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.
September 12, 2022
No Comments
Private and Group Package Tours
On this page, explore our private and group package tour offerings. The Hidden Japan offers both single and multi-day package tours, combining some of our most popular a la carte experiences into carefully curated trips. These trips are perfect for adding an authentic short-term northern Japan adventure to your travels.
If none of these tours are quite right for you, please contact us about arranging a fully custom private tour (we do both full trips and single legs!).
Single Day Tours
Private Tours
Farm to Bar
Experience the fruit kingdom of Yamagata Prefecture. Meet a Yamagata farmer and visit their orchard to harvest fresh fruit, then head to a cocktail bar where the bartender will craft an original cocktail or mocktail just for you!
February 22, 2024
No Comments
Highlights of Sendai and Matsushima 1-day Private Tour
A private guided tour that lets you experience the scenic, cultural, and historical highlights of Sendai and Matsushima all in just one day.
December 20, 2024
No Comments
Yamagata Cycling: Goma Fire Ritual
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.
February 13, 2024
No Comments
Digital Detox in Miyagi’s Northern Mountains
Experience true freedom and tranquility in the remote mountains of Miyagi at an onsen ryokan without electricity. With only lamps to light your way, digitally detox and experience nature to the fullest. Includes full English language support.
October 10, 2025
No Comments
Ishinomaki Culinary Adventure
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.
July 31, 2025
No Comments
Active and Artisanal in Yamagata City
An easy, one-day guided cycling tour exploring the traditional side of Yamagata City. Ride to a Japanese garden, a minor holy mountain to explore a hidden shrine, and the artisan district Hirashimizu for a weaving experience.
February 14, 2023
No Comments
Traditional Japanese beauty and art – collaboration with the Homma Museum of Art
Wear traditional Japanese clothing, Yukata, around the port town of Sakata while experiencing the traditional side of Japan. Try out traditional crafts, Sakata cuisine, visit historical locations of the area and more.
March 5, 2024
No Comments
Traditional Maiko and Music Performances and High Japanese Culture – collaboration with the Homma Museum of Art
Experience the best of Japanese high-class culture on this private tour including performances of traditional Japanese instruments of Shamisen, shakuhachi and koto, tea ceremony, tour the Homma Museum of Art, zazen meditation and more.
March 29, 2024
No Comments
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.
February 13, 2024
No Comments
Montedio Soccer Tour
In this special collaboration with Yamagata soccer team Montedio Yamagata, we have launched a backyard tour where you can get special access to meet this famous team and see one of their soccer matches at their stadium in Tendo City here in Yamagata.
June 2, 2024
No Comments
Behind-the-scenes of Traditional Japanese Production Techniques
Explore the deep craft of production of Japan, which have continued to the present day. See how Japanese fabrics are made and how old-style sake was brewed through this unique, exclusive one-day tour.
February 6, 2024
No Comments
Recenter Your Body & Mind with Shojin Ryori Dinner & Zen Meditation at Sendai’s Zen Temple
Rinnoji Temple, which has one of the best gardens in the Tohoku region, offers a private tour and immersion in Japanese culture as you learn about the history of Rinnoji Temple and Zen culture. After a prayer and zazen experience, enjoy a meal of shojinryori.
January 24, 2025
No Comments
Group Tours
Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Visit 1-Day Tour
A guided tour of Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. This tour offers a unique opportunity to directly experience the impact of the Great East Japan Earthquake and the nuclear disaster, as well as the recovery process.
January 27, 2025
No Comments
Experience the Yonezawa Uesugi Festival
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.
August 4, 2022
No Comments
Sakata City Cruise Tour
Sakata City is the main port city of Yamagata Prefecture and retains much of the history from its golden days in the Edo Period.
June 2, 2022
No Comments
Multi-Day Tours
Private Tours
Discovering Sendai: Anime Special Interest Tour
Boasting deep history and tradition and surrounded by nature, Sendai is a dynamic and fascinating city. On this 3 day, 3 night tour, hit top sightseeing spots and sites of special interest to anime/manga fans. Try hands-on cultural and creative experiences, and enjoy the atmosphere of this vibrant northeastern city.
