Exploring Northern Japan: Your Ultimate Tohoku Travel Guide

Tohoku, the northern region of Japan’s Honshu island, is an unsung treasure trove of history, nature, and culture. While most visitors flock to Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, Tohoku travel offers a more tranquil, authentic and off-the-beaten-path experience. 

The Tohoku region boasts stunning landscapes, vibrant festivals, and ancient temples, all just waiting to be discovered. If you’re planning to explore the Tohoku location, this guide will help you navigate the six prefectures that make up this captivating part of northern Japan.

Map of Tohoku Region

Located in northern Honshu, it boasts dramatic mountains, lush forests, and serene coastal views. Historically, Tohoku was known for its fierce samurai clans and strategic importance, while today, it is cherished for its natural beauty and festivals. 

Although many wonder “is Tohoku still recovering?” from the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, the good news is the northern Japan region has largely rebuilt, making Tohoku travel a must for those looking to go off the beaten track and check out more of what Japan has to offer beyond the Golden Route.

1. Aomori: Gateway to the North

Aomori Prefecture is the northernmost part of Tohoku and is a region defined by its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. It’s a must-visit for any Tohoku travel itinerary.

Aomori City

Aomori City, the capital, is known for its Nebuta Matsuri, a summer festival featuring enormous illuminated floats. The city also boasts impressive cultural spots such as the Sannai-Maruyama Archaeological Site and the Aomori Museum of Art, featuring contemporary works. If you’re seeking adventure, explore Oirase Gorge, a perfect destination for nature lovers. 

For foodie travelers, do not forget about those delicious Aomori apples, Aomori city is renowned for its local apple production, offering tours and tastings.

Ranked high on the snowiest city in the world lists, Aomori City experiences heavy snowfall during the winter months, transforming it into a winter wonderland. This makes it a fantastic destination for those interested in winter sports, scenic snow-covered landscapes.

Things to do in Aomori City:

• Nebuta Wa Rasse Museum: Discover the history and artistry behind the floats used in Nebuta Matsuri.
• Aomori Museum of Art: A striking collection of contemporary art housed in an impressive modern building.
• Oirase Gorge: A beautiful hike along a river, perfect for nature lovers.
• A-FACTORY: The ultimate destination to experience the authentic local flavours of Aomori. This bustling market showcases a diverse array of goods from across the region.
• Sannai-Maruyama Site: A historic site that was found by chance while a baseball stadium was being built. Archaeological digs have found buildings and artifacts from the Jomon period (which is 5500 years ago!)

Hachinohe

Located on the east coast of Japan, Hachinohe is an authentic Japanese fishing town, home to some of the freshest seafood in the Tohoku region!

Travelers can find comfortable stays near Hachinohe Station at top Hachinohe city hotels, ensuring easy access to these attractions.

Things to Do in Hachinohe:

• Hasshoku Center: A lively seafood market where you can sample sushi and other fresh catches.
• Kabushima Shrine: A sacred place for birdwatchers, this shrine is home to a large population of black-tailed gulls.

2. Iwate: A Land of Temples and Scenic Beauty

Iwate Prefecture is home to impressive historical sites and breathtaking landscapes that make it a key destination for Tohoku travel. The Tohoku location here offers breathtaking views of mountains, rivers, and ancient temples.

Morioka

As the capital of Iwate, Morioka is an excellent place to explore historical temples and enjoy the local cuisine. The city is renowned for its wanko soba, a unique noodle-eating experience.

In the Iwate Prefecture, locals have a deep love for wanko soba, a unique and fun way to enjoy soba noodles. The experience involves a server quickly refilling a small bowl (wanko) with bite-sized portions of hot soba as soon as it’s emptied, creating a fast-paced dining challenge that continues until the diner is full. 

Rooted in Iwate’s Omotenashi spirit, which emphasises warm hospitality, wanko soba ensures guests are served generously and encouraged to eat to their heart’s content for the best possible experience.

Things to Do in Morioka:

• Morioka Castle Ruins: Stroll through the scenic park that remains of the old castle.
• Hoon-ji Temple: A quiet Buddhist temple with a collection of over 500 Rakan statues.
• Mount Iwate: For the adventurous, a hike up this volcano provides sweeping views of north-central Japan.

