Model Course. Southern Tohoku Highlight Course using the JR pass

For Tohoku First-timers

Southern Tohoku Highlight Course using the JR pass4 nights, 5 days

A trip in Tohoku is a trip where you get to know the people and its culture. The Highlight Course is recommended for those coming to Tohoku for the first time where you can make good time visiting all the recommended locations. This plan will take you around the must-go places for sightseeing in Hiraizumi and Matsushima. In addition, you can visit aquariums, enjoy shopping and try various hands-on activities.

IWATE
MIYAGI
FUKUSHIMA

9:50

Depart from Tokyo Station

about 130 minutes
(JR Joban Line)

12:00

Depart from Izumi Station

about 20 minutes
(Bus)

12:30

Lunch and shopping at Iwaki Lalamew

A sea and fish themed facility

A tourist center with the theme is “all things good in Iwaki are here.” In addition to a fish area where you can purchase seafood delivered directly from all over Japan in an auction market style, there are also 6 other zones which include restaurants and a souvenir corner. Moreover, in addition to the informational corner which teaches visitors about Iwaki, there is also a large tour boat cruise available that cruises around Onahama Bay.

Phone: 0246-92-3701
FAX: 0246-92-3147
Hours open to visitors: Fish zone & goods zone: 9AM-6PM, Dining zone & restaurants: 10AM-6PM, Onahama Tour Boat Iwaki Day Cruise: 10AM-3PM (until 2PM on weekdays)
Closed: Undecided
Fee: Free entry, Onahama Boat Cruise: Adults: 1,800 yen
URL: http://www.lalamew.jp/

Iwaki Day Cruise

A cruise boat that goes around Onahama Port. Why don't you go out on a small cruise?

about 5 minutes
(By foot)

14:00

Tour Aquamarine Fukushima

An aquarium that lets you get closer to nature

An aquarium exhibiting approximately 130,000 creatures belonging to 800 different species. In a large tank which stretches from the 2nd to 4th floor, visitors can see Japanese sardine and skipjack tuna swimming around with incredible force. In addition to the tropical Asia section, there are large mammals such as sea lions, the deep sea creature corner as well as the popular “Seas of Coral Reef” corner which has exhibits containing the Spotted Garden Eel.

Phone: 0246-73-2525
FAX: 0246-73-2526
Hours open to visitors: 9AM-5:30PM (last entry 1 hour before closing) *Depends on season
Closed: No holidays
Fee: Adults: 1,800 yen, Primary to high school: 900 yen, Preschoolers: Free
URL: http://www.aquamarine.or.jp/

Activities in Janome Beach

A variety of experiences are available such as fishing, charcoal grilling and feeding the animals.

about 20 minutes
(Taxi)

16:00

Tour the Iwaki City Coal and Fossil Museum

A combined coal and fossil facility

Introduces Japanese industrial promotion and the long history of coal fields which assisted in Japan's modernization as well as the fossil materials uncovered in Iwaki and other countries. There are popular exhibits such as the representative fossil of Japan, the Futabasaurus suzukii, tunnels made to simulate what coal mining is like, giving visitors a sense of the scale. There are also workshops available where participants can make ammonite samples using real fossils.

Phone: 0246-42-3155
FAX: 0246-42-3157
Hours open to visitors: 9:00AM-5PM (last entry at 4:30PM)
Closed: 3rd Thursday (If it is a national holiday or compensatory holiday, then the next day. ) No holidays in August.
Fee: Adults: 650 yen, Middle/High/University students: 340 yen, Primary school students: 320 yen
URL: http://www.sekitankasekikan.or.jp/

about 38 minutes
(JR Joban Line)

Stay in Iwaki City

Hula Girls

Hula Girls perform every day at the Spa Resort Hawaiians. You must go see the perfomance!

http://www.hawaiians.co.jp/

10:00

Depart from Iwaki City

about 25 minutes
(Taxi)

10:30

Tomato picking and lunch in Wonder Farm

A tomato-themed park!

A farming and food experience farm with a tomato-based theme. In addition to tomato picking on a large farm, those who visit the farm can enjoy a buffet with freshly picked vegetables, barbecue in an open plaza, ride the talked about vehicle of the future, the “In Motion” Segway device, and experience “wonder” farming. There are also plenty of products made from tomatoes that are great for souvenirs available.

Phone: 0246-38-8851
FAX: 0246-85-5106
Hours open to visitors: Tomato Picking: Saturday, Sunday, national holidays from 10AM, 5 times a day *Depends on facility, program
Closed: Depends on facility and program
Fee: Tomato picking: 800 yen *Depends on program
URL: http://www.wonder-farm.co.jp/

about 25 minutes
(Taxi)

13:00

Depart from Iwaki Station

about 100 minutes
(Bus)

15:00

Koriyama Station to Sendai Station

about 40 minutes
(JR Shinkansen)

15:40

Stay in Sendai

Try Sendai's famous beef tongue!

