Japan's Most Poetic Landscape, A Land of Dramatic Nature
Tohoku is a large region in the northeast of Japan’s main island Honshu. Its rugged, mountainous terrain and rows of river lowlands make up almost one-fifth of Japan’s total area. Harsh winters keep the resident population low but visitors, among them Japan’s most famous poet Basho, have been enjoying some of the country’s most beautiful scenery for centuries.
The northeastern part of Japan’s main island (Honshu) is a mind-blowing place. Comprising six prefectures—Miyagi, Fukushima, Aomori, Akita, Iwate and Yamagata—the Tohoku region is where you go for remote beauty and wild outdoor experiences, not to mention good traditional grub. Some parts of Tohoku are just a couple of hours from Tokyo, but for reasons unknown, the area remains one of the least visited by international tourists.
The northeastern part of Japan’s main island (Honshu) is a mind-blowing place. Comprising six prefectures—Miyagi, Fukushima, Aomori, Akita, Iwate and Yamagata—the Tohoku region is where you go for remote beauty and wild outdoor experiences, not to mention good traditional grub. Some parts of Tohoku are just a couple of hours from Tokyo, but for reasons unknown, the area remains one of the least visited by international tourists.
Zao Onsen
A Gorgeous Open-air Onsen
Sitting in a hot bath while looking out into the forest at any time of the year is an unforgettable experience.
Sitting in a hot bath while looking out into the forest at any time of the year is an unforgettable experience.
Oga Peninsula
The Namahage Culture
Fierce demons known as Namahage visit each house to frighten misbehaved children.
Fierce demons known as Namahage visit each house to frighten misbehaved children.
Aomori City
The Aomori Nebuta Festival
With its massive glowing floats and chants, singing and dancing, is one of Japan's standout events.
With its massive glowing floats and chants, singing and dancing, is one of Japan's standout events.
Tsugaru Peninsula
Japan in A Nutshell
Known for its majestic landscape, the peninsula is a delight for nature loving travelers.
Known for its majestic landscape, the peninsula is a delight for nature loving travelers.
Ginzan Onsen
Nostalgic Onsen Town
The classic hot spring town lined with traditional wooden architecture is full of photogenic nostalgia.
The classic hot spring town lined with traditional wooden architecture is full of photogenic nostalgia.
Shirakami Sanchi
Nature in the Row
Aside from being Japan’s biggest wetland, the Kushiro Marsh is home to 2,000 varieties of plants and animals.
Aside from being Japan’s biggest wetland, the Kushiro Marsh is home to 2,000 varieties of plants and animals.
Explore
Regions of Tohoku
Regions of Tohoku
Ideas
for Your Tohoku Trip
for Your Tohoku Trip
- All
- Aomori
- Yamagata
- Iwate
- Akita
- Miyagi
- Fukushima

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