Wallet-friendly Travel with the JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area) ! Tokyo to Aomori to Sendai 4 Nights 5 Days Tour of Famous Sites

Wallet-friendly Travel with the JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area) ! Tokyo to Aomori to Sendai 4 Nights 5 Days Tour of Famous Sites

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Written by GOOD LUCK TRIP

Set out from Tokyo on this premier model itinerary through Aomori, the northernmost prefecture of Honshu, and Sendai, the leading city of the Tohoku region known as the "City of Trees." Here you’ll embark on a journey of tastes with local delicacies including seafood and beef tongue, as well as a feast for the eyes found at one of Japan's three most scenic spots! Use the JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area), your ticket to the best in savvy, affordable travel across the Tohoku region! All aboard!

Table of Contents

What is the JR EAST PASS (Tohoku Area) ?

This cost-effective pass offers unlimited travel for 5 days within the designated area. The pass covers fare on the Tohoku Shinkansen and four other bullet train lines departing from Tokyo Station, the entire Aoimori Railway Line, and the entire Sendai Airport Transit Lines, covering a wide range of travel in Eastern Japan. As an added perk, this pass is usable not only to short-term visitors but also foreign residents living in Japan.

Unlimited Bullet Train and Local Train Rides! A Wallet-Friendly Unlimited Train Pass for Travels between Kanto and Tohoku.
Unlimited Bullet Train and Local Train Rides! A Wallet-Friendly Unlimited Train Pass for Travels between Kanto and Tohoku.

【DAY1】

9:00am Set out to Aomori, starting at Tokyo Station.

The journey begins at Tokyo station. Ride the Hayabusa bullet train on the Tohoku Shinkansen and arrive at Shin-Aomori Station in about 2 hours and 58 minutes. Then, it's just a brief 6-minute ride on the Ōu Line to Aomori Station.

◎Fare from Tokyo Station to Aomori Station: 17,670 yen.

1:00pm For lunch, fuel up with the Original Aomori Nokkedon

For lunch, head to The Aomori Gyosai(Fish and Vegetable)Center, just a 5-minute walk from Aomori Station, to try the original Aomori Nokkedon. Purchase a starter bowl with plain rice, before selecting all the best of your favorite seafood and sides from the market in this completely personalized bowl. Among the many options and toppings are seasonal seafood such as scallops, rock oysters, sea urchin, tuna, and bonito.

Purchasing is handled via a meal ticket system where each food item corresponds to a certain number of tickets. This full-on, market-style experience adds an extra fun flair, with the option to buy additional tickets as needed.

Heap on plenty of fresh seafood toppings like Aomori’s special scallop
Heap on plenty of fresh seafood toppings like Aomori’s special scallop
The venue houses around 25 stores offering a variety of seafood and grilled fish.
The venue houses around 25 stores offering a variety of seafood and grilled fish.

3:00pm Step into Nebuta Museum Wa Rasse to see the famous Nebuta festival floats of Aomori.

After satisfying your hunger, take a 7-minute walk from The Aomori Gyosai(Fish and Vegetable)Center to Nebuta Museum Wa Rasse, a museum dedicated to preserving and passing down the traditions of the Aomori Nebuta Festival. Inside, you'll find a vast hall, open up to the second floor, displaying several Nebuta floats that actually participated in the festival. The sight of Nebuta floats all in a line, each measuring 9 meters in width, 7 meters in depth, and 5 meters in height, is surely one to never forget.

The museum buzzes with an extra festive air thanks to a subtle soundtrack of Nebuta festival music. There are even live performances of Nebuta music held three times a day, among other regular events that are worth checking into before your visit.

Spend your first night in Aomori City for a cozy, laid-back time to soak in the local public baths and hot springs inns.

All-new Nebuta exhibits available each year.
All-new Nebuta exhibits available each year.
The museum exterior is washed with a deep crimson color that resonates with the grandeur of the Nebuta floats inside.
The museum exterior is washed with a deep crimson color that resonates with the grandeur of the Nebuta floats inside.

