SMALL GROUP TOURS

A Northern Soul
14 Nights

CLASSICTokyo > Nikko > Hiraizumi > Naruko Onsen > Sanriku Coast > Sendai > Niigata > Sado Island > Tokyo

Take a boat trip throughMatsushima Bay, one of Japan’s
top three scenic views
Learn about the 2011 earthquake
and tsunami in the Sanriku CoastregionAdmire Japan’s most ostentatious
religious architecture in Nikko

Have a go at taiko drumming in
its spiritual home, Sado Island

Try your hand at traditional papermaking

Visit the ancient temples of
Hiraizumi, Kyoto’s former rivalin the north
IJT CLASSIC TOURS
Mid-range tours that cover Japan’s classic
sights or interest-specific itineraries (e.g.
hiking, cultural activities, specific regions)
Style Facts• Three-star accommodation• En suite rooms in all locations (except atsome unique traditional accommodation)• Airport meet-and-greet and transfers• Breakfast every day plus some lunches& dinners• Selected entrance fees include• Solo travellers: a single room is available
throughout on payment of a mandatory
supplement

Tour Overview
The northern reaches of Japan’s main island
hold some of the country’s most beguiling
attractions: rugged national parks, mountaintop
temple communities, and enchanting hot
spring villages. A Northern Soul tour introducessome of these hidden delights, revealing a sideof Japan rarely seen by outsiders.
Hiraizumi

The region of Tohoku lies north of Tokyo,
stretching all the way up to the tip of Honshu
Island and encompassing six prefectures. This is
one of the most remote regions in Japan, witha reputation for stunning scenery, deep winters,
and exceptionally warm hospitality - and until
2011 it was a name virtually unknown to theoutside world.

Naruko Onsen

Sanriku coast
Sendai

Sado Island
Niigata
Nikko
Tokyo

Then, on the 11th of March, this unassuming
region suddenly found itself at the centre of
the world’s attention thanks to the Tohoku
earthquake and tsunami. To help you
understand the effects of the earthquake, thetour will include a visit and stay in one of thetowns worst affected by the tsunami, where
you’ll have the chance to learn about what
happened in the region, meet local people
whose lives were affected by the disaster andsupport the region through your visit.
Tohoku is a truly beautiful region and thistour is packed with stunning locations andfascinating cultural experiences - including
several World Heritage Sites. As part of thistour you’ll visit beautiful Matsushima Bay,considered one of the top three scenic views
in Japan; historic Hiraizumi, whose golden
temple rivals Kinkaku-ji in Kyoto for brilliance;and Naruko Onsen, a charming onsen town
where hot spring steam billows through thewood-panelled streets. Outside of the Tohoku
region you’ll also visit the monumentallyelaborate temples of Nikko, final resting
place of Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, and theabandoned gold mines of Sado Island, arural isle known for its world- famous taiko
drummers.
This is a fantastic itinerary taking you well off
the beaten path into Japan’s magical northernareas. Though most of Tohoku was completely
untouched by the disaster of 2011, the whole
region has suffered the effects of a decline
in tourism to the area, so your presence will
be greatly appreciated by the hotels, inns,
restaurants and museums we’ll visit on
the tour.

Mount Fuji

Day by day
Many of our customers choose to arrive a
day or two early to get over jet-lag and get
the most out of the tour. Whatever the case,we will be happy to make arrangements tosuit your needs.
Day 1 Tokyo (D)On arrival at Tokyo’s Narita Airport, you will travelby shared shuttle bus to your hotel in Asakusa,
Tokyo’s most traditional district. Here you’ll meetyour tour leader and have the chance to begin
getting to know your travel companions. Asakusa
is a fascinating and very accessible district ofTokyo, known for the bright-red Senso-ji Temple, its
many market stalls, and Kappabashi-dori (“Kitchen
Street”). This is a fantastic place to begin your trip
to Japan, and this evening your tour leader willtake you out for a welcome meal at one of thearea’s many excellent restaurants.

