Adventure to Northern Japan

Are you looking for a trip in a rich natural  environment for this summer?  How about  heading north from Tokyo to Tohoku area, which is known for its unspoiled countryside, secluded hot spring sites, steep mountains, beautiful caldera lakes, deeply indented coastlines, fresh seafood and wild vegetables, and homely people.

 

Some of the sites we strongly recommend to visit are Matsushima (one of the three most beautiful sites of Japan with tiny islands covered with pine trees), Yamadera (a historical temple hanging on the cliff), Toono (heart of Japanese folklore with rice farms and old houses), and Nyuto Onsen (a village with 7 different hot springs).  Since Tohoku is a large area with limited access to public transportation, you will have to plan well to go around sites.  Tell us your travelling dates, budget, and interests, and one of our travel consultants will come up with a perfect plan for you.  Contact Us.

Early Summer Stay at Ochiairo Murakami

With a history of more than 130 years, a National Cultural Property, Ochiairo Murakami has continuously provided a quiet and relaxing time for their guests.  Many great writers such as Yasunari Kawabata, Toson Shimazaki, and Akiko Yosano have stayed in Ochiairo Murakami for its tranquility and its utmost hospitality to write their pieces.  In addition to its serenity, the constantly flowing onsen (hot spring), and full course kaiseki cuisine using local fresh ingredients from the mountains and sea will welcome your stay here.  Ochiairo Murakami is located in Izu Peninnsula’s Amagi Yugashima Onsen within 2 hours from Tokyo using a bullet train, local train, and taxi.  For more details, see Ochiairo Murakami. During early summer (June 1st to 25th) you can enjoy the fantastic night scenery of the fireflys at the river nearby.  During that period, the Hotaru Matsuri (Firefly Festival) is taking place, and taiko (Japanese drum) and shakuhachi (bamboo flute) performances can be enjoyed on some nights. Contact us for more details.

Obon Festival  

Obon is a Buddhist festival which takes place in mid-August throughout Japan.  During this time, the ancestors’ spirits are thought to come back home, so people return to their hometown to visit the graves, welcome the spirits with food and offerings, and  see the spirits off.  There are many events that take place during this period, such as having a bonfire to welcome and to send off the spirits, floating lanterns down the river, or dancing a “bon-odori” with traditional music.

Please make sure to plan your trip well ahead of time, since many Japanese take a week off for obon (this year it will be from Aug. 9-17) to go back to their hometown, or go on vacation.  Many sites will be crowded, and accommodations and trains will be fully booked.  It is not too early to start planning your summer vacation today!  If you wish to plan a summer trip, contact us.

Michi Travel Japan Corporation
6-1-210 Rokubancho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 102-0085 Japan

Tel: 81-3-5213-5040 Fax: 81-3-5213-5041 commentsmtj@michitravel.com

http://www.michitravel.com