Tohoku Travel Guide (Japan/East Asia/Asia)

Introduction to Tohoku

Nestled in the northern part of Japan’s main island Honshu, Tohoku is a picturesque region known for its natural beauty, rich culture, and warm hospitality. The area comprises six prefectures: Aomori, Akita, Iwate, Miyagi, Yamagata, and Fukushima.

With its rugged coastline, mountainous terrain, and abundant hot springs, Tohoku is perfect for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. History buffs and art lovers can explore the region’s vibrant cultural heritage through its numerous museums, temples, and traditional festivals.

List of Places to Visit in Tohoku

Tohoku is home to some of Japan’s most iconic and off-the-beaten-path destinations. Here are some must-visit places in the region:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Matsushima Bay: Explore one of Japan’s most scenic views of over 260 pine-covered islets and islands.
Morioka Castle Site Park: Visit the ruins of a feudal-era castle where the Nambu clan once ruled.
Hirosaki Castle: Admire the exquisite beauty of this 17th-century castle surrounded by cherry blossom trees.
Ouchi-juku: Step back in time to the Edo period as you stroll the streets of this charming old post town.

Natural Attractions of Tohoku: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Zao Onsen: Relax in one of Tohoku’s top hot springs surrounded by snow-covered trees in winter and lush greenery in summer.
Hakkoda Mountains: Hike through pristine forests and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks.
Geibikei Gorge: Hop on a boat and sail through the crystal-clear waters of this scenic gorge flanked by vertical cliffs.
Lake Towada: Take a scenic drive along the lakeside or hike the trails that surround this stunning caldera lake.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Tohoku

Tohoku offers some of the best hiking and biking experiences in Japan. Here are some popular routes:

Oirase Gorge: Take a leisurely hike along the riverbanks of this stunning gorge surrounded by lush greenery.
Dewa Sanzan Trails: Trek through the sacred mountains of Dewa Sanzan where pilgrims have been coming for centuries.
Oze National Park: Explore this vast park on foot or by bike, taking in the dramatic landscape of wetlands, forests, and mountains.
Shirakami-Sanchi: Discover one of Japan’s last remaining ancient beech forests as you hike or bike this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Best Things to Do in Tohoku: Activities and Tours

Tohoku offers a wide range of activities and tours that cater to different interests and preferences. Here are some of the best things to do in the region:

Onsen Hopping: Try out different hot springs and ryokans for a relaxing and rejuvenating experience.
Fishing in Miyagi: Go fishing for salmon or trout in the clear waters of Miyagi’s rivers or sea.
Sake Brewery Tour: Visit the famous breweries in Fukushima, Yamagata, and other prefectures and learn how sake is made.
Winter Sports: Ski or snowboard in Tohoku’s world-class resorts like Appi Kogen or Zao Onsen.

Week-Long Itinerary for Tohoku

To help you plan your visit to Tohoku, here’s a sample week-long itinerary:

Day	Destination	Activities
Day 1	Aomori	Visit Nebuta Museum; enjoy local seafood for lunch; explore Aomori’s bay area in the evening
Day 2	Akita	Tour historic sites like Kakunodate Samurai District and Tazawa Lake; sample Akita’s specialty dishes like kiritanpo and Inaniwa udon
Day 3	Iwate	Visit Hiraizumi and its UNESCO World Heritage sites; hike Mount Iwate
Day 4	Miyagi	Explore Matsushima Bay; try local oysters and sake; visit Sendai’s shopping district in the evening
Day 5	Yamagata	Stroll through Yamadera temple complex; hike Mount Zao and visit the crater lake; soak in a hot spring in the evening
Day 6	Fukushima	Check out the Azuma Samurai Castle Park and Fukushima Prefectural Museum; taste sake in Aizuwakamatsu
Day 7	Aomori	Take a leisurely stroll through Hirosaki Castle Park; rent a bike and cycle along the Oirase Gorge; enjoy a farewell dinner

Food and Drink Scene of Tohoku

Tohoku is famous for its fresh produce, seafood, and traditional dishes. Here are some must-try foods and beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

Nanbu senbei: A type of rice cracker that’s a specialty of Iwate prefecture.
Basashi: Sliced raw horse meat, a delicacy in Miyagi prefecture.
Wanko soba: A unique style of eating soba in Iwate where small bowls are continuously refilled until you’re full.
Zundamochi: A sweet rice cake filled with sweetened green soybean paste, a specialty of Yamagata prefecture.

Local Beverages

Sake: Tohoku is a paradise for sake lovers, with many famous breweries producing high-quality rice wine.
Shochu: A distilled rice, wheat, or barley liquor that’s popular in Akita and Fukushima.
Beer: Iwate and Aomori have several microbreweries that produce craft beers using local ingredients.

Where to Stay in Tohoku: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Tohoku has a wide range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. Here are some suggestions:

Ryokans: For a traditional Japanese-style stay, ryokans offer tatami-matted rooms, futon beds, and hot spring baths.
Business hotels: If you’re looking for a comfortable and convenient stay, business hotels offer basic amenities and reasonable prices.
Hostels: Budget travelers can opt for hostels that offer dormitory-style rooms with shared facilities.
Minshuku: These traditional guesthouses offer simple but cozy rooms with home-cooked meals.

