Wonderful Tourist Places to Visit Tohoku
Tohoku forms the northern region of the Japan mainland or the major island known as Honshu. Places to visit in Tohoku include lakes, mountains, nature parks, national parks, forests, castles, villages, beaches, markets and caves. There are several winter sports and ocean adventures as well to explore among things to do in Tohoku. Being the northern region of Japan, you can expect popular winter activities to be included in Tohoky travel and you wouldn’t be wrong at all. Tohoku sightseeing includes some of the most scenic wonders of nature in all of Japan. This region is pure unbridled wilderness and Tohoku tourist attractions are among gifts of nature.
In 2011, this region was hit by a tsunami as well as an earthquake. But Japan being Japan, even the most seriously devastated locations were up and running in a matter of weeks. There are several spots celebrating this victory of the people in recovering from a tragedy among places to visit in Tohoku.
Being a northern region, Tohoku offers some incredible ski retreats in Japan. All winter sports and snow activities can be included among things to do in Tohoku. One of the most interesting Tohoku sightseeing in winter are the weird snow covered trees on the slopes of Zao Mountain Range. The trees on the slopes of the mountain develop a weird monster like shapes during snowfall in winters. Popularly known as Zao Snow Monsters these natural snow sculptures are among winter Tohoku tourist attractions. There are also several ski resorts and open ski slopes in the Zoo Mountain range, so you can view these snow monsters while skiing at places to visit in Tohoku region.
As for the autumn colors, people usually head to Lake Towada, which is among the best places to visit in Tohoku. The lake is surrounded by a variety of trees and plants, which transform into a multicolored background to the blue lake during autumn. This lake is great of Tohoku sightseeing, it almost looks like a painting or a very well timed photograph boasting the colorful glory of nature. You can also take boat rides in this lake or hike along its coast among things to do in Tohoku.
Once you have been overwhelmed by all cold things to do in Tohoku, you would also want some warm relaxation. That’s where the natural hot springs come in. There are plenty of volcano powered natural hot springs to enjoy on Tohoku travel. There are also many resorts and spa surrounding these natural rejuvenation baths. If you desire for a more true to nature experience, you can also hike to one of these Tohoku tourist attractions in the Zao Mountain range. Nyuto Onsen is popular among the hot springs in Tohoku for its milk like white water thermal baths. You will also see modest wooden bath-houses and small resorts developed around the hot springs here. It is essentially a rural region and very popular among places to visit in Tohoku for hot spring thermal bathing.
Tohoku is also known for Shirakami Sanchi National Park, which is included among UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This mountain range has wonderful forests, lakes, and waterfalls among places to visit in Tohoku. This forest is a great place for hiking, trekking, camping, wildlife and nature explorations among things to do in Tohoku. You will also find a few natural hot springs in these mountains, some of these are ideally located with beautiful view of the mountains and the valleys for Tohoku sightseeing.
Among other reasons for Tohoku travel is the Nebuta Matsuri festival. It is one of the most colorful festival in Japan. During this festival large colorful floats dejecting various mythological events, traditions, historical events, or pop culture are created and taken on a festive ride around the city of of Aomori. This is one of the most wonderful Tohoku sightseeing opportunities. It is also a great opportunity for cultural engagement on Tohoku travel.
Among famous historical places to visit in Tohoku is province of Hiraizumi. There are several temples, palaces, and other historical buildings to explore among Tohoku tourist attractions in this region. Hiraizumi used to be one of the most prominent regions of Japan, but as time passed, its power and prominence faded away. But, the culture is still live in the remnants structures. The Chuson ji Temple is widely popular for Tohoku sightseeing. The most prominent feature of this temple is a gold covered hall, which is the primary reason for its popularity among places to visit in Tohoku. Another popularly visited temple is Takkoku no Lwaya. This temple is built amidst a hanging mountain cliff. The temple is design in such a way that it appears to be lifting the cliff from the ground. A visit to this temple for sightseeing or for prayer is among popular things to do in Tohoku. Another incredibly beautiful temple for Tohoku sightseeing is the Hojuzan Risshaku Temple, nesting on top of the mountain. The hike to the temple can be challenging for a few people, but the view from the top is absolutely breathtaking. The temple itself boasts a very quaint architecture. Combined it is one of the most popular Tohoku tourist attractions.
