June 3, 2023JapanJapan
DAY 1
TOKYO to TOHOKU (by Shinkansen)
Getting to the Tohoku area is very easy! Take the shinkansen to the Tohoku area, about a 1.5-hour ride. The price of the shinkansen varies, depending on which city you want to get off in. My trip yesterday, I got on from Tokyo Station and then got off at Shiroishizao Station. The ticket price is around JPY 13,000.
LUNCH @TEUCHISOBA MURAKAMI
For lunch, you can try soba! The tempura is really good. The soup is also delicious, perfect for eating in the cold air of spring.
FUNAOKA CASTLE RUINS PARK
First sakura spot! The area is large, and iconic especially because there is a slope car ride that you can ride through the rows of cherry trees. Not only sakura, here there are also other plants that are no less beautiful.
HITOME SENBONZAKURA
Imagine that there is an 8 KM road that stretches with more than 1000 cherry trees on its side? You can find it here at Hitome Senbonzakura. It’s a pity that when I came it was raining. But still beautiful, you know!
STAY @ HOTEL MATSUSHIMA TAIKANSHO
You will love the room with the huge windows because of the view! The room is ryokan style but more modern because it uses a mattress instead of a futon. The dinner is also very diverse, the concept is buffet.
DAY 2:
SHIOGAMA SHRINE
Who knew that a shrine would also be a perfect spot for sakura-hunting? Try visiting Shiogama Shrine. Besides being a popular shrine for locals to pray, this temple is also extra beautiful during sakura. Beautiful pink cherry blossom meets the red color of the temple building, so pretty!
STRAWBERRY PICKING @ JR Fruit Park Sendai Arahama
One of my favorite activities throughout this trip! For 30 minutes you can pick strawberries to your heart’s content! For strawberry lovers, you must try! The strawberry is also big, red, and sweetss!
Not only strawberries, but can be other fruits. Depending on the season, yes. The price is around JPY 2000 / person, depending on the season.
LUNCH @ MOROYA FARM KITCHEN
As the name implies, all the ingredients in this restaurant are taken from the nearest garden. Fresh! It’s really delicious, you must try.
HANAMI @ TSUTSUJIGAOKA PARK
Often heard of hanami culture (picnic under the cherry blossom trees), I finally got to see it for myself! It’s really exciting! It seems that everyone in this park is happy. The atmosphere is impeccable. You can see how locals interact and of course enjoy sakura.
SHOPPING @ SENDAI STATION
Sendai Station, is the largest station in the Tohoku region. There are so many areas around it for shopping. Want to try Sendai’s original delicacy? Try zunda! Crushed edamame, aka pounded edamame beans. Processed into various types, from snacks to milkshakes. The milkshake is really delicious, must try!
STAY @ SURIKAMITEI OTORI
Another ryokan stay! This time the scenery is pretty countryside. And in the morning there was snow, you know!
DAY 3
HANAMIYAMA PARK
Flower overdosed, in a good way of course! This large area is private property but is now open to the public and free of charge! Not only can you see sakura, but various other types of beautiful flowers.
LUNCH @ ENBAN GYOZA MANPUKU
I’m usually not too fond of gyoza (never found one that I like in Indonesia), but it’s really good here! The gyoza style is crispier than Japanese gyoza in general. One large plate of 30 pcs! It’s just right to eat while drinking beer.
MIHARU TAKIZAKURA
Meet one of the oldest sakura trees in Japan! The name takizakura, from the word taki which means ‘waterfall’. The shape of the tree is like a waterfall, right? It is more than 1000 years old!
UMBRELLA DISPLAY @ HOTEL LISTEL INAWASHIRO
Photo spots in Japan are just beyond! There is an umbrella installation located in the Hotel Listel Inawashiro area. In front of it is a shallow pool filled with water, its function is for reflection from water. Creative!
STAY @ OOKAWASO
One of the most aesthetically pleasing hotels I’ve ever stayed at! Coming was greeted by the strains of shamisen, a traditional Japanese stringed instrument. At the back is a gorgeous river, it can be seen from the bedroom window. It is said that this ryokan is also the inspiration for the Demon Slayer anime location, you know!
DAY 4
AIZU SAMURAI RESIDENCES
Curious about samurai? Try playing at his house! Yes, there is a museum that is reconstructed like the house of one of the samurai in ancient times. The design is very authentic, it feels like riding a time machine to the past. The location is in the Aizu area.
Bonus, in the Aizu Samurai Residences area, the cherry blossoms are also very beautiful!
TSURUGAJO CASTLE
No trip to Japan is complete without going to the castle! Try Tsurugajo Castle! Besides being able to go inside to see the scenery from the top floor, the cherry blossoms here are also very beautiful! There is also a Rinkaku tea room where you can try green tea.
NANUKAMACHI TOWN
Strolling around this beautiful town named Nanukamachi! There are many beautiful shops and cafes that you can visit. One of them is Akabeko Cafe, a café with the theme of Aizu regioni’s mascot that is really gemes!
NICCHU LINE WEEPING CHERRY BLOSSOM
Again along the road lined with cherry trees. It’s really beautiful, especially with the mountain background. The shape of the tree here is also ducked because it is called ‘weeping’.
STAY @ FUJIYA
I recommend staying at the ryokan. It feels very Japanese experience as well as here.
DAY 5
SAKE VENDING MACHINE @ PONSHUKAN
Do you love sake? If yes, this is a must visit for you! You can try so many types of sake, and it’s really cheap! Only starting from JPY 100 for a small glass. The shape is a vending machine! The location is at Niigata Station!
