Looking for Recommended Cottages in Tohoku for a High School Group?
Planning a Trip for Seven Male High School Seniors in Early March
Ah, planning a trip for seven high school seniors? That sounds like an adventure waiting to happen!
I can already imagine the chaos, laughter, and maybe a few “what were we thinking?” moments. Let me share a story from my own travels in Tohoku that might give you some ideas—and a few laughs along the way. A couple of years ago, I found myself in Tohoku with a group of friends, and we stumbled upon this charming little cottage in the mountains near Yamagata. It was early March, just like your trip, and the snow was still clinging to the trees like a scene from a postcard. The cottage was cozy, affordable, and perfect for a group of seven. But here’s the kicker: we arrived way too early. Like, embarrassingly early. The owner, an elderly man with the kindest smile, was still cleaning up from the previous guests. He laughed it off and offered us tea while we waited, and we ended up chatting with him for over an hour. Turns out, he used to be a teacher, and he had the best stories about his students’ antics. It felt like we were getting a bonus history lesson with our stay! The cottage itself was simple but had everything we needed—bunk beds, a small kitchen, and a fireplace that became our nightly hangout spot. We spent our days exploring the nearby ski slopes (even though none of us were particularly good at skiing—cue the hilarious wipeouts) and visiting the local onsen. There’s something magical about soaking in a hot spring while snowflakes fall around you. It’s like nature’s way of saying, “Hey, you’re doing life right.” One of the funniest moments? We discovered a tiny convenience store down the road that sold these amazing mochi snacks. We bought way too many, of course, and ended up having a midnight mochi feast that turned into a full-blown taste-test competition. Spoiler: the matcha flavor won. If you’re looking for something similar, I’d recommend checking out cottages in Zao Onsen or Aizu-Wakamatsu. Both areas are surrounded by activities—skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and even samurai history tours if you’re into that. Plus, they’re budget-friendly, which is always a win when you’re traveling with a group. Looking back, that trip was one of the most memorable because of the little things—the unexpected conversations, the snowy landscapes, and the way we all bonded over shared experiences (and way too many snacks). I hope your group has just as much fun, if not more! So, what about you? Have you been to Tohoku or stayed in a cottage that left a lasting impression? I’d love to hear your stories or tips in the comments. And if you end up going, let me know how it goes—I’m already living vicariously through your adventure!
