Tohoku Travel: A Slow Journey Through Japan’s Northeast
- Karune
- 19 hours ago
- 4 min read
Most people are familiar with Tohoku due to the 2011 tsunami. However, beyond that tragic moment, the region has quietly rebuilt, and today it’s one of Japan’s most beautiful and soulful places to visit.
Living in Japan for nearly eight years now, I have had numerous opportunities to explore this great country, from the temples and palaces of the ancient capitals of Kyoto and Nara to lesser-known locations such as Niigata and Dazaifu.
However, one part of the nation that always captures my imagination is the Tohoku region.
Why Tohoku Travel Feels Different From the Rest of Japan
The word ‘Tohoku’ literally translates to ‘Northeast,’ which is exactly where the region is located: in the northeastern part of Honshu, Japan’s largest island, spanning from the Sea of Japan to the Pacific coast. Because of this, Tohoku has garnered a reputation for being remote with a harsh climate. The region garnered global interest following the catastrophic 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, which continues to shape many international visitors' perceptions of it.
Today, roughly 1% of overseas tourists visit the Tohoku region.
This is unfortunate because the region has much to offer, and I would go as far as to say that it is one of the greatest places to visit in the country. So why is that the case?
Tohoku Travel for Winter Adventures and Mountain Trails
A Haven for Cold-Weather Lovers
The first point is more specific to me because I am a man of the cold. Some might think I’m odd, but I love cooler weather and thrive in it, especially if snow gets involved. Any form of heat and humidity, and I start to struggle.
The Tohoku region, while warming up in summer, is not as hot or humid as other areas of Japan, providing relief for those like me when the weather becomes oppressive.
In the winter, the region transforms into a snowy wonderland, making Tohoku skiing one of its most underrated highlights. Several Tohoku ski resorts can be found in Yamagata, Akita, and Aomori prefectures, with Aomori City itself receiving the heaviest snowfall of any major city in the world.
A Mountain Lover’s Paradise
Secondly, I love mountains. I find everything about them intriguing, whether it be their beautiful peaks towering high into the sky or the history and role they played in ancient Japanese societies. If I had been born 300 years ago, I would not have been surprised if I were part of some mountain worship sect. The Tohoku region is full of intriguing mountains, with the Ou Mountain range running through its heart, and many offer peaks with ample opportunities for hiking, something that I also thoroughly enjoy.
For a brief yet delightful Tohoku itinerary, Yamadera features a 1,000-step path leading to its mountain-side Buddhist temple, showcasing breathtaking vistas that I’ve been lucky enough to see. If you seek a more challenging adventure, consider tackling Mount Iwate or Mount Zao, which offer a tougher climb but ultimately a more gratifying experience.
Tohoku’s Pilgrimage to the Dewa Sanzan
One attraction that has my interest and is high on my travel list is the Dewa Sanzan or the ‘Three Mountains of Dewa’, in Yamagata prefecture.
Each sacred mountain, Haguro-san, Gas-san, and Yudono-san, has a shrine near or at its peak, representing birth, death, and rebirth, with travelers visiting them in that order. The history and religious background of the Dewa Sanzan are extremely intriguing and too long for this post, but I hope to visit and write about them in the near future.
The Beauty of Tohoku That’s Hard to Put Into Words: From Matsushima Bay to Mountain Views
My third reason why I love Tohoku so much is its beauty and picturesque scenery. I mentioned the view from Yamadera, but that is just the tip of the iceberg. Matsushima, located in Miyagi prefecture, is considered one of Japan’s three most scenic views, and for good reason. The 260 islands scattered throughout the bay bring a tranquil and calming atmosphere.
Even when walking through the lively streets on the coast, I cannot help but relax every time I look out to the bay and see the natural beauty that Matsushima has been blessed with. I am struggling to put into words how I feel about Matsushima specifically, and I am not the only one, as even legendary haiku poet Matsuo Basho also struggled to describe the beauty that he encountered!
Tohoku Travel Experiences for Every Kind of Traveler
Lastly, the Tohoku region offers something for everyone. I previously discussed hiking and skiing, but there are a variety of other activities for visitors to enjoy.
History buffs can head to the Kakunodate Samurai district, a former castle town and samurai stronghold, or the ancient Jomon Sites in Aomori prefecture (some of Japan’s earliest settlements).
Culture lovers will be captivated by the Aomori Nebuta Festival, which is one of the Tohoku region’s great summer festivals and is renowned worldwide for its meticulously crafted floats.
For food enthusiasts, Yamagata’s signature Yonezawa beef is considered one of the top 5 beefs in Japan and makes a good pairing with the prefecture’s famous rice and sake products. If you want something unique, you can even try Sendai’s famous beef tongue, too!
With the sheer variety of things to do, it is hard to find yourself getting bored.
Detractors of Tohoku will say that the region is difficult to access since its rail and Shinkansen networks are not as extensive or frequent as the rest of the country, but I believe that makes it more appealing. Sure, it can be inconvenient if a station only has one train every hour or two, but it is an opportunity to explore the area, try the local delicacies, and discover things that would otherwise go unnoticed in other regions.
Why Tohoku Deserves Your Attention
Tohoku may not be as well-known as other parts of Japan, but that does not mean that it is any less interesting.
From the mysterious Dewa Sanzan to the beautiful Sanriku coastline facing the Pacific Ocean, there is so much waiting to be discovered in the Tohoku region.
Ready to experience Tohoku for yourself? Use this as inspiration for your own Tohoku travel itinerary and start planning your journey with us here.
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