The Ultimate Guide to the Tōhoku Region
(This is a map of Tōhoku region, for maximum wanderlust vibes)
After two amazing weeks exploring the snow-covered magic of Hokkaido (check out our 2-week itinerary here), Vasco and I packed our bags and ventured into the lesser-known gem of Japan: the Tōhoku region. Last time we visited Japan, we only had three weeks, which meant we stuck to the greatest hits—Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo. This time, armed with almost a year and an insatiable appetite for adventure (and food), we dove into Japan’s rural heartland for a full month.
The Tōhoku region is absolutely filled with natural wonders and rich history and cultural sites for anyone in love with Japan to go crazy for! We could not have been more ready to tackle this region starting at the very top in Aomori and ending it in Fukushima! So follow along our ultimate guide if you too would like to explore this less touristy area of Japan and get all our tips, tricks, and best places to go throughout this region!
JUMP TO A CATEGORY
Best Time to Visit
As you know, we went from February to the beginning of March as part of a bigger adventure throughout Japan, so we still got a LOT of snow and low temperatures. Despite it making everything beautiful, like a winter wonderland, in terms of getting to places it was a bit harder.
We would say that if you get the chance to explore Tōhoku for 3 or 4 weeks, we would recommend the autumn season, where you get to move around with little issues, including with cars, and also get to experience the change of foliage. Despite the fact that for us, we would not change our experience at all!
How to Get There
Coming from Hakodate in the north, we hopped on the Shinkansen straight to Aomori. Quick and comfortable—what more could you want? If you’re starting from Tokyo, the Shinkansen ride to Aomori takes about five hours and costs around 17,400 JPY.
Pro tip: pack a bento box for the journey; train rides are better with sushi or wagyu.
Alternatively, if you’re in a rush (or just love airports), Aomori has its own airport with domestic flights. But honestly, the Shinkansen ride through Japan’s countryside is part of the charm.
Transportation in Tōhoku
With almost a year to explore Japan, we did the math and realized the JR Pass wasn’t worth it for us. Instead, we bought tickets as needed and made use of local transport passes. If you’re on a shorter trip, the JR East Pass is a great option for unlimited train travel within the region, and very worth the money.
Driving in Tōhoku
If you’re visiting during a non-snowy season, renting a car is a fantastic way to uncover Tōhoku’s hidden gems. Renting is straightforward (even on Booking.com), and most stations or airports have rental services. Just remember: Japan drives on the left, so maybe watch a few YouTube tutorials (like this one) to avoid any wrong-way mishaps. Don’t forget to get an international driver’s license before your trip!
Other than that we recommend that you try it and don’t be afraid, you will get used to it fast! Trust us!
Stay Connected: Pocket Wi-Fi
As we mentioned in our Okinawa guide, since we were spending six months in Japan, reliable internet was non-negotiable. We rented our Pocket Wi-Fi from Japan Wireless, which offers flexible plans for short and long stays. They even deliver it to your hotel or the airport.
Returning it is as simple as dropping the prepaid envelope into a mailbox at the airport (before security!) on your last day.
Photography Gear Suggestions
These recommendations are based on the gear we used to capture Hokkaido’s breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cityscapes, and unique winter festivals. Our Sony A6700 (cropped sensor) paired with the Sigma 10-18mm f2.8 for wide shots and vlogs, the 35mm f1.4 for portraits and street photography, the 70-200mm f2.8 for wildlife and zoom shots, and the 16mm f1.4 for night and astro photography. We used a Marumi Black Mist 1/4 filter ( this is an equivalent) for a cinematic look and the Freewell M2 kit for ND and UV filtering. Our DJI 4K Pro Mini is also a great way to get aerial shots where you have permission to fly (check our Drone flying in Japan blog post here).
Aomori: Hakkoda Mountains and Nebuta Matsuri
Best Lens: Sigma 10-18mm f2.8 (landscapes and wide shots), Sigma 35mm f1.4 (portraits)
Details: Capture the expansive views of the Hakkoda Mountains with the Sigma 10-18mm for stunning wide-angle shots. The 35mm f1.4 is perfect for capturing close-up portraits of the lively Nebuta Matsuri floats and vibrant street scenes if you go during the festival.
