The Most Underrated Japan Trip Ever: My Northern Japan Adventure
If you’ve already done the classic Tokyo–Kyoto first-timer route and you want something totally different for your next Japan trip… you need to go north. Like way north. I’m talking about Sendai and Aomori, two regions that most tourists skip, which honestly blows my mind because this trip ended up being one of my favorites ever.
Here’s everything I did, everything I loved, and why this whole route deserves a spot on your “I’m definitely coming back to Japan” itinerary.
Day 1: Tokyo Warm-Up Arcades, Sumo, and Nakano Treasures
We started in Tokyo (because let’s be real, all good Japan adventures begin with Tokyo).
First stop: TAITO Station Game Center in Asakusa.It’s loud, chaotic, neon, and SO fun. I immediately lost at every claw machine but redeemed myself on rhythm games, so I’m counting it as a win.
From there, we went to the Asakusa Sumo Club for a live sumo show. And honestly? This is such an underrated Tokyo experience. You get super close, they explain all the techniques, and you leave suddenly wanting to watch sumo tournaments like a diehard fan. I also got to participate and FIGHT a Sumo wrestler… yep, check my instagram videos for proof!
Next up: Nakano Broadway, aka heaven for anyone who loves manga, figures, vintage toys, or just exploring weird, quirky Japanese collectibles.We popped into multiple Mandarake shops and grabbed ice cream at Daily Chiko (SO many flavors!!).
Wrapped the night with dinner at THE Akachochin Izakaya before heading back to my hotel in Ueno to recharge for the big adventure.
Day 2: Off to Sendai Temples, Samurai History & Beer
The next morning we hopped on the Hayabusa Shinkansen from Ueno Station.
It’s fast, comfy, and gets you to Sendai in under 90 minutes — so easy.
Our first stop: Rinnoji Temple. It has this peaceful garden that feels like stepping into a painting. So peaceful I wanted to spend all day here reading under one of the trees!
Then we visited Toyokan Sendai, which is such a cool spot most travelers skip, followed by a tour at Zuihoden, the ornate mausoleum of the Date samurai clan. The guides here make samurai history actually fun and not like a school field trip.
To balance out all the culture, we ended the day at Great Dane Brewing for craft beer before checking into our ryokan-style hotel, Sakan. Cozy vibes activated.
Day 3: Nikka Whisky, Waterfalls & A Scenic Dinner
This day was basically the definition of perfect pacing.
We started at the Nikka Whisky Miyagikyo Distillery — even if you don’t drink whisky, the grounds are insanely beautiful.Then a BBQ lunch and straight to Akiu Great Falls, which looks like a dramatic anime background painting in real life.
Dinner was at Iseya, and then we moved to The Westin Sendai for the night. Already obsessed with northern Japan at this point.
Day 4: Into Aomori Coastal Trails & Izakaya Alley
We left Sendai and took the Shinkansen up to Hachinohe, where the vibe gets way more coastal and quiet.
One of the coolest things we did: walking part of the Michinoku Coastal Trail along the Tanesashi Coast. Think rugged cliffs, ocean views, grassy paths… it’s stunning and barely crowded.
At night, we explored Miroku Yokocho, a tiny lantern-lit alley packed with tiny izakayas. Like… literally tiny. Eight seats, tops. You sit shoulder-to-shoulder with locals, order whatever the chef recommends, and end up making new friends without even trying. This honestly was one of my favorite food moments on the whole trip.
Day 5: Aomori’s Nature Day at Oirase Gorge & Lake Towada
If you love nature, this day will live rent-free in your memory forever.
We started at Oirase Gorge, where the trail is lined with moss, little waterfalls, and the kind of calm hush that makes you want to whisper even though no one told you to. It felt very Ghibli energy and reminded me of some of my favorite films!
Then we continued to Lake Towada, which is so still and glassy it almost doesn’t look real! I would love to come back here in the spring or summer one day.
We ended the day with dinner at Daifukumaru, a super cozy local spot, before crashing at our Aomori hotel.
Day 6: Nebuta Floats & Ancient Villages Before Heading Back to Tokyo
Before flying back to Tokyo, we squeezed in two final Aomori gems:
1. Nebuta Museum Wa Rasse
Aomori’s Nebuta Festival is famous for its massive illuminated floats, and here you can see them up close. They’re gigantic, dramatic, colorful… truly one of the coolest cultural displays in all of Japan.
2. Sannai-Maruyama Site
This is a reconstructed archaeological village from thousands of years ago, and it gives you such a unique look into early life in northern Japan. A very cool, very unexpected stop.
Then we flew from Aomori → Tokyo → home, completely exhausted but completely obsessed with this whole route.
Why You Should Add Northern Japan to Your Trip List
If you want:
nature but not too intense
culture without crowds
food that feels local, not touristy
train routes that are easy and stress-free
a totally different vibe from Tokyo or Kyoto
Sendai + Aomori is your PLACE.
You get temples, waterfalls, coastal hikes, tiny izakayas, massive festival floats, and some of the most peaceful scenery in the entire country with almost no tourists around!
This was genuinely one of my favorite Japan trips ever, and I’m already thinking about when I can go back.
If you’re interested in a full 10-Day Japan Itinerary Guide, click here - it’s got tons of resources, places to visit and links.
And if you’re looking for more off-the-beaten-path experiences in Japan, make sure you check out my Kyoto Hidden Gems Guide for a detailed itinerary and map of locations that are ACTUALLY off the beaten path.
Got any questions? Send me a DM on @raimeetravel!