Travel in Japan>Tohoku

Original articles based on first-hand experiences: an insider's guide to hiking, mountains, national parks, top travel destinations, secret spots and general travel in Japan, based on the personal experiences of a local resident.

Tohoku

Tohoku is the region at the top of Honshu, Japan's main island. Apples, holy mountains and onsen (hot springs) are some of the main attractions in Aomori, Akita, Yamagata and other prefectures. The region is also traditionally famous for  women with creamy white skin.

Tohoku has some of the most spectacularly beautiful landscapes in Japan, with volcanoes (Bandai, Zao, Hakkoda, Iwaki, Komagadake, etc.), lakes of bright blue (Five Color Lakes) and sparkling clear water (Lake Tazawa, Lake Towada), misty mountain plains (Hachimantai), temples carved in cliff walls (Yamadera), and a famous island-studded bay (Matsushima) that's traditionally considered one of the top three most scenic places in the country. It's no wonder famed haiku poet Matsuo Basho chose this region for one of his most noted wanders ("Narrow Road to the Interior").

Tohoku is one of the dwindling places in Japan where konyoku onsen (mixed gender hot spring baths) are still found.

Sendai & Matsushima

Bandai-Asahi National Park: Mt. Bandai (Bandai-san), Five Color Lakes (Goshiki-numa), Dewa-Sanzan (Mt. Haguro (Haguro-san), Mt. Gas (Gas-san), Mt. Yudono (Yudono-san)

Mt. Hakkoda (Hakkoda-san), Odake & Sukayu Onsen

Mt. Iwaki (Iwaki-san)

Lake Tazawa (Tazawa-ko): Mt. Koma (Komagadake), Nyuto Onsen

Towada-Hachimantai National Park: Lake Towada (Towada-ko), Oirase Gorge, Hachimantai

Zao Onsen: Mt. Kumano (Kumano-san)

Yamadera

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