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Day 2 Tokyo (B)Having recharged your batteries with a good night’s
sleep, your tour leader will take you on a tour ofthe city using public transport – including famousspots such as the Shibuya scramble crossing, thecrazy shopping streets of Harajuku, and Akihabara“electric town”. You’ll also visit serene Hamarikyu
Gardens, an oasis of calm in the midst of the
hubbub, and take a ride on the Sumida River bus
for an alternative perspective on the city.
Day 3 Nikko (B, D)
You will take the train direct from Asakusa to Nikko,
just a couple of hours’ north of Tokyo yet worlds
away in character and charm. This World Heritage
Site is the final resting place of Shogun Tokugawa
Ieyasu, the founder of Japan’s greatest shogunate,
and exhibits some of the most impressive
traditional architecture found anywhere in Japan.
After checking in at your accommodation, you will
be met by our expert local guide for a full day’stour of the area’s most impressive sites. This issure to include Tokugawa’s mausoleum, the “threewise monkeys” carving from the proverb “see noevil, hear no evil, speak no evil” and a cable car
ride where you can watch Nikko pass below you
through mountaneous terrain.
Day 4 Nikko (B, D)
Today we have a full day to really explore thenational park, with its winning combination of deep
forest, beautiful lakes, impressive waterfalls andsteaming hot springs. We’ll have a private bus atour disposal to take us to some of the area’s mostscenic spots – including the Akechidaira Plateau
and Kegon Falls – or you are welcome to strike out
independently for an invigorating day of hiking.
Day 5 Hiraizumi (B, D)
After checking in at your accommodation in
Hiraizumi, you will head out with your tour leader
to visit Chuson-ji, the town’s most famous temple.
Chuson-ji is set in beautiful woodland and once
comprised an extensive complex of buildings, buttoday there are just two – one of which, Konjikido,
is entirely covered in gold like Kyoto’s famous
pavilion. Following this, you will have the option tojoin your tour leader on a cycle ride to Genbikei
Gorge (weather permitting) or to take part in a
traditional lantern-painting workshop. In Hiraizumi
you’ll be staying at a Japanese-style hotel, where a
traditional multi-course meal will be served on thefirst night of your stay.
Day 6 Hiraizumi (B, D)
In the 12th century, during the Heian Periodof Japanese history, Hiraizumi was the seat ofthe powerful Fujiwara clan and was importantenough to rival imperial Kyoto in the south. A
glimpse of Hiraizumi’s former glory remains in its
beautiful temples and shrines, which are the mostimpressive in the Tohoku region - and another
World Heritage Site. Today you’ll have a full day toenjoy the Hiraizumi region. You’ll take a boat ride
through the Geibikei Gorge (not to be confusedwith Genbikei Gorge, visited the day before), visit
the Yugendo Caves, take part in a paper-making
workshop and indulge in another group dinner.
Day 7 Naruko Onsen (B, D)
Today you’ll transfer by private coach from
Hiraizumi to Naruko Onsen, a charming traditional
town known for its nine different hot springs– each with its own mineral composition andreputed health benefits. Your tour leader willaccompany you on a day tour to some of thearea’s sights, including another stunning gorge –the Naruko Gorge, the impressive Naruko Dam,a visit to a nearby geyser, and an optional rowing
boat trip on Katanuma Pond.
This afternoon you will also have the chance tolearn about Naruko’s most famous traditional craft,wooden kokeshi dolls, with a visit to the local
kokeshi museum and a doll-painting workshop.
Tonight you’ll be staying at a traditional ryokan inn,where a delicious kaiseki dinner will be served.
Note: 2025 departures will visit lakeside
Izu Numa town to enjoy a mochi rice cakemaking experience instead of the kokeshi
doll painting workshop/museum
Day 8 Sanriku Coast (B, D)
On the 11th of March 2011, Tohoku was hit by
the largest earthquake in Japan’s history, which inturn triggered a massive tsunami that devastatedthe region’s eastern coast. Ishinomaki was oneof the towns almost completely washed awayby the wave. Though the detritus has now beencleared, there are still many signs of the tsunami
in Ishinomaki and it will be many years before thetrauma of the disaster has faded.
Today we’ve enlisted the services of a local
volunteer guide, to recount the events of 2011and point out some of the town’s significant sites.
Though it’s certainly sobering subject matter, thewarmth and generosity of the people of Ishinomaki
will ensure that your stay here is a highlight of yourtrip – and you will be left in no doubt that yourvisit is vastly appreciated.
