In 1689, the Japanese haiku master Matsuo Basho ditched city life and headed north with a notebook. What he found there turned into one of Japan’s greatest literary works—and that’s exactly why we’ll retrace his steps. Over the course of a week, we’ll discover the sacred mountain temples and natural wonders of the Tohoku region. Between learning family bonsai secrets and cruising past pine islands in Matsushima Bay, climbing to monastery feasts on Mount Haguro and drifting down the Mogami River to the sound of folk songs, we might just get what kept Basho’s brush moving. These days, the poet’s journey comes with some upgrades—like luggage that finds its way to our accommodations—but the magic that caught Basho’s eye? That hasn’t changed a bit.
Discover what made a grumpy poet write Japan's most famous travel diary! On this week-long adventure through northern Japan, we'll follow Matsuo Basho's footsteps from coastal Sendai through the mountains of Tohoku. Each day brings something that's survived the centuries: learning tree-shaping secrets at a bonsai workshop, floating through the iconic Matsushima Bay and Mogami River, and hiking to centuries-old temples where monks still follow the old ways. With experienced guides handling all logistics, accommodations and meals included, and our bags moving magically between traditional inns and temple lodgings, we can focus on what matters—collecting stories of our own where some of Japan's best tales began.
You’ll need to arrange your own flight to Tokyo, Japan, and arrive the day before the adventure. Your guides recommend taking the Tohoku Shinkansen (Bullet Train) to Sendai (1.5-hour journey), then staying at the Hotel GrandBach Sendai (not included) before the adventure.
Today, we’ll meet at 7:30am in the Hotel GrandBach Sendai foyer and head on a scenic walk along the Bonsai Trail, surrounded by beautiful gardens and impressive bonsai displays. Then, we’ll visit Bonsai Abe’s home to explore the family’s rich bonsai tradition and learn about the intricate techniques used to shape bonsai trees. Finally, we will transfer to a traditional Japanese inn, Sansuiso, where we can unwind and reflect on the day’s discoveries surrounded by this authentic ryokan’s ambience and warm hospitality.
Meals: Dinner
Hiking: 6 km (3.7 miles), 2 hours; flexible walking options available
Accommodation: Sansuiso Hotel, Fukushima
After breakfast at our accommodation, we’ll transfer to the starting point of the Onsen Trail. Today’s hike takes us through tranquil landscapes, with the soothing sounds of nature accompanying us. After the hike, we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before transferring back to our accommodation to relax. In the evening, we’ll enjoy dinner, savoring seasonal dishes prepared with fresh local ingredients.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 8 km (5 miles), 4 hours; flexible walking options available
Accommodation: Sansuiso Hotel, Fukushima
After a delightful breakfast, we’ll journey from Fukushima to Shiogama, where we’ll board a boat for the Matsushima Bay route. Matsushima is known as one of the three most celebrated scenic sights in Japan. We’ll admire its stunning pine-covered islands, then visit Zuigan-ji Temple and explore ancient caves used by monks for ascetic retreats.
After that, we’ll head to Entsu-in Temple, known for its tranquil gardens and a serene heart-shaped pond. Our journey continues to Fukuurajima Island, where we’ll cross the iconic red Fukuurabashi Bridge and get beautiful views. In the evening, we’ll reflect on the day’s experiences over dinner at our hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: Flexible walking options available
Accommodation: The Lane Hotel
Today’s adventure starts with breakfast, then a transfer to Genbikei Gorge, from where we will walk to Chuson-Ji Temple in Hiraizumi. Along the way, we’ll visit Motsuji Temple and Takkoku-no-Iwaya Bishamondo Temple, a unique temple carved into rock. Once we reach Chuson-Ji, a UNESCO World Heritage site, we’ll explore the Golden Hall and hear the history of the Fujiwara clan. After lunch, we’ll continue to Motsu-Ji Temple. In the evening, we’ll head to our next accommodation for a traditional dinner featuring local Japanese dishes, followed by a traditional dance performance at Ichinoseki Onsen Yamazakura Momonoyu.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 10.8 km (6.7 miles), 5 hours; flexible walking options available
Accommodation: Kajitsu no Mori
After breakfast, we’ll head to the remote Natagiri Pass. Known as Nijunana Magari or “27 Curves”, this historic trail was once traveled by the famed poet Matsuo Basho. The path winds through dense beech forests, with steep ascents and descents. While there is a paved road, we’ll follow the preserved route that Basho himself once walked. Near the summit, we’ll pass the monument to Basho and reflect on his journey.
After the hike, we’ll transfer to the Mogami River for a picturesque boat ride down one of Japan’s most famous waterways. We’ll savor a traditional Oshin lunch box and listen to a local folk song. We’ll then transfer to Shukubo Daishinbo in Tsuruoka for a delightful dinner featuring local ingredients.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 4 km (2.5 miles), 2 hours; flexible walking options available
Accommodation: Shukubo Daishinbo, Tsuruoka
After breakfast at our hotel, we’ll start our hike up Mt. Haguro. As one of the three sacred peaks of the Dewa Sanzan, Mt. Haguro has been a pilgrimage site for over 1,400 years, symbolizing a journey of spiritual rebirth. Today’s path takes us through ancient cedar forests and up 2,446 stone steps, leading to the Dewa Sanzan Shrine at the summit. Here, we’ll pause for prayer and enjoy traditional Shojin Ryori, the vegetarian cuisine of the Yamabushi monks. In the afternoon, we’ll transfer to our last accommodation, where we’ll enjoy dinner made from seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking: 8 km (5 miles), 4 hours; flexible walking options available
Accommodation: Ginzanso, Ginzan Onsen
We’ll enjoy a final breakfast before strolling through the picturesque town of Ginzan, famous for its traditional wooden hot spring inns and gas street lamps. We’ll admire colorful pictures known as Kote-e on the walls of hot spring inns and snowflake designs on tiles on the roads. Along the way, we can relax our feet in hot springs rising directly from the Warashiyu footbaths along the Ginzan River. After some free time to explore this charming town, we’ll enjoy a celebratory final lunch before returning to Sendai, ending our memorable tour at approximately 3pm.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Hiking: 4 km (2.5 miles), 1 hour; flexible walking options available
Included:
Add-ons:
Not included:
This Basho Tohoku walk is rated easy to moderate. Daily hikes typically range from 4 to 10.8 km (2.5 to 6.7 miles). Flexible walking options are possible each day if you’d like a shorter route. The days are suitable for people with a good fitness level, with certain trails involving steeper ascents.
We recommend preparing by going on longer walks and including some uphill hikes in your routine to build stamina before the trip.
You can find more detailed information about the hiking distances in the itinerary.
Looking to explore a different side of Japan? Check out this trail hike!
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans. Your luggage will be transferred from one point to another, so you don’t need to worry about hauling your luggage with you.
You’ll receive a detailed packing list before your departure.
Group sizes and pricing
A Basho Tohoku walk can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The starting point of your Basho Tohoku walk is Sendai. To get there, it’s recommended you fly into Haneda Airport (HND) in Tokyo and take the Tohoku Shinkansen (bullet train) to Sendai (1.5 hours journey). Please plan to arrive in the area a day before your adventure starts.
Once you’re there, you will meet your guide at 7:30am on Day 1 in the foyer of the Hotel GrandBach Sendai. While your guides recommend staying in this hotel prior to your adventure, please note that it is not included in the price.
Medical and travel protection is mandatory for this adventure. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!
Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!
Deposits
You can secure one of the set dates with a 30% deposit upon booking. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.
Cancellations
Booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:
Basic
Flexible
Super Flexible