June 30, 2024
No Comments
Hamadori Highlights: 2 day 1 night tour in Fukushima
Experience highlights of Fukushima’s coastal area on this 2-day, 1-night tour, with a special emphasis on learning more about the impact of the 2011 disaster and discovering local reconstruction efforts.
March 28, 2025
No Comments
Samurai Adventure Tour of Miyagi
Immerse yourself in all things Samurai on this 4 day, 3 night tour. Start in the Samurai town of Shiroishi, enjoy private tours of Date Samurai history hotspots in Sendai and Matsushima, and get in on the action in Tome with a Yagyu Shingan-ryu experience. Wind down your trip with a stay in a luxurious traditional onsen ryokan
October 10, 2025
No Comments
Northern Japan Travel in Miyagi
On this 3 night gastronomy and artisan tour, explore Miyagi Prefecture`s charming countryside just north of its capital of Sendai City. With ease of access from Tokyo via the Tohoku Bullet Train, this tour program is designed to introduce the countryside charm in a compact package that can fit into a variety of tour itineraries.
December 28, 2025
No Comments
Samurai Story
Cultivate your mind, body and spirit as you experience firsthand how the samurai arts and traditions live on in the present day. In this private eight-day tour, participate in personalized experiences led by masters, whilst being supported by English-speaking guides knowledgeable in martial arts.
February 7, 2024
No Comments
Soul of Uetsu: Spirituality and cuisine shaped by nature
A 4 day, 3 night tour to experience the highlights of the Uetsu region of Japan, with a special focus on nature and its connections with the local spiritual and culinary cultures.
January 21, 2025
No Comments
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.
February 12, 2026
No Comments
Discovering Yamagata: Package Tour
Surrounded by the misty green mountains of northeastern Japan, hit the sightseeing highlights of Yamagata City and nearby areas on either the 3 or 4 day versions of this specially crafted tour. Includes hands-on cultural experiences, a visit to a mysterious mountain temple, and a stay in a hot springs village near Mt. Zao.
June 30, 2024
No Comments
Highlights of Aizu: 3 day 2 night Tour in Fukushima
Experience the best of traditional and pop culture in Fukushima on this 3 day, 2 night journey, including martial arts experiences, historic towns, breathtaking nature, hot springs stays, a visit to tokusatsu mecca and even a stationmaster cat!
March 28, 2025
No Comments
Mt. Zao Snow Monster Private Tour
Marvel at the sight of the snow monsters atop of the frosty Mount Zao with this 2-day, 1-night tour.
December 27, 2023
No Comments
Two Day Cuisine and Culture in Kaminoyama and Yamagata Tour
On this 1 night, 2 day tour, explore Yamagata’s traditional and modern food culture in Kaminoyama and Yamagata City. On day one, experience, interact, and deeply enjoy all facets of this region’s incredible cuisine. On day two, immerse yourself in traditional culture, from mountain temples to maiko performances.
January 30, 2026
No Comments
Yamagata: Sake and Sightseeing 3 Day Package Tour
Experience Yamagata to the fullest, from dawn to dusk! This specially crafted three day tour includes bar-hopping, sake tastings, hands-on cultural activities, a visit to a mysterious mountain temple, and a stay in a hot springs village near Mt. Zao. The perfect short romantic getaway!
July 9, 2025
No Comments
Journey on the Uetsu Main Line: Exploring Sakata City
In these carefully curated 2 or 3 day tour packages, enjoy the cultural and culinary highlights of port town Sakata, easily accessible via JR East’s scenic Uetsu Main Line.
January 30, 2025
No Comments
Rebun Gastronomy Tour
Discover a different side of Japan and experience the vibrant food culture of the island of Rebun, Hokkaido. Immerse yourself in the northern panoramas and get to know the region’s fishing, culinary and cultural history through the experiences of local residents on this 4 day, 3 night tour.