Note: 2025 departures will visit the two
tsunami hit towns of Minamisanriku andKesennuma, with a stay in Kesennuma,
instead of Ishinomaki. Visits will include theMinamisanriku Memorial Park, Kesennuma
City Memorial Museum, and the Rias Ark
Museum of Art
Day 9 Sendai (B)Today you’ll catch the train for the short journeyfrom Ishinomaki to Matsushima Bay, an ocean
inlet studded with leafy islands which is officiallydesignated one of the Nihon San-Kei, or ‘Three
Great Sights of Japan’. You’ll explore the area
by boat, visiting some of the bay’s scenic piersand islands, as well as the lovely Entsuin Temple
Gardens. After the day’s sightseeing you’ll takethe train onwards to Sendai, where the rest of theafternoon will be at leisure to enjoy the city.
Sendai is known by the locals as the ‘city of trees’
for its wild, tree-lined avenues and spacious parks,
one of the more positive outcomes of the heavy
bombardment the city suffered in WWII. As thecapital of the north it has the best restaurant
scene and nightlife in Tohoku, as well as plentyof excellent shops and galleries, so you’ll have noproblem entertaining yourself for the remainder ofthe day.
Day 10 Niigata (B, L)
This morning, if you have time, you can choose tovisit the Sendai morning market, before jumping
onboard your coach again for the journey fromeast to west.
In Zao Onsen you’ll stop at a local dairy farm,
meet the farm’s cows and try your hand at making(and tasting) ice cream, while at Togatta Onsen
you’ll stop to give your feet a rest in the ashiyu
hot spring foot bath. From here, the ‘Zao EchoLine’ road will lead you past spectacular waterfalls
and mountains to Kattadake Peak, which boasts
stunning views over the Okama Crater Lake andits mysterious colour-changing waters. Your finaldestination today is Niigata, a sizeable city on
Japan’s western coast.
Day 11 Niigata (B)Continue your exploration of the west coast with aday of sightseeing in and around Niigata, including
the beautiful Saito Family Summer Villa – anopulent example of turn-of-the-century Japanesearchitecture, a visit to the pretty Hakusan Park,and a spot of shopping at Honcho Market. The
afternoon will be at leisure for you to spend as you
choose; your tour leader will have some excellent
suggestions as to how best to spend your time.
Day 12 Sado Island (B, D)
You will be picked up by taxi from your Niigata
hotel and driven to the port, where you’ll catchthe ferry to Sado Island. Sado’s remote location
made it the perfect place for Japanese rulers
to send dissenting politicians, artists, and otherprominent figures – beginning with a poet in 722
and concluding almost a millennium later in 1700.
During this time, Sado became home to banishedemperors, monks and aristocrats alike, developing
its own religious and cultural scene whose
influence is still evident today.
On arrival on Sado you will meet your local guide,
who will be with you for two full days to help you
get beneath the surface of this remarkable island.
Travelling in a private minibus, first you’ll explore
the Old Fishing Street and ride in a distinctive tub
boat, later on you’ll get the chance to learn about
Sado’s other most famous export: taiko drumming.
Taiko is enjoyed throughout Japan, but Sado’s taiko
group, Kodo, is the most famous – having toured
extensively through Japan, Europe and the US.
You’ll get a chance to have a go yourself with alesson today. You’ll arrive at your accommodationin time for the included dinner.
Day 13 Sado Island (B)On your second full day on Sado, you’ll visit thegold mine museum. Gold was discovered here
400 years ago and briefly make Sado the largest
gold producer in the world. After learning about
the mining process, you’ll pay a visit to the Sado
Bugyosho, or former magistrate’s office, from
where the mining operation was governed. The
rest of the day will be spent exploring a few
more of the island’s attractions, including a visit
to the Ibis Sanctuary, and a tour of the local sakebrewery. Today you’ll return to the accommodation
with plenty of time to relax and enjoy the hotspring bath.
Day 14 Tokyo (B, D)
You’ll board the ferry once more for the journeyback to Niigata, where you’ll catch a taxi to thestation and jump on the bullet train to Tokyo.
Japan’s Shinkansen is an experience in itself,
and you’re bound to enjoy zipping through thecountryside as you return to Tokyo to conclude
your trip.
For your final tour night, you’ll be staying inShinjuku – one of Tokyo’s brightest, most exciting
entertainment districts, crowded with skyscrapers
packed to the rafters with bars, shops, restaurants

