Join the RoundCat Touring Club on an epic journey through northern Japan: Time in Tohoku

This October, the RoundCat Touring Club is headed north to explore off the beaten path roads, soak in mountain hot springs, and meet the craftspeople of Tohoku, Japan.

Our group of designers, automotive industry luminaries, artists, and creatives come together yearly on a quest for the Good-Design-Feeling: the visceral feeling of pleasure and satisfaction experience when interacting with exceptionally well designed objects.

Now on its fifth year, the RoundCat Rally continues its theme of friends exploring back roads in small cars. This year we are adding the elements of Craft and Time.

Kei Cars

Slow cars fast

Kei cars, built to a strict formula of small size and limited power, are ubiquitous in Japan — 40% of new cars sold in Japan each year are kei. But they’re an unexpected choice for international driving enthusiasts. 

As with most things in Japan, kei vehicles are all about context.  The size and power of these cute cars are perfectly matched to the tight and sinuous roads found outside Tokyo.  Without the crutch of horsepower, drivers use skill and attention to maintain momentum — a perfect analogue to the practices of traditional Japanese artisans.

While kei cars are not strictly required for the RoundCat Rally, kei cars and cars with “kei energy” are strongly encouraged.

Forest Roads

The word Tōge (Mountain Pass) traces its origins to the place travelers pray to Dosojin, the god of the roadside. The term has become synonymous with late night drift battles (in the family's tofu delivery car) thanks to the popularity of InitialD, and the TV shows BestMOTORing and Hot-Version.

Lesser know to English speakers is the word Rindo (Forest Road) which describes the narrow access roads that snake deep into the most remote part of Japan. Typically more narrow and rugged than the flowing toge, rindo are are a mix of ultra tight switchbacks up deep canyons and sweeping drives along mountain ridge lines.

Some of our favorite stages of the route include: Historic National Route 400, the Bandai-Azuma and Nishi-Azuma Skylines, and the rindo around Mt. Kurikoma.

Foliage

Our route prioritizes back roads that pass through mountain villages, deep forests, and expansive rice fields as we snake our way north along the spine of Japan’s main island, Honshu.

Late October is peak foliage season so the mountainsides will be alive with color. In Japanese, the colored foliage is called koyo or momiji. The activity of searching for the most striking shades of leaf is known as Momijigari (red leaf hunting) and has been popular in Japan for centuries.

Ryokan

Architecture, cuisine, and Onsen bathing culture come together in the unique hospitality experience of Japanese Ryokan: hotels built around the concept of deep relaxation in beautiful natural settings.

Tohoku has been famous for ryokan since they were a destination for farm laborers to relax after the rush of harvest season.

We will eat well and soak in the restorative waters of natural hot springs.

Craft

Japan exists in balance between the Past and Future, simultaneously honoring tradition and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

This focus on creating thoughtful and meaningful experiences and objects is the magic of contemporary Japan.

Kokeshi (wooden dolls sold in onsen towns) are a direct connection to the craft culture of Tohoku. Originally created in the Edo Period as souvenirs for travelers to bring back to their children, Kokeshi are made by craftspeople who paint the dolls in styles passed down through generations.

Kokeshi play a central role in the history of RoundCat road trips. Our first venture into the Japanese countryside (yeas ago) was to Inawashiro on a mission to find the workshop of Fumio Kakizaki. In the years since, our hunt for Kokeshi has regularly given us reasons to explore the mountain towns of Tohoku.

Time

The Tohoku region is home to Japan’s most iconic watch production centers.

Yamagata Casio: “a mother factory that supports Casio's manufacturing with an advanced development and production system”. Among the production lines that Yamagata Casio is proud of is the Premium Production Line - a line that only a limited number of medalists with certified skills are allowed to enter.

Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi: a space devoted to producing Grand Seiko mechanical watches and other high-end timepieces. Its a space that connects the precision hand assembly process to the natural environment surrounding Mt. Iwate and fully embodying Grand Seiko’s philosophy of The Nature of Time.

Itinerary

October 14 - 21, 2025

Arrival Day

Make your way to Nikko, Tochigi by car or train. The hotel as well as Nikko’s main street and historic sites are a long walk or short taxi ride from Nikko Station.

Spend the day independently exploring Nikko’s shrine and temple complex, a Unesco World Heritage Site.

The group will assemble at the hotel in the late afternoon for a drivers meeting and welcome reception followed by dinner at a nearby restaurant.

Meals included: Dinner

Day 1

After meeting for a bento breakfast in the hotel lobby we head into Fukushima along National Route 400.

