The 6 Best Cultural Tours in Iwate Prefecture, Tohoku

Ichinoseki City, the southernmost area of Iwate Prefecture, is located between Sendai city and Morioka City. You can make a day trip from Tokyo as it is only about 450 km from the main city. You can ride a Shinkansen (bullet train) from either Tokyo or Sendai city. The tour will start when you get off the train at Ichinoseki City where a local guide will be waiting for you.

Inclusions: English-speaking guide from Ichinoseki station, Transportation fee in Ichinoseki, Lunch, Mochi making

Exclusions: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, Transportation from/to Ichinoseki station, Drinks, Breakfast and Dinner

On March 11, 2011 at 14:46, the powerful earthquake in Japan occurred 70 kilometers off the Pacific coast of the Tohoku Region. Approximately 30 minutes later a devastating tsunami struck the Sanriku Coast. Taro-district is located in the middle of Sanriku Coast. A local resident who experienced the disaster in Taro takes you around Taro-district. You are walking through Tsunami struck area including the massive breakwater and Tsunami memorial building Taro-Kanko hotel. You certainly feel the spirit of 'never surrender'.

Inclusions: All Fees and Taxes

Exclusions: Private transportation

You can observe professional Japanese Sword-smith craft center. You feel the heat and watch sparks in the process of making the sword. Also, you have a lesson from the sword-smith how to make the sword and actually make a knife for cutting paper.

Inclusions: Sword workshop

Exclusions:

As it is called 'squid prince' takes you to the authentic fish auction site. You can stand very close to the fish brokers who are participating in the auction. Not only that, 'squid prince' teaches you about the unique Japanese fishing method and the problems of the fishing industry in Japan. After the lesson, you have a chance to enjoy fresh marine products!

Inclusions: Local fish broker

Exclusions:

Take a guided walking tour around Morioka city, and visit all the main tourist destinations in the area. We will show you the best places to get nice views of Mt Iwate if the weather is nice. Depending on the season, we may take you to places that you can see the cherry blossoms in flower (spring) or the colored leaves in Autumn.

Inclusions: Guide

Exclusions: No meals or drinks are included, Entrance fees for the paid area of each place.

Travel to the country town of Odate in Akita prefecture by local bus from Morioka station. Experience a night with a local family in their house. Depending on the season and weather, there will be a variety of activities organized by the family for you to participate in, such as making dinner together, farm activities etc. Depending on the numbers, you may stay in separate farm houses.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Exclusions: Towels are not included at the farm stay. They can be added for an additional cost by request., WiFi on board, Bath and toilet are shared facilities at the farm stay house.