Tohoku is one of the largest regions in Japan. It spreads over the Northernmost parts of the main island Honshu. Tohoku region consists of six prefectures: Fukushima, Miyagi, Yamagata, Akita, Iwate, Aomori. These lands have played an important part in Japanese history, so it is not surprising to find many castles or other historical monuments in Tohoku. There is even a UNESCO World Heritage site in Iwate prefecture.
However, despite having a lot to offer to the tourists, the tourism in Tohoku has died down in the past eight years. To be more precise this happened since early 2011, when an earthquake and tsunami hit the Eastern shores of Northern Japan. The earthquake and tsunami were devastating for coastal regions. However, it didn’t end with just an earthquake and a tsunami. These in their turn caused the Fukushima nuclear power plant to have a meltdown. All in all the situation was drastic and these events have made Tohoku into a place that most tourists simply don’t consider visiting, be it because of the fear of radiation or even earthquakes and tsunami.
Tohoku has become a home to me for the past two years, it has been kind to me, welcomed me and in this article I want to show that Tohoku is not a scary place at all, it is a region filled with so much history, kind and sincere people and of course, delicious food!
Miyagi prefecture
Sendai, one of the major cities in Japan is located in Miyagi prefecture. Here you can find remains of the Aoba castle, which belonged to Date clan. Date Masamune is famous for helping the Tokugawa come to rule. You can also visit an old Shinto shrine named Oosaki Hachiman-gu. It is probably the most important shrine in all of Tohoku. The city is also where Tohoku University is. The university has a long history as a former Imperial University, it is the second best in Japan right now and it houses over a 1500 foreign students.
In Miyagi you can find the world-famous kitsune mura (fox village). Here you can see the foxes run around and if you’re lucky, even get to hug the cubs.
Nearby the fox village is a place called Akiu. Akiu is famous for its onsen – hot springs.
Fukushima prefecture
While the idea of going to Fukushima might seem frightening because of the nuclear meltdown in 2011, let me reassure you: the affected areas are closed down to public, hence you will be safe unless you do something irrational. The Aizuwakamatsu city is definitely worth your visit if you are in Tohoku. Not only because the city has some pretty scenery, but also because a historically vital castle named Tsuruga is situated in the city.
Akita prefecture
Akita prefecture is famous in Japan for its Akita bijin, in other words, beautiful people. Akita is also famous for the Akita breed of dogs. The prefecture will also allow you an access to the Japanese sea. I personally prefer the Pacific shore of Japan, but this is also an interesting experience.
Nonetheless, this prefecture too has a historically important castle called Kakunodate. The region also has many well-preserved samurai houses. It is worth adding, that the surrounding areas of the castle are favoured spots for flower-viewing, hanami.
Yamagata prefecture
The prefecture is famous for its soba (a type of noodles). Yamagata city also hosts more than a hundred years old building called Bunshokan which was a political centre in early Meiji era.
What makes a visit to Yamagata unique, however, is an old temple called Yamadera. It is located on the top of a mountain and you will have to go up for about 1000 stairs to get to the temple. The view from the top is stunning, and it’s totally worth the hike!
Iwate prefecture
It must be noted that Iwate is the second largest prefecture in Japan, following Hokkaido, which by the way is a totally separate island. While there are many onsen, ski resorts and other interesting places worth visiting in Iwate, I would like to direct your attention to Chusonji, a temple in Hiraizumi. The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It is also worth visiting the so called Geibi-kei, a two kilometer gorge where you can take a boat trip and bask in the beauty of waterfalls, caves and impressive rocks.
Aomori prefecture
This is the Northernmost prefecture on the Honshu island. And it is very cold in winter. But with all the cold, Aomori is famous for its apples. These sell at very high prices in all of the Japan, but their taste is incomparable to any other apple you’ve ever had.
Apples aside, though, the prefecture is famous for… surprise-surprise… another castle! Hirosaki castle might not be as old as the ones mentioned above, but it still is one of the most interesting and well-preserved castles in whole of Japan. It is also famous for its surrounding gardens.
These are simple some of the most famous touristic sites in the region of Tohoku, but believe me when I say that Tohoku is worth a visit. It has a lot to offer and you, my friend, will not be disappointed, I can assure you of that!
