Ranking of popular sightseeing spots in Tohoku! Onsen (hot springs), summer festivals, and lots of attractions!

Akita/Aomori/Fukushima/Iwate/Japan/Miyagi/Tohoku/Yamagata//////////

The colors of the four seasons woven by the rich nature of Tohoku

In spring, cherry blossoms bloom one after another, and the beautiful green summer is perfect for sightseeing due to its cooler temperatures. The traditional summer festivals held in each area are not to be missed. In autumn, the mountains turn red, and in winter, fantastic snow festivals are held in many places. With four distinct seasons to enjoy, Tohoku is a fascinating area that you will want to visit again and again.

Ranking of Top 25 Popular Tourist Spots in Tohoku

We introduce the ranking of must-visit tourist spots if you travel to Tohoku! Visit Tohoku and feel the rich nature and history.

Yamagata Prefecture] Obanazawa City

Ginzan Onsen

Ginzan Onsen is a hot spring town in Yamagata Prefecture. The nostalgic streets of the Taisho Era (1912-1926) still remain, and the wooden buildings, some of which are cultural assets, stand side by side in a magnificent row. At night, gas lamps cast a warm glow, creating an even more magical scene.

Ginzan Onsen” is a Taisho-romantic hot spring located in Obanazawa City, Yamagata Prefecture. The hot spring resort town, lined with wooden onsen ryokan (Japanese-style inns), offers a retro world view as if you were back in time to the Taisho Era (1912-1926).

The retro townscape looks as if you have wandered into a movie world. A popular tourist destination in Tohoku, Yamagata Prefecture’s “Ginzan Onsen” is full of places to go for lunch, sweets, footbaths, and souvenir shopping!

Shimogo Town, Minamiaizu-gun, Fukushima Prefecture

greater palace

Ouchi-juku flourished as an inn on the “Aizu West Road” leading from Aizu Wakamatsu to Nikko. Buildings with thatched roofs line both sides of the road, and the atmosphere of those days still remains. Today, many souvenir shops and soba noodle shops, where the famous “Negi Soba” (green onion soba) is served, line the street, attracting many tourists.

Aizu Wakamatsu City in Fukushima Prefecture is a castle town and a retro tourist destination dotted with historical sites. Enjoy Higashiyama Onsen (hot springs) with its beautiful skin, Ouchi-juku (inn town) a short distance away, cute souvenirs, and Kitakata Ramen and other gourmet foods.

Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture

Spa Resort Hawaiians

Spa Resort Hawaiians is a large-scale leisure facility consisting of a large heated swimming pool, hot springs, hotel, and golf course, and in July 2017, “Big Aloha,” the longest and highest body slide in Japan, opened. The whole family can enjoy a full day of fun, including authentic shows by hula girls and fire knife dancers.

Spa Resort Hawaiians” in Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture, is a great place to enjoy a resort atmosphere! It takes about 3 hours from Shinjuku by shuttle bus and is recommended for a day trip. It takes about 3 hours from Shinjuku by shuttle bus, and is recommended for a one-day trip.

Miyagi Prefecture] Matsushima Town, Miyagi County

Matsushima

Matsushima is one of the three most scenic spots in Japan, with about 260 islands of various sizes floating in the calm sea. In addition to cruises on sightseeing boats, there are many places to visit, including historic sites such as Godaido Temple and Zuiganji Temple, and gourmet seafood such as oysters.

Matsushima in Miyagi Prefecture is a popular tourist destination. In addition to the standard tourist attractions such as Matsushima sightseeing boats and Zuiganji Temple, there is also information on gourmet food such as oyster restaurants, as well as sightseeing spots such as the Glass Museum that only those who are in the area will know about!

Matsushima is one of the three most scenic spots in Japan, and many people would like to visit it someday. In recent years, there have been some fashionable stores and some great places to eat. Let’s take a relaxing stroll and enjoy gourmet food in Matsushima, where many sightseeing spots are concentrated along the sea.

Iwate Prefecture】Iwaizumi Town, Shimosei-gun

Ryusendo (Dragon Valley Cave)

Ryusendo Cave is one of the three largest limestone caves in Japan. The cave is 3,600 meters long and is dotted with countless stalactites and stalagmites. The color of the underground lake, known as “dragon blue,” is mysterious and a must-see!

Aoba Ward, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture

Nikka Whisky Sendai Factory Miyagikyo Distillery

Masataka Taketsuru, a leading whisky maker in Japan, chose Miyagikyo as his next distillery after Yoichi in Hokkaido. The distillery is located by a clear stream at the confluence of the Hirose River and the Shinkawa River. The free guided tour is perfect for adult visitors. Don’t forget to check out the distillery’s limited edition whiskey, which can only be purchased here.

Iwate Prefecture] Hiraizumi Town, Nishi-Iwai-gun

Chusonji Temple

Chuson-ji Temple houses as many as 3,000 items, including national treasures and important cultural properties. Konjikido is the only building in Chuson-ji that retains the original appearance of the temple. It was registered as a World Heritage site in 2011.

Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture

Hirosaki Castle

The castle was built in 1611. The castle gate and castle tower, which remain in their original scale, are a must-see. The park is famous as a cherry blossom viewing spot, with 2,600 cherry trees of about 50 varieties, mostly Someiyoshino, in bloom. The “flower rafts” of petals flowing down the surface of the moat and the “cherry blossom carpet” filling the moat with petals are beautifully decorated.

Take a bus from Hirosaki Station to Hirosaki Park, where Hirosaki Castle stands, and you can enjoy viewing the cherry blossoms and visiting cafes. In addition, there are many apple specialties and shopping opportunities, making it a great place for a women’s trip.

Miyako City, Iwate Prefecture

Jodogahama beach

It is one of the most scenic spots on the Sanriku Coast, with its rows of sharply pointed white driftstone, and the contrast of green pine trees, white rock surfaces, and blue sea is magnificent. It was named after a monk at Jyoan-ji Temple who, about 300 years ago, marveled at its beauty, saying, “It is just like the Pure Land of Paradise. The area is crowded with people swimming in the sea every summer, and cruises on the bay are also popular.

Miyako City is located in the middle of the Sanriku coast on the east side of Iwate Prefecture. There are many attractions such as seafood dishes including the local gourmet “bottledon,” exploring the “Blue Cave” from Jodogahama Beach, and enjoying the spectacular view from the Sanriku Railway. A visit to Miyako City is sure to soothe your soul.

Senboku City, Akita Prefecture

Nyuto Onsenkyo

Nyuto Onsen-kyo is the collective name for seven hot springs scattered around the foot of Mount Nyuto in Towada-Hachimantai National Park. Each of the seven inns has its own unique hot spring, and in total there are more than 10 different types of hot springs. It is recommended to purchase a “yumeguri book” (1,800 yen), which is available only for hotel guests, and tour the baths at each inn.

Nyuto Hot Spring Village in Senboku City, Akita Prefecture, is a must-visit destination for all hot spring lovers. Among the famous hot springs scattered deep in the mountains, “Tsuru no Yu” is a popular hot spring that boasts an unshakable reputation as a hidden hot spring.

Towada City, Aomori Prefecture

Oirase Keiryu

A beautiful mountain stream flows out of Lake Towada. Lush trees, large and small waterfalls, huge rocks, and sheer cliffs add color to the scenery, and the roadway and trail along the stream are dotted with such sights as the Asura Stream and Choshi Great Falls. Visitors can enjoy walking while gazing at the beautiful clear stream flowing through the green trees.

Senboku City, Akita Prefecture

Lake Tazawa

It is an almost circular lake with a circumference of approximately 20 kilometers. With a depth of approximately 423 meters, it is the deepest lake in Japan. The golden statue of Tatsuko, located in the southwestern part of the lake, is a standard tourist attraction. Boats are available for rent at the Tazawako Marine on the eastern shore.

Senboku City, Akita Prefecture

Weeping cherry tree in Kakunodate

Kakunodate is still a row of samurai residences surrounded by blackboard walls. In spring, 162 weeping cherry trees, including some designated as national natural treasures, bloom in full glory, creating a magnificent scene. During the “Kakunodate Cherry Blossom Festival,” the whole town comes alive with people from all over Japan.

Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture

Risshakuji Temple (Mountain Temple)

Hoshuzan Risshakuji Temple is known as the “Mountain Temple. Various halls are located along the 1,000 stone steps leading to the inner sanctuary, including the Nemoto Chudo Hall, the oldest beech wood building in Japan and a designated National Important Cultural Property. Matsuo Basho composed his haiku poem, “Kayasaya, iwa ni shimiiru semi no koe (The sound of cicadas penetrating the rocks),” here, and a monument to his poem stands here.

Yamadera, a sacred place in the sky, is one of the most famous temples in Yamagata Prefecture, famous for its 1,015 steps and spectacular view. It is said that when Matsuo Basho visited the temple, he was so impressed that he composed a poem.

Miyako City, Iwate Prefecture

Sanriku coastline

The coastline stretches about 220 km from north to south, from Kesennuma Bay in Miyagi Prefecture to the Tanegashima Coast in Aomori Prefecture. The scenery changes between the northern and southern parts after Miyako, with the northern part characterized by sheer cliffs and the southern part by a rias coastline.

The “Kotatsu Train” is a wintertime tradition on Sanriku Railway, which runs along the Sanriku coast of Iwate Prefecture. As the name implies, the seats are covered with kotatsu, and the traditional local “namomi” (a kind of bamboo blanket) also makes an appearance.

Miyako City is located in the middle of the Sanriku coast on the east side of Iwate Prefecture. There are many attractions such as seafood dishes including the local delicacy “bottledon,” exploring the “Blue Cave” from Jodogahama Beach, and enjoying the spectacular view from the Sanriku Railway.

Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture

Zao Ropeway

The Zao Ropeway has two lines: the foot line from Zao Sanroku Station to Jyuhyokogen Station, and the summit line from there to Jizo Sancho Station. The ropeway offers dynamic 360-degree views in each of the four seasons. In winter, the ice on the trees is one of the largest in the world.

Zao in Yamagata Prefecture is a mountain resort area embraced by the majestic Zao Mountain Range and is also famous for its hot springs. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful nature of Zao, including scenic spots and cafes with excellent locations.

Fukushima Prefecture] Hinoki Village, Minamiaizu-gun

Oze National Park (Fukushima Prefecture)

Oze is a basin-shaped plateau in the highlands straddling Fukushima, Niigata, and Gunma prefectures. In Fukushima Prefecture, there is a route from Hinoemata Village, and the course circling Ozenuma is recommended for beginners as it can be done as a day trip. Wildflowers can be seen in all four seasons, such as skunk cabbages in spring, Nikko hollyhocks in summer, and Ezo gentians in autumn.

Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture

eight food service centers

The Hachishoku Center is lined with about 60 specialty stores selling freshly landed fish, dry foods, delicacies, souvenirs, Hachinohe specialties, and more. There is also a full lineup of restaurants, including “Kitchen Stadium” and “Aji Yokocho,” where you can taste the entire food of Hachinohe, such as conveyor-belt sushi, Hachinohe ramen, soba noodles, udon noodles, and more. Also, be sure to check out the “Shichirin Village,” where you can eat the fish you buy on a charcoal grill!

Kitashiobara Village, Yama-gun, Fukushima Prefecture

Goshikinuma Nature Trail

The swamps vary in color depending on the particulate matter in the water, with the largest being Bishamon-numa, which is blue-green, Akanuma, where the surrounding vegetation is stained a rusty red iron color, Midoronuma, which has water of three different colors, Bentennuma, Ruri-numa, and Aonuma. You can also see many wild birds along the nature trail, which is about 3.6 km long and takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes to complete.

Goshiki-numa, one of Fukushima’s most famous scenic spots, is officially called Goshiki-numa Lake Group, a generic name for more than 30 lakes and marshes of various sizes scattered throughout the area.

Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture

crane-shaped castle

The castle is famous for having withstood the fierce siege of the Boshin War (1868-1868). The castle tower has been replaced with red tiles, recreating the appearance of the end of the Edo period, and is the only existing red-tiled castle tower in Japan. The castle is beautiful in all seasons, with cherry blossoms in spring and snowy scenery in winter.

Aizuwakamatsu City in Fukushima Prefecture is a castle town and a retro city dotted with historical sites. 1 day will be spent on a bus to explore Aizuwakamatsu Castle, the castle keep and its surroundings, and an old sake brewery.

Kaminoyama City, Yamagata Prefecture

Samurai Residence Street, Samurai Residence Miwa Family

This street is lined with samurai residences built 200 years ago. Located behind Kaminoyama Castle, it is well known for its walking course where visitors can tour the castle and enjoy a footbath. At the Miwa family’s house, visitors can see the thatched houses and experience the life of samurai families in the old days.

Shimogo Town, Minamiaizu-gun, Fukushima Prefecture

Festival of the Weaver (July 7th)

Hetsuri” is a dialect word from the Aizu region meaning “to move along a wall. The beauty of the rock formations created by the surrounding nature and the strange and monstrous rocks carved by the erosion and weathering of the Ookawa River is especially beautiful during the season of fresh green leaves and autumn colors. After crossing the suspension bridge, you will find a boardwalk that clings to the rock face, providing a thrilling experience.

Miyagi Prefecture] Osaki City

Naruko Gorge

This 100-meter-deep canyon was created by the uplift of the ground and the erosion of the Oya River. It stretches about 2.5 km from Naruko Onsenkyo to near Nakayamadaira Onsen, where sheer cliffs and mountain streams weave together to form a magnificent landscape. The gorge is also famous for its autumn foliage, which turns the canyon into a colorful array of reds and yellows in the fall.

Naruko Onsen-kyo” is one of the most famous hot spring resorts in Tohoku, consisting of five hot spring resorts including Naruko Onsen, Nakayamadaira Onsen, and Onikobe Onsen.

Ichinoseki City, Iwate Prefecture

elegant and secluded cave

It is approximately 500 meters long, was created by nature about 350 million years ago, and is said to be the oldest limestone cave in Japan. Flowstones, icicles, stalagmites, and other stalactites can be seen from the ceiling to the walls, and there is also a mysterious emerald green underground lake along the way.

Miharu-cho, Tamura-gun, Fukushima Prefecture

Miharu Waterfall Cherry Blossom

The red weeping cherry tree is over 1,000 years old. It is designated as a national natural monument and is one of the three most famous cherry trees in Japan. There is a promenade around the cherry blossoms, allowing visitors to view them from various angles. During the blooming season, many visitors come from all over to enjoy its breathtaking beauty.

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