Why Should Tohoku Be on Your Japan Itinerary?
When people plan a trip to Japan, the same names tend to come up.
Tokyo. Kyoto. Osaka. Maybe Hiroshima or Hokkaido if they want something different.
Yet there is a region just north of Tokyo that many travelers overlook. It is called Tohoku … and if you are planning your first or second trip to Japan it deserves a serious look.
Tohoku covers the northeastern part of Japan’s main island of Honshu. It is a vast region with six prefectures; and is known for natural beauty, historic sites, unique festivals and a pace of life that feels distinctly different from the vibe of Tokyo or Kyoto.
For travelers who want to experience Japan beyond the most crowded and familiar spots, Tohoku is worthy of a spot on your Japan travel itinerary.
TL;DR (Why Is Tohoku an Underrated Japan Travel Region?
Tohoku is easy to reach from Tokyo by bullet train, but feels worlds away
The region offers hot springs, mountains & coastlines with fewer crowds
It has deep cultural traditions including unique festivals and local crafts
Food in Tohoku is hearty, seasonal and distinct from other parts of Japan
Costs are often lower for accommodations and experiences compared to Tokyo or Kyoto
Visiting Tohoku adds depth and balance to any Japan itinerary
What is the Appeal of Tohoku for a Visitor to Japan?
Tohoku is not one single destination.
It is a broad region with a variety of topography and traditions. What unites Tohoku is a feeling of space and authenticity that is harder to find in the heavily touristed parts of Japan.
The region is dotted with mountains, forests, rice paddies and coastlines. In winter much of Tohoku is blanketed in snow which gives it a magical quality. In summer the green fields and mountain valleys are alive with festivals and traditions that go back centuries.
Travelers who visit Tohoku often say the same thing. It feels like the Japan they imagined before arriving. Slower, quieter and more connected to nature and tradition.
How’s the Access to Tohoku from Tokyo? What Sets It Apart?
One reason many travelers overlook Tohoku is that they assume it is too far or too difficult to reach. The truth is the opposite.
The shinkansen from Tokyo to Sendai (Tohoku region’s biggest city) takes as little as 90 minutes. From there you can branch out to other cities like Morioka, Aomori or Akita with ease.
This means you can add Tohoku to your trip without losing days to long transfers. In fact, a few days in Tohoku can fit neatly into an itinerary between Tokyo and northern destinations like Hokkaido.
It is possible to visit a part of Tohoku for just a night or two, but most visitors find themselves wishing they had more time once they get there.
Does Tohoku Have a Lot of Natural Beauty? Is It a Year-Round Destination?
One of the biggest reasons to go to Tohoku is its natural scenery. Each season brings something different.
Spring brings cherry blossoms that are every bit as beautiful as those in Tokyo or Kyoto but without the crushing crowds. Places like Hirosaki Park in Aomori are pretty darn great.
Summer is filled with green rice fields, cool mountain breezes, and some of Japan’s best summer festivals.
Autumn is a time of vivid foliage across the mountains, particularly in places like Lake Towada or the Naruko Gorge.
Winter turns much of Tohoku into a snowy wonderland. Ski resorts in Yamagata and Akita are less commercial than those in Hokkaido but still offer excellent powder. The famous snow monsters of Mount Zao are unlike anything else in Japan.
Nature lovers find that Tohoku offers hiking, hot springs, skiing and coastal beauty all within reach of the shinkansen network.
The coasts of both the Pacific Ocean and Sea of Japan (east coast and west coast) are great in the Tohoku region. Matsushima Bay is not to be missed. You’ll find natural beauty that can be explored by car or train.
Does the Tohoku Region Have Good Onsen Hot Spring Baths?
Hot springs (onsen) are everywhere in Japan but Tohoku is home to some of the most atmospheric onsen towns in the country.
Nyuto Onsen in Akita is a collection of rustic bathhouses set in the mountains
Ginzan Onsen in Yamagata is a picture-perfect town with wooden ryokan along a river, lit at night by lanterns
Zao Onsen combines hot springs with skiing and winter scenery.
These places feel authentically Japanese in a way that many hot spring resorts closer to Tokyo no longer do. Staying overnight in a ryokan with traditional meals and a private onsen bath is one of the highlights of a Tohoku trip.
What Are Some Fun Festivals That Define Japan’s Tohoku Region
Tohoku is famous for its summer festivals, known as matsuri. These take place after Japan’s notorious rainy season ends.
