Tohoku: A Japanese destination that offers something special in every season

Let's face it: Japan is one of the world's most popular destinations.

In 2018, nearly 30 million international visitors flocked to Japan, with tourists crowding the well-known cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, especially during peak seasons like cherry blossom time in spring.

However, the northern Tohoku region remains relatively untouched by mass tourism, making it a hidden gem to explore year-round.

At the northern tip of Japan's Honshu Island, Tohoku consists of six prefectures: Aomori, Akita, Fukushima, Iwate, Miyagi, and Yamagata. Each offers stunning landscapes, rich history, and unique culinary experiences.

Here’s a taste of some of the best experiences Tohoku has to offer. For more inspiration, be sure to explore the gallery above.

Zao Onsen: Where snow monsters come to life

Tohoku sees some of the heaviest snowfall in the world each winter, making it a perfect alternative to the more crowded ski resorts in Hokkaido to the north.

Zao Onsen, located in Yamagata Prefecture, is one of the most welcoming destinations for foreign visitors, offering excellent facilities for those seeking powder-filled slopes.

But the true highlight of Zao Onsen is its legendary snow monsters, or 'juhyo' in Japanese, that draw visitors from all over.

Each winter, Siberian winds sweep through the Zao Mountain Range, causing trees to accumulate thick layers of snow and ice. Over time, these trees transform into fascinating, human-like figures.

To witness the snow monsters, head to the Zao Onsen Ski Resort, which spans several mountain peaks.

This mid-sized resort is perfect for beginner and intermediate skiers and snowboarders. Zao’s longest downhill run stretches 10 kilometers, beginning at the snow monster observation area.

The ideal time to see the snow monsters is from late January to early March, before the warmth of spring sets in.

If you miss the winter season, there’s still plenty to explore. The stunning Okama Crater Lake, for example, sits amidst the three peaks of the Zao mountain range in Tohoku.

The Okama Crater Lake got its name from 'kama,' a traditional iron pot, as the lake's shape resembles this pot. It’s best visited during the summer months.

Akita: The birthplace of Japan’s most beloved dog breed

From mascots to resort greeters to train station masters, the loyal Akita Inu dogs, originally from Japan’s Akita prefecture in Tohoku, have captured hearts across the nation for decades.

The most famous Akita dog is Hachiko, who became a symbol of loyalty after being immortalized in a film and honored with a statue in Shibuya, Tokyo.

Legend has it that Hachiko waited at Shibuya station every evening for a year to greet his owner after work. Tragically, one day his owner passed away at work and never returned. Despite this, Hachiko faithfully returned to the station every day for nine years.

Now that's loyalty for you!

In a more recent, quirky tale, a group of Akita dogs were enlisted by a regional tourism group to star in what might be the oddest pop music video you’ll ever see. (Take a look below!)

If you'd like to meet some of these adorable Akitas in person, make your way to Odate, the capital of Akita Prefecture.

At Odate Station, the Akita Dog Visitor Center is home to two honorary station masters, while the Akita Dog Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of these beloved dogs.

For more information on these adorable dogs – and where to meet them – check out the Akita Inu Tourism website.

Wanko soba: The ultimate noodle challenge

If you're really hungry, take on the wanko soba challenge – a limitless all-you-can-eat buckwheat noodle experience exclusive to Japan’s Iwate prefecture.

Here’s how it works: A server brings you tiny bowls of noodles, constantly refilling them as fast as you can slurp them down.

As soon as you finish a bowl, the server quickly swoops in to refill it, shouting 'hai dan dan!' as she adds another serving.

The only way to stop the endless noodle flow is to cover your bowl with its lid.

There are a few rules to follow.

First off, you must eat nonstop. No breaks to digest and then return for more noodles – it's a continuous challenge.

For the best experience, we recommend trying wanko soba at the Azumaya Soba Shop in Morioka, the capital of Iwate Prefecture.

There are four locations of Morioka’s wanko soba restaurants, but the Ekimae branch is just a two-minute stroll from the train station and offers English menus.

For a complete list of wanko soba restaurants, head to Japan-iwate.info/noodle/wanko.html.

Matsushima: Japan's most breathtaking views

Matsushima is part of the legendary 'Nihon Sankei' – or 'Three Views of Japan.'

Matsushima Bay is scattered with over 260 small, pine-covered islands, creating a picturesque landscape that has inspired countless poets and artists throughout history.

