Oku no Hosomichi: Matsushima to Sakata
Follow the Tohoku section of Matsuo Basho's journey, from Matsushima through Hiraizumi and Yamadera to the Dewa Sanzan and Sakata.
Follow the Tohoku portion of the "Narrow Road to the Deep North" in sequence, using trains and buses instead of walking, crossing from the Pacific coast through the Ou Mountains to the Sea of Japan. The pace is relaxed, featuring the Mogami River boat ride, temple lodging (shukubo) vegetarian meals, and over 2,000 stone steps. It is perfect for travelers interested in history and literature who are comfortable with mountain walking. Ancient mountain pass trails are excluded; join a guided hiking tour if you wish to walk them.
Mount Gassan and Mount Yudono are only accessible in summer and autumn; only Mount Haguro is open in winter.
Day by day
Day 1 · Shiogama Shrine to Matsushima
Matsushima（Shiogama Shrine、Zuiganji Temple、Matsushima Bay Cruise）
Take the JR Senseki Line from Sendai to Hon-Shiogama. After visiting the shrine, take the train to Matsushimakaigan (approx. 1 hour in total).
Stay: Matsushima-kaigan
Day 2 · Matsushima Morning Views & Transfer to Hiraizumi
Matsushima（Godaido Hall、Ojima Island）
Explore Matsushima on foot in the morning. Take the Senseki Line back to Sendai, the Shinkansen to Ichinoseki, and transfer to the Tohoku Main Line for Hiraizumi.
Stay: Hiraizumi Station Area
Day 3 · Chuson-ji & Motsuji to Naruko
Hiraizumi（Takadachi Gikeido、Chuson-ji & Konjikido、Motsu-ji Temple） → Sendai（Naruko Onsen）
Explore Hiraizumi on foot or by loop bus. In the afternoon, travel via Ichinoseki and Furukawa, transferring to the Rikuu East Line for Naruko Onsen.
Trains on the Rikuu East Line are infrequent; check the schedule carefully before transferring.
Stay: Naruko Onsen
Day 4 · Naruko Gorge & Mountain Crossing to Ginzan
Sendai（Naruko Gorge） → Yamagata & Ginzan Onsen（Ginzan Onsen）
Take a bus or taxi to Naruko Gorge. Take the Rikuu East Line to Shinjo, the Shinkansen to Oishida, and then a bus to Ginzan Onsen.
There are only about a dozen ryokan in Ginzan; bookings must be made several months in advance.
Stay: Ginzan Onsen
Day 5 · Yamadera's Thousand Stone Steps
Yamagata & Ginzan Onsen（Yamadera (Risshaku-ji)、Nanokamachi Gotenzeki）
Take the bus back to Oishida, the Shinkansen to Yamagata, and transfer to the Senzan Line for Yamadera (approx. 20 minutes). Return to Yamagata in the evening.
There are about 1,000 stone steps; allow at least 2 hours for the round trip.
Stay: Around Yamagata Station
Day 6 · Mogami River Boat Ride to Haguro
Yamagata & Ginzan Onsen（Mogami River Boat Ride）
Take the Shinkansen to Shinjo, then the Rikuu West Line to Furukuchi for the boat ride. Return to Furukuchi, travel by train to Amarume and Tsuruoka, and transfer to a bus.
The Rikuu West Line is scheduled to resume service in early 2026 and runs infrequently. Shukubo (temple lodging) reservations are required.
Stay: Tamuke Shukubo Street, Mount Haguro
Day 7 · Mount Haguro Stone Steps & Sanjin Gosaiden
Tsuruoka（Mount Haguro Five-storied Pagoda & Stone Steps、Dewa Sanzan Shrine Sanjin Gosaiden、Chido Museum）
Walk up the mountain from Tougake early in the morning. Walk down or take a bus from the summit back to Tsuruoka (approx. 1 hour).
From July to September, you can add an extra day to climb Mount Gassan; check bus schedules beforehand.
Stay: Around Tsuruoka Station
Day 8 · Sakata Storehouses & Departure
Tsuruoka（Sankyo Soko Rice Warehouses、Somaro）
Take the Uetsu Main Line from Tsuruoka to Sakata (approx. 30 minutes). Depart from Sakata via limited express train or Shonai Airport.