Tōhoku
,Tōhoku is a region located in the northern part of Honshu, the main island of Japan. Known for its beautiful landscapes, Tōhoku is home to stunning mountains, hot springs, and picturesque coastline. The region is also rich in history and culture, with many traditional festivals and historic sites to explore.
Tōhoku is known for its delicious cuisine, including fresh seafood and local specialties like miso soup and sake.
- "Arigatou" - Thank you
- "Sumimasen" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "Eego o hanasemasu ka?" - Do you speak English?
- "Oishii" - Delicious
- "Konnichiwa" - Hello / Good afternoon
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $40 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $8 - $50
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $100
Day plans
Spend a day exploring around
Thoku Adventure: Day 1
morning
:Start your day at Sendai's famous Zuihoden, the mausoleum of Date Masamune. Explore the beautiful gardens and learn about the history of this powerful samurai.
afternoon
:Head to Akiu Onsen, a nearby hot spring area. Enjoy a relaxing soak in the natural hot springs surrounded by lush greenery.
evening
:Wrap up your evening with a traditional kaiseki dinner in Sendai. Experience the finest local seasonal dishes crafted with care.
Thoku Adventure: Day 2
morning
:Visit Matsushima Bay, one of Japan's top three scenic views. Take a boat cruise to see the pine-covered islands up close.
afternoon
:Explore Zuiganji Temple, a historic temple with beautiful gardens and art. Take your time to soak in the serene atmosphere.
evening
:Return to Sendai for some local shopping. Try Sendai's famous gyutan (grilled beef tongue) at a nearby restaurant.
Highlights
Good
- Rich cultural heritage, including traditional arts and festivals.
- Stunning natural scenery, including mountains, rivers, and coastal areas.
- Hot springs (onsen) that are famous for their therapeutic benefits.
- Delicious local cuisine, with seafood and unique regional dishes.
- Strong community spirit and hospitality from local residents.
- Historical landmarks and sites, such as temples and samurai residences.
Bad
- Frequent earthquakes due to its geographical location.
- Harsh winters with heavy snowfall in some areas.
- Economic challenges in rural areas with population decline.
- Limited access to major urban amenities compared to larger cities.
- Infrastructure rebuilding efforts post-2011 tsunami may still impact some regions.
- Difficulty in transportation access to remote areas without a car.
Outdoor Activities
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Hiking in the Bandai-Asahi National Park
Explore diverse landscapes and stunning views by hiking the trails in Bandai-Asahi National Park, known for its beautiful mountains, lakes, and hot springs.
Visiting Lake Towada
Enjoy scenic boat tours or cycle around the magnificent Lake Towada, a stunning caldera lake surrounded by lush forests and autumn foliage.
Skiing at Aizu Lake Resort
Experience thrilling winter sports at Aizu Lake Resort, offering excellent skiing slopes and snowboarding facilities during the winter months.
Exploring the Shirakami-Sanchi
Trek through the UNESCO World Heritage site of Shirakami-Sanchi, a stunning area of pristine beech forests, home to diverse flora and fauna.
Camping at Sanriku Coast
Set up camp along the picturesque Sanriku Coast, known for its rugged cliffs, beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean, and unique rock formations.
Surfing in Ichinoseki
Catch some waves at Ichinoseki, a popular surfing destination along the Tōhoku coast, ideal for both beginners and experienced surfers.
Exploring the Oirase Stream
Walk along the Oirase Stream, known for its picturesque walking trails, tranquil streams, and breathtaking scenery, especially during the autumn season.
Visiting Goshikinuma Ponds
Discover the colorful Goshikinuma Ponds while hiking through the surrounding trails, each pond featuring unique colors due to mineral deposits.
Adventures
Uncover the best of Tōhoku with these unforgettable adventures.
Attractions
Visit one of these nice places.
Ginzan Onsen
A scenic hot spring town with charming historic buildings amidst natural beauty.
Matsushima Bay
Renowned for its picturesque setting, with numerous small islands covered in pine trees.
Chusonji Temple
A UNESCO World Heritage Site offering stunning views, especially during cherry blossom season.
Cuisine
Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Sasakama
Sasakama is a speciality of Sendai, made from arrowroot starch and fish paste. It is often served with a savory soy sauce-based glaze. For an authentic experience, visit a local izakaya or traditional restaurant in Sendai such as Bairan or Rikyu for a taste of this local delicacy.
Must-Try!
Kakitama-jiru
This is a simple yet heartwarming soup from Aomori, made with eggs and dashi broth. Enjoy a bowl of Kakitama-jiru at local mom-and-pop restaurants or at traditional inns known as ryokan in Aomori city.
Wanko Soba
Wanko Soba is a noodle dish native to Iwate Prefecture, specifically in the city of Morioka. It's a fun and interactive way to enjoy soba, served in small bowls allowing for multiple refills. Visit a Wanko Soba restaurant such as Azumaya to partake in this unique dining experience.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Tōhoku better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Hirosaki Morning Market
This bustling market in Hirosaki offers an array of fresh local produce, snacks, and street food. Try local specialties like ringo-ame (apple candy), various tsugaru products, and yakisakana (grilled fish) at the stalls here.
Matsushima Fish Market
Located near Matsushima Bay, this market is famous for its abundance of fresh seafood. Indulge in grilled oysters, sashimi, and seafood rice bowls while enjoying scenic views of the bay.