To truly experience the beauty of Matsushima, head to the shore near Matsushima Kaigan train station. Several islands are linked to the mainland by picturesque red bridges, including the stunning Fukuurai Bridge, which leads to Fukuurajima Island.

Fukuurajima Island is home to over 300 species of flowers, plants, and trees, and its network of walking trails offers several stunning viewpoints.

Nearby, the historic Godaido Temple, established in 807, sits on a small island also connected to the mainland by a series of red bridges.

For a more expansive view, cruises depart every hour from Matsushima Pier. The 50-minute tour circles the bay, passing islands and oyster farms.

Matsushima also boasts fantastic food, making it a true culinary destination.

"Seafood from the Matsushima region is regarded as some of the finest in the world, thanks to the nutrient-rich waters and plankton found off its coast," explains Hiroko Shimbo, an award-winning author and expert on Japanese cuisine, who leads culinary tours across the country.

"In addition to oysters, you can find local specialties like salmon, skipjack tuna (katsuo), Pacific pike (sanma), northern clams (hokkigai), asari clams, abalone (awabi), scallops (hotategai), and the best-quality wakame (a sea vegetable)—don’t confuse it with seaweed!"

The quaint yet substantial Matsushima Fish Market is a perfect starting point for any culinary adventure in the town.

At the market, you can sample everything from ramen and sushi to oyster croquette burgers.

Sendai: Japan’s undisputed beef tongue capital.

While you can find gyutan – beef tongue – at yakiniku restaurants across Japan, Sendai is home to the largest number of establishments dedicated exclusively to grilling these tender, flavorful slices of meat.

The first beef tongue restaurant in Sendai was Aji Tasuke, which opened in 1948, founded by Keishiro Sano.

Sano had left Sendai to train in Tokyo around 1935, where he met a French chef preparing a beef tongue stew. Inspired by this, he decided to adapt the dish to suit Japanese flavors.

After World War II, Sano returned to Sendai and opened his own restaurant. Faced with food shortages, he began serving his version of beef tongue along with tail soup.

Seven decades later, Sano’s portrait still hangs on the wall, and his restaurant continues to thrive under the management of his eldest son.

The city is brimming with options. These days, it’s nearly impossible to walk through the heart of Sendai, a city with a million residents, without spotting a restaurant showcasing gyutan – ‘gyu’ means cow, and ‘tan’ refers to tongue.

Aji Tasuke, 4-4-13 Ichiban-cho, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-0811 Miyagi Prefecture, Japan

Yamadera is one of Japan’s most stunning temples.

Get ready to put in some effort for this one.

The remarkable Yamadera Risshakuji Temple sits atop Mount Hoju-san in Yamagata Prefecture. But here’s the twist: you’ll need to ascend 1,015 steps to reach it.

Although its formal name is Risshakuji, the locals simply call it Yamadera, which translates to ‘mountain temple.’

The temple, founded in 860 AD to oversee the Tendai Buddhist sect of northern Tohoku, is a sprawling complex of over a dozen sacred sites, including shrines, gates, and monuments.

Climbing the stairs is meant to be a contemplative journey, and it’s believed to bring good fortune to those who reach the summit.

Like many of Japan’s iconic spots, Yamadera is stunning year-round. However, we suggest visiting in autumn or winter, when the views of the Yamagata countryside are especially breathtaking.

Getting there is a breeze. Yamadera Station is just a 40-minute train ride from Sendai, the largest city in the Tohoku region, located in neighboring Miyagi Prefecture.

Japan’s most charming traditional souvenirs

When it comes to traditional craftsmanship, Tohoku stands out as the home of some of Japan’s most revered ancient arts, many of which are still being skillfully created today.

One such craft is magewappa, or bent woodwork, a centuries-old tradition from Akita. This technique is used to create items like bento boxes, steamers, and other handcrafted goods.

For centuries, artisans in the westernmost part of Aizu, Fukushima have been handcrafting erosoku – large, vividly colored candles.

But the most iconic souvenir from Tohoku is undoubtedly kokeshi – the traditional wooden dolls.

These wooden dolls are thought to have originated in the Edo period (1603–1868) in a hot spring region in Miyagi prefecture, Tohoku.

Their faces are painted with delicate, lively brushstrokes, while their smooth bodies are carved from pale wood, giving them a simple yet expressive appearance.

For those eager to try their hand at doll-making, the Tsugaru Traditional Art and Craft Store in Aomori offers workshops where you can create your own kokeshi doll.