Model Plan

Day 1

• Around 13:00

  Arrival at Naruko Onsen Station

  Take the JR Rikuu East Line to Naruko Onsen Station.

• Around 13:00

  Hand Bath Experience at the Station

  Upon arriving at the station, your first stop should be the hand bath spot “Naruko Onsen Poppo-no-Yu,” located right in front of the station. Its hand bath uses natural hot spring water directly from the source, allowing anyone to enjoy the warmth of the onsen for free. It’s a popular place to gently experience Naruko’s unique hot spring culture at the very start of your journey.

  
• Around 14:00

  Lunch at cafe gutto & Naruko Kokeshi Monaka Painting

  For lunch, we recommend “cafe gutto,” located just a short walk from the station. Enjoy their homemade lunch plates and pudding made with “Daikan Tamago,” a specialty egg from Iwadeyama’s natural-raised chickens. You can also paint a monaka shaped like a Naruko kokeshi doll and fill it with butter, sweet bean paste, or ice cream for a delightful hands-on dessert experience.

  
• Around 16:30～17:00

  Transfer to Hotel WAMARE Onikoube

  Let’s head to your accommodation and complete the check-in process.

  
• Around 18:00

  Balcony BBQ (Dinner)

  Enjoy a hassle-free BBQ in a stunning location overlooking the vast natural landscape of Kurikoma Quasi-National Park. With advance reservation, BBQ sets featuring Sendai beef and local vegetables are available as an option. Savoring grilled local ingredients in such an open, panoramic setting is a truly special experience unique to this area.

  

Day 2

• Around 8:00

  Breakfast Buffet at Hotel Onikoube

  You can enjoy the breakfast buffet at the nearby partner facility, Hotel Onikoube. A colorful selection of dishes awaits, featuring Hitomebore rice from Ōsaki and a variety of seasonal ingredients. It’s a popular breakfast that lets you savor the blessings of the local area and start your day feeling nourished and refreshed.

  
• Around 10:00

  Depart for Naruko Gorge

• Around 10:00

  Sightseeing at Naruko Gorge

  Head to Naruko Gorge, one of the most iconic scenic spots of Naruko Onsen. From mid‑October to mid‑November, the gorge transforms into a breathtaking landscape of vivid red and yellow autumn leaves. It’s an unforgettable seasonal highlight.

  
• Around 12:00

  Lunch at “Musubiya,” part of the Naruko Rice Project, featuring Yukimusubi rice

  Enjoy fluffy rice balls made with “Yukimusubi,” a local rice harvested in the Naruko and Onikobe areas. In addition to classic fillings such as plum, okaka, and salmon, you can also try regional specialties like kōji nanban and shiso‑wrapped rice balls. Their simple, gentle flavor offers a comforting moment during your journey.

  
• Around 13:30

  Transfer to Sakurai Kokeshi

• Around 14:00

  Sakurai Kokeshi – Naruko Kokeshi Painting Experience

  At Sakurai Kokeshi, you can experience painting Naruko Kokeshi—one of the signature traditional crafts of the Naruko Onsen area. Using a wooden base crafted by artisans, you can paint your own patterns and expressions to create a one‑of‑a‑kind kokeshi doll. It’s a popular activity for making memorable keepsakes, and even first‑time visitors can join with ease.

  
• Around 16:00

  Day‑trip Hot Springs Around Naruko Onsen Station

  Around Naruko Onsen Station, you’ll find several hot spring facilities perfect for a casual day visit. One of the charms of the Naruko Onsen area is the variety of spring qualities, which differ from place to place, along with soothing, free‑flowing natural hot water. It’s an inviting spot where you can wander into any bath that catches your eye and enjoy a relaxing detour.

• Around 18:00

  Dinner at Bettei En

  Dinner is served at “Bettei En,” featuring a course of homestyle Naruko cuisine. The dishes are thoughtfully prepared using seasonal vegetables and ingredients long cherished in the region, offering a gentle, comforting taste of local home cooking. It’s a warm, heartfelt meal that lets you fully savor the culinary charm of Naruko during your journey.

  
• Around 20:00

  Return to Hotel WAMARE Onikoube

Day 3

• Around 8:00

  Breakfast Buffet at Hotel Onikoube

• Around 10:00

  Check‑out and Transfer to Naruko Onsen Station

• Around 10:30

  Strolling Around Naruko Onsen Station

  On your final day, enjoy a leisurely stroll around Naruko Onsen Station. The streets are filled with nostalgic shops and kokeshi stores, offering a warm, traditional atmosphere unique to Naruko. “Mochidokoro Fukase,” famous for its chestnut dumplings, is located nearby and makes a perfect stop during your walk. Wandering into any spot that catches your interest creates a gentle, relaxing finale to your trip.

