In-depth Travel in Northeast Japan: Explore World Heritage Sites and Aquariums by Sightseeing Bus!

Text and photos by /Nathan Yung

For independent travelers, planning a trip to Northeast Japan used to involve some hesitation due to inconvenient transportation and relatively long distances between points of interest, which often deterred visitors. However, in recent years, local governments in the Tohoku region have taken proactive steps, collaborating with Iwate Kita Sightseeing Bus—the largest sightseeing bus operator in the region—to develop convenient loop buses that connect major attractions. This has made in-depth travel in Northeast Japan more accessible and complete.

Captain Nacha recommends anew route launched on January 25 this year—“Sendai Airport ⇔ Matsushima ⇄ Hiraizumi”—which covers key attractions between Miyagi and the cultural city of Hiraizumi in Iwate, including Matsushima (one of Japan’s Three Views), Entsuin Temple, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Chuson-ji Temple, the World Heritage Site Motsu-ji Temple, and Umisuno Aquarium. Visiting these sites has never been easier.

The route is divided into two directions:
The first route, “Sendai Airport–Matsushima–Hiraizumi Line,” runs from Sendai Airport → Umisuno Aquarium → Matsushima Coast → Cultural Tourism Exchange Center → Hiraizumi Front → Chuson-ji Temple.

The second route, “Sendai Airport–Matsushima ⇄ Other Spots,” includes Sendai Airport → Umisuno Aquarium → Matsushima Coast → Cultural Tourism Exchange Center → Oku-Matsushima (Disaster Recovery Heritage Museum) → Oku-Matsushima (Ohtagamine).

The loop buses are comfortable and clean, with both northbound and southbound routes featuring multiple stops where passengers can freely get on and off. Tickets can be purchased on board, reducing the risk of losing pre-bought passes. With 2–3 daily services and Japanese-speaking guides on board, you can arrive at a single spot for an in-depth experience one day and then board the bus later to continue your journey. This offers great flexibility for itineraries ranging from one to three days and helps reduce time pressure.

Buses start as early as 8:30 AM from Matsushima Coast, with the last departure from Sendai Airport at 7:40 PM, offering much more flexible timing. Prices are also very affordable, ranging from 500 to 2,500 yen for adults and 250 to 1,000 yen for children, so traveling with family won’t be a financial burden. Even the longest route—from Sendai Airport to Chuson-ji Temple—takes only about 2.5 hours, with stops at Matsushima Coast and Umisuno Aquarium along the way, making it an enjoyable trip for both adults and children.

Captain Nacha also predicts that this winter and next will be the time for Northeast Japan to shine again. As independent travel in Taiwan becomes more focused on in-depth experiences, regions in Northeast Japan such as Iwate and Miyagi Prefectures offer profound and vibrant attractions and cultural experiences to meet travelers’ needs. Iwate Kita Sightseeing Bus operates route buses, express intercity buses, and even chartered buses. There are also high-speed overnight buses from Tokyo to Morioka, Kuji (hometown of Amachan), and Miyako. In winter, there are services from Sendai Airport to Appi Highlands and Morioka, and radial routes from Morioka to Hanamaki, Aomori, and Hirosaki, among others. You can also take sightseeing cruises to enjoy the beauty of the Northeast’s coastal areas, mountains, and numerous islands.

Stay tuned for more reports from Captain Nacha in the future—there are even more exciting journeys and stunning photos to come!

Travel Route Brochure
http://www.iwate-kenpokubus.co.jp/uploads/sendaiap_matuhirashirashi.pdf

Iwate Kita Sightseeing Loop Bus
http://www.iwate-kenpokubus.co.jp/archives/11191/

Chuson-ji Temple
http://www.chusonji.or.jp/ch/index.html

Motsu-ji Temple
http://www.motsuji.or.jp/

Matsushima
http://www.town.miyagi-matsushima.lg.jp/index.cfm/8,html

Entsuin Temple
http://www.zuiganji.or.jp/event/1511_saihaikan/index.html

“Japan Food Travel Intelligence” captain Nathan Yung has invested millions of his own funds since 2012. Drawing on Taiwanese culinary tastes and inspired by Japanese cuisine, he has traveled across Japan with his remarkable taste buds to explore its diverse foods. Back in Taiwan, he continues to read extensively and cook hands-on. He is now compiling his experiences into a book, scheduled for release by the end of 2016!

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