Travel

We visited Hokkaido in the last edition, covering its attractions, cuisine, and fun activities. We have carefully selected an itinerary featuring the best vacation places peculiar to Japan, including views of beautiful lakes and special tours of historic whisky museums. This edition of the itinerary is no different. We’re taking you south of Hokkaido to the fascinating and enigmatic Tohoku Region in this article for the Japan Agenda: The Premium Travel Blueprint series. This place will enthrall you and may even inspire you to prolong your five-day visit.

In keeping with the topic of lesser-known destinations, the Tohoku Region is a great spot to start thinking about where to go on vacation. This area offers a variety of activities for all kinds of adventurers. This region needs to be on your list of locations to visit in Japan because it offers stunning scenery, temples, and monuments in addition to forests.

Day 1: Sendai (Arrival)

Sendai is the Gateway to the North of Japan. It’s only an hour and a half from Tokyo Station via Shinkansen.

Morning: Arrive at Sendai via Shinkansen from Tokyo Station.

Afternoon: Check in at the relaxing Hoshino Resorts KAI Akiu and rest your body at the hot spring within resort premises, where you can learn about hot springs and its qualities. You may also take this to visit the nearby picturesque sights like the Rairaikyo Gorge and Akiu Otaki Falls.

Evening: Enjoy a special kaiseki dinner in the resort with premium seasonal ingredients, served on a lacquer standing tray, similar to how daimyo’s received their meals.

Day 2: Matsushima Bay

Morning: If you’re looking to experience other premium accommodations, check out of Hoshino Resorts KAI Akiu and check-in at Mitsui Garden Hotel!

Take the train to Matsushima, and experience one of Japan’s many incredible seascapes. Matsushima Bay is one of the most beautiful in the world and it’s best appreciated by boat. Book one of the many tours from the city and see what makes this region special.

Afternoon: For lunch, you must try the salt-water eels. These anago are a popular dish in the summertime and are particular to this region. After sampling the local cuisine, learn a little more about the history of the place. Ruler and warlord, Date Masamune, left behind historical sites such as Zuiganji Temple, Entsuin Temple, and the Kanrantei Tea House. Spend the afternoon exploring these fascinating treasures.

Evening: Head back to Sendai for some bar hopping. Some good options are among the back alleys and izakaya houses of Bunka-yokocho (back alley cafes) and Iroha-yokocho (a historic arcade). After drinking and eating like a local, spend a night recharging at the Mitsui Garden Hotel in Sendai.

Day 3: Hiraizumi, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Iwate Prefecture

Morning: Book a car and drive the hour to Hiraizumi. Explore the Chūson-ji Temple and visit the Konjikidō or Golden Hall. After that, check out Mōtsū-ji Temple, known for its beautiful garden.

Afternoon: After lunch of wanko soba, which is like a small plates tapas experience but with refills of your soba bowl, head over to the Geibikei Gorge and book a boat trip. You don’t want to miss the pristine natural landscapes in this area.

Evening: Spend the evening in the quaint mountain town of Ginzan Onsen. It’s one of the most picturesque onsens in Japan so you won’t want to miss it.

Day 4: Yamagata

Morning: Drive to Yamagata. Give yourself some time to take in the trip. Have a leisurely lunch of Yamagata beef at a place like Yamagata Sugi Beef.

Afternoon: Hike to the incredible Yamadera Temple and experience scenic views from a structure perched on the side of the mountain.

Evening: Check-in at another luxury hotel like the Hotel Metropolitan Yamagata with its spotless rooms and nice view of the surrounding area. If you manage to get up after all those steps from Yamadera Temple, walk around Yamagata’s many vibrant neighborhoods!

Day 5: Sendai (departure)

Morning: Head back to Sendai and get your bearings after such a whirlwind trip!

Afternoon: Go on a tour of the city to say goodbye! There are some wonderful temples and castles in Sendai as well. Be sure to try Zunda-mochi, a unique Sendai delicacy of a sweet soybean rice cake.

If you are more into shopping, there are some great options for retail therapy. There are the Sendai Izumi Premium Outlets. The shopping center is a half hour away from your hotel by car.  Another option is Mitsui Outlet Park Sendai Port which is thirty minutes by car from Sendai Station. It’s the largest outlet mall in Tohoku. If you are looking for something closer to home, there is also Sendai PARCO which is just in front of Sendai Station.

Evening: Head back to Tokyo Station on the Shinkansen.

This itinerary represents a small portion of what the Tohoku region has to offer. Although a five-day journey is a lot, you’ll find that Tohoku’s stunning natural surroundings and engrossing history will entice you to return time and time again.

Next time, extend your stay to discover the hidden locations that are only known to the locals. In case you forget that this region is also a winter wonderland, there are winter activities to engage in, trekking on Mt. Zao, and day trips to Fukushima! Summertime is a busy time of year, so it’s easy to forget. See the places and keep an eye out for the schedule for next month to assist you in organizing your subsequent trip to Japan.