  
• Around 12:00

  Lunch (Individual / On Your Own)

• Around 13:00

  Head Home / Return Journey

Map

Day 1

• Around 10:00

  Arrival at Sendai Station

  After completing your rental car arrangements, head first to Matsushima, one of Japan’s Three Scenic Views. The drive from central Sendai toward the coastline offers a refreshing shift in scenery—perfect for the start of your journey. Take your time enjoying Matsushima’s tranquil bay dotted with small islands, a beautiful first taste of nature.

• Around 11:00

  Matsushima Sightseeing

  You can enjoy a cruise that lets you feel the sea breeze as you circle the islands, or take a walk around Godaido and Zuiganji to appreciate the scenery—experiences unique to Matsushima’s harmony with nature. It’s the perfect place to savor the natural beauty of Tohoku early in your journey before heading to Naruko.

  
• Around 13:00

  Lunch (Individual / On Your Own)

• Around 14:00

  Transfer to Naruko Onsen / Onikobe

• Around 15:00

  Shopping at A・La・Date Roadside Station

  After enjoying Matsushima, stop by “A・La・Date Roadside Station” on the way to Naruko. It offers fresh local vegetables, processed foods, and meats—perfect for picking up ingredients for your BBQ. Browsing the spacious market and choosing local specialties is one of the small pleasures of traveling.

  
• Around 16:00

  Travel / Transfer

• Around 17:00

  Arrival at Hotel WAMARE Onikobe & Check‑in

  Once you arrive at your accommodation and check in, start getting ready for your BBQ. Spread out the local ingredients you picked up at the roadside station, light the fire, and enjoy the excitement that only cooking during a trip can bring. A BBQ surrounded by nature is one of the highlights of this journey. Take your time preparing as the evening slowly approaches.

  
• Around 18:00

  Balcony BBQ (Dinner)

  Enjoy a hassle-free BBQ in a stunning location overlooking the vast natural landscape of Kurikoma Quasi-National Park. With advance reservation, BBQ sets featuring Sendai beef and local vegetables are available as an option. Savoring grilled local ingredients in such an open, panoramic setting is a truly special experience unique to this area.

  

Day 2

• Around 8:00

  Preparing a Relaxed Breakfast

  The next morning, prepare breakfast using the ingredients you picked up at A・La・Date Roadside Station. Lay out the fresh vegetables and local specialties, and enjoy the slow, gentle rhythm of getting ready for the day. A handmade breakfast enjoyed in the fresh outdoor air is the perfect way to begin your journey.

  
• Around 10:00

  Packraft Experience at Lake Katanuma

  After breakfast, head to Lake Katanuma, where you can fully immerse yourself in Naruko’s great outdoors. Its emerald‑green waters offer the perfect setting for a packraft experience. As you gently paddle across the calm surface, the reflections of the surrounding mountains and sky create a feeling of becoming one with nature. The quiet moments—hearing only the wind and the sound of water—make this a truly luxurious activity unique to this journey.

  
• Around 12:30

  Lunch at Rest House Kamuro

  After enjoying the packraft experience, have lunch at “Rest House Kamuro,” located within the Onikobe Ski Resort. The open, spacious atmosphere unique to a ski area makes it a perfect place to enjoy set meals, noodles, and other comforting dishes after physical activity. Surrounded by nature, it’s an ideal spot to relax and unwind during lunchtime.

• Around 14:00

  To the Summit by Telecabin

  After lunch, take the telecabin at the Onikobe Ski Resort up to the summit. As the four‑seater gondola slowly climbs in altitude, the view opens up dramatically, revealing a sweeping panorama of Mt. Gassan and Mt. Kurikoma. Once you reach the top, you’ll be embraced by majestic mountain scenery and crisp, clear air—an unforgettable moment of tranquility.

  
• Around 16:00

  Grocery Shopping for Ingredients

• Around 18:00

  Preparing Dinner

  On the second evening, everyone gathers in the well‑equipped kitchen at Hotel WAMARE Onikobe to prepare dinner together. In the spacious kitchen, chopping ingredients and cooking over the heat becomes a joyful shared experience unique to traveling. As the day spent in nature comes to an end, you can relax and enjoy freshly made dishes around the table.

  

Day 3

• Around 8:00

  Breakfast Buffet at Hotel Onikoube

  You can enjoy the breakfast buffet at the nearby partner facility, Hotel Onikoube. A colorful selection of dishes awaits, featuring Hitomebore rice from Ōsaki and a variety of seasonal ingredients. It’s a popular breakfast that lets you savor the blessings of the local area and start your day feeling nourished and refreshed.

