Easily accessible from Tokyo, the Tohoku region is a true gem that visitors to Japan should not miss out on. Stretching from the prefecture of Fukushima, just north of Tokyo, to Aomori Prefecture, south of Hokkaido, the Tohoku region offers heaps of sublime natural landscapes every season and off-the-beaten-path travel opportunities. A must-see destination all year long, with enjoyable local festivals and delicious culinary specialties, read through our Tohoku travel guide to plan your next Japan vacation!

Tokyo is often thought of as an expensive city to visit, but it deserves to be known as a wonderful destination for budget travellers. While many have heard of 100-yen shops and megastores such as  Don Quijote, another way to save money is to explore the capital and Kanto region on foot, on a bicycle or up in the mountains. Rather than spending money on lots of train tickets or passes, you can take your time and enjoy a more in-depth travel experience. Let’s take a look at some of the spots from the new Tokyo Outdoors guidebook that you could visit!

A region famed for its abundance of rice and sake, Echigo Yuzawa is approximately 80 minutes from Tokyo on the Joetsu Shinkansen. Take a moment to hop off for a little overnight detour after gliding down the winter slopes and soft powder, or travel up for a weekend escape from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo during the other seasons to delve deeper into the delights Echigo Yuzawa has to offer.

Starting from the 31st of October and lasting until the 5th of November, there will be a variety of Toyama Prefecture related activities going on in London! From a Toyama sake dinner to a wagashi (traditional Japanese confectionery) pop-up at Pantechnicon, this week will serve as a great introduction to the charms that Toyama has to offer. Just 2 hours by bullet train from Tokyo, the week will make you want to book your tickets as soon as possible!

Roughly one hour away from Niigata City via jetfoil, lies Sadogashima (Sado Island). Once a place of exile for prominent Kyoto politicians, intellectuals and artists who fell out of favour with the ruling government; it resulted in the island forming its own unique blends of culture and religion.