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and karaoke booths. This is the perfect place
to head out and make the most of your last few
hours in Japan – and it’s well connected to every
other part of the city, so if there’s one last museum
you want to squeeze in or a special souvenir you’d
like to seek out, this is the time to do it. Head out
with your tour leader and group members for a
farewell dinner. The perfect time to swap all yourfavourite memories of you trip.
Day 15 Tour Ends (B)Your adventure comes to a close and you’ll bid
farewell to your tour leader and travellingcompanions as you make your way to the airportby shared shuttle bus. We hope you’ll be backsoon!

Our tours aim to be as flexible as possible,
so there is no set-in-stone itinerary for eachday. You will be provided on the ground with
Day-by-Day sheets and the tour leader will
outline what they are going to do each day indetail. If you would like to break away from thegroup and do something different, they will beavailable to offer advice, and help you plan
your day.

What’s included

aYour InsideJapan Info-PackaAirport transfers by shared bus
a14 nights’ accommodation
aBreakfast every day, one lunch and nineevening meals

aFull-time services of your InsideJapan tour leader
All transport between destinations in Japan,
including airport transfers

IC transport card with 2,500 yen credit for citytransport

Sumida River bus trip and entry to Hamarikyu
Gardens in Tokyo

Full day private guide service in Nikko
Entrance fees for temples and shrines in Nikko
Taxi from Ichinoseki Station to accommodationin Hiraizumi

Loop bus pass for transport in Hiraizumi
Day trip to the Yugendo Caves, including boat
trip & paper-making workshop

Kokeshi doll painting workshop and a visit to
the doll museum (2024 departures)Luggage forwarding from Tokyo to Hiraizumi,
Niigata to Tokyo and Ishinomaki/Kesennuma
to Sendai

1.5 hour tour of Ishinomaki with a volunteer
guide (2024 departures)Entrance fees to Kesennuma City Memorial
Museum and Rias Ark Museum of Art (2025departures)

Sightseeing tour of Matsushima Bay
Dairy visit & ice cream making in Zao Onsen
Two full days’ private guide service on Sado
IslandEntrance fees for two days’ sightseeing on
Sado Island

Taiko drumming experience on Sado
Shared portable Wi-Fi access throughout tripExcursion to Izu Numa town and mochi ricecake making experience (2025 departures)

NOT Included

r International flightsr Any local transport (subways, taxis, buses)

unless covered by the included transport passesr Baggage handling and luggage forwarding
unless otherwise specified

r Any entrances fees (including those formuseums, temples & shrines) unless otherwise
specified