【DAY2】

12:00pm A world of art awaits at the Hirosaki Museum of Contemporary Art

On the second day, depart from Aomori Station and take the JR Ōu Line bound for Akita, getting off at Hirosaki Station after about 45 minutes. From here you’ll move to the castle town of Hirosaki for a sightseeing loop bus ride around the town!

Fare from Aomori Station to Hirosaki Station is 680 yen (loop bus fare is not covered by the pass).

Start off your day with a visit to the Hirosaki Museum of Contemporary Art, a renovated brick-building that's over 100 years old. Step inside and find yourself welcomed by works of Yoshitomo Nara, an artist native to Hirosaki.

The museum keeps an impressive repertoire of works from innovative artists both Japan and around the world. Be sure to check the available exhibitions beforehand to make the most of your time. Inside there’s also a café where you can enjoy lunch and souvenir shopping at the museum shop, before setting out for your stay in Hirosaki.

Renovated sake brewery built in the Taisho era.
©︎Naoya Hatakeyama Renovated sake brewery built in the Taisho era.
The open and airy café serves sweets and lunch plates made with ingredients from Aomori.
Photo:Kuniya Oyamada The open and airy café serves sweets and lunch plates made with ingredients from Aomori.

3:20pm Visit Hirosaki Park/Hirosaki Castle, one of Japan's premier cherry blossom spots.

A 20-minute walk from the Hirosaki Brick Warehouse Museum will bring you to Hirosaki Castle, which one served as the stronghold of the Tsugaru clan, the local lords who ruled this region from the late 16th century until the early Meiji period. With the Meiji era came the castle abandonment edict, after which the castle was opened to the public as Hirosaki Park.

The original castle tower was lost to a lightning strike, but today, the site includes a tower reconstructed in 1810, three turrets, and five gates—all nine of these structures are designated as important cultural properties of the country.

Hirosaki Park is known as one of Japan's leading cherry blossom spots, often touted as the most beautiful in the country. It's also renowned for its autumn leaves and scenic winter snowscapes.

The castle, with Mount Iwaki in the background, is one of the twelve original castles still existing in Japan.
©Hirosaki City The castle, with Mount Iwaki in the background, is one of the twelve original castles still existing in Japan.
The three-story castle tower is undergoing relocation closer to the main enclosure due to stone wall repairs.
©Hirosaki City The three-story castle tower is undergoing relocation closer to the main enclosure due to stone wall repairs.

【DAY3】

11:40am Enjoy Sendai's specialty at Charcoal-grilled Beef Tongue Rikyu West Main Branch

On the third day, wake up a bit early and head from Hirosaki Station via the JR Ōu Line bound for Aomori, transferring at Shin-Aomori to the Tohoku Shinkansen Hayabusa, taking you to Sendai Station in approximately 2 hours and 33 minutes.

Fare from Hirosaki Station to Sendai Station is 11,640 yen.

You’ll arrive in Sendai just in time for lunch, perfect timing to head straight to "Charcoal-grilled Beef Tongue Rikyu West Main Branch," just a 5-minute walk from the station, to savor Sendai's famous beef tongue! This popular chain has around 80 stores nationwide, and its flavor is well-recognized across Japan.

Beef tongue is a delicacy made by artisan butchers who first remove the skin before slicing, scoring and aging for a taste that celebrates the pure skill and love for their craft.

The thick-cut beef tongue known as 'Gokuyaki' is characterized by its premium taste.
The thick-cut beef tongue known as 'Gokuyaki' is characterized by its premium taste.
Calm and relaxed interior
Calm and relaxed interior

1:20pm Zuihoden, the mausoleum enshrining Date Masamune, the founder of the Sendai Domain.

After lunch it’s time to catch the loop bus for a mini adventure to explore the castle town. Make a stop at Zuihoden, the mausoleum of Date Masamune, the founder of the Sendai Domain and a powerful warlord who ruled the Tohoku region around 1585. The mausoleum was built in the year following Masamune's death in 1636, under the orders of his son and the second lord of the Sendai Domain, Tadamune. The mausoleum is renowned for its vividly colored decorations, particularly the elaborate carvings on the bracketing under the eaves.

