Tohoku in the News

Visitors to Japan have likely heard about the cherry blossoms, hot springs, and Mount Fuji—maybe even the snowy slopes of Niseko and sun-kissed islands of Okinawa—yet much of Japan's great outdoors remains unknown. Take the relatively under-visited regions of Shikoku and Tohoku, one a short flight west of Tokyo, the other an easy train trip north, which reward travelers who veer off the beaten path with scenic coastal trails, hikes to sacred peaks, and a host of other experiences in nature.

Japan is a nation of islands of all shapes and sizes, so it makes sense that much of the country’s culture can be found along its stunning, nature-rich coasts. From island escapes and beautiful beaches to natural hot springs and underground waterfalls, here are some of Japan’s best sites for an unforgettable aquatic adventure.

North of Tokyo, the Tohoku region unfolds across seven prefectures that offer a world of scenic beauty and cultural exploration. From the dynamic Nebuta festival of Aomori Prefecture to Fukushima Prefecture’s stunning Azuma Mountain Range – not to mention an array of attractions in Akita, Iwate, Miyagi, Niigata and Yamagata prefectures – there’s a reason to visit Tohoku at any time of year.

The winding footpath of the over 1,000-kilometer-long (620 miles) Michinoku Coastal Trail stretches across most of Japan’s northeastern coastline, from Aomori’s Hachinohe City in northern Tohoku, to Soma City in Fukushima to the south.