Drone Note: Flying drones is allowed in some remote mountain areas, but you should always check local regulations before taking your drone out.
Akita: Lake Tazawa and Kanto Matsuri
Best Lens: Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 (zoom and wildlife), Sigma 35mm f1.4 (festival shots) The 70-200mm f2.8 is ideal for zooming in on the distant beauty of Lake Tazawa and wildlife in the region. If you are here during the Kanto Matsuri, switch to the 35mm f1.4 to capture dynamic festival scenes, including the impressive pole balancing performances.
Drone Note: While drones are generally permitted in remote areas like Lake Tazawa, avoid flying during the Kanto Matsuri due to crowd restrictions.
Morioka: Iwate’s Stunning Cityscape and Historical Sites
Best Lens: Sigma 16mm f1.4 (cityscapes and architecture), 35mm f1.4 (street photography). The Sigma 16mm f1.4 excels at capturing vibrant cityscapes and architecture in Morioka, especially the Morioka Castle remains and the surrounding city. The 35mm f1.4 will help you take sharp, atmospheric street shots of local life.
Drone Note: Flying drones is generally safe around the outskirts of Morioka, but make sure to check for any nearby no-fly zones.
Mogami: Scenic Views and Traditional Culture
Best Lens: Sigma 10-18mm f2.8 (landscapes), 35mm f1.4 (portraits and details). The vast, sweeping landscapes of Mogami, including rivers and mountainous views, are best captured with the 10-18mm f2.8 lens. For capturing traditional culture and portraits of locals, the 35mm f1.4 offers an excellent shallow depth of field for candid moments.
Drone Note: You may find opportunities for aerial shots over the Mogami River, but check always to ensure drones are allowed.
Sendai: Cityscapes and Modern Architecture
Best Lens: Sigma 35mm f1.4 (street and architectural details), Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 (zoom for cityscapes). For street and city photography, the 35mm f1.4 is perfect for capturing Sendai’s mix of modern and traditional architecture. The 70-200mm f2.8 can provide detailed shots of the city skyline from a distance.
Drone Note: Drones are typically prohibited in the heart of Sendai, but areas around the outskirts offer potential opportunities for aerial shots.
Yamagata: Yamadera Temple and Snowy Landscapes
Best Lens: Sigma 10-18mm f2.8 (landscapes), 16mm f1.4 (night and astrophotography). The 10-18mm f2.8 is ideal for sweeping shots of the famous Yamadera Temple and the surrounding mountainous landscape. For capturing snowy landscapes and night skies, the 16mm f1.4 is fantastic, especially for astrophotography.
Drone Note: Be cautious about flying drones around sacred sites like Yamadera Temple—always verify local rules.
Fukushima: Aizu-Wakamatsu and the Great Nature
Best Lens: Sigma 35mm f1.4 (street and cultural sites), Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 (nature and wildlife). The 35mm f1.4 is perfect for street photography in Aizu-Wakamatsu, especially around historical sites such as Tsuruga Castle. For capturing the natural beauty of the region, the 70-200mm f2.8 helps zoom in on scenic views and wildlife.
Drone Note: The rural nature of much of Fukushima allows for more freedom to fly drones, but as always, check for flight restrictions.
1 Month in the Tōhoku Region
Week 1: Aomori (4 Days)
Aomori is the northern part of the Tōhoku region. It is very well known for its delicious fruit, especially apples, and beautiful nature—but then again, where in Japan can’t you find beautiful nature? We stayed at the APA Hotel Aomori Eki Kenchodori and we definetely recommend it!
Day 1: Aomori City
Morning: Visit Nebuta Museum Wa Rasse! A museum dedicated to the vibrant Nebuta Matsuri, showcasing illuminated floats and the history of this lively festival. If you get the chance to come to Aomori during the summer, the festival goes on from the 2nd to the 7th of August! Tickets go for ￥620 per person.
Afternoon: Explore A-Factory, a stylish market featuring local products, cider tastings, and delicious apple-based treats. We recommend you try at least the apple pie! It’s to die for! If you are hungry, A-Bossa (エーボッサ) is a restaurant in the A-factory and they have some amazing omurice that we definitely recommend! From here you can walk around Aomori Bay. You can also check The Great Showa Buddha. A huge statue of Buddha, one of the largest in Japan, located within Seiryu-ji Temple. Tickets here go for ¥400 for adults.
