10-Day Japan Tohoku Cherry Blossom Tour

Japanese cherry blossoms not only drive the Japanese wild with excitement but also attract tourists from all over the world. Many prefer to admire the blooms in Japan’s Tohoku region, where they can immerse themselves in the falling petals and the stunning natural landscapes, as well as explore the area’s ancient cultural heritage sites that seem to transport visitors through time and offer a profound experience of Japan’s beauty！

 

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in December 1999, Nikko Toshogu was built to enshrine Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo period. Construction began in 1617 under the second shogun, Hidetada, and was later extravagantly expanded by the third shogun, Iemitsu, who spared no expense and employed the finest craftsmanship of the time to create its dazzling splendor.

Located on the northern side of Mount Bandai, this otherworldly paradise consists of lakes, wetlands, and newly regenerated forests, locally known as “Urabandai.” The most mysterious beauty of Urabandai lies in Goshiki Marshes, where the colors of over ten ponds vary depending on the minerals in the groundwater. Sometimes the color of the same pond changes throughout the day based on sunlight intensity, making the mysterious beauty of Goshiki Marshes particularly intriguing.

Godaido Hall is arguably the iconic sight of Matsushima. An arched red drum bridge spans the coastline, connecting to a small island covered in lush green pines. Originally built during the Heian period by samurai Sakanoue no Tamuramaro during his eastern campaign, it enshrined Five Wisdom Kings in the early Heian style. It was renovated in 1604 (Keichō 9) by Date Masamune and is now the oldest surviving Momoyama-period structure in the Tohoku region.

Chūson-ji is the oldest temple in Tohoku and a national treasure, ranked as Japan’s foremost temple. Founded in 850, Chūson-ji represents the pinnacle of Buddhist art in the Tohoku region. Its halls are scattered among cedar forests, with the most notable being the Golden Hall, completely covered in gold leaf, and the sutra repository — must-see sights for visitors.