Sample Accommodation
Please note that accommodation is subject tochange. Final details of the accommodation
will be included in your Info-Pack, which will
be sent out approximately four weeks before
departure. If you’d like to know more, pleasespeak to your travel consultant.
The Gracery Asakusa, Tokyo
The Gracery Asakusa is in a great location forsightseeing, based just a few minutes’ walk fromthe main attractions in the area; Kaminarimon
Gate, Senso-ji temple, Kappabashi Kitchenware
Street as well as many restaurants. The Ginza andAsakusa subway lines are also just a short walkaway, allowing for easy access to the rest of Tokyo.
The hotel has modern ensuite rooms and aconvenient coin operated laundry room. The
breakfast is buffet style with Western dishes.
Kanaya Hotel, Nikko
Opened in 1873 during the reign of the Emperor
Meiji, The Kanaya is one of Japan’s classic oldwestern style hotels and is one of the longest
continuously operating hotels in the country. The
main buildings are wonderful wood constructions
and evoke the atmosphere of a bygone age. The
location close to the iconic Shinkyo Bridge and justacross the river from the majestic Toshogu Shrine
make it the perfect base for your time in Nikko.
We have included breakfast and dinner on bothnights so you can look forward to the best in local
seasonal cuisine at mealtimes. The hotel also hasa bar that houses over 200 single malt whiskys.
Hotel Musashibo, Hiraizumi
This Japanese style hotel is a 15 minute walk ora short taxi ride from Hiraizumi train station. The
hotel is next to Motsu-ji temple and a 30 minute
walk to Chuson-ji temple. Meals are served in the“Benkei” restaurant which prides itself on providing
guests with freshly cooked meals featuring regional
specialities such as locally farmed beef. One of themost attractive features of the Musashibo are thehot spring baths – one of which overlooks a small
Japanese garden.
Kameya Hotel, Naruko Onsen
Kameya Hotel is in the small hot spring townof Naruko Onsen in the north of Miyagi, and itsits between the hills and the river. The rooms
are all Japanese-style with tatami flooring andcomfortable futon bedding, and they have a small
seating area by the window and a flat screen TV.
Each room has its own bathroom, but there arecommunal hot spring baths on the first and sixth
floors with both indoor and outdoor baths. Thereis a large tatami floor dining room with Westernstyle tables and chairs where all guests eat, andbreakfast includes both traditional Japanese cuisine
and Western dishes. The hotel also has a karaokeroom, a gift shop offering Miyagi souvenirs, anda little ramen corner where you can enjoy a latenight snack.

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Ishinomaki Grand Hotel, Sanriku Coast
Ishinomaki Grand Hotel is located in the town
centre of Ishinomaki just 5 minutes’ walk from thestation, the Grand Hotel is a moderate property
offering clean and comfortable accommodation.
The hotel has three main restaurants with a choiceof French, Japanese and Chinese cuisine as well asa coffee shop.
Note: 2025 departures will stay in
Kesennuma at the Kesennuma Plaza Hotel
Vista Sendai, Sendai
The Vista Hotel Sendai is a great base for exploring
the city as well as the surrounding areas, being
only a few minutes’ walk from Sendai station.
As with any mid-range hotel in Japan, rooms
are compact but modern and comfortable, andthe hotel has some great facilities such as the
public hot spring baths and coin-operated laundry
facilities.
After several Japanese-style stays, we’re sure you’llappreciate the buffet breakfast of Western dishes.
There are plenty of restaurants nearby for dinneras well.
Hotel Sunroute, Niigata
The Hotel Sunroute Niigata is a Western-stylebusiness hotel offering a comfortable base fromwhich to explore. The hotel is conveniently locatedclose to the train station and the city’s main
restaurant area. A hearty breakfast buffet ofJapanese and Western dishes is available aton-site Italian Restaurant Viale.
Yoshidaya Ryokan, Sado Island
This ryokan Hotel has a wonderful view Lake
Kamo. There are 70 Japanese-style rooms, andeach guest room has its own private bath andtoilet. The hotel has hot spring baths for both
women and men and on the roof there are
outdoor hot spring baths with a commanding lakeview. Fresh locally caught seafood will be the dishof the day here!
Kyushu Hotel Blossom Shinjuku, Tokyo
Blossom Shinjuku is a lovely mid-range hotel
in a great location just a short walk from JR
Shinjuku Station. The hotel has bright andmodern reasonably sized rooms.
Free Wi-Fi internet is available throughout andthere is a PC corner available on the first floor.
The hotel’s restaurant is a branch of the ‘Akasaka
Umaya’ chain and serves a good buffet breakfast
and a range of Japanese cuisine for lunch
and dinner.