Evening: Dinner at Jiraiya. This place was such an amazing find, with such amazing and nice staff and an incredible food! We cannot recommend it enough! Expect around 5,000yen per person for a very full meal!
Just outside of Aomori, there is plenty to do, and here is where a car can come in handy since it’s a bit tricky to go to all of these by train. Since we went during the cold and snow season, a car was not an option for us. If you are like us, we recommend that you check out some tours that take you to places harder to reach like the Towada Hachimantai National Park and Lake Towada and towards the Mount Iwaki area:
Day 2: Lake Towada & Oirase Gorge
Towada-Hachimantai National Park: Featuring the serene Lake Towada, the Towada Shrine and the dramatic Oirase Gorge. We joined this tour and loved every second, since you have various options when it comes to what to do. We booked the Oirase Gorge and Lake Towada Course! This is a tour that will take up the whole day!
Dinner: We suggest Kicchou. A hidden gem serving up traditional Japanese cuisine and if you are looking for something different. This places serves mainly horse meat, which is very typical of the area.
Day 3: Mount Iwaki & Takayama Inari Shrine
Takayama Inari Shrine and Tsuru no Mai Bridge: Unfortunately for us, the second day's visit to the Takayama Inari Shrine and Tsuru no Mai Bridge was canceled due to a lack of participants. To make matters worse, a huge snowstorm hit the night before our planned trip, preventing us from taking the train. Therefore, we highly recommend this tour for visiting both places, especially in winter. During other seasons, you can easily go by car!
Dinner: Aomori Gyosai Center (Nokkedon) is a great place to eat at! Build your own seafood bowl from the freshest catches here!
Day 4: Hirosaki
Morning: Explore Hirosaki Castle and its beautiful park, especially if it's cherry blossom season.
Afternoon: Visit Hirosaki Old Town and Apple Park for a taste of the region’s apple culture.
Evening: If you are looking for some western inspired food, we recommend Ishigama Pizza Ortolana. A wood-fired pizza with a Japanese twist, if you are feeling adventurous.
Akita (3 Days)
Akita was the next stop in our itinerary. For those going by train, it will take you more or less 3 hours to get from Aomori to Akita, but again we would not mind doing it every day of the week for those views. Since we were hit by another snow storm, we had to take the train to Morioka and then a Shinkansen to Akita! Akita also has an airport for those wanting to take advantage of the internal flights, and you can also get there by car in 2 hours if you are doing this during a nicer season than we were. We stayed at the APA Hotel Akita Senshu Koen.
Day 5: Akita City
Morning: Visit Senshu Park and explore the remains of Kubota Castle.
Evening: Dinner at Sato Yosuke Akita for a taste of their famous udon. They have set meals here as well, that allow you to have a full course for a set price.
Day 6: Lake Tazawa & Gozanoishi Shrine
Morning: Head to Lake Tazawa, visit the Tatsuko Statue, and enjoy the lake’s serene beauty.
Afternoon: Visit Gozanoishi Jinja Shrine near the lake, perfect for peaceful reflection. It’s around 2h30 by train from Akita.
If you have time, Relax at the Tae no Yu Onsen, located in the mountains.
Evening: Try Meat and Beers for a cozy meal with a selection of meats and craft beer. This is a super cozy spot for any meat and beer lover out there that we cannot recommend enough with super friendly staff!
Day 7: Tae no Yu Onsen & Brewery
Morning: Namahage Museum. You can learn about the folklore of the Namahage, mythical ogres said to scare away laziness and evil spirits.
Afternoon: Visit the Ine to Agave Brewery for craft beer tastings and a local experience.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at お食事処京 (Kyō) for local food.
For most of these, transportation is available, and it normally takes around 2h30 to get to the furthest points like the Gozanoishi Jinja Shrine, so keep that in mind. It might be worth it to rent a car just to get to those further-out points. If, like us, you are here during the winter, be flexible, since you might get snow storms and not be able to take certain trains.
Week 2: Morioka (2 Days)
Another area in the Tōhoku region that we definitely would recommend you check out! If you are coming from Akita like we were, it should be a comfy 2h14 train ride towards Morioka and around 1h30 if you choose to go by car. We stayed at the Daiwa Roynet Hotel Morioka which was super central and handy!
