Your Adventure Awaits
A Northern Pursuit
Autumn Sojourn
An autumn journey through Northern Tohoku is a slow-motion plunge into a living harmony of fire and basalt, where the season’s soul resides in the transition from samurai stoicism to wild, aquatic splendor. It begins in Hirosaki, where the castle’s ancient stones are framed by thousands of weeping maples reflected in a crimson moat, before moving into the emerald and amber cathedral of the Oirase Gorge, where the rush of crystalline water harmonizes with the rustle of falling leaves leading to the mist-draped glass of Lake Towada. The horizon is anchored by the snow-dusted, volcanic majesty of Mount Iwate, a silent sentinel watching over the deep, sapphire stillness of Lake Tazawa, Japan’s deepest eye of blue. The pilgrimage finds its poetic end in the black-walled lanes of Kakunodate, where the weeping cherry trees, once heavy with spring blossoms, now ignite in brilliant oranges against the obsidian architecture of the samurai district, offering a hauntingly beautiful reminder that there is a profound, quiet dignity in letting go.
Japan
History & Culture
Art de Vivre
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When To Go?
Highlights
Accommodations
An embrace of heritage and the appreciation of the environment are the driving energy behind the hotels selected on this sojourn. From the indomitable and uplifting soul of Tsugaru shamisen to a reconceptualization of the environment's countryside allure by an Aman legend. Northern Tohoku has it all.
Experiences
Autumn foliage journeys simply do not get better than this, where your body naturally gravitates to be in sync with the inspiring landscapes, the healing effects of the red, orange and yellow hues.
Itinerary
DAY 1: Tokyo / Aomori / Kuroishi / Owani
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This morning, embark on a a comfortable train journey on the Shinkansen Hayabusa to Aomori. Enjoy a relaxing ride on the Hayabusa GRAN Class as you travel through scenic cities, towns and countryside. Arriving at Shin-Aomori Station, short drive away, we make a stop at the impressive Aomori Museum of Art, housing an iconic collection of sculptures and contemporary art pieces by Jun Aoki (of Louis Vuitton fame), Marc Chagall and Yoshitomo Nara’s Aomori Dog.
Thereafter, we continue our comfortable drive to the laidback town of Kuroishi as we take a stroll through the Nakamachi Komise-dori main street, adorned with buildings from the Edo, Taisho and Showa periods. On a relaxing walk, we may visit some of these artisanal shops such as the Narumi Jozoten Sake Brewery, established since 1806, the retro Kuroishi Fire Brigade, the fairy-tale Apple Historical Records Museum which documents the history of apple cultivation in Aomori.
Finally, a short drive arrives us at Hoshino Resorts Kai Tsugaru, an elegant modern ryokan with a strong essence of Tsugaru culture and identity of its food heritage including the bluefin tuna.
DAY 2: Owani (Excursion to Hirosaki)
Fresh from a good rest, we visit the Hirosaki Castle, widely considered to be Japan’s most beautiful, built in 1611 by Nobuhira, lord of the Tsugaru Clan and a close ally of Toyotomi Hideyoshi and later, Tokugawa Ieyasu. At leisure, wander
through the castle complex enjoying the atmospheric autumn festival, adorned with more than a 1,000 maple trees. Later, a short walk takes us to the Tsugaru-han Neputa Village where you enjoy insights into the unique Tsugaru culture through exhibitions of Hirosaki Neputa giant floats and live performances of Neputa festival music and the iconic and uplifting Tsugaru shamisen.
Our next stop will be to the spectacular Saishoin Temple, a Shingon Buddhist temple of the Chisan sect. Built during the Edo Period and completed in 1667, the temple boasts the most beautiful five-storied pagoda in Japan and designated as a National Important Cultural Heritage site. Later, consider a visit to the Hirosaki Apple Park. Spanning over 5.2 hectares, it is home to over 2,300 apple trees and more than 80 varieties. During this autumn season, you can experience apple-picking at the
Production Experience Orchard, enjoy leisurely strolls and also try apple related products including sweets, curry, apple cider and more.
