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

Bustling Shopping area opposite Sendai JR station..

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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Aoba Ward

5/5(52 area reviews)

Stroll through the bustling Ichibancho shopping district, home to numerous shops and eateries, or explore the picturesque Jozenji-Dori, adorned with El Greco sculptures and zelkova trees. Conveniently access eight Sendai Subway Nanboku Line stations.

Aoba Ward
Winter vacation skiing in Japan ,Zao

Zaoonsen

5/5(2 area reviews)

While visiting Zaoonsen, you might make a stop by sights like Zao Chuo Ropeway and Zao Sanroku Ropeway.

Zaoonsen
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Miyagino Ward

5/5(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
A winter waterfall.  Akiu Falls near Sendai.

Taihaku Ward

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

Discover the southernmost ward of Sendai, featuring Akiu Great Falls and Sendai Yagiyama Zoological Park. Easily accessible via JR East, Sendai Subway, and national routes, it's a perfect blend of nature and convenience.

Taihaku Ward
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Sendai
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Sendai
3 out of 5
1-2-37 Tsutsujigaoka Miyagino-ku, Sendai, Miyagi-ken
Fully refundable
The price is ₩81,597 per night from Apr 29 to Apr 30
₩81,597
₩98,733 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 29 - Apr 30
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Sendai. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"Hotel is surprisingly close to Sendai train station. Close to shopping and lots of dining options."

Reviewed on Apr 15, 2025

Daiwa Roynet Hotel Sendai
The OneFive Sendai
The OneFive Sendai
3 out of 5
4-6-28 Tsutsujigaoka, Miyagino-ku, Sendai, Miyagi
The price is ₩42,922 per night from May 7 to May 8
₩42,922
₩47,217 total
includes taxes & fees
May 7 - May 8
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! (361 reviews)
Nice hotel for family stay
"There is pre-check in. The staff are mostly foreigners. Good for English speaking customers. There is no safe in the room. The breakfast is quite nice. The hotel is located near Yodobashi building 2. U can cut through to reach."

Reviewed on Apr 11, 2025

The OneFive Sendai
Sendai Kokusai Hotel
Sendai Kokusai Hotel
3.5 out of 5
4-6-1 Chuo, Sendai, Miyagi
The price is ₩123,136 per night from Apr 25 to Apr 26
₩123,136
₩148,996 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 25 - Apr 26
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Sendai. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,445 reviews)
"Everyone was so nice and helpful"

Reviewed on Apr 18, 2025

Sendai Kokusai Hotel
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.
decopinhouse
decopinhouse
3 out of 5
4-chome-159-1 Sakuramachi, Hanamaki, Iwate
Stay at this 3-star vacation home in Hanamaki. Enjoy free WiFi, patios, and climate control. Popular attractions Hanamaki Castle and English Beach are located ...
decopinhouse
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. Popular attractions Sendai Anpanman Children's Museum & Mall and Sekisui Heim Super Arena are located ...
Rakuten STAY x EAGLES
private Lodging KASE Gosyogawara
private Lodging KASE Gosyogawara
3 out of 5
86-5 Hibarino, Kanagichokase, Goshogawara, Aomori
Stay at this 3-star vacation home in Goshogawara. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and slippers. Popular attractions House of Tachi Nebuta and Fujimi Lake Park ...
private Lodging KASE Gosyogawara
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.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Tohoku