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Tohoku - Japan's Undiscovered Hinterland
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Tohoku is Japan’s seasonal travel wonderland. These six prefectures were once considered the undeveloped hinterland of Japan but are today a vestige of Japan’s natural and cultural charm. Making up the north of Honshu Island, the areas of Akita, Aomori, Fukushima, Iwate, Miyagi, and Yamagata feature some of Japan’s more unique natural scenery. The climate is the catalyst for Tohoku’s more extreme seasonal wonders, including the “snow monsters” of Mount Zao and the brilliance of the fall foliage. Tohoku – which is one of Japan’s more sparsely populated regions – is famed for its mountains, foliage, and skiing. Rich in history and with a cuisine distinct for its seasonality, Tohoku is Japan’s mountainous heartland.
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Between late April to early May, the springtime cherry blossoms of the Tohoku Region come alive with their gentle, pink resplendence. This week-long tour of the region takes you to some of the best sites in Tohoku, and arguably the country, for viewing the blossoms such as Kitakami Tenshochi Park, Kakunodate, and Hirosaki Castle. The region’s later blooming season means smaller crowds and cheaper tickets, but the scenery is equally beautiful. Along the way, you’ll also get a taste for the northern region’s culture, have some great meals, and stay at luxurious accommodations.
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The Three Great Festivals of the Tohoku Region are Akita's Kanto Matsuri, Aomori's Nebuta Matsuri, and Sendai's Tanabata Matsuri. This trip gives visitors in early August the opportunity to experience all three of these colorful, vibrant festivals while also providing them with the chance to hike to the summits of all three of the sacred mountains of the ancient Dewa province — and much, much more. The trip is also filled with visits to a number of thought-provoking museums, relaxing hot spring baths, and traditional temples. The region is also known for its cuisine, with staples including flavorful seafood dishes, fresh fruit, and regional noodles, all of which you will be able to enjoy over the course of this 12-day trip.
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Perfect for travelers hoping to pair outdoor sightseeing with a mixture of relaxation, culture, and cuisine, this 14-day long excursion through Japan’s scenic Tohoku Region displays the best the region has to offer at a leisurely pace. The highlight is the autumnal foliage, which comes out in force around October to November. You can see mountainous areas like Urabandai transformed by the fall, and the incredible contrast between warm-colored leaves and the intense blue of Lake Towada’s waters. In addition to sightseeing out in the natural world, you’ll also get to visit a number of cultural heritage sites that range from one-of-a-kind Buddhist pagodas to traditional Japanese castles. By taking you through a great number of places, the itinerary also gives visitors the opportunity to tastes a number of local specialty dishes ranging from noodles to sushi.
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This itinerary is perfect for ski sports enthusiasts hoping for fresh tracks in plenty of powder on Japanese mountains while still getting a taste of the unique culture the Land of the Rising Sun has to offer. You will hit the slopes of Mt. Hakkoda, Mt. Zao, and Mt. Bandaiwhile also getting to explore ancient temples and traditional samurai villages. Excursions to important nature sites such as Lake Towada and Inawashiro Lake give you a chance to see bizarre ice formations and beautiful scenery. There are also winter festivals filled with fireworks, tasty local dishes, and unique local artwork. Finally, what truly make this trip stand out are the hot springs and the trademark Japanese hospitality you’ll get to experience along the way —especially in the town of Ginzan Onsen where there are no cars on the streets and no worries in your mind. The ideal time to explore Tohoku during the winter for the snow sports and festivals is from early to mid February.
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If you’re staying in Tohoku, chances are you’ll be opting for some pretty intense kaiseki meals from talented chefs in a luxury ryokan. But, if you want to taste Japan‘s Tohoku properly, there are a few humble dishes that stand out in Tohoku cuisine. For noodle fans and connoisseurs of natural flavors, Tohoku has a complex palette that suits the setting. Whether it’s seafood or seasonal delicacies, the six prefectures of Tohoku have their specialties.
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There are quite a few ways to get away from the throngs of tourists in the Land of the Rising Sun, but the best move is to go where others can’t. Tohoku is quickly becoming a favorite travel destination for hikers who want to get away from the normal lines and crowds typical of hiking in Japan. Areas like Mount Fuji are pretty extraordinary, but they’re far from isolated. These hikes aren’t for the casual hill-walker; they’re for people who take their holidays seriously and like to put a few miles under their legs when they travel Japan.
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Winter may seem like a long way off, but for the skiing enthusiast looking to hit Japan in style, now is the time to start thinking of a powdery paradise in the winter wonderland of the rising sun. From the chalets of Niseko to the bathing monkeys of Nagano, Japan’s skiing options are varied. Here are some slopes and luxury accommodations visitors to Japan won’t want to miss.
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The famed cherry blossom season of Japan ended in May, and there were a whole lot of angry travelers who didn’t book early enough to get the best spots. Well, if you’re reading this, you’ve been warned: in about six months, Japan turns pink. However, rather than hitting up the usual hangouts for cherry blossoms in the Land of the Rising Sun, it might be time to consider a place already known for its seasonal beauty: Tohoku.
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