Day 8: Morioka City
Morning: Visit Sakurayama Shrine and explore its peaceful surroundings.
Afternoon: Check out Morioka Castle Ruins, Nanshoso (a Meiji Era Residence with exhibitions such as the Hina Matsuri (Doll Festival)) and the lovely Former Governor Ishii’s Residence.
Evening: Dinner at Azumaya, famous for wanko soba, where they keep serving you small bowls of soba until you’re full. Challenge accepted! Or alternatively, Pairon for Morioka’s famous jajamen.
Day 9: Asabiraki Shrine & Historic Bridges
Morning: Visit Asabiraki Yahatainari Shrine and enjoy the vibrant red torii gates.
Afternoon: Walk across Shimonohashi Bridge, offering scenic views over the Kitakami River.
Evening: To finish your time in Morioka we really really recommend Wakana. This place is a Teppanyaki place and we must say… it is a must. Trust us.
Week 2: Mogami (2 Days)
The Mogami area is a bit further in, but it is absolutely worth it if you stay in the famous Yumeminoyado Kansyokan. This is an over 800-year-old Ryokan with tons of history and nestled between mountains. If you are looking to have an amazing traditional experience, we would recommend this one. It is also where the Imperial Family used to go. We would definitely recommend that you book with both breakfast and with dinner, since there is almost nothing near the hotel expect a sushi restaurant.
What to See:
Mogami is more or less close to Ginzan Onsen, so if you feel like visiting, it’s a good way to get there. In our case, we preferred to get a tour that left from Sendai to go to the Ginzan Onsen and check the Zao Fox Village on the same day so we could soak in the Ryokan’s onsens and really take it all in ( This tour).
Ginzan Onsen: A picturesque hot spring town that looks straight out of a Studio Ghibli movie. Make sure you try some delicious red bean paste filled donuts here 銀山温泉 めいゆう庵.
Week 3: Sendai (4 Days)
Sendai is probably a city you have heard of before since it’s one of the biggest in the Tōhoku region in terms of population. You also have an airport here, of course, and from Mogami to Sendai it should take you 2h23 by train and 1h by car. Sendai has quite a lot to see, so if you can stay here a bit longer, we would recommend it! We stayed at the Almont Hotel Sendai, which is very close to the station!
Day 12: Explore Sendai City
Morning: Visit the AER Observation Terrace for panoramic views of Sendai. Also, this is free!!! Make sure you get in through the office area of the building.
Afternoon: Explore Zuihoden Mausoleum, the resting place of Date Masamune.
Evening: Enjoy gyutan (grilled beef tongue) at Kotora Sendai-Ekimae.
Day 13: Temples and Markets
Morning: Visit Mitakisan Fudoin Temple and experience its spiritual atmosphere. Known for its powerful Fudō Myō-ō statue and fire purification rituals for success and protection.
Afternoon: Explore Sendai Morning Market! "Sendai’s Kitchen" since 1945, famous for fresh seafood, 100-yen sushi, and local delicacies like gyutan.
Evening: Relax and have dinner at トリの酒場 (Tori no Sakaba). This is a typical Izakaya full of delicious food, especially the yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) and karaage (Japanese fried chicken)!
Day 14: Zao Fox Village & Temples
Morning: Take a day trip to Zao Fox Village! Zao Fox Village is around 1h50 away from Sendai! (make sure you use the link here for the tour we also took and recommend)
Afternoon: Visit Shōon-ji Temple and Saishoin Temple, known for their tranquil gardens.
Day 15: Atago Shrine
Hike up to Atago Shrine for beautiful views and a spiritual experience. This is a great place for blessings for protection and good fortune.
Extra Recommendations for Food (Vasco’s treat!):
大黒屋製菓 – A must-visit for traditional Sendai dagashi (Japanese sweets), especially their taiyaki (fish-shaped pastry filled with red bean paste).
企事西川玉林堂 – Known for elegant wagashi (Japanese confections), their zunda mochi (sweet soybean paste rice cake) is a must-try.
団子茶屋あらまち 永藤本舗 – Famous for mitarashi dango (sweet soy-glazed rice dumplings), a perfect snack with green tea.
