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

Japan’s Traditional Landscape at Its Best

Japan’s traditional landscape is all about the perfect balance between man and nature. When visiting Tohoku, travelers are offered stretching views of satoyama farmlands and countless examples of traditional architecture embodying local wisdom, artistic beauty and impressive vitality.

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

Unrivaled Beauty: Apple Fields
Hirosaki Apple Park, Aomori Prefecture

Step Back in Time: Kakunodate’s Samurai Residences
Akita Prefecture

Visit the Glorious Past: Merchant Houses in Sakata
Yamagata Prefecture

See Nostalgic Edo: Ouchi-juku Post Station in Shimogo
Fukushima Prefecture

Tohoku Cuisine

A Cultural and Traditional Feast

The long, harsh winters in Tohoku have given rise to some nourishing, hearty recipes that are a direct reflection of the culture’s traditional local sensibility. Consistent food supply insecurity in the area resulted in a long history of food preservation by drying, curing and other forms of practical preparation. Here is a selection of Tohoku specialties that will tickle your taste buds while also filling your belly.

Scrumptious Winter: Iburigakko & Kiritanpo Hot Pot
Akita Prefecture

Heart Warming, Soul Lifting: Imoni and Konnyaku
Yamagata Prefecture

Salmon Harvest: Delicacies Abound
Niigata Prefecture

Looks Great, Tastes Even Better: Kozuyu Soup
Fukushima Prefecture

Freshest of the Fresh: Seafood from the Sanriku Coast
Aomori, Miyagi and Iwate

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

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