Things To Do
in Tōhoku
Tohoku is Japan's northern heart on Honshu, offering rugged coastlines, alpine peaks, and tranquil countryside. The region comprises six prefectures—Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, Akita, Yamagata, and Fukushima—each with distinct traditions and landscapes. Seasonal travel reveals snow-swept mountains in winter, lush forests in summer, and vibrant foliage in autumn.
Visitors discover historic temples, hot springs, and warm, welcoming communities that celebrate regional gastronomy.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day in Sendai by visiting the iconic Zuihoden, the resting place of Date Masamune, where you’ll find beautiful wooden structures surrounded by lush pine trees. Afterward, stroll through the historic streets of Sendai, stopping at local shops for fresh pastries and coffee. Immerse yourself in the local culture as you greet friendly residents and admire the architecture that blends traditional and modern styles.
Head to the Sendai City Museum to learn about the region's rich history through engaging exhibits and artifacts. After lunch at a nearby soba restaurant, make your way to the serene Aoba Castle ruins for stunning panoramic views of the city. Enjoy a peaceful walk around the grounds, imagining the once-majestic fortress that stood there centuries ago.
As the sun sets, find a cozy izakaya in the city to sample local delicacies like gyutan (beef tongue) and sake. Engage in conversation with locals and fellow travelers, soaking in the lively atmosphere of the evening. End your night with a leisurely stroll along the Hirose River, where the city lights reflect on the water, creating a picturesque scene.
Travel to Matsushima, one of Japan's three scenic views, and begin your day by taking a boat tour of its stunning archipelago. Marvel at the pine-clad islands and learn about their cultural significance from your knowledgeable guide. Stop at Fukuurajima Island to walk the scenic trails and appreciate the breathtaking coastal views.
Visit the famous Zuigan-ji Temple, an important Zen temple known for its elegant architecture and tranquil gardens. Enjoy a traditional lunch at a local seafood restaurant, sampling fresh catches from the nearby bay. Afterward, explore the Matsushima Museum to discover its artistic heritage and the works of local artists inspired by the scenery.
As evening approaches, savor a delightful kaiseki dinner at a waterfront restaurant, where each dish is a work of art. Spend time at the picturesque Matsushima Bay, watching the sunset cast a golden hue over the islands. Conclude your day with a walk along the shore, feeling the cool breeze and listening to the gentle lapping of the waves.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee/tea at cafe | $3-6 |
| 🚆Public transport day pass | $6-12 |
| 🏨Budget hotel per night | $40-90 |
| 🛒Groceries for a week | $60-100 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning natural scenery across coast and mountains
- Rich cuisine and regional specialties
- Relaxed pace with fewer crowds than other parts of Japan
- World-class onsen towns and cultural heritage sites
- Distance between attractions can require long travel times
- Winter travel can be challenging due to heavy snow inland
- Limited English in rural areas compared to major cities
- Seasonal festivals can draw crowds at peak times
- "こんにちは" - Hello
- "ありがとうございます" - Thank you
- "すみません" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "お願いします" - Please
- "はい / いいえ" - Yes / No
- "いくらですか" - How much is this?
- "英語を話せますか" - Do you speak English?
- "トイレはどこですか" - Where is the bathroom?
Places to Visit in Tōhoku
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic cherry blossoms in spring and moats framed by the castle, ideal for classic landscape and portrait photography.
Aomori/Iwate border area with emerald water and forested gorge; long-exposure shots and autumn color photography shine here.
One of Japan's three most scenic spots; pine-covered islets offer dramatic seascapes and boat photography opportunities.
Golden Hall set in tranquil grounds; particularly photogenic in autumn light.
Winter landscapes featuring snow monsters (juhyo) and panoramic mountain views.
Temple perched on a hillside, offering sweeping valley views and stairway photography.
Food in Tōhoku
Tōhoku Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Akita-born hot pot featuring toasted mashed rice on skewers stewed with chicken, mushrooms, and miso or soy broth.
Must-Try!
Iwate's interactive noodle experience served in small portions; aim for a full tasting of multiple bowls.
Sendai specialty; thinly sliced tongue grilled, often served with rice and pickles.
Mochi bound with edamame paste; a sweet-salty treat popular in the Sendai region.
Delicate, hand-cut udon from Ichinoseki, Iwate Prefecture; light soy-based broth pairs well with tempura.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Market complex by the waterfront offering local produce, apples, cider, and fresh seafood; great stops for tasting regional bites.
Seasonal stalls offering grilled seafood, fresh bok choy, pickles, and rice balls, ideal for street snacks.
During Nebuta and other regional festivals, street vendors serve regional snacks and sweets with a festive atmosphere.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Speak softly and avoid phone calls on trains; keep voices low.
Remove shoes when entering homes and many traditional accommodations; use provided slippers.
Wash before entering baths; no photography; follow modesty and respect others.
No tipping; gratitude is shown through polite behavior and a thank you.
Safety
Tipping in Tōhoku
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Japan; it can be viewed as unnecessary. Simply say thank you.
Cash remains dominant in rural areas; credit cards are common in cities; IC cards (Suica, Pasmo) are widely used for transit, and mobile payments are expanding.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Cool days with blossoming sakura; shoulder-season travel is comfortable and scenic.
Warm but cooler than central Japan; coastal breezes ease heat; be mindful of rain showers during early summer.
Peak foliage season brings vibrant colors across mountains and temples; great for photography and hiking.
Snow blankets mountains and towns; world-class skiing and serene hot spring towns dominate the landscape.
Tōhoku at Night
Hiking in Tōhoku
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Forest path along a clear stream leading to Lake Towada; ideal for spring and autumn hikes.
Highland routes with volcanic landscapes, crater lakes, and expansive views.
Stair-climb path to a hillside temple offering sweeping valley views.
Airports
How to reach Tōhoku by plane.
Gateway to northern Miyagi; convenient for Sendai and coastal areas; frequent domestic flights and some international routes.
Access to Aomori and the Shimokita region; domestic flights with some international connections through Tokyo.
Covers Akita Prefecture and northern Tohoku; domestic routes and seasonal international flights.
Smaller regional airport serving northern Akita; primarily domestic flights.
Regional gateway to southern Tohoku; domestic routes with connections to Tokyo.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Tohoku has one of Japan's oldest demographics with many rural communities facing population decline.
Cities like Sendai attract students and professionals seeking a balance of culture and industry.
Tourism peaks around festivals and ski seasons; seasonal workers support hospitality and agriculture.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Top resorts include Zao Onsen and Appi Kogen with renowned snow and terrain.
Popular local and university-level games; fans gather at regional stadiums and fields.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Tōhoku.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist, but many broths use fish stock. Look for tofu dishes, grilled vegetables, and rice bowls; ask for dashi-free options whenever possible.