Location: Nikko
Day 1 - 1 Oct 2021
Santuario di Nikko
Content: The mausoleum of the first Shogun of Japan: Ieyasu Tokugawa. An amazing visit of an incredible temple rich in gold and decoration, immerse in the forest. The Yomeimon gate is probably the image that comes to mind if we think of the temples of Nikko, followed immediately after by the famous three monkeys “I do not see, I do not hear, I do not speak” which are carved on the sacred stables, part of the story of the virtue that every person should follow. 💰1.300yen
Grill&Steak 妙月坊
Content: Delicious grilled steak with local speciality: yuba (tofu skin)
Taiyu-in Temple Hall
Content: Another amazing temple, the mausoleum of the third Shogun Iemitsu Tokugawa, who improve the Thosogu. Unlike Ieyasu’s tomb, Iemitsu’s burial site is not open to the public, but is located behind the Chinese-inspired Kokamon portal. Personally, I prefer this!! 💰550yen
Shinkyo Bridge
Content: The symbol of Nikko, impossible to miss 😉 According to legend, a snake turned into a bridge when Shodo Shonin arrived here, to allow him to cross the bridge.
Hotel Natural Garden Nikko
Content: This hotel is in a quiet position, whit bus stop just in front. Small natural Onsen and good food, in summer season is possible to dine on the terrace.
Location: Nikko
Day 2 - 2 Oct 2021
Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park
Content: Let’s start the day with the visit of the former summer house of the Emperor, with the particular circle window. Just few minutes walking from the hotel 💰550 yen
Kanmangafuchi Abyss
Content: A spiritual place, with the Jizo statue along the Daiwa River…one of my fav spot in Nikko! A natural gorge along the Daiya River, a consequence of the volcanic eruption of Mount Nantai 7000 years ago, the Jizo statues, protectors of travelers and children who were never born or died prematurely, are part of the Jiunji Hondo Temple. A flood of the river destroyed part of the temple and some statues and it seems that if you try to count the Jizo, you always get a different number, this because of the “Bake Jizo” or ghost Jizo. I have not tried to count them, would you have the courage?
Lago Chūzenji
Content: Let’s head to the Chuzenji Lake, at the bottom of the sacred Mount Nantai that protect Nikko. Here also the Kegon Waterfall, one of the 3 most famous of Japan
Sakaeya Fried Yubamanju - Tobu Nikko Station
Content: Delicious Yubamanju! The old lady who makes is so kind and these sweets are crazily good!! Plus, free green tea available
Location: Yunishigawa Onsen
Day 2 - 2 Oct 2021
Irodoriyukashiki Hana to Hana
Content: A train ride bring us in a remote village in the mountains of Nikko. The train stop in a tunnel and when you exit, you immediately see the power of the nature here. Am amazing ryokan experience, with rock Onsen outside with nature view and delicious irori dinner…a dream!
Location: Yunishigawa Onsen
Day 3 - 3 Oct 2021
Heike no Sato
Content: Open-air museum of a Heike village. The clan Heike come to this remote area to hide, after being defeat during Genpei War, won by Minamoto Clan. Paying a visit in the morning before go back to the station and take the train to the next destination.
Location: Ouchijuku
Day 3 - 3 Oct 2021
Yamagataya
Content: Once arrived in Ouchijuku, let’s put something in the belly! The typical local dishes of Ouchijuku is negi soba: soba to eat with green onion instead of chopstick, very fun!
Location: Ouchijuku
Day 3 - 3 Oct 2021
Ōuchi-juku
Content: Ouchijuku is a well preserved post town on the ancient road Nishi-kaido. All the thatched roof houses are aligned on the main road. Reach the viewpoint for a great photo of Ouchijuku 😉
Minshuku Iseya
Content: We decided to overnight in a traditional house here, to feel the magic of this ancient village when all the tourist go away…it was amazing: delicious hand-made local food and fresh air of the countryside!
Location: Aizuwakamatsu
Day 4 - 4 Oct 2021
Castello di Aizuwakamatsu
Content: Let’s start the day moving to Aizu Wakamatsu, where in 1868 took place the Battle of Aizu, during Boshin War. Pay a visit at the reconstruction of the castle with the museum about city history inside.
Takino
Content: Takino Restaurant is the birthplace of Wappameshi: meal served in bamboo box. Delicious and super cute!
Higashiyama Onsen Tourism Association
Content: With the loop bus, we arrive at this Onsen area a bit old-style. The area is nice for photos, but not so much sightseeing
Onyado Toho
Content: Amazing hotel with room with a great view over Aizu Wakamatsu, Viking buffet and an incredible terrace-onsen!
Location: Aizuwakamatsu
Day 5 - 5 Oct 2021
Iimori Hill
Content: This is the place where the young samurai of Byakkotai committed ritual suicide during the battle of Aizu Wakamatsu, in Boshin War. The 19 young boys, seeing smoke and flames rising from Aizu Castle, made seppuku as a sign of loyalty and not to fall into the hands of the enemy, make us reflect on the fundamental values of the Bushido spirit
Sazaedo Temple
Content: Incredible Woden pagoda with amazing interior with pray tag amazing for photos! For Pagoda is entirely made of wood, and have a unique internal structure with double helix, so whoever climbs the internal ramp climbing the three floors, never meets who it’s going down. Inside the pagoda there are 33 statues of Kannon depicted and the ascent and descent of this pagoda represent the Saigoku Kannon pilgrimage of the 33 Buddhist temples.
渋川問屋
Content: In this historical ryokan many authors like Yukiyo Mishima stop by. It’s possible to have a traditional lunch in the restaurant and visit the beautiful interior.
Nisshinkan Admission ticket service
Content: The most important Samurai school, where also the Byakkotai studied. It’s also possibile try archery. Watch out of the bus timetable, only few bus a day!
Location: Sendai
Day 5 - 5 Oct 2021
Dormy Inn Sendai ANNEX
Content: Let’s take a local train to Moriyama, passing among beautiful landscape of Mount Bandai, before ride the Shinkansen, the bullet train, to reach Sendai. Dormy Inn Sendai Annex is a nice and convenient hotel, near the station and with nice common bath.
Location: Yamadera
Day 6 - 6 Oct 2021
Yamadera
Content: Start the day climbing the thousand steps to Yamadera, a temple on the mountain with an amazing view 💪🏻
Location: Matsushima
Day 6 - 6 Oct 2021
Zuiganji Temple
Content: Back in Sendai, change train and head up to Matsushima, visiting some beautiful Temples in the area…
Matsushima
Content: Matsushima bay is one of the three great view of Japan. Some island are connected to the land by bridge, others can be enjoyed taking a cruise in the bay. The landscape is stunning!
Location: Sendai
Day 7 - 7 Oct 2021
Sendai Castle (Aoba Castle Ruins)
Content: Sendai is the city of the famous samurai landlord Date Masamune. To learn more about him, a visit to the ruins of Aoba Castle is mandatory, his statue protect the precinct and the whole area!
Date no Gyutan Honpo Main Store
Content: The typical dish of Sendai is gyutan, beef tounge! So let’s taste it in this great restaurant, several location in town
Zuihōden Temple
Content: The mausoleum of Date Masamune, rich in decoration and surrounded by greenery is the last stop of our trip on Samurai Path. It’s time to come back home! If you are history lovers or simply want to enjoy the real Japan, made of great nature and Samurai, this trip is highly recommended! Explore the northern Japan, you’ll find so many amazing places here! Enjoy your trip!!