Tohoku Special Winter 2016

Explore Japan’s Rich Heritage in Tohoku’s Six Prefectures and Niigata

Located in the northeastern part of Japan’s Honshu island, Tohoku is surrounded by the Sea of Japan, the Pacific Ocean and the Tsugaru Strait. Consisting of six prefectures — Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, Akita, Yamagata and Fukushima — the region is famous for its jaw-dropping scenery, magnificent temples, unique culture and friendly people. Escape the swarming big-city crowds, get off the beaten path and embark upon an exciting journey deep into Japan’s past and present.

Picturesque Tohoku

Revisiting Traditional Architectural Wisdom: Thatching
Tono Furusato Village, Denshoen Park

Unrivaled Beauty: Apple Fields
Hirosaki Apple Park, Aomori Prefecture

Tohoku Cuisine

Mysterious Tohoku

Land of Deities

Most Japanese people adopt a pantheistic view of God and believe that everything—from the smallest flower to the tallest mountain—possesses a spirit. The phenomenon is especially prominent in Tohoku, an area home to many “natural power” spots. These sacred places are often visited by both locals and tourists to absorb positive energy and receive blessings of good fortune, love, fulfillment and more.

God’s Creation Wonders : 4 Divine Spots in Tohoku

Hayachine Kagura, Tonohetsuri Cliff,Lake Tazawa and Lake Towada

A Glorious Golden Age: Hiraizumi & Chuson-ji

Chuson-ji Temple Konjikido, Iwate Prefecture

Feudal Lord’s Treasure: Zuigan-ji Temple

Matsushima, Miyagi Prefecture

Winter Activities in Tohoku

Winter Wonderland Welcome!

Renowned for its seemingly endless snowy winters, Tohoku offers an expansive variety of cold-weather activities ranging from exciting snow sports to relaxing hot springs and fine sake tasting tours, along with other expeditions that cater to a broad range of interests. Follow us as we take you through a list of must-dos in the winter wonderland that is Tohoku!

Yukimi Onsen

Dip in one of these onsen (hot springs) surrounded by snow-capped mountains while watching snow fall gently around you.

Snow Activities

Aside from skiing and snowboarding, there are myriad other tantalizing activities on offer.

Vintage Winter Rides

Enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere on a stove train, kotatsu train or kotatsu boat as they tour along some of the most scenic routes in Japan.

World’s Best Sake!

Tohoku sake has a time-honored place deep in the heart of sake enthusiasts and several breweries offer tours from November to March

Other Tohoku Articles

Yokote Kamakura (Snow Huts)
Akita Prefecture

The Tohoku Must-Do List
Ancient festivals, historic castle ruins, and traditional music heritage

The Tohoku Must Eat List
The essentials for feasting in the northeast

The Tohoku Traditional Crafts List
Pieces of tradition for a one-of-a-kind gift

The Beauty of Northern Tohoku – Shirakami Sanchi
Shirakami Sanchi & surrounding attractions

Onsen Oasis: Zao Dairotenburo
Yamagata Prefecture