Yamadera Guided Experience
Experience the wonders and history of this legendary temple complex with a professional and skilled English guide.
Adventure Tourism
Seize the Day with an Active Adventure
Far from the crowded tourist paths and major cities, the northern region of Tohoku excels in its offering of rich natural adventures to be had for those looking to mix in the outdoors into their tour itineraries. <br><br>From hiking the Dewa Sanzan to catching and cooking your own fish, we have a wide variety of outdoor offerings that you can see below.
Featured Active Experiences
Kayak through the submerged forests of Yamagata in the dams of Iide high up in mountains during the spring time.
On this private sea-to-table culinary adventure tour, experience the bounty of the Sanriku fishing grounds just off the coast of Ishinomaki for yourself! Fish, fry, flambe, and feast your way through this all-day immersive experience.
The Uesugi Festival commemorates the samurai clan who once ruled Yonezawa. The main event is a reenactment of the Battle of Kawanakajima. Join the fight as a member of the Takeda or Uesugi forces in a special one-day tour. Applications for this tour close April 15, 2026.
Experience Iaido, a traditional sword-based martial art, at the very place it was founded: Iai Shrine in Yamagata Prefecture.
Catch your own fish or shop for some at a local market, then watch or work alongside as a professional Japanese chef prepares it.
All Adventure Tours & Experiences
Cycling in Yamagata Prefecture
Leave the car behind and explore the wide open plains of Yamagata Prefecture on a guided cycling tour!
The Arcadian Journey
Embark on a journey to experience the unspoiled wilderness of the Okitama region in rural Yamagata, Japan. Visit the places written about generations past, enjoying the sights, locals, cuisine and culture of the land.
Southern Tohoku and Niigata Adventure Tour
Explore Niigata, Fukushima, and Yamagata on this 4-day, 3-night private adventure tour. Explore Niigata city’s history and sake, hike through the stunning natural onsen landscapes of Fukushima, and embrace your inner samurai in Yamagata: this tour is for adventurous spirits looking for authentic experiences off the beaten path.
Dawn Reflections of Rice Paddies Hike
Around the end of May, rice fields of the Okitama region are filled with water. This hike aims to see the sunrise colors the surface of the rice fields and scattered villages below and travel to the summit of Mt. Kumano.
Guided Migratory Bird-Watching Tour in Miyagi
Embrace the hobby sweeping the masses- bird-watching! The Izunuma-Uchinuma wetlands are one of the wintering grounds frequented by the migratory waterfowl that come to Japan each winter. Contemplate the relationship between man and nature as you observe waterfowl rising from their roosts in the early morning and returning at dusk.
Sea to Table Experiences in Yamagata
Catch your own fish or shop for some at a local market, then watch or work alongside as a professional Japanese chef prepares it.
Hidden Outdoor Okitama Tour
Interact with the abundant nature of the Okitama region- experience a hot air balloon ride, canoe in picturesque gorges and enjoy a night walking tour through the traditional Akayu onsen district.
Geibikei Gorge River Cruise
Drift through the Geibikei Gorge, one of the most beautiful places in Japan, in a boat propelled by an oarsman maneuvering it with a single long pole. You may even get the chance to enjoy an “oarsman experience” in which you can try propelling the boat yourself!
Explore the Ancient Forest of Mt. Haguro
A guided hike up the 2,446 stone steps of holy Mount Haguro, with a lunch of Dewa Sanzan shojin ryori mountain monk cuisine.
Northern Tohoku Adventure Tour
A 5-day, 4-night private adventure tour in Tohoku’s incredible northern prefectures. Trek, hike, cycle, and kayaking through three prefectures, actively enjoying Aomori, Akita, and Iwate’s sights, sounds, and some really excellent cuisine.
Deep-dive into centuries-old Japanese Culture
Okitama has an abundance of tradition, culture and history, from 1600 year old shrines to traditional childhood pastimes, festivals and cuisine. On this 3 day, 2 night tour, appreciate the longstanding culture and history that Okitama has to offer.
Mountain Vegetable Foraging
Forage for sansai (wild mountain vegetables, herbs, and mushrooms) in the pristine nature of Mount Gassan, Yamagata with a veteran guide.
Yamagata Forest Kayaking
Kayak through the submerged forests of Yamagata in the dams of Iide high up in mountains during the spring time.
Yamagata Cycling: Nature and Craft
Tour around Yamagata City by e-bike, enjoy learning about the history and culture and create pottery in the Hirashimizu artisan hamlet. After pottery, visit a local restaurant for a lunch of Yamagata soba.
Iaido Samurai Experiences in Murayama City
Experience Iaido, a traditional sword-based martial art, at the very place it was founded: Iai Shrine in Yamagata Prefecture.