In the surrounding area, you'll find additional mausoleums such as Kansenden, the mausoleum of Tadamune, and Sennyoden, the mausoleum of the third lord Tsunamune, as well as related museums. The entire area is designated as the Date Family Mausoleums at Kyogamine, a historic site by the city of Sendai.

*Fares for the loop bus are not covered by the pass

Zuihoden boasts a splendid magnificence.
Zuihoden boasts a splendid magnificence.
The autumn foliage is spectacular.
The autumn foliage is spectacular.

2:30pm Overlooking Sendai City from the site of Sendai Castle (Aoba Castle).

From here you’ll hop back on the loop bus and head to the Sendai Castle ruins (Aoba Castle), built by order of Lord Date Masamune. Today, most of the original buildings are gone and the area has been converted into a park. Remaining are the stone walls and the reconstructed Otemon gate turret and the northern earthen wall of the Otemon gate. The statue of Lord Date Masamune on horseback stands in the park and serves as a symbol of Sendai. The site is elevated, offering a panoramic view of Sendai's cityscape.
Adjacent to the site is the Aoba Castle Museum, where you can learn about the history of Sendai Castle. You can even try your hands (and eyes!) at Sendai Castle VR Go, using VR equipment to visualize the remnants of Sendai Castle.

◎Fares for the loop bus are not covered by the pass

The statue of Lord Date Masamune on horseback stands on the site of the main enclosure.
©︎ Sendai Tourism, Convention and International Association The statue of Lord Date Masamune on horseback stands on the site of the main enclosure.
The castle museum at Sendai Castle selling commemorative “goshuin” collectors stamps from the castle.
©︎ Sendai Tourism, Convention and International Association The castle museum at Sendai Castle selling commemorative “goshuin” collectors stamps from the castle.

【DAY4】

11:00am Delight your eyes in the view from the Matsushima Sightseeing Boat.

The fourth day will bring you to one Japan's three most scenic places, Matsushima. From Sendai Station, take the JR Senseki Line bound for Ishinomaki and get off at Matsushimakaigan Station, about 41 minutes to arrive.

Fare from Sendai Station to Matsushimakaigan Station is 420 yen.

From the station, it's about a 20-minute walk to the boarding spot for the Matsushima Sightseeing Boat. Once aboard you’ll enjoy the treat of a cruise on the extra-large Niomaru Course, a vessel which takes you on a leisurely 50-minute journey along a 17km route.

The cruise brings you to the forefront of a number of famed sites, including Nio Jima Island, an iconic landmark of Matsushima, and the awe-inspiring rock faces of Kageta Jima Island, Funairi Jima Island known for its ancient Jomon era archaeological findings, and inhabited islands like Katsura Shima Island and Nono Shima Island among many other scenic spots.

Your cruise vessel, the Niomaru, is designed after the shape of Nio Jima Island.
Your cruise vessel, the Niomaru, is designed after the shape of Nio Jima Island.
The close-up island views from the water are truly unforgettable.
The close-up island views from the water are truly unforgettable.

12:00pm Visit Zuiganji Temple, the foremost ancient temple of the Tohoku region.

Once recharged by the sites of gorgeous nature you’ll take a 6-minute walk from the Matsushima sightseeing boat terminal to visit Zuiganji, an ancient temple initially established as a Tendai sect temple. Its formal name, including its mountain name, is Matsushima Seiryuzan Zuigan Enpuku Zenji, and it currently belongs to the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism. The existing structures were completed by Date Masamune, with both the main hall and the cloister designated as national treasures.

The main hall features richly colored gold-leaf fusuma (sliding door) paintings, and the temple grounds are known for the red and white plum trees (Goryu-bai), reportedly planted by Masamune himself. To the south of Zuiganji, along the coastline, stands the Godaido, built by Masamune, offering expansive views of the sea of Matsushima.