What to Buy in Tohoku: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Tohoku is known for its unique handicrafts, local specialties, and traditional products that make great gifts and souvenirs. Here are some suggestions:

Nambu ironware: Handcrafted iron pots, pans, and utensils from Iwate prefecture.
Tohoku kokeshi dolls: Traditional wooden dolls with simple, minimalist designs from the Tohoku region.
Towada lacquerware: Beautifully crafted lacquer bowls, trays, and boxes from Aomori prefecture.
Sendai tansu: Handmade wooden chests and cabinets from Miyagi prefecture.

Local Culture and Customs of Tohoku

Tohoku has a rich cultural heritage that’s deeply ingrained in its daily life, festivals, and traditions. Some customs and practices to be aware of are:

Oseibo: A tradition of giving year-end gifts to show gratitude and appreciation.
Namahage: A New Year’s Eve ritual where men dressed in demon costumes visit houses to ward off evil spirits.
Kamakura Festival: A winter festival where snow huts are built for praying and offering food and drink to the gods.
Jizoson: Small stone statues of Jizo, a Buddhist deity believed to protect travelers and children. You’ll find them along roadsides and hiking trails.

Best Time to Visit Tohoku

Tohoku is beautiful year-round, but the best time to visit depends on your interests and preferences. Here’s a rough guide:

Spring: Cherry blossoms bloom from mid-March to early May, making it an ideal time for sightseeing and hiking.
Summer: The weather is warm and perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and beachgoing.
Autumn: Late September to early November is when the leaves change color, making it a visually stunning time to visit.
Winter: From December to February, Tohoku is a winter wonderland that’s great for skiing, snowboarding, and hot spring-hopping.

Do’s and Don’ts of Tohoku

Here are some do’s and don’ts to help you navigate Tohoku’s cultural and social norms:

Do:

Take off your shoes when entering homes, temples, and traditional restaurants.
Respect local customs and traditions, especially during festivals and religious ceremonies.
Use public transportation and follow traffic rules when driving or biking.
Sample local cuisine and beverages to get a taste of Tohoku’s culinary scene.

Don’t:

Smoke in public areas, especially near schools, hospitals, and residential neighborhoods.
Wear revealing or offensive clothing when visiting religious sites or events.
Speak too loudly or disruptively in public places, especially in quiet and solemn areas.
Tip waitresses, bartenders, or taxi drivers, as it’s not a common practice in Japan.

Safety and Health

Tohoku is generally a safe and healthy region to visit, but it’s important to take precautions and be aware of the risks. Here are some tips:

Safety in Tohoku

Use common sense and stay alert when walking or traveling alone, especially at night.
Store your valuables and important documents in a secure place like a hotel safe deposit box.
Follow weather forecasts and be prepared for natural disasters like earthquakes, typhoons, and heavy snow.
Use sunscreen, insect repellent, and protective gear when hiking or camping in the mountains or forests.

Health in Tohoku

The tap water is safe to drink in Tohoku, but you can also opt for bottled water if you prefer.
Tohoku has excellent medical facilities and clinics, but it’s recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses.
If you have allergies, dietary restrictions, or medications, it’s advisable to bring them with you or consult a doctor beforehand.
Japan is a highly hygienic country, so practice good personal hygiene like washing your hands and using tissues when sneezing or coughing.

Getting to Tohoku: Transportation Options and Logistics

Tohoku is easily accessible by various means of transportation, including:

Airports Near Tohoku

Sendai International Airport in Miyagi prefecture.
Hanamaki Airport in Iwate prefecture.
Aomori Airport in Aomori prefecture.

Bus Stations Near Tohoku

Sendai City Bus Terminal in Sendai.
Morioka Bus Terminal in Iwate.
Aomori Station Bus Terminal in Aomori.

Other Options

Shinkansen: The high-speed bullet train connects Tokyo to major cities in Tohoku like Sendai, Morioka, and Aomori.
Expressway buses: Comfortable and affordable buses run between Tokyo and various destinations in Tohoku.
Car rental: You can rent a car and drive to Tohoku, but it’s recommended to have an international driver’s license and a GPS navigation system.

How to Get Around Tohoku

Tohoku has a well-developed transportation network that makes it easy to get around. Here are some options:

Trains: Tohoku has various train lines that connect major cities and towns.
Buses: Local and express buses run between cities and tourist spots.
Taxis: Taxis are available in most cities and towns and are a convenient option for short distances.
Car rental: You can rent a car and drive around Tohoku, but be aware of the traffic rules and road signs.

Where to Go Next from Tohoku: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Tohoku is a great base for exploring other parts of Japan. Here are some nearby destinations and excursions worth considering:

Tokyo: The bustling capital city is just a few hours away by train or bus.
Nikko: A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning nature and historic shrines and temples.
Shirakawago: A scenic village in Gifu prefecture with traditional thatched-roof houses.
Hakodate: A charming port town in Hokkaido prefecture renowned for its fresh seafood and night views.

Conclusion

Tohoku is a hidden gem in Japan that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and warm hospitality. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a history buff, a foodie, or simply seeking to unwind and get away from it all, Tohoku has something to offer everyone. We hope our comprehensive guide has been helpful in planning your trip to Tohoku and that you enjoy your visit!