Discover what made a grumpy poet write Japan's most famous travel diary! On this 8-day 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.
Arrive at Sansuiso, a traditional ryokan nestled in the scenic Tsuchiyu Onsen area, where modern comforts blend seamlessly with timeless Japanese traditions. The ryokan is known for its soothing hot spring baths and locally sourced cuisine. At 6:30 pm, we meet our guides in the foyer for a welcome dinner featuring local cuisine and wine.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Sansuiso ryokan, Tsuchiyu Onsen
We meet our guides at 8 am and head south through the landscapes of Fukushima Prefecture. First stop is the home of Bonsai Abe, where we explore the family’s tradition and philosophy of bonsai artistry—how forms are shaped to reflect natural forces like rain, wind, snow, and erosion. From there, we set off on a walk up Mt Issaikyozan, taking in sweeping views of Mt Azuma-Kofuji, an extinct volcano with a striking crater often compared to Mt Fuji, before reaching Goshikinuma Pond, famous for its vivid blue-green hues caused by volcanic minerals. We return to Sansuiso to relax, soak in the onsen, and enjoy dinner.
Meals: Dinner
Hiking: 6.6 km (4.1 mi)
Elevation: +380 m (+1,247 ft)
Accommodation: Sansuiso ryokan, Tsuchiyu Onsen
After a traditional Japanese breakfast, we transfer to the start of the Onsen Trail and head deep into Bandai-Asahi National Park, walking through lush forests and rolling foothills toward Dake Onsen—a hot spring town that has welcomed visitors for over 1,200 years. We learn about its history during the Edo period and its celebrated sake culture, and trace the journey of the spring water through Japan’s longest onsen pipeline before it reaches the baths. We finish the walk with a well-earned soak, followed by lunch at a local restaurant and a dinner of seasonal dishes back at the ryokan.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hiking: 6.6 km (4.1 mi)
Accommodation: Sansuiso ryokan, Tsuchiyu Onsen
After breakfast, we travel to Shiogama and board a boat for a scenic cruise through Matsushima Bay—one of Japan’s celebrated “Three Views,” dotted with hundreds of pine-covered islands. On land, we visit Zuigan-ji Temple, exploring ancient caves carved into the cliffs by monks for ascetic retreats, then move on to Entsu-in Temple, known for its serene gardens and heart-shaped pond. We continue to Fukuurajima Island via the picturesque red-lacquered Fukuurabashi Bridge. The day ends with dinner and a glass of wine or soft drink at Hotel Matsushima Taikanso.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Matsushima Taikanso
After breakfast, we board a boat for a 90-minute cruise along Genbikei Gorge before beginning our walk through the Hiraizumi UNESCO World Heritage Area. We visit Motsu-ji Temple, renowned for its 12th-century Pure Land Buddhist garden, and Takkoku-no-Iwaya Bishamondo, a temple carved directly into the rock face. The route continues to Chuson-ji Temple—the spiritual heart of Hiraizumi, a city that once rivalled Kyoto in cultural importance—where we learn about the powerful Fujiwara clan and the haiku Basho composed here. We end the evening with dinner at Kajitsu no Mori and a traditional dance performance at Ichinoseki Onsen Yamazakura Momonoyu.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Hiking: 10.8 km (6.7 mi)
Accommodation: Kajitsu no Mori
After breakfast, we transfer to Naruko Onsen Station and set off on a 5 km walk to the village of Mogomi, passing rice paddies, small farmhouses, and cedar forests. We stop for lunch at the Naruko Gorge Rest House with views over the gorge, then continue to Kawahata Shrine before following the historic trail to Sakaida—a 5 km route tracing the footsteps of centuries-old travellers through moss-covered stone paths, shaded forest, and open ridgelines. We settle in for the night at Shukubo Daishinbo, a traditional temple lodging, and share dinner together in the tranquil mountain setting.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hiking: 10 km (6.2 mi)
Elevation: +150 m (+492 ft)
Accommodation: Shukubo Daishinbo (temple lodging)
After breakfast, we head to Mt Haguro—one of the three sacred peaks of the Dewa Sanzan—and ascend 2,446 stone steps through an ancient cedar forest on what is known as “the mountain of the present.” A pilgrimage site for over 1,400 years, the mountain holds deep spiritual significance, and at the summit we pause at Dewa Sanzan Shrine before sitting down to Shojin Ryori, the traditional vegetarian cuisine of the Yamabushi monks who still train here. In the afternoon, we transfer to Ginzan Onsen and check in to Ginzanso, where we unwind over a dinner of seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Hiking: 8 km (5 mi)
Accommodation: Ginzanso, Ginzan Onsen
After breakfast at Ginzanso, we take a leisurely stroll through one of Japan’s most atmospheric towns—wooden hot spring inns lining the Ginzan River, old-fashioned gas street lamps, colourful Kote-e paintings on inn walls, and snowflake-tiled roads that feel like a step back in time. We soak our feet at the “Warashiyu” footbath springs along the river and browse the town’s cafes and shops. The trip concludes with a celebratory farewell lunch in Ginzan before we transfer back to Sendai, arriving at approximately 3 pm.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Hiking: 4 km (2.5 mi)
Included:
Add-ons (pricing shown at checkout):
Not included:
To join this Japan walking tour, good fitness is required. You’ll be hiking for 7 days in a row, and the most you’ll cover in a day is 10.8 km (6.7 mi).
The toughest day is the ascent of Mt Haguro, which involves 2,446 stone steps and some steep, rocky sections on the descent. Most other days feature moderate terrain on well-formed paths, village roads, and forest trails, with flexible walking options available each day for those who’d prefer a shorter route.
Want to see what else is there in the area? Discover more Japan walking tours here!
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.
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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 price for this Basho Tohoku walk is based on twin-share rooms, but a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee. You can add it to your booking at checkout.
If you’re a solo traveller happy to share, we’ll do our best to match you with another solo traveller of the same gender. If we’re unable to find a suitable match closer to departure, the single supplement will apply.
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.
Covering all your bases with insurance is mandatory. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.
Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors 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.