Tohoku

Do you want to relax in a hot spring resort without the tourist crowds? It is a bit of a trek, but Ginzan Onsen in Yamagata is a perfect getaway for those who really want to bathe in nature.

Hirosaki Castle stands in Aomori prefecture. It is a very important castle because it has one of the only 12 original main keeps which exist in Japan. It is one of the best places to view cherry blossoms in Japan.

Hirosaki is known as a cherry blossom city, and you can enjoy beautiful sakura around Hirosaki Castle between late April – early May. You will also find a samurai district and the Neputa festival theme park in Hirosaki.

Along with Lake Towada, the Oirase river has been designated as a special scenic spot and a natural monument of Aomori. This area is a paradise for nature lovers.

Aomori CIty is mostly skipped by tourists since the ferry is no longer the only way to get to Hokkaido, but if you happen to be here in August, the famous Nebuta Festival is worth a visit!

If you are interested in Japan’s history and want to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Edo Period, you should consider adding old post town Ouchijuku in Fukushima to your itinerary.

Aizuwakamatsu Castle, also known as Tsuruga Castle, is a traditional fortress located in Fukushima Prefecture. It now houses a museum and, at the top, a lookout point with views of the entire city.

Aizu-Wakamatsu in Fukushima is especially known for its delicious sake and long history of samurai culture.

Tono City in Iwate is not on the tourists’ Golden Route in Japan, but if you love horses or folk tales, it is a must-see destination. Not far from there is a park that’s one of the best cherry blossom spots in the country.

The Juniko (12 Lakes) in Aomori are a place of scenic beauty in the middle of a forest area in the mountains. It is a great spot for hiking and discovering flora and fauna in the area.

While Sendai might not feature on most international tourists’ itinerary, if you have enough time in Japan or are not a first-timer, the city is nice stop for those who are interested in history and culture.

Hiraizumi flourished for nearly one hundred years, during a peaceful era of prosperity. Today, you can still see remnants of this rich legacy.

Matsushima near Sendai on the northern Pacific coast, is considered one of the three most scenic spots in Japan while still being off the beaten path. Just a one-hour train ride away is resort town Naruko Onsen.

The people who practice Shugendo asceticism on Dewa Sanzan are called ‘yamabushi’, and they are probably the most rigorous and stoic people in the history of Japan.

Yamadera is a temple in a mountainous region of Yamagata. It was founded over a thousand years ago, and now it is one of the region’s best-kept secrets. Some of the most amazing views of nature can be seen from Yamadera.

Yamagata City is a centrally located town within a short distance of famous sightseeing areas like Mt. Zao with its onsen, hiking spots, winter sports areas, and Yamadera.

Akita is not on the top of the list for destinations within Japan for the average foreign tourist, which is in part due to its remote location. However, for nature-lovers and those interested in history, it is certainly worth the trek up north!

Oga Peninsula, in the western part of Akita, juts out into the Japan Sea in the shape of an ax. Along its coastline are fantastic views of crags and boulders, and it is noted for its beautiful sunsets.

The city’s heyday was in the 17th century, which is when Akita was the capital of the region under the feudal system. Nowadays it is a green city with a lively summer festival.