Tohoku Region Travel Guide

Tohoku is full of places full of history: Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, traditional wooden houses, and feudal castles. These will make you discover the Japan of the past, the time of the samurais, and the clan wars. 

In Iwate prefecture, the temples, gardens, and archeological sites of the city of Hiraizumi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are full of history. Formerly the capital of the northern part of Honshu Island, it is now a testimony to the past of the Tohoku region.

The old town of Kakunodate has remained almost unchanged since its creation in the 17th century. Its samurai district, one of the best preserved in Japan, is the witness of an important page of the traditional aspect of Japan. An opportunity to go back to the past!

Founded in 860, the Yamadera temple is nestled on the mountainside of Yamagata Prefecture and offers a breathtaking view of the green valley below and the surrounding mountains. Not to be missed during your visit to the area.

Finally, Ôuchi-juku village in Fukushima Prefecture is very popular since the Edo period. Its ancient thatched houses have been protected until today, giving the village a time capsule appearance.

We recommend visiting these places, witnesses of the history of the region!

Composed of six of the most rural prefectures in Japan, the Tohoku region is blessed with great nature, ideal for walking and hiking. Get away from the big cities for a while and take a breath of fresh air north of the many mountains by discovering the national parks and other natural beauties offered by the region.

Located about 40 minutes by train from Sendai in Miyagi Prefecture, Matsushima Bay is home to more than 200 small rocky and wooded islands. It is considered one of the three most beautiful scenic spots in Japan on par with Amanohashidate, the "bridge of heaven" of Chugoku, and the very famous Miyajima.

Tohoku region has many mountains, valleys, and rivers. It is there that you can admire the most beautiful gorges of Japan: Oyasu Gorge, Dakigaeri Gorge, or Genbikei and Geibikei Gorge. 

The most impressive one is located in Aomori prefecture, where a river taking its source in Towada lake has formed Oirase Gorge. Surrounded by lush woods and dotted with waterfalls, this place has inspired painters and poets for centuries. It is a particularly recommended place for hiking and biking enthusiasts.

Cherry blossoms are one of the symbols of Japan and their arrival at the end of winter brings a festive wind to the country every year! Their blossoming kicks off Hanami, a Japanese tradition of picnicking with family, friends, or colleagues under the branches of cherry blossoms.

When spring arrives, you will find exceptional places to go and admire the pink petals of the cherry blossoms:

• Hirosaki cherry blossom festival
• The Kitakami Cherry Blossom Festival
• Tsuruga-jo Castle in Aizu

In Fukushima Prefecture, there is also one of the Nihon Godaizakura, which are the oldest, largest and most famous cherry trees in Japan.

The Miharu Takizakura was planted more than 1,000 years ago and today it reaches 12 meters in height with a diameter of 20 meters. This tree is very impressive when its branches bloom millions of pink flowers at the arrival of spring.

• Read also: Where to see cherry blossoms in Tohoku?