Nature Adventure in Tohoku

Day 00 (Mon, 05 May’25)

Assemble at Singapore Changi Airport for flight to Haneda

Day 01 (Tue, 06 May’25)
Singapore – Haneda – Akita
(-/-/-)
Hotel: Hotel Metropolitan Akita or similar

(Car pick up at Akita Airport)

Arriving in Akita this morning, head to the Kanpuzan Rotating Observatory. Sitting atop a volcanic mountain at 355m high, the rotating observatory provides 360-degree panoramic views of the surroundings, from the Sea of Japan to the west, to the UNESCO site of Shirakami Sanchi to the north, all without you having to move from your spot!

A unique sight along the coast of the Oga Peninsula, Godzilla Rock has become a landmark of the area thanks to its striking resemblance to the cinematic monster. Standing out on the rocky shoreline, the rock has become a popular sight for photographers, especially when the setting sun is framed directly in Godzilla’s mouth.

Day 02 (Wed, 07 May’25)
Akita – Nyuto Onsen
(Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Nyuto Onsenkyo Taenoyu (Hot Spring) or similar

Take a stroll in Senshu Park this morning and enjoy the fresh greenery located in the heart of the city. This sprawling park is home to the ruins of Kubota Castle, a few shrines, cultural facilities, and walking trails round its beautiful grounds from which you can admire its seasonal beauty.

Afterwards, head to 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 fresh green foliage on the magnificent mountains.

In the afternoon, 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.

Day 03 (Thu, 08 May’25)
Nyuto Onsen
(Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Nyuto Onsenkyo Taenoyu (Hot Spring) or similar

Go on a hike this morning at Mikaeri Pass and immerse yourself in the splendid nature and views of the Hachimantai mountain range. Take a short walk to Kagami Pond where you can catch the phenomenon of Dragon Eye – scenery formed by snow melting on the azure pond to resemble a large eye.

Head over to the Gozaisho Pond next to marvel at more of Hachimantai’s sights on an easy walking trail to Gozaishonuma and its neighbouring Akanuma Pond, also known as Goshikinuma for its waters which change colours according to the seasons and time of day. Admire the beauty of the ponds and marshlands scattered with skunk cabbage blooming at this time.

For the less adventurous, choose instead to go onsen-hopping round the seven unique hot springs which can be found around Nyuto Onsenkyo. With each bath boasting its own hot spring source, reap the benefits of the different spring waters and enjoy the varied sights and settings of each relaxing bath.

Day 04 (Fri, 09 May’25)
Nyuto Onsen – Oirase
(Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Hoshino Resorts Oirase Keiryu Hotel (Hot Spring) or similar

Drop by Nanataki Waterfall, one of the 100 famous waterfalls in Japan, today. Its name ‘seven waterfalls’ comes from the fact that it is comprised of seven cascades, totalling a drop of 60m. Take a rest at the peaceful park around the waterfall and admire its beauty along with the tranquil settings.

Flowing along the floor of the Oirase Gorge, the Oirase Stream winds through a pristine forest made up of towering white cedar, Japanese beech and maple trees. Take your time to stroll through the forested paths and bask in the fresh air, lovely greens of the foliage and the clear river water as you follow the river round its bends.

Tonight, you will stay at Oirase Keiryu Hotel, the only hotel situated along the Oirase River. Surrounded by healing nature and gorgeous scenes, relax and refresh yourself at this peaceful accommodation.

Day 05 (Sat, 10 May’25)
Oirase – Hachinohe – Oirase
(Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: Hoshino Resorts Oirase Keiryu Hotel (Hot Spring) or similar

Head over to the scenic Tanesashi Coast where you can get a fantastic view of the Pacific Ocean from Ashigezaki Observatory. Once a lookout point for the military, the observatory is now a scenic spot from which to admire the coast and seasonal flowers and greenery on its nearby lawns.

Drop by Kabushima Shrine next to witness thousands of black-tailed seagulls surrounding the small island shrine. Known to bring success for stocks and popularity, the shrine is also an official breeding ground for the seagulls which flock here in spring. Be amazed by the juxtaposition of red shrine, white flying seagulls, and yellow rape blossoms which bloom on the island at this time!

Visit the Towada Art Center, a contemporary art museum housing works by internationally acclaimed artists like Yayoi Kusama created specifically for this museum. Each piece of art is incorporated into the museum’s building and seemingly on display for the world to see. Art here is not always found where you would expect it to be and often spills out into the city around it.

Day 06 (Sun, 11 May’25)
Oirase – Oma – Aomori
(Breakfast/-/Dinner)
Hotel: ReLabo Medical Spa & Stay (Hot Spring) or similar

Travel out to Oma today, a town in the northernmost part of Honshu known for its exceptional Oma tuna. With ideal tuna fishing grounds in the neighbouring Tsugaru Strait and line fishing methods employed to ensure better quality catch, Oma tuna are known for their large size and superior quality, earning them the nickname of ‘black diamond’. Treat yourself to the best tuna in Japan when you savour perfectly fatty, fresh Oma tuna for lunch!

Frolic amongst vast fields of brilliant yellow canola blossoms at the Yokohama Nanohana flower field later. The largest canola field in Japan at 128ha, millions of yellow flowers can be found blooming here in May, creating a magnificent sea of yellow against the surrounding mountains.

Day 07 (Mon, 12 May’25)
Aomori
(Breakfast/-/-)
Hotel: ReLabo Medical Spa & Stay (Hot Spring) or similar

Head out to Juniko, a collection of 33 lakes surrounded by the pristine forests of the Shirakami Sanchi UNESCO World Heritage Site. Believed to have been created from an earthquake centuries ago causing clear waters to pool into ponds, the lakes are now stunning sights with amazing clarity and colour. Take a walk to see some of the lakes, the most notable of which is Aoike, a stunning blue lake with waters so clear you can see up to 9m deep!

Wander through the picturesque rows of red torii gates at Takayama Inari Shrine later. Visited by many for the numerous and varied blessings to be gotten here, the shrine has also gained fame for its ‘thousand torii gates’, a winding corridor of around 200 vermilion torii leading through a beautiful landscape up to the shrine.

Day 08 (Tue, 13 May’25)
Aomori – Haneda – Singapore
(Breakfast/-/-)

(Car return at Aomori Airport)

Dive into the world of contemporary art at the Aomori Museum of Art. Built to resemble the Sannai Maruyama Jomon Archaeological Site, the museum utilises unique display spaces to showcase interesting works of art by artists related to the prefecture, including the famous Aomori Dog sculpture.

Drop by the Tachineputa Museum before heading home to see the impressive 23m tall tachineputa floats used in the local festival up close. These paper lantern floats can be found in a number of Aomori’s signature Neputa festivals and are impressive in both size and design.