East Japan Golden Route Journey Beyond the Classics

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Hakodate: Goryokaku Park

Aomori: Nebuta Festival / Designer: Hiroo Takenami

Hachinohe: Tanesashi Coast Trail

Morioka: Morioka Castle Ruins Park

Sendai: Jozenji-dori Avenue

Hakodate: Goryokaku Park

Aomori: Nebuta Festival / Designer: Hiroo Takenami

Hachinohe: Tanesashi Coast Trail

Morioka: Morioka Castle Ruins Park

Sendai: Jozenji-dori Avenue

East Japan’s Hidden Treasures: Your Next Japanese Adventure

Explore the East Japan Golden Route, connecting Tokyo with Sendai, Morioka, Aomori, and Hakodate by Shinkansen. With a convenient transportation pass, you can enjoy unlimited travel on both the Shinkansen and JR local lines. Discover the unique charms of Tohoku and Hokkaido, and experience a more authentic, off-the-beaten-path side of Japan.

Shinkansen

Hakodate

Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station

Hakodate is renowned for its stunning night views, historic Goryokaku Fort, and the picturesque Motomachi district. Here, you can enjoy fresh seafood at the morning market and relax in the hot springs.

The night view of Hakodate

The night view of Hakodate

The night view from Mt. Hakodate was published in the Michelin Green Guide with a three-star rating. The reason for its acclaim lies in the impressive scenery seen from the summit.

Kanemori Bay Area

Kanemori Bay Area

This popular tourist spot, known for its historic red brick warehouses, is the perfect place for shopping, dining, and enjoying a seaside stroll.

Japanese “Snack” Bar Hopping

Special Experience

Japanese “Snack” Bar Hopping

Coming soon

Aomori

Shin-Aomori Station

Aomori is famous for the Nebuta Festival and offers beautiful natural landscapes along with many tourist attractions, such as Mt. Hakkoda and the Aomori Museum of Art. Fresh seafood is also a must-try.

Nebuta House Wa Rasse

Nebuta House Wa Rasse

Nebuta House Wa Rasse is a facility where you can experience the Nebuta Festival year-round. It features impressive large-scale nebuta floats and exhibits.

Nokke-don

Nokke-don

At Furukawa Market, you can enjoy creating your own rice bowl by combining seafood, meat, and more ingredients to your liking!

Enjoy Chairing at Sukayu Onsen

Special Experience

Enjoy Charing at Sukayu Onsen

Coming soon

Hachinohe

Hachinohe Station

Hachinohe is a charming port town where you can enjoy beautiful coastlines and fresh seafood. Popular attractions include the Hasshoku Center and Sanriku Fukko National Park.

Michinoku Coastal Trai

Michinoku Coastal Trail

Starting in Hachinohe, this 1,000-kilometer trail offers the chance to enjoy beautiful coastlines, nature, and cultural landmarks.

Miroku Yokocho

Miroku Yokocho

Miroku Yokocho in Hachinohe is a lively alley with food stalls, offering local seafood, yakitori, and drinks, perfect for experiencing Hachinohe’s authentic flavors.

Morioka

Morioka Station

Morioka, in the heart of Iwate Prefecture, blends history and nature with its castle ruins, old streets, and local delicacies like Wanko Soba. In spring, the Ishiwarizakura cherry tree’s blossoms captivate visitors.

Bank of Iwate Red Brick Building

Bank of Iwate Red Brick Building

This historic, beautifully designed tourist spot lets you enjoy exhibitions and a café while experiencing the atmosphere of the Meiji era.

Wanko Soba

Wanko Soba

Wanko Soba is a famous Morioka dish where you eat as many small bowls of soba noodles as possible, competing by counting bowls.

Sendai

Sendai Station

Sendai, known as the “City of Trees,” harmonizes nature and city life with attractions like Sendai Castle Ruins, Zuihoden Mausoleum, and Jozenji-dori Avenue. It is also known for local delicacies like gyutan (grilled beef tongue) and zunda mochi (sweet soybean paste rice cakes).

Zuihoden Mausoleum

Zuihoden Mausoleum

Zuihoden is the mausoleum of Date Masamune, the founder of the Sendai Domain, and is known for its historic buildings, ornate architecture, and beautiful gardens.

Sendai Castle Ruins

Sendai Castle Ruins

Sendai Castle, built by Date Masamune, the founder of the Sendai Domain, now lies in ruins and is part of a park offering panoramic views of Sendai City and the Hirose River.

Matcha Experience at Ungai

Special Experience

Matcha Experience at Ungai

Coming soon

Shinkansen - The Most Convenient Way to Explore the East Japan Golden Route

Maximum Speed

Tokyo to Morioka: 320 km/h (Approx. 200 mph)
Morioka to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto: 260 km/h (Approx. 160 mph)

Number of Services

52 per day

*Number of Hayabusa trains to/from Tokyo as of September 2024.

Two types of JR Passes that make your journey more convenient!

There are two types of transportation passes, the JR East-South Hokkaido Rail Pass and the JR East Pass, which allow you to travel around Northern Japan at a more affordable price. These passes provide unlimited rides on the Shinkansen and local lines within the designated areas.

Please refer to the map to see the lines you can take, and the areas and cities you can visit with these passes.

JR East-South Hokkaido Rail Pass

Adult ¥35,000
Child ¥17,500

Validity Period: 6 consecutive days

More Detail
JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area)

Adult ¥30,000
Child ¥15,000

Validity Period: 5 consecutive days

(Adult: 12 years old or above / Child: 6-11 years old)

More Detail

*Information as of September 2024. Please note that fares are subject to change without notice.

Tohoku Map

How to Purchase

1On the website (recommended)

You can purchase passes via the JR-EAST Train Reservation website.

Advantages
  1. Passes purchased via JR-EAST Train Reservation can conveniently be picked up at Reserved Seat Ticket Vending Machines with a passport reader.
  2. You can reserve a seat up to one month in advance.
  3. Reserved seat tickets can be picked up at Reserved Seat Ticket Vending Machines even outside of ticket office hours.

*Pick-up via vending machines is only compatible with passports with IC chips.

JR-EAST Train Reservation

2In Japan

You can purchase passes at Reserved Seat Ticket Vending Machines with a passport reader or at designated ticket sales locations in Japan.

*Purchase via vending machines is only compatible with passports with IC chips.

Locations of ticket offices Locations of Reserved Seat Ticket Vending Machines

3At an overseas travel agency

You can purchase an Exchange Order before coming to Japan, and redeem your pass after arrival in Japan.

*The information provided is current as of September 2024 and is subject to change.