The leading provider of sea travel solutions in the Philippines, 2GO, announces that tickets purchased through 2GO now include terminal fees from the Manila North Passenger Port. This modification is a result of the dedication of Manila North Harbour Port Inc. (MNHPI) and 2GO Travel to improve outbound passenger convenience and overall experience.

There will be no more separate terminal fees for customers buying tickets for any of 2GO Travel’s routes leaving from the North Port Passenger Terminal as of right now. Sea travel is made more efficient by this integration, which speeds up the boarding procedure and cuts down on time spent at the port.

“We are committed to making sea travel as smooth and enjoyable as possible for our passengers. By including terminal fees in our ticket prices, we’re taking a significant step toward simplifying the boarding process and ensuring a hassle-free and efficient journey for everyone,” said Sharon Ngo, Business Unit Head of 2GO Sea Solutions.

2GO Travel remains dedicated to offering reliable and affordable sea transportation services across the Philippines. This new policy is part of a series of enhancements designed to improve customer satisfaction and set new standards in the maritime travel industry.

In conjunction with the news, 2GO is launching a nationwide  PHP 99 SEA SALE,  that will take place from July 17–20. Travelers can take advantage of this promotion to book sailings from August to November 2024 at a great discount. The goal of this deal is to offer reasonably priced travel options around the Philippines within the time frame given.

Visit travel.2go.com.ph or download the 2GO App from the App Store or Google Play Store to buy tickets for 2GO Travel.

Japan is undoubtedly a nation with limitless possibilities, praised and enjoyed for its dynamic cities, rich culture that endures, and customs that are valued by successive generations. Beyond Tokyo and Kyoto, two highly regarded cities for both people and visitors, is a hidden gem and invaluable experience just waiting to be discovered. Where are they located? This is the Japan Agenda: The Premium Travel Blueprint, a specially crafted and exclusive travel schedule created for those looking for unmatched luxury and the side of Japan that provides unrivaled opportunities for adventure. A customized journey replete with encounters with placid mountain vistas, peaceful historic villages, and communities undisturbed by the hustle and bustle of contemporary life is in store.

This first edition of Japan Agenda: The Premium Travel Blueprint offers a cool, premium, hand-crafted tour around Japan’s northernmost area, Hokkaido, to escape the heat. Explore a region brimming with elegance and beauty in every corner, from breathtaking walks through the natural world to fine dining options.

Day 1: Arrival in Chitose

Morning: Arrive at New Chitose Airport. You can get there by taking a connecting flight to Narita Airport or Haneda Airport from NAIA, then flying from Tokyo to Chitose via Japan Airlines, All Nippon Airways,  Jetstar or other domestic flight options.

Afternoon: Take a breather from your long journey at the New Chitose Airport Onsen before checking into a premium hotel like Portom International Hokkaido. All of these locations are within the New Chitose Airport complex, making for an easy trip around.

Evening: Enjoy a delicately-crafted sushi dinner at Uogashi No, 52 Sushi.

Day 2: Lake Toya

Morning: Take a private car to Lake Toya from Chitose. If you’re looking for accommodation nearby, there are some luxury hotels like The Windsor Hotel Toya.

Afternoon:  Breathe in the beautiful view of Lake Toya and its clear waters. You can even take the ropeway to see the lake from the top of one of Japan’s most active volcanoes.

Evening: Witness the splendor in the sky with the fireworks show held every night from April to October, made more beautiful when viewed from a lakeside hotel or a boat.

Day 3: Sapporo

Morning: Arrive in Sapporo Station and visit the JR Tower Observation Deck T38 to get a birds-eye view of the city’s charm.

Afternoon: Learn about the famous Sapporo Beer at the Sapporo Beer Museum. Around the area, you can also find imaginative art at the Sapporo Art Park and experience Hokkaido-style ramen in places such as Sapporo’s Ramen Alley and Ramen Dojo.

Evening: End the day with a shopping trip in Sapporo Factory, with many restaurants to choose from for a hearty dinner.

Day 4: Furano & Biei

Morning: Via private car, take a day trip to the colorful Furano and Biei. From fields blanketed with a palette of flowers, to vibrant sky-blue ponds, it’s hard not to stop in awe of these painterly landscapes.

Afternoon: Stop by one of many restaurants and cafes at Biei while you enjoy more vivid views.

Evening: Furano wine is renowned all around Japan. Tour Furano for an exquisite wine tasting experience while learning about their craft as you observe their unique process.

Day 5: Chitose & Departure

Morning: Go on a last-minute shopping trip in AEON CHITOSE to get special pasalubong for the people at home. 

Afternoon: Have some soothing afternoon tea and filling breads and pastries at Doremo LeTAO before your flight home.

Evening: Return to New Chitose airport and relax on the travel back home.

Additional Recommendations:

Hakodate: If you’re willing to go the extra mile, or situate yourself elsewhere in Hokkaido, enjoy a one-of-a-kind seafood breakfast at Hakodate.

Unkai Terrace: Witness a sunrise like no other at the Unkai Terrace. Located in Shimukappu, Hokkaido, stay at Hoshino Resorts Tomamu atop the enchanting sea of clouds.