Weather
How To Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Respect for Tradition
In Tōhoku, it is important to show respect for local customs and traditions. This includes participating politely in festivals, acknowledging the significance of rituals, and appreciating traditional arts and crafts.
Politeness and Humility
Communication in Tōhoku often values politeness and humility. Using respectful language, bowing when greeting others, and being mindful of one's tone can help foster positive interactions.
Consideration for Nature
Residents of Tōhoku have a deep connection with nature. Showing appreciation for natural landscapes, participating in eco-friendly practices, and being respectful in public spaces reflects the local values regarding the environment.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Tōhoku with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping & Payment
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping
In Tōhoku, as in the rest of Japan, tipping is not a common practice and can be considered rude. Service workers take pride in their work and providing excellent service without the expectation of extra compensation. Instead, it is customary to express gratitude verbally.
Payment
Payment practices in Tōhoku typically involve cash transactions, as many establishments may not accept credit cards. However, electronic payment methods have been gaining popularity. It's common for customers to pay at the register rather than at the table in restaurants, and using both hands to give and receive money is a sign of respect.
Best Activities
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Tōhoku.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring (March to May)
Best time to visit for cherry blossom viewing, mild weather and lower tourist crowds.
Summer (June to August)
Warm weather, ideal for outdoor activities and festivals, but can be humid.
Autumn (September to November)
Beautiful foliage, comfortable temperatures, and fewer tourists compared to spring and summer.
Winter (December to February)
Snowy landscapes, winter festivals, and hot springs for a unique and picturesque experience.
Nightlife
Hiking Spots Nearby
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Mount Zao
A volcanic mountain located on the border of Yamagata and Miyagi Prefectures, popular for its stunning views and hot springs.
Yamadera
A famous temple complex located in a mountainous area of Yamagata Prefecture, known for its historic significance and beautiful hikes.
Bandai-Asetogongama National Park
Offers a variety of hiking trails around Mount Bandai and Lake Inawashiro, with scenic landscapes and wildlife.
Chokai Mountain
An iconic peak in Akita Prefecture, known for its challenging trails and breathtaking views of the Sea of Japan.
Appikōgen
A highland area in Iwate Prefecture that features a network of trails leading to beautiful landscapes including waterfalls and meadows.
Aso Geopark
Located in Kumamoto Prefecture, this geopark features various hiking paths that showcase volcanic landscapes and unique geological formations.
Oirase Gorge
A picturesque hiking route in Aomori Prefecture known for its crystal-clear streams and beautiful autumn foliage.
Mt. Hiuchi
A prominent peak located in Niigata Prefecture with rewarding views and a mix of alpine flora.
Kushiro Marsh National Park
The largest wetland area in Japan, offering trails through marshland, views of wildlife, and unique ecosystems.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Tōhoku through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports Nearby
How to reach Tōhoku by plane.
Sendai Airport (SDJ)
The primary airport serving the Tōhoku region, located in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture.
Hanamaki Airport (HNA)
An airport in Hanamaki, Iwate Prefecture, serving regional flights as well as some international flights.
Yamagata Airport (GAJ)
Located in Yamagata Prefecture, it serves both domestic and limited international flights.
Aomori Airport (AOJ)
Located in Aomori Prefecture, it primarily handles domestic flights and is also a gateway to some international destinations.
Akita Airport (AKJ)
An airport in Akita Prefecture, offering domestic flights and occasional international services.
Fukushima Airport (FKS)
Located in Fukushima Prefecture, the airport primarily serves domestic routes, with limited international operations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Japanese
The predominant ethnic group in Tōhoku, comprising the majority of the population.
Ainu
An indigenous ethnic group native to Hokkaido and parts of Tōhoku, with a distinct culture and language.
Korean
A minority group in Japan, including those with historical ties to Korea, particularly in areas affected by migration during the colonial period.
Chinese
A growing demographic in Tōhoku, comprising immigrants and their descendants who contribute to the local economy.
Other Foreign Nationals
Includes a mix of individuals from various countries, contributing to the multicultural landscape of the region.
The Soul of Tōhoku
Discover the essence of Tōhoku through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball
Baseball is one of the most popular sports in Tōhoku, with a strong following for local teams and high school baseball tournaments.
Soccer
Soccer has grown significantly in popularity in Tōhoku, with regional teams and local leagues attracting many fans.
Skiing
Due to the region's heavy snowfall during winter, skiing is a popular recreational activity, with several ski resorts offering various runs.
Sumo
Sumo is a traditional sport in Japan and has a dedicated following in Tōhoku, highlighted by local tournaments and regional wrestlers.
Rugby
Rugby has been gaining popularity, especially with the advent of university teams and local clubs actively promoting the sport.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
While Tōhoku's cuisine traditionally heavily features seafood and meat, many restaurants and cafes are increasingly offering vegetarian and vegan options. Look for restaurants that serve dishes like vegetable tempura, tofu-based meals, and vegetable sushi rolls to accommodate these dietary preferences.
Gluten-Free Options
Individuals seeking gluten-free options can enjoy dishes like sashimi, grilled meats, and rice-based dishes which are widely available throughout Tōhoku. It's advisable to communicate dietary restrictions clearly to the staff at restaurants to ensure a safe and enjoyable dining experience.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Tōhoku with these cultural adventures.