You must have the grilled beef tongue in Sendai. Many of the restaurants serve this dish.

10:00

Depart from downtown Sendai City

①Sightseeing in Sendai

about 15 minutes
(Loople Sendai)

10:25

Walk around the Sendai(Aoba) Castle ruins

Date Masamune's statue watches over the town

The castle ruins of Date Masamune, one of the Sengoku feudal lords that ruled over Sendai 400 years ago. The castle itself no longer remains, but the stone wall which have been carefully reconstructed helps to preserve those ancient times. A statue of Date Masamune riding a horse stands in the inner citadel ruins where you can catch the perfect view of the stores and houses located in Sendai's city center. Use Sendai's tourist city loop bus, “Loople Sendai,” as a convenient way to get around.

Fee: Free to tour
URL: http://www.sentabi.jp/guidebook/attractions/view/78
http://sendai-travel.jp/places/sendai-castle-site/

Lord Date Statue

Located on the ruins of Sendai Castle. Take a picture together with "Date Masamune and his samurai", if you're lucky!

about 40 minutes
(Bus Transfer)

13:00

Tour the Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium

Encounter the many creatures of the sea!

An aquarium with approximately 100 tanks covering a space of 9,000m2 displaying some of the world's as well as Japan's fascinating and unique creatures. This aquarium is filled with plenty of things to see and do such as the giant tank that recreates the habitat of the sea of Sanriku, interacting with penguins and South American sea lions. There is also and dolphin and seal performances. The Backyard Tour where you get to explore the back areas with the aquarium's caretakers is also popular among visitors.

Phone: 022-355-2222
FAX: 022-355-2225
Hours open to visitors: 9AM-last entry at 6:00PM *Depends on season
Closed: No holidays
Fee: Adults: 2,100 yen
URL: http://www.uminomori.jp/

about 10 minutes
(By foot)

14:00

Shopping at Mitsui Outlet Park Sendai Port

Tohoku's most largest outlet mall.

Approximately 30 minutes by bus from Sendai Airport. Also near Matsushima, regarded as one of Japan's top 3 scenic views, you can find Tohoku's largest outlet mall with around 120 shops featuring popular domestic and overseas brands. Aside from the obviously great prices of the outlet mall, there are also loads of other great attractions such as the restaurants where you can enjoy the local cuisine of Tohoku as well as Tohoku's largest Ferris Wheel that gives you a view looking over the city of Sendai.

Phone: 022-355-8800
Hours open to visitors: Shopping mall is open from 10 AM to 8 PM
restaurants and food court from 10:30 AM to 8 PM
※Times may differ depending on the season
Closed: One day off per year (undecided)
URL: https://mitsui-shopping-park.com/mop/sendai/

about 20 minutes
(Bus)

16:00

Tour the Sendai Anpanman Children's Museum and mall

A theme park based on "Anpanman," a character loved by children in Japan. Those visiting can enjoy stage shows and food shops.

Stay in Sendai

②Sendai City Reconstruction Tour

about 15 minutes
(Subway)

10:20

Sendai 3.11 Memorial Community Center

Memories of the earthquake - to the future, to the world

In addition to being a location to learn about the Great East Japan Earthquake, it also acts as an entrance to the eastern coastal region of Sendai which was hit hard by the tsunami. In addition to permanent exhibits that teach visitors about the damage inflicted by the earthquake and the current state of restoration to the area, exhibits which demonstrate the damage through how those in the region live and their memories, there are also workshops where you can have a chance to discuss the disaster caused by the earthquake as well as field tours where participants will visit the surrounding areas.

Phone: 022-390-9022
FAX: 022-353-5710
Hours open to visitors: 10:00-17:00
Closed: Monday (if Monday is a national holiday, then Tuesday) and following day of national holiday except Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays
Fee: Free to tour
URL: http://sendai311-memorial.jp/
http://sendai311-memorial.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/smcc_3ori2-170916-SGR.pdf

about 15 minutes
(Bus)

12:00

Earthquake Ruins Sendai Arahama Elementary School

Its appearance left untouched from the damage

Arahama Elementary School, the site which children, teaching staff and local residents fled to at the time of the earthquake and was hit by the tsunami up to the 2nd floor was reopened as a remnant of the earthquake disaster. Photographs and footage are displayed inside the school which show the progress of events from the time the earthquake occurred, evacuation, when the tsunami hit, to the time of rescue, demonstrating the terrible power and threat of the tsunami. Even now, visitors can view the restoration and reconstruction taking place from the roof of the school.

Phone: 022-355-8517 (Management office)
FAX: 022-355-8517 (Management office)
Hours open to visitors: 10AM-4PM
Closed: Monday, 2nd and 4th Thursday (if those days are national holidays, then next day) (and day following national holidays excluding Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays)
Fee: Free
URL: https://www.city.sendai.jp/kankyo/shisetsu/ruin_arahama_elementaryschool.html
https://www.city.sendai.jp/kankyo/shisetsu/documents/mitsuori_arahamasyo_2.pdf

about 40 minutes
(Bus/Subway)

14:30

Walk around Sendai City

Enjoy a relaxing day of shopping and food around Sendai Station and the shopping arcades.

