Top Things to See and Do in Tohoku

Located in the northeastern portion of Honshu, the largest island of Japan, the Tohoku region offers unspoiled nature, ancient culture and culinary experiences year-round.

In the fall, the region’s forested mountains offer breathtaking foliage and, in the spring, cherry blossoms paint the region pink and white. In the winter, Snow Country racks up some of the highest snowfall numbers in the world, offering perfect winter sport conditions. After a long day on the slopes, warm up in the region’s hot springs, or onsens. Natural springs are scattered throughout the region, and several hotels were built around them, including Seiko Grand Hotel, Rockwood Hotel & Spa, Hanamaki Onsen Hotel and Chikusenso Mt. Zao Onsen Resort & Spa.

For more rustic accommodations, stay in a ryokan, a traditional type of Japanese inn dating to the eighth century A.D.

Outdoor enthusiasts head to Rikuchu Kaigan National Park or Bandai-Asahi National Park for mountain biking, hiking and sightseeing. Highlights include the Ashigezaki Lookout, Lake Ogawara and the scenic Oyasukyo Daifunto walking path.

For the best sushi in Japan, visit Tohoku’s coastal Miyagi prefecture and, for the best ramen, visit Sakaeya Honten in Yamagata. While in Yamagata, also known as Cherry Kingdom, help yourself to the region’s abundant fruits. For traditional libations, make your own sake at Sekinoichi Sake Brewery and sip locally made wine at Akiyu Winery.

Notable religious and architectural sites to add to your bucket list include Entsuin, Risshaku-ji Temple, Shiogama Shrine and the 17^th-century Sendai Castle. You can also climb the 1,015 steps to the summit of Yamadera Risshakuji Temple on Mount Hoju-san in the Yamagata prefecture.