Also included among things to do in Tohoku is pilgrimage to Mount Haguro. There are many small shrines and statues along the way to the temple on the top of the mountain. People do love to hike to the top as it is among prominent religious places to visit in Tohoku. Mount Haguro is actually among the 3 sacred mountains in Japan. It is not just a Tohoku sightseeing spot for tourist, but a deeply religious and spiritual spot for the people of Japan and Buddhists across the world.
If you wish to time-travel to feudal era of Japan, embark on Tohoku travel to the town of Kakunodate. The ambiance and architecture of the town will make you feel that you have been transported to samurai era. There are several houses which retain the structure as it was during the bygone era of feudal samurai dominance. The town is also among Tohoku tourist destinations for viewing cherry blossoms. Another great place to dive in the past of Japan is Hirosaki. The castle of Hirosaki is a very popular Tohoku sightseeing structure. It is not just the castle but also the different forms it takes throughout the year. In winters it is covered in snow. In summer and spring it looks like a dominating palace surrounded by green subjects. In autumn, this Tohoku tourist attractions is surrounded by colorful bloom of nature contrasting the surroundings with its white structure and brown rooftops. It is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Tohoku.
Districts, Cities, & Places to visit in Tohoku
Akita
Akita has everything you would expect from a tourist destination. There are natural wonders, historical destinations, and cultural events. There are several popular places to visit in Tohoku located in Akita Prefecture. The natural wonders among Tohoku sightseeing in Akita Prefecture are Lake Tazawa, Dakigaeri Gorge, Cape Nyudozaki, Dragon Eye Lake, and Shirakami Sanchi Forest. Akita is also known as the place of origin of Japan’s most famous dog breed, the Akita dog. The samurai village mentioned above among places to visit in Tohoku is also located in Akita Prefecture. There are many cultural and entertainment festivals in Akita which are a reason for Tohoku travel. This includes Yokote Kamakura Snow Huts Festival, Akita Kanto Festival, and Omagari Fireworks Festival. As discussed above hot springs bath is also among things to do in Tohoku. You will find many beautiful natural hot springs among Tohoku tourist attractions including Nyuto Onsenkyo and Tamagawa Onsen.
Aomori
Aomori is the northernmost prefecture among places to visit in Tohoku region. It shares Shirakami Sanchi mountains and forest among Tohoku sightseeing places with Akita prefecture. Aomori prefecture is a popular inclusion in Tohoku travel. It is known for its uninhibited natural views, coastal scenery, mountains, lakes, and festivals. The famous Aoike Lake is part of Shirakami Sanchi. This pond is a Tohoku tourist attraction for changing colors according to the season. Another beautiful Tohoku sightseeing spot in Aomori prefecture is Oirase Stream located in the Towada National Park. The stream starts from Lake Towada. Hiking along the banks of Oirase stream is one of the most popular hiking trails among things to do in Tohoku region. Besides the scenic beauty of the forest, there are several small waterfalls along the stream to enjoy while hiking. Lake Towada mentioned above is also a great for hiking, boat ride, and natural sightseeing among places to visit in Tohoku. You can also take the Hakkoda Ropeway among things to do in Tohoku to enjoy the view of Mount Tamoyachi. It is yet another popular activity for Tohoku sightseeing of nature. Major historical Tohoku tourist attractions in Aomori Prefecture include the Hirosaki Castle, Osorezan Bodaiji Temple and Sannai Maruyama Ruins. There are also hot springs to enjoy among Tohoku tourist attractions in Aomori, namely Sukayu Onsen and Koganesaki Furofushi Onsen.
