Southern Tohoku and Niigata Adventure Tour
An Active Adventure Awaits
A four-day, three-night private 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.
Private Tour at a glance
Inclusions:
- Accommodations (3 nights)
- Breakfasts on Days 2-4
- Lunches on Days 1-4
- Dinners on Days 1-3
- English-speaking interpreter-guide
- Trekking, Iaido, and other experiences as described in itinerary
- Other program fees
Exclusions:
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Food and drink in addition to the prix fixe meals included as part of the package
- Transportation to starting location
- Other items not explicitly listed as included
We can also provide the following options for an additional fee:
- Interpretation in other languages (please inquire)
- Customization
Participants
2 -6 participants
Cost
From ¥825,600 per person (with a minimum of 2 participants; inquire below for pricing for larger groups)
Tour Length
4 days, 3 nights
Tour availability
Please inquire
Tour Start Location
Niigata City, Niigata
Important notes
Dietary Restrictions:
Day 1
Tour Highlights
After arriving at Niigata Station by bullet train, meet your local interpreter guide just outside the turnstiles.
Begin your trip with a thorough walking tour of Niigata port, learning the lay of the land and the history from a local guide.
Enjoy lunch at a local izakaya the Japanese way- your guide will help you chat with the locals!
After lunch, tour a local sake brewery and enjoy a tasting of the local wares.
Check into an onsen ryokan (a traditional Japanese hot spring inn) in the Nakanosawa area for the night. Enjoy a kaiseki dinner and bath, resting up for tomorrow’s hiking!
Day 2
Tour Highlights
After a delicious breakfast at your accommodations, the adventure begins!
At Numajiri Motoyu, trek through some incredible natural landscapes on your way to the wildest onsen dip of your life (approx. 2.5 hours total). Note that there are no changing areas- this is not for the shy!
After your dip, return to the cafe at the starting point of your trek for a hearty and filling lunch.
After lunch, transfer to Yamadera, a mountainside Buddhist temple with incredible views. With a local guide, hike this mountain temple complex.
In the evening, head out on the town for a bar hopping tour of downtown Yamagata. Three bars, six drinks: this is for the truly adventurous eaters and drinkers!
Day 3
Tour Highlights
After breakfast at your hotel, travel via private charter vehicle to Murayama for an Iaido Experience. Learn the way of the blade from a master swordsman in this private, 2 and a half hour lesson.
Afterwards, enjoy the taste of good Yamagata-style home-cooking with a farmhouse lunch at a local restaurant.
Transfer to Tsuruoka via private charter vehicle in the afternoon.
This evening, eat dangerously (safely). Watch an elite, award-winning sushi chef prepare Fugu pufferfish for human consumption before partaking of it (and other side dishes) for dinner tonight.
Day 4
Tour Highlights
After breakfast, check-out and take a private charter vehicle to the base of Mt. Haguro.
Meet with a translator and Yamabushi guide, who will guide you up the 2,446 steps of Mt. Haguro, stopping along the way at the five story pagoda and various locations to discuss the history and practice of shugendo in these mountains. At the top of the mountain, visit the shrine before returning slightly down the path to a monk’s lodge, or shukubo, for a Dewa Sanzan style shojin ryori lunch.
Experience the variety of shojin ryori native to these mountains, featuring plenty of mountain vegetables, and, in the autumn and winter months, home-made pickles. This meal will be vegetarian, and takes place in a traditional tatami-floored shukubo. We recommend all guests have socks and a sweater.
After lunch, return to your private charter vehicle with your interpreter and travel to a charming Buddhist temple down the mountain. Enjoy a Matcha Tea Experience while you look out over the incredible peaceful and beautiful Japanese gardens. This temple also boasta a famous temple chat, who may grace you with her presence in the garden.
Transfer via private charter vehicle to Shonai Airport to catch your afternoon flight on to whatever your next adventure may be.
*Note that this tour may be combined with the 5 day 4 night Northern Adventure Tour on request.
Reservations
You can send a booking inquiry below to schedule a private tour. After we receive your inquiry, we will check on provider availability for your request and contact you by email.
Cancellation Policy
Our cancellation policy for this tour is below.
21 days or more before date of tour
No penalty
20 days to 8 days before date of tour
20% of total price
7 days to 2 days before date of tour
30% of total price
1 business day before date of tour
50% of total price
Day of the tour
100% of total price
