Day 4: Monday, 23rd of April

An exciting day of springtime sightseeing awaits. From Sendai Station we will board an 08:58am Hayate bullet train to Ichinoseki Station. (34 min) Here we will board a waiting charter bus which will take us to the spectacular Geibikei Gorge where we will take a calm, 90 minute traditional wooden boat ride amongst picturesque natural scenery with the local spring time flowers of pink cherry blossoms and purple wisteria scheduled to bloom. Be amazed by the dramatic tall sheer cliffs and unique rock formations on the way.

Next Japanese Champion Geisha Ms Kaori Minakawa will introduce the beautiful performing art of Japanese dance to our group.

Foodies, or in particular meat lovers, will absolutely love our next stop. The famous Maesawa Beef is locally produced in this area. It is said that Matsuzaka Beef in the West and Maesawa Beef in the East are the most delicious beef brands in Japan. This exquisitely marbled meat is so soft that it melts in your mouth. To ensure its quality, only a few restaurants are designated as official distributors. We will visit a restaurant called Ogata for lunch!

Our charter vehicle will next take us to Hiraizumi Chusonji Temple, the historic home for the Tendai sect of Buddhism established in 850. The golden hall called Konjikido decorated entirely with gold leaf (similar to Kyoto's Golden Pavilion) is the highlight. Photography is strictly prohibited within the golden hall.

Next our charter will take us to Kitakami Tenshochi Park which stretches along the shores of the Kitakami River. This park houses over 10,000 cherry blossom trees and 100,000 azaleas. And our visit coincides with cherry blossom season so we have much to look forward to as we explore one of Japan's best cherry blossom viewing locations.

From Kitakami Station we will board a Hayabusa bullet train back to Sendai.