Tohoku Region

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General Information

Tohoku, which literally means “north east”, refers to the northeastern region of Japan’s main island, Honshu. It has a population of approximately 9 million and consists of six prefectures: Akita, Aomori, Fukushima, Iwate, Miyagi, and Yamagata. Tohoku itself is often divided into northern and southern sub-regions. Located in the northeast, Tohoku is known for its heavy snowfall and harsh winters. However, its countryside becomes beautiful when the mountains are capped with snow and offers one of the best sceneries in the country. It is also a popular tourist destination for skiing, hiking, and for its hot springs. On March 11, 2011, the Tohoku region was hit by an earthquake with a magnitude of 9.0. The earthquake lasted 6 minutes and caused a tsunami which reached a height of 40.5 meters. Many Japanese lives were lost, people injured, families separated, and buildings destroyed. After efforts of reconstruction, the Tohoku region is now again safe from nuclear activity and welcoming tourists to their beautiful countryside.

Aomori Prefecture

Aomori Prefecture

Aomori is Japan’s northernmost prefecture on Honshu, Japan’s main island. Today Aomori is best known for its spectacular Nebuta Matsuri summer festival held in August.

Where To Go In Aomori

  • Hirosaki Castle
  • Lake Towada
  • Mount Osore
  • Nebuta Matsuri
  • Oirase
  • Sannai-Maruyama Ruins
  • Shimokita-hanto Quasi-National Park
  • Tsugaru Quasi-National Park

Nebuta Festival

Nebuta Festival

Tohoku Festival,The gigantic bamboo framed lanterns are displayed

Mount Osore (Osorezan)

Mount Osore (Osorezan)

Mountain in Aoyama; Known as the entrance to hell

Lake Towada

Lake Towada

A dual crater lake that was formed by the caving in Aomori, Tohoku

Oirase

Oirase

A gorgeous mountain stream in Aomori, famous for its red leaves in fall

Iwate Prefecture

Iwate Prefecture

Iwate prefecture is located in the Tohoku region and is the second largest prefecture of Japan after Hokkaido. Hiraizumi in the southwestern part of Iwate has over 3,000 national treasures and historical sites.

Where To Go In Iwate

  • Hachimantai
  • Hiraizumi
  • Kitakami
  • Kuji Amber Museum
  • Morioka (For Iwate's Famous Noodles)
  • Sanriku Coast
  • Tendaiji Temple

Hiraizumi

Hiraizumi

3,000 national treasures and historical sites in Iwate, Tohoku

Tendaiji Temple

Tendaiji Temple

The oldest temple in Iwate, built in 728 by a monk Gyoki

Kitakami

Kitakami

One of the cities in Iwate, famous for its more than 10,000 cherry blossoms

Miyagi Prefecture

Miyagi Prefecture

Miyagi Prefecture is located in the Tohoku region and is best known for Matsushima, one of the three most scenic spots in Japan. Its capital Sendai is also a famous destination among tourists. Many of Sendai's tourist attractions are related to Masamune and his family such as the Aoba Castle.

Where To Go In Miyagi

  • Godaido Hall
  • Matsushima
  • Naruko Onsen
  • Sanriku Coast
  • Sendai
  • Tashirojima (Cat Island)
  • Zuiganji Temple
  • Zuihoden Mausoleum

Naruko Onsen

Naruko Onsen

A classic Japanese hot spring spa village in Tohoku Region.

Sendai

Sendai

The largest city in the Tohoku Region known as

Matsushima

Matsushima

One of the three most scenic spots in Japan

Tanabata Festival

Tanabata Festival

One of the four greatest festivals in Tohoku, held every summer in Sendai

Akita Prefecture

Akita Prefecture

Akita is a large prefecture of the northern Tohoku region on the coast of Sea of Japan. Akita is most famous for its Akitakomachi rice and sake. A popular tourist destination in Akita is Kakunodate, a former castle town. Although the castle no longer stands, the town still is still popular for its abundant samurai tradition that is rare in other parts of Japan.

Where To Go In Akita

  • Akita City
  • Kakunodate
  • Lake Tazawa
  • Mount Hachimantai
  • Nyuto Onsen
  • Tamagawa Onsen

Akita

Akita

Largest prefecture in Tohoku and the best prefecture of sake and rice

Kakunodate

Kakunodate

Quiet town east of Akita with refined, elegant feel and called

Nyuto Onsen

Nyuto Onsen

The collocation of ryokan in the mountain. Tsurunoyu has over 300 years history.

Lake Tazawa

Lake Tazawa

Deepest lake in Japan, color changes from green to blue

Yamagata Prefecture

Yamagata Prefecture

Yamagata is the largest producer of cherries and pears in Japan, accounting for 70% of all cherries in Japan. Cherry picking is a popular tourist activity, attracting many locals and tourists during the summer months.

Where To Go In Yamagata

  • Dewa Sanzan
  • Ginzan Onsen
  • Mount Haguro (Dewa)
  • Okama Crater
  • Yamadera Risshakuji Temple
  • Yamagata City
  • Zao Onsen
  • Zao Ski Resort

Mount Haguro

Mount Haguro

One of the Three Mountains of Dewa and the lowest of the three

Yamagata

Yamagata

Conveniently located city for a short trip to Mt. Zao and Yamadera

Yamadera - Risshakuji Temple

Yamadera - Risshakuji Temple

Ancient temple founded over a thousand years ago in 860

Fukushima Prefecture

Fukushima Prefecture

With over 130 hot springs, several volcanoes, and beautiful scenery, Fukushima offers ample ways to appreciate its natural beauty.

Where To Go In Fukushima

  • Aizu Bukeyashiki
  • Aizu Sake Museum
  • Bandai
  • Kitakata
  • Ouchijuku
  • Oze National Park
  • Spa Resort Hawaiians
  • Tsuruga Castle

Aizu Sake Museum

Aizu Sake Museum

About Aizu's history with sake brewing and the process of making sake

Spa Resort Hawaiians

Spa Resort Hawaiians

A water park themed park and spa resort famous for its hula show

Itoshima

Itoshima

Popular summer destination for its sandy beaches

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