Wolf down some wanko soba at Azumaya, Ekimae.

Hiraizumi

For a deeper dive into Japan’s past, visit Hiraizumi, a UNESCO World Heritage site, once a major center of power and culture in northern Japan,  Hiraizumi now boasts historical templates and artifacts from 11th and 12th century Japan.

Things to Do in Hiraizumi:

• Chuson-ji Temple: Famous for its golden Konjiki-do Hall (covered in gold leaves), this is a spiritual and historical highlight.
• Motsu-ji Temple: Surrounded by peaceful gardens, it’s a perfect place for reflection.

The wooden carved statue of Minamoto-no-Yoshitsune (a samurai of the Minamoto clan of Japan in the late Heian and early Kamakura periods) at Takadachi Gikeido Temple.

3. Miyagi: Sendai, the City of Trees

Miyagi Prefecture is home to Sendai, the largest city in the Tohoku region in Japan. It’s known as the “City of Trees” due to its green spaces and tree-lined streets.

Sendai

Sendai is a vibrant northern coastal town in Japan that mixes modern urban life with traditional culture. It’s also an essential hub for travelers using the Tohoku Shinkansen schedule, operated by JR EAST, to explore the rest of the region.

Sendai city was built on the foundations laid by warlord Date Masamune during the early Edo period. The area around the city and the ruins of Aoba Castle are full of historical places connected to the Date clan.

With its mild climate, the weather in Sendai Miyagi Prefecture is comfortable year-round, making it an attractive destination for travelers.

Things to Do in Sendai:

• Zuihoden Mausoleum: The ornate final resting place of Date Masamune, the famous samurai lord.
• Sendai Castle Ruins: Offering panoramic views of the city, this historic site is a great starting point for a day in Sendai.
• Akiu Onsen: Just outside the city, this hot spring town offers a relaxing escape from the urban pace.

Aoba Castle: A site naturally protected by the Hirose River to the north and east, Tatsunokuchi Gorge to the south, and dense forest to the west.

Matsushima

Matsushima Bay is renowned as one of Japan’s most breathtaking scenic spots, with over 260 pine-covered islands scattered across its serene waters. It’s the ideal destination for nature lovers, offering tranquil outdoor strolls and the chance to explore stunning landscapes, including bays and small islands.

Things to Do in Matsushima:

• Zuigan-ji Temple: A striking Zen Buddhist temple nestled among cedar trees.
• Matsushima Bay Cruise: A leisurely way to see the picturesque islands that make this area famous.
• Oshima Island: The small, pine-covered Oshima island near Matsushima’s pier, is accessible via a short bridge and offers scenic walks, shrines, and viewpoints. Once a retreat for monks, the island features meditation caves
• Kanrantei: Momoyama-style tea house originally built in Kyoto by Toyotomi Hideyoshi overlooking Matsushima Bay.

4. Akita: Festivals and Folklore

Akita Prefecture is known for its rich cultural traditions, making it a key stop for any Tohoku travel adventure. Its remote, rural landscape offers peace and an authentic Japanese experience.

Akita City

The capital of Akita Prefecture, Akita City, is renowned for its vibrant Kanto Festival, where participants balance giant bamboo poles adorned with glowing paper lanterns, illuminating the night sky. 

For those looking for things to do in Akita, the festival is a must-see cultural experience. Visitors can also enjoy a comfortable stay in one of the many Akita city hotels, making it a great base to explore the region’s rich traditions, outdoor activities, and historical sites.

Things to Do in Akita City:

• Senshu Park: Explore the remnants of Kubota Castle, surrounded by beautiful parkland.
• Akita Museum of Art: A modern museum housing both Japanese and Western artworks, including pieces by painter Léonard Foujita.
• Yokote Kamakura Festival: A winter spectacle where young kids populate the local area with igloo-shaped snow domes that are illuminated at night. Also featuring snow sculptures and warming beverages.

Did you know?

The Akita International University (AIU) is a top Japanese university for international liberal arts. With its beautiful campus AIU and reputation as a leading AIU college attract students worldwide, blending Japan’s academic excellence with its tranquil environment, it makes for a unique stop for both travelers and scholars.

Oga Peninsula

Famous for its Namahage folklore, the Oga Peninsula offers cultural and scenic beauty.

