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Theme of the Scenic Route

Enjoy everything from the latest tourist spots and Edo culture of Tokyo to the scenery and traditions of Tohoku

ONE MORE STEP FROM TOKYO

MIYAGI × TOKYO

Yajiro Kokeshi Village

Shibuya Scramble Square

Yajiro Kokeshi Village

Shibuya Scramble Square

This course takes you to the latest spots and Edo culture of Tokyo, and lets you enjoy the vast nature and new attractions of traditional culture in the Tohoku region.

You will travel around major tourist spots in the capital city, and enjoy the latest experience-style facilities and famous Edo culture spots that can only be found in Tokyo. You do not just tour these places, but you can experience the appeal of "old meets new" for yourself. You then take the Tohoku Shinkansen about 1.5 hours from Tokyo, and marvel at the breathtaking nature and rich traditions of the Tohoku region. You may even find brand new appeals in Tohoku.

Destination

Itinerary

3Days

Transport

JR Tohoku Shinkansen
Tokyo to Sendai

about
90 minutes

Highlights

TOKYO

MIYAGI

Day1

TOKYO

1

Tokyo Station

©AFLO

October 2012 saw completion of the preservation and restoration work on the Tokyo Station Marunouchi Building. The red brick facade long loved as the symbol of Tokyo Station has made a comeback, along with the history and grandeur of the original building dating nearly a hundred years back. The occasion also saw the reopening of Tokyo Station Hotel and Tokyo Station Gallery. The former is the hotel situated within an important cultural property of Japan. The interior is designed in a sophisticated, classical European style to blend with the splendor of the Marunouchi Building exterior.

30 minutes by train (JR)

5 minutes by foot

2

Shibuya Scramble Square

SHIBUYA SKY was built with three zones: SKY GATE, a transitional space on the 14F–45F; SKY STAGE, an outdoor observation area; and SKY GALLERY, an indoor observation corridor on the 46F. Not only can you see 360 degrees of scenery from 229m above Shibuya, but the observation spaces stimulate intellectual curiosity and foster imagination through a series of experiences.

30 minutes by train (JR)

3

teamLab Borderless: MORI Building DIGITAL ART MUSEUM

teamLab, Universe of Water Particles on a Rock where People Gather, Flowers and People, Cannot be Controlled but Live Together – A Whole Year per Hour, Crows are Chased and the Chasing Crows are Destined to be Chased as well: Flying Beyond Borders © teamLab

Wander, Explore, and Discover in One Continuous Borderless World
teamLab Borderless is a world of artworks without boundaries, a museum without a map created by art collective teamLab.

Artworks move out of rooms, relate to other works, influence each other, and at times intermingle, without boundaries. Through this group of works, one continuous world without boundaries is created.

Immerse your body in borderless art. Wander, explore with intention, discover, and create a world with others.

40 minutes by train(non-JR lines)

10 minutes by foot

4

Edo Kiriko Asakusa Ojima

Edo Kiriko is a traditional Japanese glass craft that evolved toward the end of the Edo period. It is characterized by beautiful cut patterns, soft curves that evoke the Edo sentimentality, and myriad designs. At this long-established traditional workshop in Asakusa that has been in business for three generations, you can learn the techniques of Edo Kiriko from craftsmen who have inherited the traditions since the Edo period, and experience the process of "arazuri" which involves engraving patterns into transparent glass. You can create your own original glass work using traditional Edo Kiriko techniques. Information in English is also available to help visitors gain a deeper understanding of traditional Japanese crafts. The production experience takes place while you learn how to cut and choose designs under the guidance of a craftsman. You can take the completed work with you right after the experience, making it the perfect memorabilia of your trip to Japan.

20 minutes by train(non-JR lines)

10 minutes by foot

5

SUIGIAN

Enjoying traditional Japanese performing arts up close, while sitting through a banquet, is one of the luxurious experiences that is unique to SUIGIAN. Live performances of traditional Japanese performing arts such as Noh, Kyogen, Kagura, Gagaku, and Nihon-buyo are held day and night on the Noh stage positioned in the center of the restaurant. The sight of seasonal dishes being served to the rhythm of Noh is truly entertaining. The menu expresses the 24 seasons and 72 micro-seasons of the Japanese lunar calendar with attentive detail, alongside a lineup of teas from long-established tea shops in Kyoto and sweet Kyoto confectionery. You can enjoy pairings of seasonal teas with dishes, season-themed cocktails prepared by skilled bartenders, and carefully curated Japanese sake and wine. Come experience Japanese culture and the seasons at the site of the legendary restaurant MOMOKAWA, which was a favorite among many literary figures and artists in the historic Nihonbashi district of Tokyo.

