Explore Tohoku travel with a heartfelt plan in Japan's ski resorts, samurai towns and experience the Nebuta Festival and taste local foods like Yonezawa beef and Sendai gyutan.

As I explored the mountain town of Hida Takayama, nestled in Japan’s Gifu Prefecture, a peculiar character began to pop up everywhere I went—one that has graced the area for generations. Known for its historic streets and traditional craftsmanship, Takayama is a treasure trove of culture—and one of the most eye-catching symbols you’ll find here is the Sarubobo. With its arms spread open, featureless face, and splash of color, Sarubobo are one of the most eye-catching sights

Kamakura, though often overshadowed by Japan’s more famous capitals: Tokyo, Nara, and Kyoto, played a significant role in the country’s...