The Tohoku region, located in northeastern Honshu, Japan’s largest island, comprises six prefectures: Akita, Aomori, Fukushima, Iwate, Miyagi, and Yamagata. Known for its rugged landscapes, traditional culture, and harsh winters, Tohoku offers a unique blend of history and natural beauty.
Where to go in Tohoku
Aomori
The northernmost prefectural capital city on the island of Honshu, Aomori used to be the main departure point to Hokkaido by ferry but is now also connected by undersea rail. The city is home to the Nebuta Matsuri summer festival featuring large lantern floats and is held in early August each year. Discover natural landscapes, primeval forests, apple orchards and abundant seafood in this relatively unexplored hidden gem.
Akita
A popular choice for outdoor adventurers, Akita offers mountains and forests and a chance to indulge in the historic, well preserved samurai district in the town of Kakunodate transporting you back to Japan’s feudal past. The Akita Kanto festival is also celebrated here, each August with a hope for a good harvest.
Iwate
Iwate is a former cultural and political centre of northern Japan, with several surprising attractions. The prefectural capital Morioka is home to the Wanko soba eating challenge, where diners are challenged to eat as many soba noodles as possible. Also visit the Golden Temple in Hiraizumi, take a boat ride down Geibikei Gorge in a traditional flat-bottomed boat, or explore the scenic, dramatic Sanriku Coast with countless cliffs, coves and bays.
Fukushima
Three s’s define Fukishima: samurai, snow and sake. It has everything Japan is famous for in one place, with unique traditional food and culture. Visitors will enjoy springtime cherry blossoms, and also relax in the onsen here. The region produces some of Japan’s best fruit and sake due to its abundant nature and enjoy skiing on the powder-covered mountain slopes.
Miyagi
Known as the gateway to northern Tohoku, Miyagi is the place where you’ll find hot spring resorts, historical attractions, festivals and the iconic Matsushima Bay. Sendai is a former castle town, now a modern city filled with rich Samurai history. Take a trip to Zao Fox Village where foxes roam freely, and observe the Tanabata Festival at the beginning of August celebrating two star-crossed lovers in ancient legend.
Yamagata
Defined by nature, Yamagata is enclosed by the Sea of Japan to the west and mountains to the east – it is a perfect base for alpine adventures and powder snow. Deep inland is Zao Onsen, an area home to hot springs and scarcely visited ski slopes. The mountain temple Yamadera is the subject of one of the most famous Haiku poems, and Ginzan Onsen is a beautiful hot spring resort town on the site of a former silver mine.