Day2

TOKYO

6

Tokyo Station

10 minutes by train(non-JR lines)

20 minutes by foot

7

Toyosu Market and Toyosu Senkyaku Banrai

Toyosu Senkyaku Banrai

Toyosu Senkyaku Banrai street level

These are two major sightseeing spots in the Toyosu area. Toyosu Shijou is a new market that was relocated from Tsukiji Market, and is especially famous for its early-morning tuna auction. Uogashi Yokocho is also a popular section, where you can view the auctions from the viewing walkway and enjoy meals of sushi and tempura. English-speaking guides and information boards available inside the market. Toyosu Senkyaku Banrai is a newly opened tourist spot in the outer area of Toyosu Market, based on the concept of becoming a "sacred place of all things delicious." In an atmosphere that recreates the streets of Edo, you can enjoy dishes and sweets made with fresh ingredients. It is drawing attention as a place where you can eat and shop. You can relax in the Senkyaku Banrai Rooftop Footbath on the 8th floor and enjoy spectacular views of Tokyo Bay. There is also an adjoining 24-hour hot spring facility.

10 minutes by car

8

Tama Sushi (sushi-making experience)

The sushi-making experience at Tama Sushi, a long-established restaurant founded in Tsukiji, is a popular program for gaining a deeper understanding of traditional Japanese sushi culture. It offers participants the rare opportunity to learn about traditional Japanese sushi culture and to make their own sushi. In this experience, you will be taught directly by a professional sushi chef, standing at the counter in a white chef robe just like a real sushi chef as you experience making authentic sushi. While learning how to make nigiri-zushi and hand-rolled sushi, you can experience the delicate techniques and delicious flavors of sushi. You can also have fun comparing the sushi you have made with the sushi made by the chef. After the experience, you will receive a certificate and an ukiyo-e coaster as memorabilia of this unforgettable experience.

Day3

TOHOKU(MIYAGI)

9

Tokyo Station

100 minutes by JR Tohoku Shinkansen

10

Shiroishizao Station

20 minutes by car

11

Yajiro Kokeshi Village

You can enjoy a kokeshi doll painting workshop at Yajiro Kokeshi Village.
There are 10 types of kokeshi, each of which has its own unique facial expressions, coloring and other characteristics. Yajiro kokeshi are distinguished by their overall vivid color schemes. You can use a wide palette of colors to create your own original kokeshi.

15 minutes by car

12

Shiroishi Castle / Sumaru Yashiki (House)

©AFLO

©AFLO

Shiroishi Castle was the castle of Katakura Kojuro, the chief vassal to Date Masamune, who built the foundations of Sendai. This castle is scientifically important since it was restored based on Japan's oldest architectural style. Attracting numerous history fans and cosplayers, an event is held on the first Saturday of every October that recreates the deciding battle from the summer campaign of the siege of Osaka between the armies of Katakura Kojuro and Sanada Yukimura.

60 minutes by car

13

Matsushima Islands Area

©AFLO

As a member of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World Club, Matsushima Bay has charmed a great many people since long ago with its picturesque scenery. Places like Entsu-in Temple are illuminated, particularly in the autumn foliage season, to produce a wondrous atmosphere. The Kanrantei, where visitors can enjoy all-season matcha green tea, is also highly recommended! Visitors are also encouraged to visit the Date Masamune Historical Museum. Date Masamune helped build the foundations of Sendai, as well as the Yakigaki House, where visitors can have all-you-can-eat oysters, a Matsushima specialty, and even try oyster burgers. Before embarking on a sightseeing cruise through the islands, head to a high vantage point, such as at Saigyomodoshi no Matsu Park, to see the entire scope of the bay. It will add another level to your enjoyment of the cruise. At Entsu-in Temple, the Buddhist rosary-making workshop is popular.

40 minutes by train (JR)

20 minutes by foot

14

Bar hopping in Iroha Yokocho

© InOutbound Tohoku Inc.

© InOutbound Tohoku Inc.

© InOutbound Tohoku Inc.

Iroha Yokocho is known as a spot where you can enjoy bar hopping, with a multitude of small, unique bars and izakayas lined up along the alley. This alley, which has been around since the post-war era, is loved for its retro atmosphere and serves as a place where locals and tourists can mingle. In addition to classic izakayas, it is also a popular destination for enjoying a variety of Japanese flavors in one visit, such as yakitori, local sake, and craft beer. You can hop between different types of establishments and try out their distinctive menus. With many pubs and bars located within easy walking distance, you can enjoy a bar hopping tour with an English-speaking guide, visiting multiple places in one evening. It is also easily accessible from Sendai Station, making it a convenient stop during your sightseeing.

update: Dec.25.2024

Official Tokyo Travel Guide
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