Day 1: TOKYO - TOCHIGI

The Diamond Route is a little-known tourist trail only 2.5 hours away from Tokyo made up of three of its northern neighbours – Ibaraki, Fukushima and Tochigi prefectures – which, if you join them together on a map, form the shape of a diamond. History, culture, nature, food, outdoor sports, these three prefectures are full of sparkling treasures, to give you the experience of a lifetime in the heart of Japan.

Depart Tokyo and take a Shinkansen high speed train to Tochigi Prefecture, an accessible peek into rural and ancient Japan. 

Today, enjoy discovering attractions and local foods of Utsunomiya city, known as Japan's top destination for gyoza, boasting over 200 gyoza restaurants serving up this savory treat that originated in Chinese cuisine. Try an authentic gyoza spot called Kirasse Honten, known for their pan-fried gyoza and soup dumplings for lunch. 

Visit Utsunomiya Castle Ruins Park. During Edo term Utsunomiya is very important area for Tokugawa government. 

See the Oya History Museum. The Oya Stone Mine was once a major source of wealth for the area. Though long defunct, parts of the mine have been transformed into the Oya History Museum, this underground realm now a site offering a one-of-a-kind exploration.

Head over to Gyotendo for another round of gyoza. This equally famous gyoza restaurant serves up dumplings that are second to none. 

You can listen to live jazz at pubs and event spaces throughout the city year-round, and the summertime Utsunomiya Gyoza Festival is a great chance to listen to live music while feasting outdoors. The local jazz association also organizes live events at restaurants and clubs across Utsunomiya.

Stay in Utsunomiya, Tochigi for 1night

Day 2: TOCHIGI - FUKUSHIMA

This morning, transfer to Nikko city in Tochigi. Nikko is both a renowned town and a National Park full of nature and history. The World-Heritage shrines and temples in Nikko attract many travelers from the world. The World Heritages consists of 2 shrines and 1 temple: the Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Nikkosan Rinno-Ji Temple and Nikko Futarasan-jinja Shrine. The Nikko Toshogu Shrine, the most famous World Heritage in Nikko, enshrines Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo bakufu (shogunate).

Try a special local delicacy called yuba (tofu skin) at Maruhide Shokudo Honten for lunch. 

In the afternoon, proceed to Aizu-Wakamatsu in Fukushima prefecture, a town with a strong samurai history and the location of historic samurai battles. Visit Ouchi-juku, a traditional Edo townscape known for its noodles. This post-town along the historical highway connecting Aizu and Nikko still contains many buildings with thatched roofs. The entire area is making efforts to protect and preserve the history of the town.

If you are hungy, try a delicious negi-soba (soba noodles served with local leeks) there. 

Tonight, enjoy the stay in the rejuvenating Aizu Higashiyama Onsen , with ryokan and hotels providing private and public hot springs. Enjoy the elegant, historical bathhouses by the river, and the teahouses where geisha once entertained and enchanted lords, samurai and poets. Local geisha, or geigi still perform at festivals and hot spring resorts in the area.

Stay in Aizu Higashiyama Onsen, Fukushima for 1night