Japan

Tohoku

Region

Die Region Tohoku, im Norden Honshus gelegen, ist ein Landstrich von atemberaubender Naturschönheit, reicher Geschichte und einzigartiger Kultur.

by Felix Gillen

Die Region Tohoku, im Norden Honshus gelegen, ist ein Landstrich von atemberaubender Naturschönheit, reicher Geschichte und einzigartiger Kultur. Sie lädt dich ein, die unberührte Wildnis, traditionelle Feste und eine tief verwurzelte Gastfreundschaft abseits der bekannten Touristenpfade Japans zu erleben.

The Tohoku region in northern Honshu reveals a diverse landscape and a deeply rooted culture, away from Japan's bustling metropolises. Here you'll explore the picturesque Matsushima Bay, which, with its over 260 forested islands, is counted among Japan's three most scenic views. Historically significant are Hirosaki Castle, whose park offers a spectacular cherry blossom display in spring, and the well-preserved samurai residences in Kakunodate. Culturally significant are traditional festivals like the dynamic Nebuta Matsuri in Aomori in August, as well as the spiritual mountains of Dewa Sanzan. For an authentic travel experience, a visit in autumn is recommended to witness the vibrant autumn foliage, or in winter for the numerous onsen opportunities. Discover the local cuisine with its fresh seafood and regional sakes. Plan at least five days to calmly explore Tohoku's diversity.

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Yamadera

Yamadera, a mountain temple in Yamagata Prefecture, combines spirituality, history, and impressive nature. You should visit this place to experience the hike through ancient cedar forests to the high-lying temple halls while enjoying the view over the valley.

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Aomori

Aomori, in the far north, is known for its Nebuta Matsuri festival, its delicious apples and its proximity to the spectacular nature of the prefecture.

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Dewa Sanzan

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Matsushima Bucht

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More places in Tohoku

Sendai

As the "City of Trees," Sendai presents a harmonious blend of urban life and expansive green spaces. Founded by the influential samurai Date Masamune, the city preserves his legacy at several sites. Visit the historical remains of Aoba Castle, offering panoramic city views, and the richly decorated Zuihoden Mausoleum, Masamune's final resting place. The Osaki Hachiman Shrine, an impressive example of Azuchi-Momoyama architecture, is another cultural highlight. Gastronomically, be sure to try the local specialty, Gyutan (grilled beef tongue), at one of the many specialized restaurants. For a vibrant experience, a visit during the colorful Tanabata Festival in August is recommended, transforming the city into a sea of decorations.

Shirakami Sanchi

The Shirakami Sanchi is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site in northern Honshu, home to one of East Asia's last untouched primeval beech forests. Here you'll find unique flora and fauna, including rare species like the Japanese Serow and the Golden Eagle. The area exemplifies Japan's pristine forest ecology, which has remained undisturbed for millennia. Explore the well-marked hiking trails that lead deep into the forest, for instance, to the impressive Anmon Waterfalls. Sturdy footwear is essential for a visit, and it's recommended to come during peak season in autumn for the vibrant foliage or in late spring. Note that parts of the core area are only accessible with a permit or in the company of a guide, while other sections can be freely explored.

Sights in Tohoku

Discover the most important sights and attractions

Place of Worship

Chūson-ji

The temple complex in Hiraizumi, Iwate Prefecture, was the religious center in the 12th century for the Ōshū-Fujiwara, who ruled northern Japan. It is part of the Hiraizumi UNESCO World Heritage site.At its heart is the Konjikidō, a small hall from 1124, covered inside and out with gold leaf, and housing the remains of four Fujiwara rulers. A path lined with cedars leads up the hill. You can reach Hiraizumi from Sendai by Shinkansen and local train in about an hour.

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National Park

The Oirase Gorge

The Oirase Stream flows from Lake Towada in Aomori Prefecture through a forested gorge with numerous small waterfalls and moss-covered rocks. It is part of the Towada-Hachimantai National Park.A flat hiking trail follows the stream for about 14 kilometers from Yakeyama to Nenokuchi on the lakeshore; buses stop at several points, allowing you to walk only partial sections. The gorge is most beautiful in fresh greenery in May and during the autumn foliage from mid to late October.

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Attraction

Ginzan Onsen

This small Onsen village in the mountains of Yamagata Prefecture originated at a former silver mine. Multi-story wooden ryokan from the Taishō period line both banks of a narrow river; in the evenings, gas lanterns are lit.The village is particularly popular in winter, when snow covers the roofs. Overnight stays are often booked out months in advance, and for day visitors, access and traffic restrictions apply during this time; check the current rules beforehand. A bus from Ōishida Station takes around 40 minutes.