Our morning drive is along a mellow winding road that takes us through Nikko National Park and a series of historic towns. We arrive in Aizuwakamatsu in the early afternoon where participants have the choice of freely exploring the local breweries, garden, and castle, or driving a tight rindo (forest road) stage.

A kaiseki dinner is served at the ryokan.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 2

Our morning begins with breakfast at the ryokan followed by a day of driving some of Japans most iconic mountain roads.

We drive along the edge of Lake Inawashiro, cross the Bandai Azuma Skyline, and go up Clark’s two favorite hill-climb sections.

In the late afternoon we arrive at the workshop of Kokeshi maker Fumio Kakizaki where he shows us his workshop and demonstrates the steps that go into making Kokeshi dolls.

We will eat dinner at the hotel as a group.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3

Our drive begins with breakfast at the hotel followed by a sprint across the Nishi Azuma Sky Valley Road, taking us into Yamagata’s central valley.

We follow the valley north to Risshaku-ji Temple before arriving at the day’s main event: Casio Yamagata.

Casio Yamagata is a precision factory that prides itself on combining cutting edge automation with the highest skill hand assembly. This factory is home to the G-SHOCK’s Premium Production Line.

We will spend two hours touring the factory - a place that is not normally open to the public.

After the tour we continue to Sendai where participants are free to explore the local dining options.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4

This is a day to take a break from group and to choose your own adventure:

Head into the mountains to visit the kokeshi workshops and museum in Naruko Onsen. Stop for a foot bath in Ginzan Onsen on the way back to Sendai.

Drive up the coast to the Matsushima and explore the fish market. View the bay and its pine covered islands from Matsushima’s many parks. Eat fresh oysters at a beachside shack.

Spend the day exploring Sendai on foot and take a break from driving.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 5

We leave Sendai in the morning and head directly into the forest. This is a day focused on driving - we will explore some of the most remote roads in the country.

Our route takes us north-west out of Miyagi, crossing briefly into Akita, before turning back east into Iwate. The road runs along the Ou Mountain range, crossing its ridge-lines and following its valleys.

We arrive in Morioka where we will have dinner as a group.

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6

The highlight of day seven is our visit to Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi, a production facility dedicated to the assembly of Grand Seiko watches. We will observe the hand assembly steps that master watchmakers take to complete and test each watch.

The studio is housed in a timber frame building designed by Kengo Kuma and situated in the lush natural landscape of Morioka. This recently opened facility gives tangible form to the aesthetics and essence of Grand Seiko’s brand philosophy "The Nature of Time".

In the afternoon we visit Nanshoso, a Meiji era residence and garden followed by a farewell dinner in the evening.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7

Departure Day

This morning we pack up, drop off the cars, and jump onto the Shinkansen for the return trip to Tokyo.

Day 8

Please Note: this is our anticipated itinerary. It is subject to changes, dependent on weather, road closures, new opportunities and the desires of the group.

Want to learn more?

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Notes on the Event:

Who is this Trip for?

This trip is for driving enthusiasts who want to experience off the beaten path Japan. The majority of each day is spent driving. We are seeking out local spots that are not generally frequented by foreign travelers. You should be excited to experience the quirks and nuances of travel in rural Japan.  

This is an immersive driving adventure that is best suited for those who enjoy time spent in cars, driving on narrow roads, and traveling as a part of a small group.

Trip Start + End Locations

This trip starts in Nikko Tochigi and ends in Morioka Iwate, Japan.

There are several ways to arrive in Nikko: via train or bus from Tokyo or by car from anywhere in Japan. Our arrival point hotel is conveniently located a long (up hill) walk or a short taxi ride from Nikko Station in Nikko.

At the end of the trip we recommend that guests either return to Tokyo by Shinkansen or start on their own adventure by car.

Included in this Trip

  • A RoundCat Rally license valid for one year

  • Printed maps of our daily routes

  • Decal pack for the car exterior

  • Use of (fully licensed) handheld radios

  • A limited edition RoundCat Happi (festival coat)

  • Visit to the workshop of a master Kokeshi artisan

  • A VIP tour of Casio Yamagata 

  • A tour of Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi

  • 7 nights in Western + Japanese style hotels, several with onsen baths

  • Access to the RoundCat Concierge WhatsApp service for the duration of your time in Japan 

  • The RoundCat team, leading the Rally

Not Included in this Trip

  • International roundtrip airfare

  • Domestic train fare

  • The car you will drive

  • Fuel, highway tolls, and automobile insurance

  • Travel Insurance

  • Alcoholic drinks

  • Activities, food, and beverages not included in the trip itinerary

  • Hotel incidentals including but not limited to room service, laundry service and hotel bar tabs

  • All expenses during free time

RoundCat Rally Team

The RoundCat Team will be with you through your trip, dedicated to ensuring you have the best possible experience.  The Team is there for any questions or concerns, to look out for the health and safety of the group and to help resolve any issues that might arise. The Team are not local guides but will work with our local partners to ensure that the trip is a series of wonderful experiences.