  
• Around 10:00

  Arayu Geothermal Field Walk

  At Arayu Jigoku, you can witness dynamic natural phenomena up close, such as sulfur steam vents and barren ground with exposed rock surfaces. The yellow‑tinged hydrogen sulfide steam is an iconic sight of this area, offering a vivid sense of nature’s raw power.

  
• Around 13:00

  Lunch at Daikyū Shōten

  Daikyū Shōten is known for its signature game dishes. The “Boar Soup Set,” “Bear Soup Set,” and the “Oni Soba” with boar and bear meat offer a rich wild aroma and deep umami. Grilled char and sweetfish, as well as the mountain‑vegetable‑packed “Kinoko Oni Soba,” are also popular. The shop carries a wide selection of local souvenirs, including preserved mountain vegetables, gyōja garlic, and bakke miso.

  
• Around 14:30

  Day‑Use Hot Spring at Hotel Onikobe

  In the afternoon, take a relaxing break at the day‑use hot spring of Hotel Onikobe. As you sink into the spacious bath, the fatigue from your activities gently melts away. Surrounded by nature, the quiet atmosphere offers a soothing moment that refreshes both body and mind.

  
• Around 16:00

  Karaoke at Hotel WAMARE Onikobe

  The hotel is equipped with karaoke rooms where you can sing freely without worrying about your surroundings. Sharing travel stories while singing and getting excited together makes the evening even more lively. It’s a cheerful way to end a day spent in nature, with laughter echoing through the night.

  
• Around 18:00

  French Dinner at Hotel Onikobe

  On the final evening, enjoy a luxurious French dinner. The course meal, crafted with local ingredients, brings a refined elegance perfect for concluding your journey. From appetizers to dessert, each dish offers delightful surprises, allowing you to savor a special moment while reflecting on the trip in a relaxed atmosphere.

  

Day 4

• Around 8:00

  Breakfast Buffet at Hotel Onikoube

• Around 10:00

  Check‑out and Transfer to Naruko Onsen Station

• Around 10:30

  Strolling Around Naruko Onsen Station

  
• Around 12:00

  Lunch (Individual / On Your Own)

• Around 13:30

  Transfer to Sendai Station

Map

Day 1

• Around 14:00

  Arrival at Furukawa Station

  Your journey begins with a ride on the Tohoku Shinkansen to Furukawa Station. After arriving, you’ll complete your rental car arrangements at the station and start your drive toward Naruko Onsen. As the rural scenery and mountain ranges unfold outside the window, the anticipation for your upcoming Tohoku adventure grows.

• Around 15:00

  Shopping at A・La・Date Roadside Station

  On the way to Naruko Onsen, stop by the A・La・Date Roadside Station to pick up ingredients for tonight’s BBQ. The market offers a wide selection of fresh local vegetables, meats, and processed foods, making it a fun place to choose ingredients unique to the region. Strolling through the spacious hall while discussing what to cook is one of the joys of the trip.

• Around 16:30

  Arrival at Hotel WAMARE Onikobe & Check‑in

  Once you arrive at your accommodation, check in and start preparing for the BBQ right away.

  
• Around 17:30

  Balcony BBQ (Dinner)

  In front of you stretches the magnificent nature of Kurikoma Quasi‑National Park. Enjoy tonight’s BBQ while taking in this breathtaking view. Even the moments spent lighting the fire and arranging the ingredients feel special, as you reflect on the journey that lies ahead.

  

Day 2

• Around 7:00

  Breakfast Buffet at Hotel Onikoube

  Start your day with a buffet breakfast at the nearby partner facility, Hotel Onikobe. The colorful dishes prepared with local ingredients offer plenty of nourishment for the long journey ahead. In the refreshing morning air, both your body and mind are gently reset as you begin the day.

  
• Around 8:00

  Departure for Shirakawa Lake

  We begin by heading to Shirakawa Lake in Yamagata Prefecture. Enjoy a relaxing drive as you make your way toward the lake.

• Around 11:00

  Arrival at Shirakawa Lake

  At Shirakawa Lake, you can witness the stunning “submerged forest,” a spectacle that appears only during the spring snowmelt. Trees rising from the water create a dreamlike scene, as if you’ve stepped into another world. Reflections of greenery and light ripple gently on the quiet surface, offering a moment so captivating you can’t help but stop and gaze.

  
• Around 13:00

  Lunch at a Roadside Station (Individual)

  Along the way to your destination, you’ll find many charming roadside stations. They offer a wide variety of local ingredients and specialties, making them perfect for lunch or a relaxing break during the trip. You can even pick up ingredients for tonight’s dinner, discovering something new each time you stop. Enjoy the flavors and atmosphere unique to each region as you continue your leisurely drive.