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Historic Landmark

Kakunodate Samurai Quarter

Kakunodate, Akita Prefecture, retains a street of Edo-period samurai residences. Homes, set in gardens behind black wooden fences, like Aoyagi and Ishiguro, can be toured.The town is known for its weeping cherry trees, which bloom over the fences in late April, and for cherry bark craftsmanship (Kabazaiku). Kakunodate is located on the Akita Shinkansen line, just under three hours from Tokyo.

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Food & Drink in Tōhoku

Gyūtan

Grilled beef tongue is Sendai's specialty. It is traditionally served with barley rice and a clear oxtail soup.

Wanko-Soba and Rhymes

In Morioka, Soba are continually served in small portions until you place the lid on the bowl. Also hailing from there are Reimen, cold noodles in clear broth.

Kiritanpo

In Akita, pounded rice shaped around cedar sticks is grilled. The rolls then join a chicken-vegetable stew.

Imoni

In Yamagata and Miyagi, the taro root and meat stew is traditionally cooked together by the riverbank in autumn.

Apples, Seafood and Sake

Aomori is Japan's largest apple-growing region, while the Sanriku Coast offers oysters and scallops. Thanks to its rice and cold climate, Tōhoku is also home to much esteemed sake.

Tohoku's Cultural Heritage

Japan's Tohoku region reveals a rich and deeply rooted culture, shaped by its geography and history. It intertwines ancient spirituality, artisanal skill, and a deep connection to nature.Historically, Tohoku was home to prehistoric Jomon cultures, whose artifacts remain today. Later, the region became a key setting for Samurai clans, notably the Date clan, which shaped parts of the region for centuries and developed Sendai as its power hub. The architecture often reflects this history, from castles and ruins to the traditional Magariya farmhouses of the Nanbu area, with their L-shaped layout combining living quarters and horse stables under one roof.Local traditions are strongly pronounced and showcased in vibrant festivals like the Nebuta Matsuri in Aomori or the Kanto Matsuri in Akita. The region's handicrafts include wooden Kokeshi dolls and cast-iron Nambu-Tekki ware from Iwate. These elements collectively narrate the story of a resilient and artisanally rich society.

On the road in Tōhoku

ShinkansenTōhoku-Shinkansen: From Tokyo via Sendai and Morioka to Shin-Aomori. The journey takes about an hour and a half to Sendai, and a good three hours to Aomori.Akita-Shinkansen: Branches off in Morioka and runs via Kakunodate to Akita.Yamagata-Shinkansen: Branches off in Fukushima and runs via Yamagata to Shinjō.Off the Main LinesSecondary routes run infrequently, some only a few times a day. For Lake Towada and Oirase Gorge, Shirakami-Sanchi, or the Dewa Sanzan, buses or a rental car are necessary. Plan connections in advance.WinterThe side facing the Sea of Japan and the mountain regions are among the snowiest areas in the world. High-altitude roads like the Zao Echo Line and the Hachimantai Aspite Line are closed in winter, and train lines can also be suspended during heavy snowfall.

Nearby

Sendai

Matsushima Bucht

Matsushima Bay is one of Japan's three most beautiful landscapes, known for its over 260 small, pine-covered islands. You can best explore the scenery on a boat trip; some near-shore islands like Fukuura-jima and Oshima can be reached on foot via bridges. Key attractions include the Zen temple Zuigan-ji, a national treasure, and the small temple hall Godaidō, located on a tiny island and accessible via red bridges. The place is also historically significant due to its connection to the haiku poet Matsuo Bashō, who visited the bay in 1689. For an overview, Saigyō-Modoshi-no-Matsu-Park is recommended, especially during cherry blossom season in spring. A visit in the early morning or late afternoon often offers the best light for photos and fewer crowds.

Yamadera

Dewa Sanzan

The Dewa Sanzan in Yamagata Prefecture form a spiritual center of Japan and have been a significant pilgrimage site for Shugendō practice for centuries. Here you find the three sacred mountains Haguro, Gassan, and Yudono, symbolizing birth, death, and rebirth. Particularly impressive is the ascent of Mount Haguro via 2,446 stone steps, lined with centuries-old cedars: Right at the start, you pass the Five-Story Pagoda, and at the top awaits the main shrine Sanjin Gosaiden. While Mount Gassan, the highest peak, is only accessible in summer, Mount Yudono offers a unique spiritual experience, though photography is discouraged. For a full experience, visit between July and mid-September when all three mountains are open, and stay overnight in a traditional Shukubo.

Nikkō

Located in the mountains north of Tokyo, Nikkō combines two distinct aspects: In the valley lie the magnificent shrines and temples surrounding the Tōshō-gū, the mausoleum of Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, which together form a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Further up, within the National Park, are Lake Chūzenji and Kegon Waterfall.