These events are dynamic , energetic and rooted in centuries of tradition. They are also a chance to see a side of Japanese culture that few casual visitors experience.
The Nebuta Festival in Aomori features enormous illuminated floats carried through the streets.
The Kanto Festival in Akita has performers balancing giant bamboo poles decorated with lanterns.
The Tanabata Festival in Sendai fills the city with colorful streamers and decorations.
These festivals are not staged for tourists. They are community events that locals participate in with pride. Experiencing one is going to be a highly memorable part of your Japan trip for sure!
Does Tohoku Have Much Historical or Cultural Depth?
Tohoku is not just about nature and festivals. The region in Japan’s northern Honshu island also has deep historical roots.
Hiraizumi in Iwate Prefecture was once a cultural and political center to rival Kyoto and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The samurai district in Kakunodate preserves the atmosphere of the Edo period with beautifully maintained residences.
Osorezan in Aomori is a remote temple complex that has long been associated with the afterlife in Japanese belief.
You’ll find lots of great temples and shrines in Japan’s Tohoku region. These include:
Yamadera temple
Chuson-ji temple
Towada Shrine
Dewa Sanzan Shrine
Craft traditions are also strong in Tohoku. Lacquerware, kokeshi dolls and textiles are produced here with techniques passed down through generations. Buying crafts in Tohoku means supporting artisans rather than mass producers.
What’s the Food Like in Tohoku?
Cuisine in Tohoku is shaped by cold winters and agricultural abundance. It is hearty, seasonal and often surprising for visitors.
Regional noodle varieties like Morioka reimen and wanko soba
Fresh seafood from the Sanriku Coast, one of the richest fishing areas in the world
Sake from Aomori, Akita & Fukushima, regions renowned for their rice and water quality
Comfort foods such as kiritanpo (rice sticks grilled and served in hotpot)
Tohoku’s meals are often tied to festivals, farming cycles or local pride.
And there are some great local fish markets in Tohoku — far better than the tourist traps like Tsukiji Outer “Market” in Tokyo. Tohoku in general provides a more local and authentically Japanese experience than most places tourists visit in Tokyo, Kyoto or Osaka.
Does Tohoku Offer Lower Costs or Better Value?
Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka are great – but they are also among the most expensive places to stay and eat in Japan (and the most crowded!).
Tohoku offers excellent value and lower crowds. Hotels and ryokan are more affordable, meals are reasonably priced, and attractions rarely have inflated entry fees.
For travelers who want a high quality experience without Tokyo prices, Tohoku delivers. You can stay in traditional inns, enjoy elaborate kaiseki meals and participate in authentic cultural activities at a fraction of what it would cost in more famous destinations.
How Can You Add Tohoku to Your Japan Itinerary?
Adding Tohoku to your trip changes the balance of your Japan travel experience.
If you visit only Tokyo and Kyoto you will see iconic sights, but you will also be surrounded by other travelers doing the same thing.
Tohoku offers space, authenticity, and a chance to slow down. It is still Japan, but it is Japan with fewer filters. Travelers who include Tohoku often say it was the highlight of their trip.
Want to find out more about how to incorporate a stay in the Tohoku region as part of your Japan trip? Use the calendar below to schedule your free consultation with Japan Travel Pros.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About the Tohoku Region
Q: Is Tohoku suitable for first-time visitors to Japan?
A: Yes. It is easy to access from Tokyo and has plenty of English signage in major stations and attractions. A few days in Tohoku can balance a first trip nicely.
Q: How many days should I spend in Tohoku?
A: Three to five days allows you to experience highlights such as Sendai, an onsen hot spring town and one festival or nature spot. Longer stays in Japan’s Tohoku region let you dive deeper into multiple prefectures.
Q: Can I visit Tohoku year-round?
A: Yes. Each season has a unique appeal. Winter means snow and hot springs, summer brings festivals, spring is cherry blossom season, and autumn offers dramatic foliage.
Q: Is Tohoku more difficult to travel around than Tokyo or Kyoto?
A: Transport is efficient thanks to the shinkansen and regional trains. Rural areas require more planning, but that is part of the appeal. Some itineraries can also benefit from a regional rail pass from JR East.
Q: What makes Tohoku different from other regions like Hokkaido?
A: Tohoku combines mountain and coastal scenery with deep historical and cultural traditions. Hokkaido is more frontier-like and modern, while Tohoku has a stronger sense of old Japan.