Koshindo – A cozy spot to try kamaboko (grilled fish cakes), a local Sendai specialty with a delicate umami flavor.
Eirakuan – This traditional tea house serves exquisite matcha and nerikiri (artistic sweet bean paste confections) in a peaceful setting.
Moritami-shuzō Honke – A historic sake brewery offering tastings of high-quality local sake, best paired with their pickled delicacies.
Week 3: Yamagata (3 Days)
Yamagata is pretty close to Sendai, so by train it should take you around 1h20 and 50 minutes by car! We stayed at the Yamagata Grand Hotel, and went by foot to basically almost everywhere during our stay.
Day 16: Yamadera & Kajo Park
Morning: Visit Yamadera, a beautiful mountain temple with breathtaking views. Reachable via a scenic hike up 1,015 steps, so brace yourselves.
Afternoon: Explore Kajo Park, the site of the former Yamagata Castle.
Evening: Dinner at Hirata Bokujo Tonkatsu Restaurant for amazing tonkatsu.
Day 17: Gotenzeki
Morning: Explore Gotenzeki, a charming area with restored warehouses housing cafes and shops. The soft serve here is amazing!
Evening: Enjoy a relaxing meal at 豚料理・うちなー 酒家ぶーさー, known for shabu-shabu. A very nice Okinawan style izakaya, which was a super nice surprise!
Day 18: Zao Onsen & Yonezawa
Morning: Visit Zao Onsen and ride the Zao Ropeway to see the "Snow Monsters."
Afternoon: You can stroll the Yonezawa Castle Ruins and, if you have time, explore the Yamagata Museum of Art.
Evening: Head to Yamagyu for Yamagata beef, a regional specialty. We cannot stress enough how amazing this restaurant is! Make sure you book it in advance, since it closes early and it is always full. (We recommend you use Tabelog!)
These spots are located outside the city of Yamagata but are well worth a visit if you have extra time and above all a car:
Okama: A crater lake with vibrant emerald-green waters, located near the summit of Mount Zao.
Zao Onsen Dairotenburo: A large open-air hot spring bath with stunning mountain views.
Week 4: Fukushima (3 Days)
Finally, the last stop on our Tōhoku journey, but with much more adventure in Japan awaiting us, we were excited to get to Fukushima. From Yamagata it took us around 3 hours by train, and if you choose to go by car this should turn to 1 hour. We stayed at a very central hotel, that we recommend, Hotel Sankyo Fukushima.
Day 19: Hanamiyama Park & Fukushima City
Morning: Visit Hanamiyama Park for stunning cherry blossoms in spring. But either way this park is worth visiting.
Afternoon: Explore Fukushima Prefectural Museum of Art. It features an impressive collection of Japanese and Western art.
Evening: Dinner at Ryuseiken for steak and curry lovers. If like Sara you love curry, this is the place for you!
Day 20: Karasugaraki Observation Deck & Fukushima Inari Shrine
Morning: Visit Karasugaraki Observation Deck for panoramic views of the whole city.
Afternoon: Explore Fukushima Inari Shrine for its beautiful torii gates. You can also buy omamori’s to protect your pet, which of course we got for our small Emi.
Evening: Try the yakiniku at Fukuwarai! This spot specializes in charcoal-grilled yakiniku (Japanese BBQ). It is super worth it going and trying those delicious cuts of meat!
Day 21: Explore More of Fukushima
Take a relaxing stroll around local temples and parks in Fukushima City.
Evening: Enjoy your final dinner in Fukushima at Kurosawa, a traditional Japanese restaurant. The beef cutlet here is absolutely delicious! Alternatively we also recommend 屋台や十八番 本店. A very cool Izakaya with delicious Yakitori and traditional dishes with a super cool vibe!
And that wraps up our ultimate guide to the Tōhoku region! We hope you enjoyed following along as much as we loved sharing our journey. Don’t forget to check out the rest of our adventure on our social media and YouTube channel for behind-the-scenes laughs, food fails (yes, Vasco’s noodle slurping needs work), and stunning visuals. Stay tuned for our next blog post where we dive into the adventures awaiting us in the Kanto region. See you there—and as always, happy waddling!!
