- Airport Limousine Bus transfer coupon (one-way)
- JPY 1,500 Suica Card
- 14 Day Japan Rail Pass
- 3 nights at the Shinagawa Prince Hotel - Tokyo
2 nights at the Hotel Metropolitan Sendai East - Sendai - 2 nights at the Kura Hotel in Ichinoseki inc. breakfast daily - Ichinoseki
- 2 nights at the Hotel Metropolitan Morioka New Wing inc. breakfast - Morioka
- 2 nights at the Art Hotel Hirosaki City inc. breakfast daily - Hirosaki
- 2 nights at the Hotel Resol Hakodate - Hakodate
- 3 nights at the Keio Plaza Hotel - Sapporo
Journey north for the cherry blossoms of Tohoku and Hokkaido. Cherry blossoms in the northern region of Japan come into bloom from mid-April and this tour shows off some of the best cherry blossoms along with the highlights of the region.
*inclusions shown in the bullet points - package does not include airfares
Check-out of the Kura Hotel Ichinoseki and from Ichinoseki Station board a Hayate or Yamabiko bullet train to Morioka Station. (40 mins)
Your accommodation at the Hotel Metropolitan Morioka New Wing is a three minute walk from the station.
Commence your exploration of Morioka. The DenDen-Mushi, a city sightseeing loop bus, runs a circuit of the city centre every 15 mins and cost JPY100 per journey, or an all-day pass can be purchased from the bus terminal at Morioka Station for JPY300. Please use your maps and guides to explore the city. Places of interest include:
Rock-Splitting Cherry Tree - Located in front of the courthouse (a five minute walk from your accommodation), the Rock-Splitting Cherry Tree is a 380 year-old edohigan cherry tree that grows from a crack in a massive granite boulder, each year splitting the rock further apart. One of the earliest cherry trees to bloom each year, this grand tree heralds Morioka's cherry blossom season.
Iwate Koen - Stroll through the picturesque park which was originally the site of Morioka Castle, home to the Nanbu clan. The cherry blossoms bloom from late April to early May and are lit up at night. Surrounding the castle site are many of Morioka's old merchant districts, such as Konya-cho and Sakana-cho where traditional buildings remain intact.
Nansho Estate - (10:00-17:00/JPY200) built in 1885 as a private residence to Morioka businessman, Yasugoro Segawa. The landscaped gardens, which took years to complete, are designated as a Registered Monument of Japan. The estate remains as one of Morioka's few residences and gardens from the Meiji era. Wander through the estate which often holds various exhibitions. Take a break in the tea room while sipping green tea.
Hoonji (500 Disciples of Buddha Temple) - (09:00-16:00/JPY300) This temple houses 499 statues of Buddha's disciples, each with a different expression and pose. Include yourself to make 500 disciples.
Asabiraki Sake Brewery - (09:00-16:30) opened in 1871 by a samurai of the Nanbu clan, the Asabiraki Sake Brewery is renowned for its techniques, known as Nanbu style. "Nanbu Toji", a group of sake brewing experts formed in the area over 300 years ago, has become famous throughout Japan and are often invited to sake breweries throughout Japan to impart their brewing expertise. Free sake sampling is available. Free tours of the brewery are available when an English-speaking staff member is available.
Stay: Hotel Metropolitan Morioka New Wing - 1/2
Japan Package Tours will be happy to prepare you a personalised itinerary to suit your budget and preferences.
Contact us now for a no-obligation quotation.