• Around 14:30

  Transfer to Hotel WAMARE Onikobe

• Around 17:00

  Arrival at Hotel WAMARE Onikobe

• Around 18:00

  Preparing Dinner

  Using the ingredients you picked up along the way, start preparing dinner in the well‑equipped kitchen. Cooking local flavors with your own hands is one of the joys unique to travel. As you chop and grill, sharing stories from the day, the moments drift gently with the evening air.

  

Day 3

• Around 7:00

  Breakfast Buffet at Hotel Onikoube

• Around 8:00

  Departure for Hiraizumi

  The second destination is Hiraizumi in Iwate Prefecture. This area is rich with the history and culture shaped by the Oshu Fujiwara clan, home to World Heritage sites such as Chuson‑ji and Motsu‑ji. Here, you’ll experience a different kind of “depth of Tohoku” from what you felt at Shirakawa Lake.

• Around 10:00

  Arrival in Hiraizumi

  In Hiraizumi, you can enjoy the famous Kakkō dango and visit the Golden Hall of Chuson‑ji, a World Heritage site—making it a place where both food‑hopping and historical exploration come together. The atmosphere of the temple approach and the sweet aroma of dango enhance the feeling of being on a journey.

  
• Around 13:00

  Transfer to Ginzan Onsen

  The third destination is Ginzan Onsen, one of Yamagata’s most charming hot spring towns. Its rows of wooden inns along the river evoke the romance of the Taisho era, as if you’ve stepped back in time. Daytime strolls are delightful, but the town becomes truly magical when the lights begin to glow at dusk.

• Around 15:00

  Arrival at Ginzan Onsen

  You arrive at Ginzan Onsen just before dusk. As the sun begins to dip, the town is wrapped in a gentle glow—an ideal moment for a stroll. The wooden inns along the river shimmer softly in the evening light, hinting at the beginning of the “magical hour” when the lamps will soon illuminate the streets.

  
• Around 17:00

  Transfer to Hotel WAMARE Onikobe

• Around 18:00

  Arrival at Hotel WAMARE Onikobe

• Around 18:30

  Preparing Dinner

Day 4

• Around 9:00

  Slow Morning Breakfast at Hotel WAMARE Onikobe

  On the middle day of the trip, take things slow to unwind and recover. Wake up a little later than usual and enjoy preparing breakfast at a relaxed pace using the ingredients you picked up along the way. Gentle morning light pours into the kitchen as steam rises, creating a calm moment that soothes both body and mind.

  
• Around 13:30

  Sakurai Kokeshi – Naruko Kokeshi Painting Experience

  At Sakurai Kokeshi, you can experience painting Naruko Kokeshi—one of the signature traditional crafts of the Naruko Onsen area. Using a wooden base crafted by artisans, you can paint your own patterns and expressions to create a one‑of‑a‑kind kokeshi doll. It’s a popular activity for making memorable keepsakes, and even first‑time visitors can join with ease.

  
• Around 15:00

  Strolling Around Naruko Onsen Station

  Today, let’s spend the day strolling at a relaxed pace. Wander through the streets without rushing, follow your curiosity down small alleys, and stop by any shop that catches your eye. These gentle “moments of pause” in between travels are what truly unwind the heart.

• Around 17:30

  Modern Kaiseki Dinner at Hotel Onikobe

  
• Around 19:30

  Day‑Use Hot Spring at Hotel Onikobe

  To unwind from the journey, take your time soaking in the hot spring. Wrapped in rising steam, your body warms to the core and your mind gently loosens. Simply gazing at the calm surface of the water melts away the day’s fatigue.

  

Day 5

• Around 7:00

  Breakfast Buffet at Hotel Onikoube

• Around 8:00

  Departure for the Dragon Eye

  The fourth destination is the Dragon Eye, known for its mysterious natural phenomenon. It’s a bit of a long journey, but enjoy the scenery along the way and travel safely.

• Around 11:30

  Arrival at the Dragon Eye

  The Dragon Eye, located in Akita Prefecture, is a mystical sight that appears only during the snowmelt season. The pattern on the lake surface resembles the eye of a dragon—truly a miraculous piece of nature’s art. From here, take your time and enjoy this mysterious scenery to the fullest.

  
• Around 13:00

  Transfer to Hotel WAMARE Onikobe

• Around 16:30

  Arrival at Hotel WAMARE Onikobe

• Around 17:30

  Dinner at Bettei En

  Dinner is the “Naruko Home‑Style Cuisine Course” served at the dining place Bettei En. Let the gentle, comforting flavors of the local dishes soothe you as you bring your journey to a warm and relaxed close.

  

Day 6

• Around 8:00

  Breakfast Preparation

• Around 10:00

  Check-out

  Transfer to Furukawa Station

Map