June 4, 2024
No Comments
Journey Through Miyagi
Combining artisan workshops, local culinary delights, and charming local lodgings, the Miyagi Region offers a wonderful dive into traditional Japan for the open minded and curious traveler.
This tour is a customizable plan with a variety of options and length that can fit into existing travel itineraries thanks to the excellent access direct from Tokyo via the Tohoku Bullet Train. We recommend this for guests looking to break away from the main tourist sites of Japan for parts of their trip which mixes well with a visit to Tokyo and Kyoto.
November 17, 2024
No Comments
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.
February 6, 2024
No Comments
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.
January 30, 2026
No Comments
Sunrise Forest Kayaking and Mountain Lodge Stay
Kayak through the submerged forests of Yamagata in the dams of Iide high up in mountains during the sunrise in spring time.
March 14, 2024
No Comments
Yamagata: From City Scenes to Mountain Springs Package Tour
Surrounded by the misty green mountains of northeastern Japan, hit the sightseeing highlights of Yamagata City and nearby areas on this specially crafted 4 day, 3 night tour. Includes hands-on cultural and culinary experiences, a visit to a mysterious mountain temple, and a stay in a hot springs village near Mt. Zao.
July 8, 2025
No Comments
Cuisine and Culture in Kaminoyama and Yamagata
On this three night, four day gastronomy tour, explore Yamagata’s traditional and modern food culture in Yamagata City and Kaminoyama. Meet local farmers, chefs, restaurant owners and employees to experience, interact, and deeply enjoy all facets of this region’s incredible cuisine.
December 8, 2025
No Comments
Spiritual 3-day Tour Package in Shonai, Yamagata
Immerse yourself in the spirituality of the Dewa Sanzan Mountains in this active 3 day and 2 night experience.
March 27, 2023
No Comments
Yamabushi Shojin Ryori Overnight Experience
Dine on Dewa Sanzan shojin ryori, sleep at a pilgrim’s lodge. Wake the next morning to harvest vegetables and learn to cook this cuisine.
July 29, 2022
No Comments
Highlights of Sendai Tour Package
Sendai is a dynamic and historically significant city bursting with culture, history, nature, and tradition. On this 4 day, 3 night tour, hit Sendai’s top sightseeing destinations, experience hands-on cultural, culinary and crafting experiences, and get to know the tradition and culture of this fascinating city.
June 28, 2024
No Comments
Winter Snow, Sauna and Sights of Nishikawa
Experience snow country activities in Nishikawa town, one of Japan’s heaviest snowfall areas. Enjoy the snow, relax in a sauna and also take part in exclusive behind-the-scene tours.
January 19, 2024
No Comments
Beyond the Sushi Bar: The foundations and future of Japanese cuisine Private Tour
A 5 day, 4 night private tour to experience the best of cuisine and craftsmanship in the Uetsu area of Japan. Observe and experience techniques for making outstanding kitchenware of the master craftsmen of Tsubame-Sanjo and enjoy cooking and dining experiences with chefs of Tsuruoka City, a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.
January 22, 2025
No Comments
Sanriku Seafood Sabbatical
From oyster fishing and cooking in Ishinomaki to the seafood auction of Shiogama, Japan’s sushi capital, delight in the delectable seafood of the Miyagi coastline on this 3 day, 2 night gastronomy tour.
October 10, 2025
No Comments
Spirituality and Culture at Jionji Temple
A 1 night, 2 day tour program at Jionji, an ancient temple in the mountains, sure to enrich your mind and improve your physical health. Experience authentic shojin ryori vegetarian cuisine recreated from ancient recipes, try a Shugen trekking tour with a yamabushi mountain ascetic as your guide, and immerse yourself in the spiritual culture of this ancient temple.
October 4, 2024
No Comments
Explore, Unwind, Connect: Discover Nature’s Wonders in Mogami
Explore nature’s wonders in the Mogami region of northeastern Japan on this 2 day, 1 night tour, including a riverboat cruise and trekking to an ancient forest.
February 27, 2025
No Comments
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.
April 5, 2024
No Comments
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.
March 15, 2024
No Comments