16:00

Stay in Sendai

9:50

Depart from downtown Sendai City

about 40 minutes
(JR Senseki Line)

10:40

Arrive at Matsushima-Kaigan Station

about 10 minutes
(By foot)

11:00

Cruise the islands on a tour boat in the Matsushima Bay

A must-do if you want to tour Matsushima!

Matsushima, where you can find as many as 260 islands, both large and small. Take the Matsushima Pleasure Boat Round Trip Course, the cruise that will give you the chance to see the beauty of this view up close. This cruise arrives and departs the boarding area located near JR Matsushima Coast Station. The course has various routes that are roughly 50 minutes, cruising around the various uniquely shaped islands such as Futagojima Island and Senganjima Island. “Niojima Island” which is shaped like someone wearing a beret with a cigarette in their mouth is also worth seeing.

Phone: 022-354-2233 (Matsushima Island Tour Boat)
022-365-3611 (Marubun Matsushima Kisen)
FAX: 022-354-2235 (Matsushima Island Tour Boat)
022-365-3509 (Marubun Matsushima Kisen)
Hours open to visitors: Depends on tour boat company
Closed: No holidays
Fee: Adults: From 1,500 yen
URL: http://www.matsushima.or.jp/ (Matsushima Island Tour Boat)
https://www.marubun-kisen.com/ (Marubun Matsushima Kisen Steamboat)

12:00

Walk along Matushima Kaigan Avenue

A sea-front street lined with souvenir shops and restaurants. Enjoy the various foods while walking through the area.

Zuiganji Temple

Date family temple constructed by Masamune

The temple of the Date family which Date Masamune took over 5 years time to complete in 1609. Those visiting the temple can see the treasure hall which contains reproductions of magnificent paintings considered national treasures that decorate each of the rooms inside the temple, and documents related to the Date family. English tours of the grounds are also available on Sundays and national holidays.

Phone: 022-354-2023
FAX: 022-354-5145
Hours open to visitors: 9AM-5PM (last entry 1 hour before close) *Depends on season
Fee: Adults: 700 yen
URL: http://www.zuiganji.or.jp/

Oyster curry bread in the Matsushima Tamatebako-kan

The harmony between the whole oysters and curry is out of this world. A popular dish in Matsushima.

Godaido

Symbol of Matsushima rebuilt by Masamune

A temple which was rebuilt by Date Masamune, acts as a landmark of Matsushima. The statues of the five great wisdom kings installed there are only operated to the public once every 33 years. Twelve animals are carved into the four sides of the temple. To get to the small island where the Godaido Temple is located, you will cross an open-floored bridge painted in a vermilion color that goes over the transparent sea below.

Phone: 022-354-2023 (Zuiganji Temple)
FAX: 022-354-5145 (Zuiganji Temple)
Hours open to visitors: 8AM-5PM *Depends on season
Fee: Free to visit
URL: http://www.zuiganji.or.jp/keidai/godaidou.html

Homemade Sasakamaboco Experience

You can experience grilling your own Sasakamaboco while viewing the Godaido Temple. 1 for 200 yen.

Entsu-in Temple - Prayer Bead Making Experience

Admire the beauty of nature in a zen temple

Opened as a mausoleum to Date Mitsumune, grandson of Date Masamune, a feudal lord of Sendai. Located here is “Sankeiden,” Miyagi Prefecture's oldest mausoleum, nationally designated as an Important Cultural Asset, and you can enjoy the appearance of the four seasons such as the light-up event to celebrate the changing colors of the leaves in the fall carried out in the moss-covered Japanese garden. You can find on the left-hand side of the temple gate a “Marriage Kannon” which is said to bring good luck to a couple's marriage as well as many lined-up marriage “Kokeshi” wooden dolls. You can also experience making prayer beads using beads of your choice.

Phone: 022-354-3206
FAX: 022-354-5447
Hours open to visitors: 8:30AM-5PM (last entry 30 minutes before close) *Depends on season
Fee: Adults: 300 yen
URL: http://www.entuuin.or.jp/

17:00

Stay at the Matsushima Hot Springs

A hot spring beach resort

Matsushima Hot Springs, which is nicknamed the “Hot Spring of Beauty,”leaves your skin feeling smooth. There are seven hot spring hotels available, all with their own way to attract guests such as guest rooms with an ocean view and meals that come with plenty of the sea's fresh harvest. Since Matsushima has been chosen as one of Japan's top 100 spots for viewing the moon, we especially recommend soaking in the open air bath while gazing at the moon over Matsushima Bay.

Phone: 022-354-4111 (Office: Matsushima Century Hotel)
FAX: 022-354-4191 (Office: Matsushima Century Hotel)
Fee: Lodging fee depends on facility
URL: http://www.matsushima-onsen.com/