Things to Do:

• Namahage Museum: Learn about the fascinating Namahage ritual, where locals dress as demon-like creatures to ensure good fortune for the year.
• Mount Kanpu: This mountain offers incredible 360-degree views of the Oga Peninsula and the Sea of Japan.

5. Yamagata: Snow Monsters and Hot Springs

Yamagata Prefecture is a winter wonderland, famed for its snow-covered mountains and rejuvenating traditional hot springs, making it an essential part of any Tohoku travel itinerary. 

Among the must-visit spots is the charming Ginzan Onsen Yamagata, a picturesque hot spring town with historic inns nestled along the river. Yamagata in Japan also offers a wealth of natural beauty and cultural experiences, from skiing in winter to exploring peaceful onsen retreats, making it an ideal destination for those seeking both adventure and relaxation.

Yamagata City

Yamagata City is famous for its winter sports and hot springs. It’s also home to one of Japan’s oldest temples, Risshaku-ji.

Things to Do in Yamagata City:

• Zao Onsen: This popular ski resort is known for its “snow monsters” — trees covered in heavy snow, creating otherworldly shapes.
• Risshaku-ji Temple: Climb the 1,000 steps to this ancient mountain temple for a spiritual experience and breathtaking views.
• Climbing Yamadera: Yamadera Temple, located northeast of Yamagata City, is a stunning mountain retreat filled with temples and scenic views, making it a perfect for a day trip.

Tsuruoka: The UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy

For something quieter, head to Tsuruoka, a city with a deep history in Japan’s Buddhist traditions.

Tsuruoka, recognized as a City of Gastronomy, boasts a unique food culture shaped by its diverse geography in Yamagata, Japan, from mountains to the sea. This vibrant culinary heritage combines traditional recipes passed down for generations with fresh, seasonal ingredients, reflecting the deep connection between the people of Tsuruoka Yamagata Japan and their land, while honoring the region’s “slow food” philosophy through local events and practices.

Things to Do in Tsuruoka:

• Mount Haguro: One of the Three Sacred Mountains of Dewa, it’s a revered pilgrimage site for those seeking peace and spirituality.
• Five-Story Pagoda: A national treasure, this elegant structure is a symbol of Tsuruoka’s rich history.
• Tsuruoka Culture Hall: A multipurpose cultural center that serves as a hub for artistic and cultural events in the region. Surrounded by lush natural scenery, it sits in the cultural district of Tsuruoka.

6. Fukushima: Castles and Countryside

Rounding out our Tohoku travel guide is Fukushima Prefecture, a region known for its historic castles and beautiful countryside. It’s an ideal destination for those seeking a more rural experience.

Aizu-Wakamatsu

The city of Aizu-Wakamatsu is steeped in samurai history and remains a popular spot for history enthusiasts.

Things to Do in Aizu-Wakamatsu:

• Tsuruga Castle: One of the most famous castles in the north of Japan, offering stunning views and fascinating exhibits on the region’s samurai past.
• Ouchi-juku: This beautifully preserved Edo-period post town offers a glimpse into traditional rural life.
• Oyakuen: Originally a villa for the lord of the Aizu Domain around 600 years ago, and in the 17th century, it became a medicinal herb garden to protect citizens from epidemics. Today, it remains a beautifully preserved traditional garden and an important national asset, where visitors can still enjoy herbal tea in its historic tea houses.

Iizaka Onsen

For some relaxation, head to the town of Iizaka Onsen, one of Japan’s oldest hot spring towns.

Things to Do in Iizaka Onsen:

• Sabako no Yu: A public bath with a history dating back over 1,400 years.
• Fukushima Fruit Line: A scenic road lined with orchards, where you can pick seasonal fruits.
• Oncafé hot spring cafe: Perfect place for lunch and tea, grab a bite when taking a break from the sightseeing. Be sure to try the Moniwakko Soup Curry!

Final Words

Whether you’re exploring the best places to visit in Tohoku, from historic temples to scenic bays, or indulging in the local food, this Tohoku travel guide offers a comprehensive look at this enchanting region. 

Each city and prefecture offers its own unique flavor of northern Japan, ensuring your trip is filled with adventure, culture, and unforgettable experiences.

Is Tohoku worth visiting? Absolutely!

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