Beautiful rural countryside, mirror-like lakes, ski resorts, old samurai towns and vibrant festivals await in the northernmost region of Honshu.
Tohoku is Honshu’s northern frontier, a wilderness of primeval landscapes, ancient customs and thrilling adventures. With a Pacific coastline, volcanic mountain ranges, samurai heritage and exquisite seafood, it’s a veritable snapshot of Japan. Thanks to the resilience of Tohoku’s people, the region bounced back successfully after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami.
Remote Aomori is about ichigo-ni (sea urchin and abalone stew), hot springs and volcanic scenery. Carve up on the slopes of Mount Hakkoda and spot lava domes while boating on Lake Towada. Admire the fall colors of Oirase Gorge and hike the Shirakami Sanchi mountains. The elaborate parades of August’s Nebuta Matsuri festival turn the streets of Aomari City into a riot of color.
Mountain ranges and verdant forests provide boundless opportunities for outdoor adventures in Akita prefecture. Visit samurai mansions in Kakunodate and witness the 400-year-old Kamakura Snow Festival in Yokote. Climb to the lookout platform on Mount Hachimantai and drink in the views of Mount Iwate from Hachimantai Hot Springs. Neighboring Iwate is famous for the centuries-old Chūson-ji Temple and Mōtsū-ji Temple, Jodogahama Beach and the coastal Sanriku Fukkō National Park.
Discover more superb skiing on Mount Zao and world-class hiking around Okama Crater Lake, in Yamagata prefecture. Yamadera Temple is an inspiration for haiku poetry while 22 carved Buddhist faces gaze over the Sea of Japan from Mount Chokai. Kick back on the 260 pine-clad islands of Miyagi’s Matsushima Bay. Hop between sushi bars in Shiogama.
Fukushima stretches from the Pacific Ocean and past aquamarine crater lakes, such as Goshikinuma, into cherry blossom-covered mountainsides. Wander the streets of the samurai stronghold Aizuwakamatsu and the Edo-era town of Ouchijuku. Attend horse races and browse the Tsuchiyu artist’s studios in Fukushima City. Watch as Mount Bandai reflects elegantly in Lake Inawashiro and stroll alongside Ice Age flora in Oze National Park.
Get to incredible Tohoku by catching bullet trains from Tokyo and Hokkaido and then get around by bike, foot, skis and themed trains. An authentic Japanese vacation awaits in both the snowy winters and mild summers of Tohoku.