This is not a Race or Competition!

The RoundCat Rally is a driving tour, not a timed competiton. All participants must obey traffic laws and adhere to the RoundCat standards of social behavior. Participants who violate these standards will have their rally license revoked.

Weather

October is our favorite time of year to visit Tohoku. Days are crips and cool - nights are cold but not brutally so.

Temperatures range from 45°F to 75°F, which means you should pack layered clothes, sweaters, and a light jacket.

Japanese Cuisine 

Most of the meals served during this trip will be cuisine that is local to the region we are driving through.  While there are several stops with western style offerings, the majority of food served is Japanese cuisine.

Unfortunately we are unable to handle specific dietary requirements, allergies or intolerances on this trip. This trip is best suited for those open and eager to enjoy and experience a variety of regional foods.

While we won’t be challenging you with the most exotic aspects of Japanese food culture, even day-to-day eating in Japan can taste quite different to someone unfamiliar with the cuisine.

Travel Arrangements

RoundCat recommends booking fights, trains, cars, and hotels that are not included in the Rally Itinerary ASAP! October is a busy season in Japan and booking at the last minute will be competitive.

We will send you a Rally preparation document prior to your trip. It will include a detailed itinerary, arrival and departure information, a suggested packing list, useful country information and more. This email will be sent 90 days or more before your trip departs unless you book within 90 prior to the Rally.

Accessibility

Please note the RoundCat Rally includes several standing and walking segments, you may be on your feet for a couple of hours at a time. We recommend bringing shoes that are comfortable for both driving and walking.

You should also be comfortable being seated on the ground (tatami mats) during certain meals.

Our ryokan has several sets of stairs to reach rooms.

Travel Health

Consult a doctor, nurse or health care provider, or visit a travel health clinic preferably six weeks before you travel. If you have any pending health concerns you should contact your health care provider prior to registration of the RoundCat Rally.

Questions + FAQ’s

If you have any questions about the RoundCat Rally 2025, please feel free to contact us.

Drivers Licences

International drivers require a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) issued abroad under the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic.

Please check to see if your country is a signatory of this convention and if you require any additional documentation.

Travel Insurance

As stated in our Terms and Conditions, we require all guests to have  Travel Insurance that at minimum covers both medical emergencies and trip cancellations.  Hospitals in Japan required a significant cash deposit when admitting patients without insurance. Cancellations 180 days or fewer prior to the start date of the trip will incur a cancellation fee equal to 100% of the price for the Trip. There are no exceptions to this cancellation policy which is one of the many reasons we require all guests have Travel Insurance. 

Car Insurance

As stated in our Terms and Conditions, we require all guests to have  full coverage automobile insurance.  Insurance can be purchased directly from the rental agency that provides you the car of from a third party in the case of individually owned cars. RoundCat does not provide any insurance coverage on any vehicle.

Health + Safety

Our goal is for each of our guests to enjoy the amazing trip we’ve put together.  To ensure that happens, we put the health and safety of the group as our top priority.  Individual guests are responsible for ensuring they meet all destination and layover country requirements and laws including various Covid-19 related requirements, providing proof of vaccination, testing before or after entry, masking, etc.

During our trip, if you feel unwell, exhibit signs of, or test positive for an illness, you should be prepared to follow the advice of local health authorities as well as the RoundCat Team to ensure the health and safety of the entire group.  Depending on the severity of your symptoms and/or viral nature of your illness there may be a need to mask, distance, self isolate, or remove yourself completely from the trip which will be determined by the RoundCat Team with the best interests of the group health and safety as the main priority. This is one of the many reasons we require all guests to have Travel Insurance. 

For full details on our Health and Safety Policies review our Terms and Conditions.

Booking Terms + Cancellation Policy

If you choose to cancel your trip for any reason, you must do so via email to dear@roundcat.jp.  If we receive written notice 181 or more days prior to the Trip start date, we will refund your initial payment, less a $2,000 cancellation fee. If we receive written notice 180 days or fewer prior to the Trip start date you will incur a cancellation fee equal to 100% of the price for the Trip. There are no exceptions to this cancellation policy, including for reasons related to weather, terrorism, civil strife, pandemics, illness, personal, family or medical emergencies, or any other circumstances beyond our control. For this and other reasons, we require you to purchase Travel Insurance.

Be sure to read our Terms and Conditions for full details on Booking and Payments, Cancellations  and Trip Changes.