Fukushima
On the opposite spectrum of the northern prefectures of Tohoku, there are more historical places to visit in Tohoku located in Fukushima compared to other prefectures. Not that it lacks natural wonders. Historical and cultural Tohoku tourist attractions in Fukushima include Ouchijuku town, Tsuruga Castle, Aizu Bukeyashiki, Sazaedo Pagoda, Shiramizu Amidado Temple, and Hideyo Noguchi Museum. Fukushima is also among Tohoku travel itinerary for the cultural festival of Soma Nomaoi. The highlight of this festival is the horse race. This festival originated from the Samurai tradition as did many of the places to visit in Tohoku that are mentioned above. Another popular Tohoku tourist attractions includes the Aquamarine Fukushima or the Fukushima Aquarium. The Aquarium is located on the coast of the Pacific Ocean in Fukushima giving you a natural view of the ocean life. For Tohoku sightseeing of natural wonders in Fukushima you can head to Abukumado Limestone Cave. It is one of the most popular destinations in Japan for cave exploration. There are also safe guided tours of the cave among things to do in Tohoku. There are also 3 incredible lakes highlighting the natural beauty of Fukushima, namely Lake Inawashiro, Lake Hibara, and Lake Goshikinuma. Lake Inawashiro is also known as the lake of heaven’s reflection, an ode to its clear water. It is also one of the largest lake in the country. Lake Goshikinuma on the other hand is famous among natural Tohoku sightseeing spots for its brilliant colors. The lake displays different colors in different seasons, it sometimes shows multiple colors at the same time. The word Goshikimuna means the Ponds of Five Colours or the Five Colored Ponds in Japanese. Lake Hibara is another large lake to visit during Tohoku travel, especially for the views of colorful flaura during autumn. This lake also has several small islands which people take on to enjoy the view of the lake and its surroundings. Hot Spring water bathing is also among things to do in Tohoku. In Fukushima you can visit Higashiyama Onsen and Iizaka Onsen for a refreshing hot water bath.
Iwate
The most popular among places to visit in Tohoku located in Iwate prefecture is the Chuson-ji Temple, which is a UNESCO recognized world heritage site. This is the temple with the Golden hall. Close to Chuson-ji Temple is the Motsuji Temple, yet another UNESCO recognized world cultural heritage site among Tohoku tourist attractions. This temple has also great for Tohoku sightseeing of nature as well, besides being historically and religiously significant. Other natural wonders to view on Tohoku travel through Iwate include Jodogahama Beach, Ryusendo Cave, Geibikei Gorge, Genbikei Gorge, Appi Kogen Highlands, and Hachimantai snow corridor. When you are tired from all the walking and hiking done exploring nature and other things to do in Tohoku, you can enjoy Hot Spring baths at Hanamaki Onsenkyo or Hachimantai Onsenkyo. There are 2 particular festivals you can enjoy on Tohoku travel in Iwate. The Miyazawa Kenji Fairytale Village Festival and Morioka Sansa Odori Festival are both popular Tohoku tourist attractions.
Miyagi
Miyagi prefecture can be included among things to do in Tohoku for its natural wonders and historical buildings. Miyagi is home to the Zao Mountain range, about which we have elaborately talked in the above section. Zao Mountain range is a very popular among Tohoku tourist attractions for skiing and other winter activities. The Okama Crater Lake and Naruko-kyo Gorge are popular natural wonder among Tohoku sightseeing spots. One of Japan’s most beautiful sights are found at Matsushima Bay located in Miyagi. There are several places to visit in Tohoku to behold the scenic beauty of Matsushima Bay. The historical Tohoku sightseeing attractions located in Miyagi include Sendai Castle Ruins, Zuihoden Mausoleum, Entsu-in Temple, and Zuiganji Temple. Like other prefectures in Tohoko, Miyagi also has natural Hot Springs with healing waters. Popular among them to experience on Tohoku travel are Naruko Onsenkyo, Akiu Onsen, and Sakunami Onsen.
Yamagata
Yagamata is the top among places to visit in Tohoku region for some winter fun. Yamagata shares the Zao mountain range with Miyagi prefecture. It has its fair share of ski resorts and winter fun destinations among places to visit in Tohoku region. There are enough natural wonders and historical Tohoku tourist attractions in Yagamata to keep it interesting besides winter as well. The Mogami river and Mount Chokai are great places for nature exploration and hiking among things to do in Tohoku. The frosty monsters we talked about in the previous section are also seen in Yamagata prefecture. Besides nature and winter attractions, Yamagata is most popular as a religious pilgrimage. The earlier mentioned pilgrimage of Mount Haguro is located in Yamagata. Other religiously significant mountain to visit on Tohoku travel are Mount Gassan and Mount Yudonosan. The 3 pilgrimage mountains are collectively known as 3 Mountains of Dewa meaning 3 mountains of Gods. These have been revered as spiritually and religiously significant places since many hundred years. There are several important shrines to include among places to visit in Tohoku located in Yamagata prefecture, namely Uesugi Jinja Shrine, Yudonosan Shrine, Gassan Shrine, Sanjingosaiden Shrine, and Risshaku-ji Temple.
