The Essential Guide to Tohoku Japan

We get it—no one visiting Japan wants to miss the chance to stroll through the winding streets of Kyoto or to hike the summit of Mount Fuji, despite the crowds. It is possible to escape the crowds without sacrificing those traditional Japanese experiences. Just head north to Tōhoku.

Six prefectures cover the entire northern tip of Honshu, Tōhoku is one of Japan’s most overlooked regions. Tohoku is a region that has less than 10 percent population. It is an outdoor lover’s paradise, with its cloud-piercing summits, lakes and dense forests. Tōhoku encompasses a fifth of Japan’s landmass, so there’s plenty of room to roam.

There’s plenty of culture in the area. You’ll find it nestled between stratovolcanoes. ramen-rich citiesEdo-era village, heritage sake brewery, and ornamental Temples. There are many festivals throughout the year that celebrate the region’s unique folkloric traditions, and historic districts that date back to feudal times when samurai lords ruled, earning Tōhoku the nickname “the land of the samurai.”

“Tōhoku is very special because we only have about two percent of all the inbound guests who travel to Japan,” says Katy Shina, a tour guide at Northern Japan Horizons and Tōhoku travel expert who has lived in the region since 2012. “The locals here are very welcoming and friendly to those who want to learn more about their culture.”

On the international stage, Tōhoku may ring a bell as the site of the 2011 Fukushima disaster and the region hardest hit by the earthquake and tsunami. But over a decade has passed; Tōhoku has since rebuilt and recovered, and patiently awaits travelers.

Here’s everything you need to know before planning a trip to Tōhoku, Japan.

Best Hotels & Resorts

Matsushima Sakan Shoan

This tranquil view of Matsushima Bay is a great way to relax. 11-room luxury ryokanRooms are available in traditional Japanese style or rooms that blend Japanese and Western styles. Kaiseki cuisine features local seafood. After a stroll along the pine-lined trails, you can relax in an onsen afterward.

The Park Hotel Jodogahama

The upscale hotel is located just steps away from the most beautiful beaches in Japan. Park Hotel Jodogahama. It is perched on the top of Jodogahama Hill and overlooks the stunning coastline with its turquoise waters, sun-bleached rocky outcrops, and pebbly beach that reminds you of the Mediterranean. Return to the onsen after exploring Miyako. Craft sake, a wide range of dining options, and warm water will await you.

Fujiya

When is this? modern take on the classic ryokan The hotel opened in Ginzan with a contemporary design that caused quite a stir. The elegant minimalist interiors exude calmness and relaxation. There is also kaiseki on site and hot springs baths. Try a classic ryokan. Notoya The following are some examples of how to get started: Ginzan-so.

The Best Things to do

Hike the Michinoku Coastal Trail.

Over 600 miles long, the Eastern Seaboard is home to the Michinoku Coastal Trail Launched in 2019 to help with recovery from the devastating 2011 earthquake. Visit the seaside villages of Kitayamazaki Cape and the landmarks along the coast, including the Iwate Tsunami Memorial Museum. Guided tours are available from companies like Shina’s. Northern Japan Horizons.

Matsushima Bay offers a variety of island-hopping tours.

“Matsushima, aah! Matsushima! Matsushima!” This haiku by Japanese poet Bashō perfectly sums up the experience of first seeing Matsushima Bay: abject awe. This sun-dappled bay is dotted with more than 200 pine-covered island. You can either take a cruise to see the entire spectacle or jump on a ferry and explore the islands. Take a short detour up the coast to the Tashirojima Cat IslandThe home of more than 700 resident cats.

Dive into Tōhoku’s great outdoors.

From sea to summit, Tōhoku’s wild places stun. Explore the Three Mountains of Dewa and the Lake Towada crater by boat, and trek through the dense forests of the mountain ranges. Towada-Hachimantai National Park. You think Hokkaido was the only place to ski in Japan? Do not believe it. Tōhoku is one of Japan’s snowiest regions, making it a prime destination for powder hounds who favor ski resorts like Zaō Onsen Ski Resort The following are some examples of how to get started: Appi Kogen. At the end of the day, head to an onsen for a restorative soak—if your hotel doesn’t have one on the property, you’ll likely find one nearby.

Visit samurai villages, preserved towns, and majestic castles.

Explore the grounds of Tsuruga castle in Aizu-Wakamatsu. thatch-roofed village of Ouchi-jukuHigashiyama Onsen is the place to soak in the waters that samurai once used. The UNESCO-recognized gardens and temples of HiraizumiOther highlights include the Hirosaki castle and “Little Kyoto”, Kakunodate.

Connect to Tōhoku’s heritage at the region’s renowned festivals.

Join in the revelry of Tōhoku’s celebrated summer festivals, most of which take place in late July or early August. Akita Kanto Festival: Watch the processions of glowing lanterns. Aomori Matsuri: Marvel at colorful floats. Tanabata Festival: Sendai explodes with kaleidoscopic decorations.

