Travel Experiences
in Tohoku
Nature
Explore Tohoku's majestic waterways and coastal treasures
Vast and relatively untouched, Tohoku is home to unforgettable natural wonders, and some of the best are experienced from the water's edge. Trek through crystal clear streams and rivers, follow snaking coastal paths to unique settlements like Hirono Town - which offers seasonal seafood like sea urchin and abalone - and hike above Matsushima Bay, where over 260 islands fan out below.
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Shirakami River Trekking (Akita Shirakami Guide Association)
Akita
Walking through the pristine waters that flow from the expansive beech forest in the Shirakami Sanchi, a World Natural Heritage Site, is a one-of-a-kind experience. Here, you are unlikely to encounter other people—but you may come across birds, fish, wild animals, and the remains of a forest railroad from long ago.
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Matsushima Bay and the four best viewing locations (Shitaikan)
Miyagi
Along with Amanohashidate in Kyoto and Miyajima in Hiroshima, Matsushima Bay is known as one of Japan's top three scenic views. The bay is dotted with some 260 islands of various sizes. The best locations for a panoramic view of these islands are known as the Shitaikan and each location has a nickname describing its view.
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Michinoku Coastal Trail (Hachinohe City - Hirono Town)(Michinoku Trail Club)
Aomori / Iwate
The tour starts at Kabushima Shrine in Hachinohe-City, the North entrance of Michinoku Coastal Trail. You will have a nice walk on the Tanesashi shoreline with various and gorgeous scenes, enjoy from ups-and-downs sunken rocks reef to the white sandy beach with green pine trees, and challenge climbing the Hashikamidake with the highest altitude (740m) in the Michinoku Coastal Trail.
Culture
Undiluted Japanese culture in abundance
Tohoku is steeped in tradition and culture. Here, you'll find some of the most authentic cultural experiences anywhere in Japan. Learn the ways of the Yamabushi, Japan's revered mountain priests, in the serene Dewa mountains, or don a kimono and explore ancient villages with thatched dwellings. Lovers of history will be blown away by the UNESCO World Heritage Chuson-ji Temple complex, which features stunning 12th century structures and over 3,000 items deemed National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties.
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Yamabushi Training Experience (Dewa Sanzan (Three mountains of Dewa) Daishobo Pilgrim Lodge)
Yamagata
Experience authentic mountain training practices under the guidance of a real Yamabushi holy men at the sacred Dewa mountains.
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Stroll Around Traditional Thatched Streets in Kimono (Ouchi-juku)
Fukushima
Rent a kimono at Ouchi-juku and enjoy a pleasant Japanese walk along thatched-roof streets.
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Chuson-ji Temple
Iwate
Chuson-ji Temple in Hiraizumi was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011 as an important location of Pure Land Buddhism. Along with the renowned golden hall "Konjikido", the temple offers many highlights including Benkeido Hall, Yakushido Hall and Hondo (Main) Hall.
Activity
Discover Tohoku, including ski slopes and spectacular sights
With its towering mountains and consistent annual snowfall, Tohoku is a magnet for skiers. Zao Onsen is the region's most popular and largest ski resort and home to some of its most impressive runs. Yet, you don't have to be a ski enthusiast to enjoy activities in Tohoku. Below the slopes, take in incredible views from JR Tadami Line, including brilliant foliage in fall and dream-like snowy landscapes in winter. For another touch of magic, visit Sado Island and jump onboard a classic tarai-bune, or washtub boat, to traverse the sea on a unique boating adventure.
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No. 1 Tadami River Bridge Scenic Spot
Fukushima
The JR Tadami Line is a local line that connects Aizuwakamatsu in Fukushima Prefecture to Koide in Niigata Prefecture, a distance of about 135 kilometers, and is known throughout Japan for its beautiful scenery. The mountain scenery, whose colors change with the seasons, and the man-made bridge are a beautiful combination, and the No. 1 Tadami River Bridge is particularly famous.
A 15-minute walk up the promenade right next to Michi no Eki Ozekaido Mishima Juku, a roadside station, will take you to the scenic spot. From the scenic spot, you can overlook the No. 1 Tadami River Bridge and see fog on the Tadami river in summer, a view surrounded by autumn leaves in fall, and a snowy landscape in winter.
In recent years, it has become a popular attraction among international tourists. -
Zao Onsen Ski Resort
Yamagata
The area offers a wide variety of slopes and courses with excellent powder snow and a fantastic atmosphere at night when the trees are lit up with ice. Enjoy a full day of fun in one of the largest snow resort areas in Tohoku.
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Tarai-bune
Niigata
The tub boat was also featured in the animated film "Spirited Away." On the Ogi Coast, visitors can enjoy the peaceful scenery and warm human touch as they fish by tub boat. You can also experience a sightseeing tub boat ride at Ogi Port and on Yajima and Sutra Island.
Tohoku
Tohoku is wild, rugged and filled with adventure. In winter, its slopes are entrenched by snow, providing thrill-seeking skiers with world-renowned runs. Yet, spring and summer transform the landscape into a tranquil wonderland punctuated by transparent streams and calm, island-dotted seas.
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