino Resorts KAI Tsugaru (Hot Spring) or similar 

Flowing along the floor of the Oirase Gorge, the Oirase River winds through a pristine forest made up of towering white cedar, Japanese beech and maple trees. Take a stroll through the forested paths this morning and bask in the fresh air, brilliant colours of the autumn foliage, and the clear flowing water as you follow the river round its bends.

Drop by the largest and most well-known of the Tsuta Seven Lakes, Tsutanuma, a spring-fed lake enveloped by primeval forests. On a calm day, the fiery foliage of the surrounding trees reflect stunningly on the water’s surface, creating a picture of flaming beauty.

Day 03 (Mon, 26 Oct’26)
Owani Onsen – Appi Kogen
(Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: ANA Crowne Plaza Appi Kogen (Hot Spring) or similar 

Make a stop at the Hakkatoge Observatory for a panoramic view of Lake Towada, the largest caldera lake on the main island of Japan. Situated at a height of 631m, the observatory is considered the best of the viewpoints in the area as it provides a clear, sweeping view of the lake and surrounding mountain ranges. In autumn, the view is even more spectacular as the forested cliffs of the caldera’s rim are set ablaze with colour.

Travelling along the Hachimantai Aspite Line is one of the best ways to enjoy the autumn foliage. This scenic road runs through the volcanic plateau of Hachimantai which is 1,613m above sea level. Each curve in the winding road brings to view more beautiful scenery and wonderful sights of nature for you to feast your eyes on. 

Day 04 (Tue, 27 Oct’26)
Appi Kogen – Hanamaki Onsen
(Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Hanamaki Onsen Kashoen (Private Hot Spring) or similar 

Today, stroll around the charming streets of Kakunodate and soak in the atmosphere of this former castle town and samurai stronghold which has not changed much since its founding in 1620. The samurai district which once housed about 80 families still has some of the best examples of samurai architecture in Japan, a few of which are open to tourists.

Later, visit Dakigaeri Gorge, one of the most beautiful valleys in the Tohoku region. Its name comes from the words “daki” (to hug) and “kaeri” (to switch) as the trekking path in the past was so narrow that people coming from opposite directions had to hug each other to pass through. An iridescent blue stream runs through the gorge, surrounded by fantastic autumn foliage on the magnificent mountains. A short walk along the hiking trail will bring you to the impressive Mikaeri Waterfall, a hidden cascade in the forest. 

Soak in the silky-smooth hot spring waters at Hanamaki Onsen Kashoen, your accommodation this evening. Known as a ‘beauty hot spring’, the water here has moisturising properties which will leave your skin refreshed.

Day 05 (Wed, 28 Oct’26)
Hanamaki Onsen
(Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Hanamaki Onsen Kashoen (Private Hot Spring) or similar 

Established in 850, Chusonji is Tohoku’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site and Hiraizumi’s most famous attraction. Soak in the opulence of Tohoku’s past, best appreciated at the Konjikido, the crown jewel of Chusonji, which hall has been completely covered in gold leaf. 

For lunch, feast on one of Iwate’s best wagyu, Maezawa beef. Procured from cattle raised on a special diet, this premium beef is known for its rich marbling, sweetness, and melt-in-your-mouth texture. 

The spectacular Genbikei Gorge is a Place of Scenic Beauty known for its dramatic rock formations carved out by the strong currents of the flowing river. It is also where you can find ‘flying dango’, skewered rice ball snacks that are delivered via a pulley system from across the gorge. 

Day 06 (Thu, 29 Oct’26)
Hanamaki Onsen – Sendai
(Breakfast/-/-)
Hotel: Hotel Metropolitan Sendai or similar 

Stop by at Naruko Gorge this morning, one of the most scenic in Tohoku. Stretching a distance of 2.5km along the Arao river and with a depth of 100m, the gorge is a spectacular place to admire the magnificence of nature, especially when dyed in the fiery hues of autumn.

Known as one of the three most scenic views of Japan, the 260 pine covered islands of Matsushima promise a beautiful view from each vantage point. The abundant pine trees, many of them bent into a permanent slant by the wind, are what gives character to the islands by decorating each in a unique way. A stroll along the bay provides you with different angles to enjoy nature’s artwork, and a couple of the islands can be accessed via bridges from the mainland as well. 

Day 07 (Fri, 30 Oct’26)
Sendai
(Breakfast/-/-)
Hotel: Hotel Metropolitan Sendai or similar 

(Car return at Sendai Station)

Feast your eyes on Akiu Falls, a nationally designated place of scenic beauty and one of Japan’s top 100 waterfalls. See why the 55m high waterfall deserves the titles bestowed upon it when you trek down to the roaring falls nestled in the forest this morning. 

Shop to your heart’s content afterwards at Sendai Izumi Premium Outlets, an outlet mall surrounded by the natural settings of the Sendai-Izumi Park town. Modelled after an American town, this upscale outlet mall is where you can find brand name items at discounted prices.

Day 08 (Sat, 31 Oct’26)
Sendai – Tokyo
(Breakfast/-/-)
Hotel: Tokyo Station Hotel or similar 

Take a shinkansen down to Tokyo today where you will stay at the stately Tokyo Station Hotel. Located within Tokyo Station itself, enjoy the comforts of this luxury hotel while basking in its rich history and significance.

Day 09 (Sun, 01 Nov’26)
Tokyo – Haneda – Singapore
(Breakfast/-/-) 

Flight back to Singapore