Tohoku

Travel Guide

Photo provided by APPI Resort
Photo provided by APPI Resort
Photo provided by APPI Resort
Photo provided by Appi Kogen Ski Resort
Photo provided by APPI Resort

Beautiful rural countryside, mirror-like lakes, ski resorts, old samurai towns and vibrant festivals await in the northernmost region of Honshu. 

Tohoku is Honshu’s northern frontier, a wilderness of primeval landscapes, ancient customs and thrilling adventures. With a Pacific coastline, volcanic mountain ranges, samurai heritage and exquisite seafood, it’s a veritable snapshot of Japan. Thanks to the resilience of Tohoku’s people, the region bounced back successfully after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami.

Remote Aomori is about ichigo-ni (sea urchin and abalone stew), hot springs and volcanic scenery. Carve up on the slopes of Mount Hakkoda and spot lava domes while boating on Lake Towada. Admire the fall colors of Oirase Gorge and hike the Shirakami Sanchi mountains. The elaborate parades of August’s Nebuta Matsuri festival turn the streets of Aomari City into a riot of color.

Mountain ranges and verdant forests provide boundless opportunities for outdoor adventures in Akita prefecture. Visit samurai mansions in Kakunodate and witness the 400-year-old Kamakura Snow Festival in Yokote. Climb to the lookout platform on Mount Hachimantai and drink in the views of Mount Iwate from Hachimantai Hot Springs. Neighboring Iwate is famous for the centuries-old Chūson-ji Temple and Mōtsū-ji Temple, Jodogahama Beach and the coastal Sanriku Fukkō National Park.

Discover more superb skiing on Mount Zao and world-class hiking around Okama Crater Lake, in Yamagata prefecture. Yamadera Temple is an inspiration for haiku poetry while 22 carved Buddhist faces gaze over the Sea of Japan from Mount Chokai. Kick back on the 260 pine-clad islands of Miyagi’s Matsushima Bay. Hop between sushi bars in Shiogama.

Fukushima stretches from the Pacific Ocean and past aquamarine crater lakes, such as Goshikinuma, into cherry blossom-covered mountainsides. Wander the streets of the samurai stronghold Aizuwakamatsu and the Edo-era town of Ouchijuku. Attend horse races and browse the Tsuchiyu artist’s studios in Fukushima City. Watch as Mount Bandai reflects elegantly in Lake Inawashiro and stroll alongside Ice Age flora in Oze National Park.

Get to incredible Tohoku by catching bullet trains from Tokyo and Hokkaido and then get around by bike, foot, skis and themed trains. An authentic Japanese vacation awaits in both the snowy winters and mild summers of Tohoku.

Where to stay in Tohoku

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Downtown Sendai

While you're in Downtown Sendai, take in top sights like Asaichi Morning Market and jump on the metro at Hirose-dori Station to see more of the city.

Downtown Sendai
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Zaoonsen

5/5(1 area review)

If you're spending some time in Zaoonsen, Zao Chuo Ropeway and Zao Sanroku Ropeway are top sights worth seeing.

Zaoonsen
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Aoba Ward

4.5/5(13 area reviews)

Aoba Ward is a destination travellers like for its hot springs, and you might hop aboard the metro at Kotodai-Koen Station or Kita-Yonbancho Station to explore sights like Miyagi Prefectural Office.

Aoba Ward
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Miyagino Ward

4/5(1 area review)

If you're spending some time in Miyagino Ward, Mitsui Outlet Park Sendaiko and Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium are top sights worth seeing.

Miyagino Ward
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Kokubuncho

While you're in Kokubuncho, take in top sights like Tokyo Electron Hall Miyagi and jump on the metro at Kotodai-Koen Station to see more of the city.

Kokubuncho

Wakabayashi

While you're in Wakabayashi, take in top sights like Kanezaki Sasakama Hall or Zendoji Temple, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Kawaramachi Station or Atago-Bashi Station.

Wakabayashi
ReLabo-Medical Spa&Stay-

ReLabo-Medical Spa&Stay-

2.5 out of 5
1-1-5, Aomori, AOMORI
The price is €106 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
€106
7 Sept - 8 Sept
Stay at this hotel in Aomori. Enjoy free WiFi, hot springs on site, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Aomori Port and Auga Fish Market are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (133 reviews)
"The room is spacious, with beautiful views, convenient transportation, good staff service, and know English and Mandarin. The lounge floor has stunning views and snacks. Overall, this is a very high quality hotel."

Reviewed on 8 Aug 2025

ReLabo-Medical Spa&Stay-
The OneFive Sendai

The OneFive Sendai

3 out of 5
4-6-28 Tsutsujigaoka, Miyagino-ku, Sendai, Miyagi
The price is €37 per night from 18 Aug to 19 Aug
€37
18 Aug - 19 Aug
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Sendai. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (463 reviews)
"We stayed at OneFive Sendai for 2 nights. We had only reserved 1 night but our plans changed and they were able to accommodate us. The room was quite spacious and we liked that it was clean and newer. Bathroom had a huge countertop which was unusual for Japan and we loved it!"

Reviewed on 30 Jul 2025

The OneFive Sendai
Hotel JAL City Sendai

Hotel JAL City Sendai

3 out of 5
1-2-12 Kakyoin, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi-ken
The price is €65 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
€65
1 Sept - 2 Sept
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Sendai. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Popular attractions Sendai Anpanman Children's Museum & Mall and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (547 reviews)
"Convenient location."

Reviewed on 8 Jul 2025

Hotel JAL City Sendai
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Nature Cottage Akabeko

Nature Cottage Akabeko

3 out of 5
1092-38 Onogawahara, Hibara, Kitashiobara, Fukushima
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Kitashiobara. Enjoy free parking, laundry facilities, and slippers. Popular attractions Bandai 3D World and Goshikinuma Lake are ...
1泊
"ロッジタイプで室内も広くユックリできる。 チェックインの時間も気にせずに遅くなっても可能。"

Reviewed on 29 Mar 2021

Nature Cottage Akabeko
Bigstone Terrace Suite Tsutsumimachi

Bigstone Terrace Suite Tsutsumimachi

3.5 out of 5
1-chome-9-7 Tsutsumimachi, Aomori, Aomori
Stay at this 3.5-star vacation home in Aomori. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and in-room soaking tubs. Popular attractions Aomori Port and Munakata Shiko Memorial ...
Bigstone Terrace Suite Tsutsumimachi
Rakuten STAY x EAGLES

Rakuten STAY x EAGLES

3 out of 5
2-11-6 Miyagino, Sendai, Miyagi
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Sendai. Enjoy free WiFi, private hot tubs, and satellite TV channels. Popular attractions Sendai Anpanman Children's Museum ...
Rakuten STAY x EAGLES
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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