Important Tour Information
Fitness
Even when not using public transport, sightseeingin Japan often involves walking between sights,
climbing up steps in temples and being ‘on thego’ for much of the day. To enjoy any of our Small
Group Tours you should be of moderate fitness,able to walk and climb stairs without difficulty andable to maintain a pace that is comfortable for the
majority of the group.
Dietary Requirements
There are a number of meals included on all our
tours. Please let us know in advance if you haveany special dietary requirements and we will try toensure that included meals meet these needs.
In addition, please note that dietary requirements(such as vegetarianism, gluten-free diets and evensome allergies) are very uncommon in Japan someals for those with specific requirements may be
simpler and less varied.
On this tour you’ll stay at a number of Japanesestyle accommodation, you will be served a
traditional dinner, as well as a Japanese breakfast
in the morning.
En suite / shared facilities
We aim to secure rooms at all accommodation
with attached en-suite facilities. Culturally,
communal bathing is common practice in Japan.
Shared facilities (when included) will always be
separated by gender.
Policy on single rooms
Single rooms are guaranteed at all night stops on
this tour through payment of a mandatory single
supplement.
Double rooms
Please note that in Japan, twin rooms are verymuch the norm, and there are far fewer double
rooms available. Please understand that on thistour we are not able to offer double rooms at anyof the locations.

Luggage
We highly recommend that to make your stay
more enjoyable you pack reasonably light. Large
suitcases will be an inconvenience to you as you
will have to carry your bags for short distances attimes and some stations do not have escalators orelevators/lifts.
For ease of transit, we will be forwarding yourluggage on two occasions and will be without
your main bag for 2 nights in Nikko, 1 night in the
Sanriku Coast region and 2 nights on Sado Island.
You will need a small overnight bag (e.g. backpack)for use when we forward our main bags to thenext location.
Transport on tour
We will be using several modes of transport on thistour including private minibuses, ferry, taxis, trains
and jet foil rides - as well as making use of Japan’s
first-rate rail network.
International Flights
This tour starts and finishes in Tokyo for arrivals
and departures at Tokyo Narita Airport or Tokyo
Haneda Airport. Please note that the included
meet-and-greet and airport transfer to the firsthotel is ONLY available from these two airports.
Check-inUpon arrival you will probably be tired after a longinternational flight. Please note that rooms at theTokyo hotel are only available from 3pm.
Hotels in Japan operate strict check-in policies.
If you have an early arrival you can either book an
extra night for any-time check-in, or the hotel will
be happy to securely store your luggage for you
whilst you go for a drink or explore the local area.
The tour leader will be staying at the first hotel for
two nights before the tour starts so they will beavailable for advice if you choose to book pre tournights. We recommend booking at least one extra
night to check in and relax before the tour begins.

Your tour leader
Our tours are led on the ground by a fluent English
speaker, now a resident of Japan and able tospeak Japanese. They are there to ensure that you
get the most out of your trip and that the wholeadventure goes smoothly. The tour leader travels
with the group and stays at the same hotels andryokan, so please feel free to ask for help or advice
at any time.
Your tour leader is not a guide so may not know
every historical detail of every shrine, temple orpalace, yet they are available pretty much all day
every day and will even be happy to accompany
tour members out at night on occasion!
Please note that the tour leader reserves the rightto deny participation in an activity if they feel that
it is in the safety or best interest of you and/or any
other members of the group. Similarly, dangerous
weather conditions may lead to cancellation ofsuch an activity.

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www.InsideJapanTours.com • info@insidejapantours.com UK: 0117 244 3380

US: 303 952 0379

AUS: 07 3186 8800

ABTA No.Y6295