Get to Know Tohoku – A Complete Guide to the Mystical Northern Wonderland!

Tashirojima Island: Visiting Japan’s Cuddly Cat Island!

One of Japan’s ‘cat islands,’ Tashirojima Island is home to a city of adorable kitties! Over a hundred cats live their carefree days on this picturesque island, providing cat-lovers with plenty of adorable photo opportunities! With Cat God legends and kitten-shaped lodging, Tashirojima Island is a must-visit for feline fanatics!

Ginzan Onsen Guide: What to Do in Japan’s Fabled Hot Spring Village

Nestled among the scenic mountains of Yamagata’s Obanazawa City, Ginzan Onsen is one of Japan’s most alluring onsen towns. Being the definitive hot spring for Tohoku locals and a growing must-visit destination for visitors from abroad, you can’t miss putting this on your itinerary! Join us as we step back in time into ancient Japan at Ginzan Onsen!

Kitakami Tenshochi Sakura Festival: Japan’s 2km Cherry Blossom Road!

If a cherry blossom festival is on your Japan to-do list, Kitakami Tenshochi Park in Kitakami will be sure to satisfy!

The park’s magical ‘sakura festival’ is held annually from mid-April to early May. Sakura-lovers from near and far frolic throughout the 2km corridor of blooming cherry trees hoping to snap the perfect photo. This breathtaking natural phenomenon can also be appreciated from the comfort of a boat or Japanese carriage!

Travel Secrets of Aomori Japan: Guide for Sightseeing, Shopping, and More!

Aomori, located in the northernmost tip of Japan’s Honshu island, brims with stunning seasonal landscapes. Most famous is the Shirakami-Sanchi Mountains, a World Natural Heritage Site, along with the Oirase Gorge in Towada-Hachimantai National Park and the Hakkoda Mountains. If you’re tired of Japan’s big cities and are longing for an outdoor escape, Aomori is your best bet!

Ouchi-juku Guide: Japan’s Fairytale Village Covered in Sparkling Snow

Ouchi-juku is a quaint town of thatched-roof houses worthy of a film set! Tucked away in the mountains of Shimogo in Fukushima Prefecture, it prospered as a stop-over for travelers during the 1600s.

Almost as if frozen in time, there are over 30 ancient thatch-roofed houses surrounded by hills and farms dotting the township. When it snows, the incredible view is blanketed in white, creating an otherworldly atmosphere reminiscent of a fairytale!

5 Best Tohoku Onsen Hot Springs That Surprised Foreign Visitors

From tourist staples to isolated hidden gems, onsen hot springs can be found just about anywhere in Tohoku! Each boasts its own memorable characteristics, allowing you to soak your troubles away in a completely different spot each time.

However, Tohoku onsen are a distinct breed! Many are home to deep-rooted cultural practices different from anywhere else in Japan! Instead of hopping in blind and accidentally offending a local, it’s better to know what you’re in for before you visit!

Popular Things to See and Do in Yamagata Prefecture – Japan’s Land of ‘Snow Monsters’

Yamagata Prefecture is a nature-rich region located on the Sea of Japan side of Tohoku. With sweltering summers and snowy winters, the seasons are arguably felt more starkly in Yamagata than anywhere else in Japan!

With plenty of exciting sightseeing spots, including ample parks and scenic boat rides, a trip here will be full of unforgettable memories. If you’re a health-nut, Yamagata is also known for its lavish fruit production, boasting the largest cherry harvest in Japan!

Hiraizumi Travel Guide: This Hidden Area of Japan Will Make You Believe in Fairy Tales

Hiraizumi, in Iwate Prefecture, was founded in the 11th century, just before the emergence of Japan’s samurai society. Here, a culture based on Pure Land Buddhism blossomed, naturally prompting the construction of numerous exquisite temples and gardens of which many exist today.

In recognition of its cultural value, Hiraizumi was designated a World Heritage Site in 2011, making the area explode with popularity! If you’re wanting to unwind while getting in touch with your spiritual side, Hiraizumi is one of Tohoku’s most sacred spots!

Tohoku’s Hidden Gems: 13 Areas in Rural Japan That Look Like Something From a Dream!

From a gigantic crater lake of emerald green water to a ‘dragon’s eye’ pond, the nature-rich Tohoku region overflows with magnificent views!

Furthermore, with starkly different seasons, Tohoku’s environment and activities change dramatically throughout the year. While winter is arguably the most popular period, the other seasons bring lush beauty ideal for outdoor adventures! Best of all, being away from touristy areas, Tohoku is packed with hidden gems waiting to be discovered by the ambitious traveler!

20 Best Souvenirs From Sendai Station’s Incredible Gift Shop!

Share a slice of your Tohoku trip with friends and family, along with a special memento for yourself, by picking up some unique Tohoku souvenirs at Sendai Station!

Omiyage Dokoro No. 3 curates a collection of the finest souvenirs from around the greater Sendai area! As Sendai is one of Tohoku’s main transit hubs, it’s the perfect chance to pick something up before returning to Tokyo.

However, finding the ultimate souvenir encapsulating everything Tohoku is trickier than it seems! To help, we asked the Omiyage Dokoro No. 3 staff what their most popular souvenirs are!

As Tohoku is one of Japan’s lesser-explored regions, it’s best to be well prepared! With these articles, you’ll be armed with ample insider knowledge, allowing you to fit right in and make your Tohoku adventure a sure-fire success!

Written by:

Steve Csorgo

From Melbourne, Australia, Steve lives in Niigata City, two hours north-west of Tokyo. His passions include discovering local sake, dining at interesting restaurants and travelling as much of Japan as possible.