Sacred North & Timeless Traditions

Today, you will step back in time as you drive to a beautifully preserved Edo-period post town (Ouchi-juku). Walk down dirt roads lined with more than 30 traditional thatched-roof houses. For a unique experience, we suggest trying the local "Leek Soba," where you use a whole Welsh onion instead of chopsticks.
In the afternoon, continue your journey to Aizu-Wakamatsu. Here, you will hop on the reserved bicycle to explore the city at your own pace. Discover a fascinating double-helix wooden temple and visit the historic Tsurugajo Castle, a symbol of samurai spirit. Your evening is free to explore local dining options in the city.

Prepare for a spiritual morning at Yamadera, a sacred temple complex perched high on a steep mountainside. You will climb 1,015 stone steps through a silent forest to reach the upper halls. The panoramic views from the top are truly legendary and offer a sense of deep peace. For lunch, the local soba noodles in this area are highly recommended as an optional meal.
Your next destination is the nostalgic Ginzan Onsen. This hot-spring town feels like a dream, with historic wooden inns lining a crystal-clear river. As evening falls, gas lamps illuminate the streets, creating a romantic atmosphere perfect for a stroll. Enjoy a traditional dinner at your Ryokan and soak in the charm of old-world Japan.

Today offers a profound cultural immersion. Meet your professional guide and head to Mt. Haguro, one of the Three Sacred Mountains of Dewa. You will dress in traditional white attire and hike up 2,446 stone steps through ancient cedar trees. Witness the majestic five-story pagoda, a National Treasure, and breathe in the sacred mountain air.
Tonight is truly special as you stay at a "Shukubo," a traditional temple lodging. You will experience the lifestyle of mountain ascetics and enjoy a specialized vegetarian dinner. This unique stay provides a rare opportunity to connect with Japan’s spiritual roots in a serene and authentic environment.

Travel to the Oga Peninsula to encounter one of Japan’s most powerful traditions. You will visit a museum dedicated to the Namahage, demon-like figures that visit homes in a unique local ritual. Watch a live reenactment in a traditional house and feel the intensity of this cultural asset. After the museum, we suggest trying Inaniwa Udon for lunch at Akita Station.
In the late afternoon, your shuttle will take you to a scenic cape at the edge of the peninsula. Here, you can admire the dramatic coastline and a striking black-and-white lighthouse. If the weather is clear, the sunset over the Sea of Japan is a sight you will never forget. Back at your Ryokan, enjoy a hearty dinner and a traditional drum performance that brings local legends to life.

Delve into the hidden world of the Matagi, the traditional mountain hunters of Akita. You will meet your local host and participate in a heartwarming cooking experience, making traditional pickles and rice balls with local mothers. This authentic offers a wonderful chance for cultural exchange.
In the afternoon, join a Matagi guide for a walk into the forest. Learn how they read nature’s signs, track animals, and respect the mountain spirits. This is not just a walk; it is an insight into a unique way of life that has survived for centuries. After your mountain exploration, relax in the local hot springs and enjoy a meal prepared with fresh mountain ingredients.

Today, you will visit the beautiful town of Kakunodate, often called the "Little Kyoto of Tohoku." Join your guide to explore the historic samurai district, where elegant residences with black wooden walls have stood for hundreds of years. You will step inside one of these homes to see how high-ranking samurai once lived.
The journey continues with a visit to a traditional soy sauce brewery and a sake brewery. Taste the rich flavors of Akita’s fermentation culture and learn the secrets behind premium sake production. Later, take the Shinkansen and a local bus to the secluded hot-spring village of Nyuto Onsen. Your rustic Ryokan awaits for a quiet evening.

Start your morning by exploring the hidden beauty of the Nyuto Onsen village on an e-bike! Pedal through lush forests and discover different hot-spring sources tucked away in the mountains. After the tour, you will travel by bus and Shinkansen to Akita City.
Your final evening in Akita is truly glamorous. You will enjoy a sophisticated dinner at a traditional restaurant (Ryotei) accompanied by a performance from Akita Maiko/Geiko. These elegant entertainers will showcase traditional dance and hospitality, offering a perfect conclusion to your journey through the sacred north.

Your journey through the Sacred North concludes today. After a final breakfast at your hotel, you are free to explore any last-minute sights in Akita or pick up some local crafts as souvenirs. When you are ready, you will take the Shinkansen back to the vibrant energy of Tokyo. We hope the memories of ancient forests, spiritual climbs, and warm local encounters stay with you long after you return home.