The 10 Best Things to do in Tohoku, Japan

June 26, 2021 Stefan Strunk

The Tōhoku region (東北地方, Tōhoku-chihō), Northeast region, or Northeast Japan consists of the northeastern portion of Honshu, the largest island of Japan. This traditional region consists of six prefectures (ken): Akita, Aomori, Fukushima, Iwate, Miyagi and Yamagata.
Restaurants in Tohoku

1. Risshaku-ji Temple

4456-1 Yamadera, Yamagata 999-3301 Yamagata Prefecture +81 23-695-2843 http://www.rissyakuji.jp/
Excellent
52%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 891 reviews

Risshaku-ji Temple

Reviewed By JohnD209 - Leavenworth, United States

Yamadera means "mountain temples" and the mountainside has many small and a few large temples built in nooks and crannies along the way up to the mountain top. The hike up to the top and the area of Risshaku-ji is along a stone path with over 1000 steps. It takes about one hour to climb and 25 minutes to descend. The lower steps wind back and forth climbing through a Japanese cypress forest festooned with stone lanterns. About half-way up there is a traditional temple gate with two guardian statues. After you pass through this gate there are more buildings and more maple trees - making the climb sparkling when the maples are changing colours. Most professional pictures of the temple complex are taken in the fall when the reds and yellows are out or in the spring when the maples send forth their green leaves. As the complex opens up you will see several separate buildings. Head to the left to go to the Risshaku-ji Temple and the views of the train station and town through which you passed on the way to the base of the mountain. A must-see experience. After seeing the Risshaku-ji Temple, continue up a few more minutes to the main Senju-in Temple, which is a completely different looking temple that is used more for worship than for the views. It has some magnificant statuary in the foreyard.

2. Aquamarine Fukushima

50 Tatsumicho, Onahama, Iwaki 971-8101 Fukushima Prefecture +81 246-73-2525 http://www.marine.fks.ed.jp/index.htm
Excellent
50%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 308 reviews

Aquamarine Fukushima

3. Shirakami Sanchi

Southwest of Aomori prefecture to Northwest of Akita prefecture http://www.shirakami-visitor.jp/nyuuzan.html
Excellent
52%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 95 reviews

Shirakami Sanchi

4. Sannai-Maruyama Site

305 Sannai Maruyama, Aomori 038-0031 Aomori Prefecture +81 17-766-8282 http://sannaimaruyama.pref.aomori.jp/
Excellent
39%
Good
47%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 549 reviews

Sannai-Maruyama Site

This historic site was accidentally discovered during construction of a baseball stadium. Excavations have revealed artifacts and structures dating back 5500 years to the Jomon period.

Reviewed By WarnerL_12 - Pasadena, United States

Teepees and everything else you can live in in ancient times is covered in a fantastic walk about... people there are so friendly and helpful.

5. Zuihoden

23-2 Otamayashita, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-0814 Miyagi Prefecture +81 22-262-6250 [email protected] http://www.zuihoden.com/
Excellent
32%
Good
49%
Satisfactory
17%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 612 reviews

Zuihoden

Reviewed By dutchiedonuts - Toronto, Canada

From Sendai Station you'll be looking at a thirteen minute taxi ride, twenty minute bus ride, or as I did, a thirty to forty minute walk. I do the walk, because it's the things that you might see along the way, what you might miss out on, if you take a cab or bus. Just my personal preference. Part way on your adventure upwards, you'll see a temple off to the left, to the right is a walking path and bathrooms. Go in through the gates of this temple. It's small, but it's really nice. (free) Now for Zuihoden Temple. I believe the entrance fee was around $12. Just be ready for a walk up a good incline. But the scenery while walking up is just amazing. When you get to the steps to start your incline, there is a box with walking sticks, to help with your accent. As you're walking upwards, you'll see huge tall trees that go up forever, on either side of the path/ stairs. There are a lot of places to walk around, with different shrines and temples to see. It is a very calming feeling, when you walk around here. You can also grab a drink at the vending machine, in the parking lot before you go into the grounds, or on your way back down. If you don't mind a bit of walking, I don't think you'll be disappointed. It was simply beautiful to see.

6. Senshu Park

Senshukoen, Akita 010-0876 Akita Prefecture +81 18-888-5753 http://www.city.akita.akita.jp/city/ur/pc/sensyukouen/default.htm
Excellent
24%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
25%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 387 reviews

Senshu Park

Reviewed By N6532NValanb

Senshu Park is seldom crowded. It is most beautiful when the cherry blossoms are out in late April, autumn, or in winter after a fresh snowfall.

7. Morioka Hachimangu

13-1 Hachimancho, Morioka 020-0872 Iwate Prefecture +81 19-652-5211 http://morioka8man.jp/
Excellent
24%
Good
57%
Satisfactory
19%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 90 reviews

Morioka Hachimangu

8. Nikka Whisky Sendai Factory Miyagikyo Distillery

1 Nikka, Aoba-ku, Sendai 989-3433 Miyagi Prefecture +81 22-395-2865 [email protected] http://www.nikka.com/miyagikyo/
Excellent
39%
Good
48%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 309 reviews

Nikka Whisky Sendai Factory Miyagikyo Distillery

MIYAGIKYO Distillery. The location was selected for whisky production because of its clean air, just the right humidity for storage, and abundant underground water filtered through a layer of peat. In Yoichi, Masataka Taketsuru saw numerous reminders of Scotland, and this convinced him that this should be the home of Japanese Whisky. The Miyagikyo Distillery is also in northern Japan, in Sendai (lat.38 N), Miyagi Prefecture, northern Honshu. Travelling in the area one day, Masataka came upon this site completely enclosed by mountains and sandwiched between two rivers. He immediately knew that this was the perfect site for whisky distilling. Sendai's fresh water, suitable humidity and crisp air produce soft and mild malt.

Reviewed By JustinSendai - Sendai, Japan

This is the second of only two Nikka distilleries in Japan. For over half a century, the brick warehouses tucked away in the mountains of Sakunami have been slow-aging the good stuff. Enjoy a tour, shopping, samples, and whisky bar. The train ride there offers nice views as well.

9. Nebuta Museum Wa Rasse

1-1-1 Yasukata, Aomori 030-0803 Aomori Prefecture +81 17-752-1311 [email protected] http://www.nebuta.jp/warasse/
Excellent
39%
Good
47%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 841 reviews

Nebuta Museum Wa Rasse

The huge three-dimensional work that made by wire and paper called Nebuta. Here, fully sized shiny Nebuta that participated in the Aomori Nebuta Festival are displayed. Footage of the Nebuta parade is also projected onto a 400-inch screen. Also you can enjoy taking souvenior photos!

Reviewed By 303heral - Canada, null

It is fitting that the award winning floats are housed in a magnificent building. The design draws your eyes to the entrance and it's like it is telling you there is something special beyond the door. The museum will not disappoint and the floats will take your breath away! Would suggest visiting on the weekend for the live performances. Just stunning and will make the festival on my bucket list

10. Bank of Iwate Red Brick Building

1-2-20 Nakanohashi Dori, Morioka 020-0871 Iwate Prefecture +81 19-622-1236 http://www.iwagin-akarengakan.jp/
Excellent
23%
Good
49%
Satisfactory
25%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 144 reviews

Bank of Iwate Red Brick Building

Reviewed By Stanleymak7777 - Singapore, Singapore

In my opinion, this is a must-visit building in Morioka. It is iconic for Morioka. Without visiting this building, you will regret. We walked a long way from Iwate Park to visit this building. There is a very interesting shopping street close to this building. It is great for lunch.

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