Tohoku
A lot of Japan’s most well-known and visited cities and tourist sites are located south of Tokyo, but for the adventurous traveller, there is even more to explore in the mountainous and mythical region that is Tohoku. Nestled between the capital and the northern island of Hokkaido, Tohoku has its own story to tell for those who venture off the beaten path. Home to some of the most influential Japanese war lords through time, outstanding hot springs, rugged coastlines, a rich samurai history, amazing hiking trails and fabulous cuisine and local produce, Tohoku is a treasure trove of unique experiences far from the crowds.
The precious cherry trees (sakura) bloom later here than south of Tokyo, and the region provides opportunities to see the fluffy beauty of these delicate white and pink flowers at some unique sakura viewing spots. Historically, Tohoku has suffered devastating natural and man-made disasters, and visiting the far-flung coastal towns to learn the stories of the locals is both thought-provoking and hearth-warming. Some of Japan’s most sacred sites are situated deep in the dense forests and rugged landscapes of the north, and many folk tales and local legends originate in this area. For those who are curious about Japan’s fascinating history, those in search of outdoor adventures or those who want to indulge in exquisite seafood and onsen soaks - Tohoku has it all.
Aizu-Wakamatsu
Known for its rich samurai history and beautiful natural surroundings, Aizu-Wakamatsu is home to Tsuruga Castle, a tranquil Japanese garden, the nearby well-preserved village of Ouchi-juku and plenty of relaxing onsen.
Sendai
The most populated city in Tohoku is famous for its melt-in-your-mouth specialty beef tongue and its historic ties to Date Masamune, one of the most powerful warlords in the early Edo period. Sendai’s yearly Tanabata Festival is Japan’s most famous celebration of this colourful holiday.
Ginzan Onsen
Well-hidden in the mountains, this hot spring town is one of Japan’s oldest. Beautiful traditional ryokan line the canal and narrow main street, and in winter the ever-emerging steam makes this former silvermine town look just like a postcard.
Tono
As the birthplace of many Japanese folk tales, storytelling performances are regularly held in the rural villages of Tono to this day. The region is known for its traditional farming culture and thatched roofed houses, and exploring the hilly landscape and folk villages by bike is a unique experience.
Kakunodate
Wander the quaint streets of the old merchant and samurai districts of this former castle town and admire the beautifully restored traditional architecture. In spring, hundreds of weeping cherry trees make this town picture-perfect.
Shirakami Sanchi
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is made up of one of Japan’s last virgin beech forests, and hiking trails lead through captivating natural scenery past waterfalls, canyons and ponds. With a rental car, there’s even more mountain peaks and marshland to be discovered in this excellent hiking destination!
Yamadera
The approach to Yamadera Temple is equally rewarding any time of the year as you ascend the steps with majestic cedar trees towering above you - the views from the temple clinging to the mountainside at the top are sure to take your breath away.
Shimokita Peninsula
This axe-shaped peninsula is the northernmost tip of main island Honshu and home to Osorezan, one of the three most sacred sites in Japan, representing the entrance to the afterlife and said to resemble Buddhist hell with sulphurous steam emerging from the ground between the temples.
Hirosaki
Surrounded by more than 2500 cherry trees, Hirosaki Castle is Tohoku’s most famous sakura viewing spot. One of the impressive Neputa Festival also takes place here, with detailed lit-up floats depicting warriors and mythological creatures being paraded through the city.
Towadako
The largest caldera lake on Honshu, Lake Towada offers stunning scenery and the opportunity to tour the lake on a boat. The hiking trail running along the Oirase Stream will lead you past waterfalls and over bridges, and is especially gorgeous when the autumn colours set in.
Michi-no-Ku
This 1000+ kilometres hiking trail is not for the faint-hearted! Running along the Pacific side of Tohoku, this trail offers breathtaking scenery, dramatic cliff formations and a unique opportunity to visit some of the most far-flung coastal towns in Japan.
Matsushima
Matsushima Bay is not called one of Japan’s Three Most Scenic Views for nothing. Hundreds of pine-clad islands and islets dot the ocean off the coast of Matsushima town, some boasting quaint little shrines and connected to the mainland by impressive vermillion bridges.
Aomori
Enjoy the enormous lantern floats and colourful haneto dancers at Aomori’s Neputa Festival, learn about the Jomon period at reconstructed pit dwellings and longhouses at the Sannai Maruyama Archaeological Site, and create your own tasty seafood breakfast bowl at one of the city’s sprawling fish markets.
Tadami Line
Snaking its way through the rural Aizu region, this local train line is surrounded by natural scenery that is amazingly beautiful in all four seasons. Get off along the way to admire the train traversing some of the many bridges crossing the river.
Dewa Sanzan
The three sacred mountains of Dewa represent birth, death and rebirth respectively, and are an important pilgrimage destination. Learn more about the fascinating folk religion of the yamabushi and walk the hiking trails leading to the mountain top temples and pagodas nestled deep in the forests.
Naruko Gorge
Especially spectacular in autumn when foliage turns into fiery orange and crimson red, Narukokyo offers scenic viewpoints of the bridge spanning the gorge and a pleasant hiking trail running along the gushing river.
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