DAY 3: Owani / Mount Hakkoda / Oirase
A day of epic proportions as we are starting to realize the full visualization of the autumnal colors in Aomori Prefecture. Multiple viewing stops along the way allows us the appreciation of the fall foliage at its best starting with a brief stop at Nakano Momijiyama, where you can enjoy not only incredible fall leaves but entire forest floors carpeted by the leaves. Continuing our drive, we stop to be utterly jaw-dropped by the Jogakura
Bridge, the longest arch bridge in Japan spanning 255m. Offering mesmerizing views of the Hakkoda Mountains and Mount Iwaki, it is one of the most revered autumn spots in the country.
A short distance away, we have the opportunity to enjoy the Hakkoda Ropeway, taking us up to an elevation of 650m up Mount Tamoyachi and over infinite canopies of stunning autumn foliage. As our approach to Oirase closes in, we will make a stop at none other than the Tsutanuma Pond. Your eyes will struggle to believe, with closely-packed virgin beech forest creating a rich tapestry of colorful foliage that is reflected on the surfaces of the ponds akin to a mirror.
Finally, we will arrive at the beautiful grounds of Oirase Keiryu Hotel by Hoshino Resorts, set against the stirring shores of Oirase Gorge. Just being here is a privilege in itself where you have 2 nights here to be fully immersed in the healing and therapeutic powers of nature. Take the time to feel the presence of the surroundings and rejuvenate in what is truly forest bathing in its full essence.
DAY 4: Oirase (Hiking on the Oirase Gorge)
Enjoy a refreshing breakfast this morning and later, we dedicate the day to hike along spectacular autumn scenery and the vibrant, fast-flowing waters of the Oirase River that extends over 14km to the tranquil grace of Lake Towada. During this season, the vibrant red and orange of the autumn forest blends with the vivid green of the moss on the rocks, providing a spectacle that is uniquely special. We also have the option for a longer hike to more incredible waterfalls including the Tamadare Falls and the ethereal Choshi Falls (estimated 2.5 hours).
DAY 5: Oirase / Ninohe / Koiwai
What nature does to you will be etched deep. We depart Oirase today continuing our sojourn. A visit to the mind-stirring Towada Art Center ensues - regarded as one of the finest with an array of installations and art works by leading contemporary artists as Yayoi Kusama and Yoshitomo Nara.
Our drive then continues south to the small city of Ninohe, entering Iwate Prefecture where we make a stop at the legendary Nanbu Bijin, Iwate’s first whisky distillery with its legacy firmly stemming from sake-production principles. On an insightful tour of the facilities and production, enjoy a rare chance tasting newly-made whisky on the maturing process before the first
bottles are ready for distribution in the years to come. This early-stage whisky is undiluted and served at its original ABV of 61%.
Our drive further south will take us past more stunning autumn scenery and the dramatic backdrop of the Appi Kogen ski area lined with virgin beech forests. On our final approach, we will make an appreciation stop at the Yakehashiri Lava Flow with unbelievable views of the 2,038m Mount Iwate, named the “Mount Fuji of Iwate”. Witness the volcanic terrain of the
mountain, which has erupted five times in recorded history, a rare feat of nature in Japan.
Finally, we will arrive at the Azuma Farm Koiwai, a new nature-focused retreat conceptualized by the legendary Aman Resorts founder, Adrian Zecha. Situated within a secluded eight-hectare section of the historic 130-year-old Koiwai Farm, The resort features 24 distinct villa-style guest rooms equipped with intricate wooden interiors that directly mirror the pristine
environment. By partnering with the historic farm, the retreat plays a vital role in protecting local agricultural traditions and preserving the surrounding forests. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to soak in the idyllic environment.
DAY 6: Koiwai (Morioka & Nambu Ironware Legacy)
Enjoy the morning at leisure and later, we embark on an excursion of the nearby city of Morioka, capital of Iwate Prefecture with an unhurried and calm demeanor that has lend it a reputation of one of the most pleasant cities to live in Japan. We will begin to witness some historical landmarks such as the former Bank of Iwate Red Brick Building. Built in 1911, the building has been designated an Important Cultural Property, and is known for its Meiji Era Western-influenced architecture.
