Included: Experienced Japanese and English-speaking hiking guides with extensive knowledge of the area 7-day Basho Tohoku walk with flexible walking options each day Accommodation: 6 nights in authentic hotels and lodges All meals: 6 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners (dinners with sake, beer, or soft drinks) Luggage transfers (this is a pack-free fully supported walk with no heavy packs to carry) Private vehicle transfers (no trains) Experiences as in the itinerary: Art of Bonsai Demonstration Boat cruise Shiogama Traditional dance performance A cruise down the Mogami River Traditional Shinto ritual at the Dewa Sanzan shrine Add-ons: Single supplement — $785 Not included: International or domestic flights Airport transfers, taxes, and excess baggage charges Special dietary requirements Visa and passport fees Personal expenses Guide gratuities — optional Travel and medical insurance — mandatory

How fit do I need to be?

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 !

What do I need to bring?

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring: Small day pack for items you might need throughout the day Hiking poles — optional Passport, visa, and indemnity form Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity) Lightweight hiking boots or shoes Comfortable hiking clothes Spare clothes for layering Waterproof rain jacket Sunhat Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, tissues, etc.) Headlamp or flashlight Sunglasses Camera — optional (but recommended) 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 age requirements

Group sizes and pricing For this Basho Tohoku walk, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 9:1. It takes a minimum of 4 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 12 participants. Solo travelers can join this adventure and either pay the single supplement at checkout or share a room. If you choose to share a room, your guides will try to match you with another solo traveler of the same gender.If no match is found by around 8 weeks before departure, you will be required to pay the single supplement. A Basho Tohoku walk can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements. Min. age requirements If you are older than 18, you’re good to go. Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the Basho Tohoku walk on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Getting there and meeting location

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.

Safety measures and insurance

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!

SENDAI | JAPAN

Basho Tohoku Walk: Hike the Japanese Poet’s Trail

Red bridge in Ginzan Onsen on the Basho Tohoku route

Woman soaking her legs in an outdoor Japanese foot hot spring bath

Fukuura island and the iconic Fukuurabashi bridge in Japan

Mogami river and Mogami gorge on the Basho Tohoku route

Onsen trail on the Basho Tohoku route in Japan

From $4,350 ()

Duration

7 days

Season

April through October

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Intro
Itinerary
Brochure
Accommodation
Things to know

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.

Adventure highlights

The footsteps of the wise

Hike the storied paths of Japan’s greatest haiku poet through forests, shrines, and river valleys
Local secrets

Discover the art of bonsai, join a Shinto ritual, and sail through Japan’s most scenic bay
Onsen-sational stays

Unwind in traditional accommodations with cozy rooms, onsens (natural hot springs), and local cuisine

Itinerary

Download itinerary

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

Basho Tohoku Walk: Hike the Japanese Poet’s Trail

Adventure Brochure

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If you have questions or need help with planning a trip, schedule a call with one of our adventure experts.

Meet your guides

5.00

Tetsuo

Tetsuo is a fantastic guide for adventures and tours in Japan. He is kind and patient, and has heaps of knowledge that he shares with people in a gentle and generous manner. His English is perfect.

5.00

Life’s an Adventure was founded in 2008 by Mark Norek with a simple but transformative idea—hiking should be about more than just walking. Inspired by his own experiences, Mark introduced the Pack-Free Walking Experience, combining stunning trails with comfort, luxury, and unforgettable moments. As the company grew, so did its vision, expanding to include immersive cultural experiences, fine dining, and exclusive access to remote landscapes. Today, Life’s an Adventure ensures every journey is about more than just the trail—it’s about truly experiencing the destination.

Accommodation

Authentic hotels and lodges

After days full of adventure, we’ll unwind in some of the best accommodations in each area. The Sansuiso Hotel in Fukushima will give us the ultimate relaxation with its open-air hot springs and mountain views. At the Lane Hotel, we’ll enjoy a tranquil seaside retreat with elegant Japanese-style rooms and fresh seafood cuisine. Kajitsu no Mori will be our peaceful forest getaway with cozy rooms and locally sourced meals. Then, we’ll stay at Shukubo Daishinbo, an authentic temple lodging where we’ll enjoy shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) and a meditative atmosphere. Our journey concludes at Ginzanso in Ginzan Onsen, a charming ryokan with soothing onsen baths overlooking a river.

Throughout our stays, expect warm Japanese hospitality, exquisite regional cuisine, and unforgettable cultural experiences. In the event an accommodation is not available, a comparable option will be found.

Things to know

Included:
- - Experienced Japanese and English-speaking hiking guides with extensive knowledge of the area
  - 7-day Basho Tohoku walk with flexible walking options each day
  - Accommodation: 6 nights in authentic hotels and lodges
  - All meals: 6 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners (dinners with sake, beer, or soft drinks)
  - Luggage transfers (this is a pack-free fully supported walk with no heavy packs to carry)
  - Private vehicle transfers (no trains)
  - Experiences as in the itinerary:
    
    Art of Bonsai Demonstration
    
    Boat cruise Shiogama
    
    Traditional dance performance
    
    A cruise down the Mogami River
    
    Traditional Shinto ritual at the Dewa Sanzan shrine
Add-ons:
- - Single supplement — $785
Not included:
- - International or domestic flights
  - Airport transfers, taxes, and excess baggage charges
  - Special dietary requirements
  - Visa and passport fees
  - Personal expenses
  - Guide gratuities — optional
  - Travel and medical insurance — mandatory
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:
- - Small day pack for items you might need throughout the day
  - Hiking poles — optional
  - Passport, visa, and indemnity form
  - Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
  - Lightweight hiking boots or shoes
  - Comfortable hiking clothes
  - Spare clothes for layering
  - Waterproof rain jacket
  - Sunhat
  - Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, tissues, etc.)
  - Headlamp or flashlight
  - Sunglasses
  - Camera — optional (but recommended)
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
- - For this Basho Tohoku walk, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 9:1.
  - It takes a minimum of 4 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 12 participants.
  - Solo travelers can join this adventure and either pay the single supplement at checkout or share a room. If you choose to share a room, your guides will try to match you with another solo traveler of the same gender.If no match is found by around 8 weeks before departure, you will be required to pay the single supplement.
A Basho Tohoku walk can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements
- - If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  - Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the Basho Tohoku walk on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
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
- - In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
  - For cancellations 90 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a 70% refund of the trip price.
  - For cancellations 0-89 days before the trip, there is no refund.
Flexible
- - In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
  - For cancellations 90 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
  - For cancellations 60-89 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
  - For cancellations 0-59 days before the trip, there is no refund.
Super Flexible
- - In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
  - For cancellations 60 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
  - For cancellations 0-59 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.