The Best Places to Eat

Iwate Wagyu beef, artisanal sake, and succulent seafood are some of Tōhoku’s culinary stars. As you explore, feast on regional delicacies like koji-Enhanced products (koji culture is used to produce staples like miso, soy sauce, and sake), fresh Matsushima Bay squid, and Hoya Sea squirts are also affectionately called “sea pineapples.”

L’aureole Tanohata

This remote restaurant It may be a bit far to get there, but the cross-cultural food prepared by chef Katsuyasu Ito, featuring Tohokan and French ingredients, is worth the effort. The views from the cliff, high above the ocean are also quite good.

Kesennuma Fish Market, Umi no Ichi

The town of Miyagi is located in the prefecture of Kesennuma The market, which is located in one of Japan’s most important fishing ports and has a large seafood selection, is worth a visit. If you want to eat sea-to-table after watching the catch arrive, visit the nearby Umi no Ihi food and retail hall. kaisendonSlices of sashimi with jewel-like fish roe and other oceanic delights on top of a rice bed.

Miroku Yokocho

Yokochos—narrow alleyways filled with small eateries and watering holes—are a staple of Japanese dining culture, and the northern port city of Hachinohe has some of the most charming in the region. Miroku Yokocho There are many izakayas in this area, serving sashimi and other foods like ramen and sake.

Azumaya Soba

You can eat as much wanko noodles as you want, a local specialty. this Iwate eatery, which dates back to 1907.

Shiogama-ko Sushi

Hailed as Japan’s sushi capital due to its plethora of sushi spots, Shiogama needs to be on every Tōhoku-bound foodie’s itinerary. There are many options for restaurants. Shiogama-ko Sushi This is a popular place. Do not be fooled with the casual setting and conveyor belt; diners rave over its quality and freshness.

When To Visit

Shina says that “any season is good and offers different experiences.” It is best to avoid the summer heat and humidity by going hiking or watersports in spring and fall. The cherry blossoms blooming in mid-April and the tulip festival are all added bonuses to spring. Dragon’s Eye A lake is located on Mount Hachimantai. The fall is the best time to see Japan’s leaves, especially in Aomori’s Naruko Gorge and Miyagi.

Winter (December to March) is a great time to visit the area for its snowy onsens, wintry landscapes and “snow-encrusted” trees that have been frozen by Siberian winds. Mount Zaō, Mount Miroyoshi, and the Hakkoda Mountains These are the best places in which to observe this phenomenon.

How to get there

The best way to reach Tōhoku is by first flying into Tokyo, to either Narita International Airport (NRT) or Haneda Airport (HND), and then getting to Tōhoku by train or another quick flight. Sendai Airport (SDJ) is Tōhoku’s biggest airport, but there are smaller airports in each prefecture. 

The Shinkansen bullet train in Japan has three routes that run through the entire region. It stops at major cities such as Sendai and Yamagata. It takes an hour and half to travel from Tokyo. “Getting to Tōhoku is easy using the bullet train from Tokyo, but once here, public transport in some areas can be limited,” says Shina. Make sure you do some research before your trip or hire a local guide.

City Guides 

Ginzan

The onsen in this mountainous area looks like a scene straight out of Miyazaki, with the ryokans and bridges crossing a river. The former silver mining city is now a popular destination for its renowned baths. Visitors can stroll through the pedestrian-only downtown area. yukata (a summer kimono) garb. Popular, this place can get crowded but it’s worth it.

Sendai

As Tōhoku’s biggest metropolis, the southern city of Sendai is a great jumping-off point. The former stronghold of the samurai, Sendai, is a great place to start exploring. There are many castles, temples and mausoleums. gyutan Festivals, craft beer and (grilled beef tongue)

Yamagata

With hiking and skiing in the Ōu Mountains and historic landmarks like Yamagata Castle and the Yamadera summit temple, Yamagata appeals to nature lovers and culture aficionados alike. Photographers flock here in fall to snap pictures of the changing foliage, and ramenheads will find themselves in good company—Yamagata consistently tops the charts as the city that consumes the most ramen In Japan, it has declared itself to be the “ramen capitol” of the nation.

Kesennuma

This charming port city, which was hit hard by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, has recovered to become one underrated gem in the region. Take a break at Cafe K-Port Ken Watanabe, actor (opening) The Last SamuraiThen, head to the Mishione Yokocho Prism is a great place to enjoy a drink and explore art and history. Rias Ark Museum You can also read about the Kesennuma City Memorial Museum.

How to Get Around

The Use of Tōhoku Shinkansen With the regional Japan Rail (which costs about $200 for a five-day ticket) you can travel around the area with ease. If you’re looking to explore the interior, such as national parks or hot springs, then renting a vehicle is the way to go. In towns and large cities, local buses or taxis are available. There is less English signage here but the people are still friendly. So don’t hesitate to ask questions or use body language.