The main hall, built in the irimoya style with a tile roof, is designated as a national treasure.
The main hall, built in the irimoya style with a tile roof, is designated as a national treasure.
The courtyard represents the culture of Matsushima, the history of Zuiganji, and Zen.
The courtyard represents the culture of Matsushima, the history of Zuiganji, and Zen.

1:20 pm Miyagi Prefecture Matsushima Rikyu

When hunger strikes, take a 10-minute stroll to a new landmark in Matsushima, Miyagi Prefecture Matsushima Rikyu. Here you can enjoy a beach grilling experience with fresh ingredients or taste some 30 different bites in buffet-style, focusing on sashimi from the Sanriku area. The area also hosts established confectionery shops and canvas stores, making it a great spot for shopping.

Don't miss the Miyagi Prefecture Matsushima Rikyu Museum, where you can learn about the history of Matsushima Bay. The site also features a beautiful Japanese garden that showcases a variety of flowers throughout the seasons, offering a serene experience worth taking time to explore.

Enjoy the beach grilling experience at Matsushima Rikyu Hamayaki Grill Rikyu.
Enjoy the beach grilling experience at Matsushima Rikyu Hamayaki Grill Rikyu.
Breathtaking Japanese garden.
Breathtaking Japanese garden.

5:00pm Soothe your travel fatigue at HOTEL METROPOLITAN SENDAI.

After leaving Matsushima, you'll take about a 40-minute ride on the JR Senseki Line from Matsushimakaigan Station back to Sendai Station. For the final night of your journey, you’ll stay at HOTEL METROPOLITAN SENDAI, conveniently located just a short walk from the west exit of Sendai Station.

The concept behind this hotel is “elegance and hospitality of the City of Trees, leading to a story of inspiration”. It boasts a total of 295 guest rooms, including standard single, double, and twin rooms, as well as triple and quadruple rooms, barrier-free universal twins, and Japanese-Western style rooms. The hotel is also equipped with a 24-hour currency exchange machine, an added convenient perk. To top it all off the hotel restaurant keeps a tasty menu of local Miyagi cuisine made from the region's mountain and sea bounty. This makes it the perfect place to relax and unwind on the last night of your trip.

The hotel promises a high-quality stay and soothing recharge after your travels (pictured: executive twin room)
The hotel promises a high-quality stay and soothing recharge after your travels (pictured: executive twin room)
Just steps from Sendai Station this cozy hub serves as a convenient base for sightseeing around the area.
Just steps from Sendai Station this cozy hub serves as a convenient base for sightseeing around the area.

Be sure to check out "&EKINAKA," which can be used at various shopping facilities at Sendai Station!

HOTEL METROPOLITAN SENDAI is just a short walk from Sendai Station, a spot with plenty of shopping, coveted finds and perfect souvenirs. If you have the JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area) used for this trip, or other passes like the JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area) or JR TOKYO Wide Pass, you can enjoy added perks like discount coupons and free drinks at over 100 participating stores, making your trip even easier on the wallet.

Make your journey that much more worthwhile with perks at over 100 participating stores!
Make your journey that much more worthwhile with perks at over 100 participating stores!

With &EKINAKA you can even enjoy offers via easy digital coupons. Use your smartphone to select the plan corresponding to your pass on the designated website, complete the membership registration, and then present your member ticket at participating stores to receive a wide range of perks.

For more details, check out the website!

Wrap-Up

On the final day, take the JR Tohoku Line to Sendai Station and then transfer to the Tohoku Shinkansen Hayabusa to head to Tokyo.

The fare from Matsushima Station to Tokyo Station is 11,740 yen.

Using the JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area), a journey that would normally cost 42,150 yen is whittled to a mere 12,150 yen, meaning you take home plenty of memories and even better savings! In addition to the tour highlights across Aomori and Miyagi introduced in this trip, you can also visit sought after destinations like Shirakami-Sanchi in Akita, a World Natural Heritage site, and Zao Onsen in Yamagata, known for its beautifying hot springs. Check and see which of these strikes your fancy and set out on an unforgettable journey made all your own.

*Based on the regular price as of December 2023.