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.
每日安排
第 1 天 · Shiogama Shrine to Matsushima
Take the JR Senseki Line from Sendai to Hon-Shiogama. After visiting the shrine, take the train to Matsushimakaigan (approx. 1 hour in total).
住宿：松島海岸
第 2 天 · Matsushima Morning Views & Transfer to Hiraizumi
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.
住宿：平泉站周邊
第 3 天 · Chuson-ji & Motsuji to Naruko
平泉（高館義經堂、中尊寺與金色堂、毛越寺） → 仙台（鳴子溫泉）
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.
住宿：鳴子溫泉
第 4 天 · Naruko Gorge & Mountain Crossing to Ginzan
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.
住宿：銀山溫泉
第 5 天 · Yamadera's Thousand Stone Steps
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.
住宿：山形站周邊
第 6 天 · Mogami River Boat Ride to Haguro
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.
住宿：羽黑山手向宿坊街
第 7 天 · Mount Haguro Stone Steps & Sanjin Gosaiden
鶴岡（羽黑山五重塔·石階參道、出羽三山神社三神合祭殿、致道博物館）
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.
住宿：鶴岡站周邊
第 8 天 · Sakata Storehouses & Departure
Take the Uetsu Main Line from Tsuruoka to Sakata (approx. 30 minutes). Depart from Sakata via limited express train or Shonai Airport.