DESTINATION Tohoku
The Tohoku region of Japan is home to unspoiled rural landscapes and historical treasures, outdoor summer adventures and endless powder snow in the winter
Japan's northeastern wilderness is a huge region encompassing six rural prefectures, bound together by custom, heritage and recent tragedy. The devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck in 2011 brought out the resilient nature of Tohoku's people, and local passion and pride are putting the area back on its feet. There's a lot to be proud of—dramatic landscapes, history-rich sites, craft sake and a host of outdoor activities like rafting, hiking and skiing. Much more rural than Tokyo yet more developed than Hokkaido, the Tohoku region makes for exciting excursions from the capital and memorable side trips on the journey to the northernmost region of Japan's main island.
Don’t Miss
- The explosive sound, color and drama of the Aomori Nebuta Festival in summer
- The temples, gardens and archaeological sites of World Heritage-listed Hiraizumi, in Iwate
- Sweet cherries in Yamagata and juicy peaches in Fukushima
- Easy access from Tokyo or Hokkaido on speedy bullet trains to Aomori and Akita
Recommended for You
Iwate
Aomori