Thereafter, we stop at the beautifully-preserved Nanshoso, a residence dating from the Meiji era, where you can admire the autumn colors in awe.
Highlight of the day is a look into Iwate Prefecture’s long history of iron casting culture, where Nambu ironware developed along with the tea ceremony culture during the Edo period. The traditional techniques that have been passed down are still preserved by artisans today. This exclusive craft journey unveils the history and cultural significance of Nambu iron kettles while offering a meaningful opportunity to experience profound
craftsmanship. Under the guidance of an 11th-generation master artisan, Mr Koizumi Nizaemon, you are invited to craft a bespoke Nambu iron kettle, marked with an original emblem. Returning to Azuma Farm, enjoy the rest of the day to unwind.
DAY 7: Koiwai / Lake Tazawa / Kakunodate
Today, we depart Azuma Farm bidding farewell to our hosts as we make our entry into Akita Prefecture where the sapphire-blue waters of Lake Tazawa greets us. Stop to admire Japan’s deepest caldera lake at 423m. Never freezing even during the thickest of winter, we will stop at various viewpoints to be enchanted by its serene beauty such as the Gozanoishi Jinja Shrine and the golden Statue of Tatsuko where according to legend, a young girl named Tatsuko, in her quest for eternal beauty, transformed into a dragon and now rests here.
Today, Not far away, we will soon arrive into the castle town of Kakunodate, renowned as the “Kyoto of the North” for its incredibly well-preserved Bukeyashiki samurai district that is considered the most beautiful in Japan. Take a stroll at leisure to soak in the atmosphere dominated by rows of samurai residences, traditional shops and one of the most revered autumn sightseeing spots in the country. Finally, a short distance away is the Kakunodate Sanso Wabizakura, a stunning 10-room hot spring inn that blends tradition with modern aesthetics, changing with the seasons and the perfect place to take in the
fully-charged autumn colors at its finest.
DAY 8: Kakunodate (The Dakigaeri Valley)
Today, a pleasant drive takes us on a visit and hike in the enchanting environments of the Dakigaeri Valley, with its beautiful and mysterious azure mountain streams, is also known for its fresh greenery and autumnal foliage. It was named "Dakigaeri" because the mountain path was so narrow and steep that people had to hold on to each other to pass each other.
Enjoy time at leisure to walk along the path next to the cobalt-blue Tama river. Witness the 80m long Kami-no-iwahashi, or the “Rock Bridge of the Gods”. Completed in 1926, it is the oldest suspension bridge in Akita, providing the most iconic scene of the gorge. In addition, marvel at the Mikaeri-no-taki Waterfall, one of the area’s most famous scenic spots, a 30-meter cascade over a cliffside of the Dakigaeri Valley.
DAY 9: Kakunodate / Tokyo
Enjoy a final morning in the relaxing environments of Wabizakura and thereafter, we transfer to Kakunodate Station to embark on the Akita Shinkansen for your return to Tokyo.
Featured Hotels
Azuma Farm Koiwai
Azuma Farm is a farm resort brand dedicated to preserving the natural landscapes nurtured by the mountains and deep forests, safeguarding the distinctive culture and climate rooted in these regions, and carrying that heritage forward for future generations. Farm Life” is an intrinsic part of the Azuma Farm experience, embracing a philosophy whereby the natural landscape and the lives of its people thrive in deep harmony. Guests are invited to feel contentment in gentle moments – feeling the dampness of soil beneath their feet, listening to the swaying of trees in the breeze, and gazing into the quiet glow of a fire.
Oirase Keiryu Hotel by Hoshino Resorts
Oirase Keiryu Hotel is the only resort hotel built on the shores of the Oirase Gorge. The Oirase Gorge is part of the Towada-Hachimantai National Park. It has clear streams, mossy rocks, and is surrounded by forest of deciduous broad-leaved trees. Fresh greenery, the autumnal coloration of the forest, a world of snow and ice-The landscape and its beauty have been designated as a special scenic beauty locale, and as natural monument.
Take this opportunity to spend this holiday by our beautiful mountain stream.
Privileges
50% off for 3rd night