Yoichi: For whisky enthusiasts, visit the Japanese Premium Whisky Distillery for an exclusive look at how the famous Japanese Whisky is made.

Take this itinerary for a trip filled with amazing views, first-rate experiences, and life-changing interactions. Take a closer look at Hokkaido to uncover a destination with a unique charm.

Keep an eye out for the introduction of a brand-new, thrilling itinerary that is specifically designed for you next month. Come on fascinating excursions and artisanal adventures with Japan Agenda: The Premium Travel

Sakura, or cherry blossoms, are linked with springtime in Japan. Visitors from all over the world swarm to the well-known locations where these exquisite trees burst into bloom for a few weeks every year. But Japanese flowers are so much more than just cherry blossoms! There is a flower for every occasion and spot to enjoy it, from the first plum blossoms in March to the tulip fields of May.

Toyama

Tonami Tulip Park

Tonami Tulip Park is located in Toyama Prefecture. Every year, millions of tulips blossom, bringing millions of colors to the village of Tonami from the last week of April to the first week of May. The state flower of Toyama Prefecture is the tulip, and the expansive flower fields make for a wonderful spot to pause and capture a photo for Instagram. Two of the most popular locations for photos are the observation deck and the Valley of Flowers.

To get to the area from Tokyo, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Shin-Takaoka. From there, you can take a local train. The easiest way to do it with a JR pass is to take the JR Johana Line to Tonami Station and then proceed to the Tulip Park on foot. The walk should take about 15 minutes. There are also taxis and shuttles available for a price.

Fukui

Nishiyama Park

While the park has beautiful cherry blossom trees, there is so much more to explore in Nishiyama Park. In the late-spring, Azaleas are in bloom which means the park is blanketed in pinks and reds. There is also a zoo where you can go and see red pandas!

Nishiyama park is fairly accessible to motorists. It’s right next to a roadside station. It is also about a 15-minute walk from Sabae JR station.

Ibaraki

Suigo Itako Iris Festival

At the end of spring, the irises come out. Japanese irises are unique and beautiful flowers that bloom right before Summer. Every year there is a festival celebrating them. Hundreds of thousands of people flock to Itako, Ibaraki for flowers and fun! There is music, dancers, and many other cultural shows to celebrate the end of spring and the start of summer.

Itako Station is on the JR Kashima Line, which runs between Kashima-Jingu Station and Sawara Station. The trip should take about 40 minutes from Narita.

Saitama

Chichibu Hitsujiyama Park

Some parts of the world really are all sunshine and rainbows! With fields blanketed in shades of pink, shibazakura start their bloom in early May, and are laid out to form intricate patterns, composing the perfect swan song to Spring. The park also has patches of plums and tulips, with vendors selling souvenirs to take home.

The best way to get there is through the hour and a half train ride from Ikebukuro to Seibu Chichibu station. From the station, the park is a 20-minute walk away.

Fukuoka

Kawachi Fujien Wisteria Garden

If you are looking for a magical place to take pictures and videos, venture through the enchanting Wisteria tunnels in Fukuoka! These soft-purple and white flowers bloom when April ends, the fields are full of them. With blooms everywhere surrounding the ethereal wisteria dome, The Wisteria Garden is truly a sight to behold.

The garden is a 55-minute walk from Yahata Station, or through taxi as an alternative. Kawachi Fujien is especially popular with tourists during Golden Week, so be sure to plan accordingly!

In Japan, spring has arrived, flowers are emerging from the earth all around the land, and life is emerging from its hibernation. This time of year, when the world is awash in vivid hues and enticing scents, has a particular charm. Even though cherry blossoms continue to be popular, there are a ton of other flowers to see!

Don’t pass up this amazing opportunity to see the country of unending discoveries! See the stunning flowers that bloom every spring in Japan, which serve as the inspiration for hundreds of artworks!

The appeal of nature is stronger than ever in a world where digital distractions are all around us. The Forest Crest Nature Hotel and Resort in Nasugbu is charming precisely because of this. This vast 100-hectare paradise is more than just a place to go on vacation; it’s an open invitation to escape everyday life and feel the peaceful embrace of nature.

Camping at Forest Crest means something entirely different. Not only is it a great way to decompress, but it’s also a chance to take in the tranquil atmosphere of the forest, take in the clean air, and make lifelong memories. Here, the objective is to set off on a comprehensive adventure that nourishes the body and the soul, not just to get away.

Forest Crest is more than your typical resort. With 70% of the property blanketed in rich greenery, it welcomes not just families, but also weekend adventurers and groups of friends seeking an extraordinary escape from the mundane. Picture wide-open spaces that can accommodate up to 1500 people for team-building activities and day tours for a staggering 20,000 visitors.

A camping vacation at Forest Crest is tucked away in the protective arms of nature. Imagine daring treetop excursions, thrilling ATV rides, and forest treks all set against the breathtaking backdrop of nature’s grandeur.

Forest Crest facilitates accessibility for all campers, regardless of experience level, by offering reasonably priced tent rentals for novices and experienced campers alike.