Tohoku Travel Special
– A Unique Journey to Explore and Connect with the Six Colors of Tohoku.

Access

Access from Tokyo to the Tohoku Region

※The travel times listed are approximate and may vary depending on the specific train/flight and transfer conditions.

Tourist Attractions

[Aomori Prefecture] Oirase Gorge

This is one of Japan's most beautiful mountain streams, a clear current flowing from Lake Towada for about 14 km. The fantastical scenery woven by waterfalls, moss-covered rocks, and the ever-changing seasonal forest is perfect for a stroll.

[Aomori Prefecture] Tsuru no Mai Bridge

Spanning Lake Tsugaru Fujimi, this is Japan's longest triple-arched wooden bridge at 300 meters long. The warmth of the Aomori Hiba cypress and the lake view reflecting Mt. Iwaki are beautiful, with the evening scenery being particularly magical.

[Akita Prefecture] Lake Tazawa

A famous scenic spot in Akita, known as the deepest lake in Japan. The lapis lazuli-colored surface and the legend of Princess Tatsuko add a touch of mystery, captivating visitors with its changing beauty throughout the seasons.

[Akita Prefecture] Kakunodate Samurai Residence Street

Known as the "Little Kyoto of Michinoku," this street is lined with samurai residences from the Edo period. The scenery of black wooden walls and weeping cherry blossoms is exceptional, offering a charming town walk with different atmospheres in each season.

[Iwate Prefecture] Jodogahama Beach

One of the Sanriku coast's premier scenic spots, featuring a landscape of white rhyolite rocks, pine groves, and an ultramarine sea. The calm inlet is fittingly named "Jodogahama" (Pure Land Paradise), and you can enjoy the stunning views while strolling or from a sightseeing boat.

[Yamagata Prefecture] Five-Storied Pagoda of Mt. Haguro

Standing amidst a cedar-lined path, this is the only five-storied pagoda in the Tohoku region designated as a National Treasure. Said to have been founded by Taira no Masakado, the 29-meter-high unpainted wooden structure radiates a solemn beauty that harmonizes with nature throughout the seasons.

[Yamagata Prefecture] Ginzan Onsen Town

This is an onsen town where wooden inns with a Taisho-era romantic feel line the Ginzan River. The gas lamps lit at dusk are fantastical, making it a picturesque spot for a stroll.

[Miyagi Prefecture] Sendai Castle Ruins

These are the ruins of Aoba Castle, built by Date Masamune. The stone walls and his equestrian statue evoke the past. From the ruins of the main citadel, you can get a panoramic view of Sendai city, making it a famous spot for stunning views day and night.

[Fukushima Prefecture] Ouchi-juku

A village of thatched-roof houses that still preserves the atmosphere of an Edo-period post town. It once prospered as an important stop on the Aizu Nishi Kaido route. It is popular for its specialty "negi-soba" (soba noodles with a whole green onion) and the view of the townscape from the lookout point.

Tohoku Summer Festivals

Experience the traditions of Japan’s summer with all five senses.
Feel the power and excitement of these dynamic festivals up close.

Photo by:
（公社）青森観光コンベンション協会

[Aomori Prefecture] Aomori Nebuta Matsuri

Dates: August 2 (Sun) – 7 (Fri), 2026

Photo by:
秋田市竿燈まつり実行委員会 事務局

[Akita Prefecture] Akita Kanto Matsuri

Dates: August 3 (Mon) – 6 (Thu), 2026

Photo by:盛岡さんさ踊り実行委員会

[Iwate Prefecture] Morioka Sansa Odori

Dates: August 1 (Sat) – 4 (Tue), 2026

Photo by:山形県花笠協議会

[Yamagata Prefecture] Yamagata Hanagasa Matsuri

Dates: August 5 (Wed) – 7 (Fri), 2026

Photo by:宮城県観光戦略課

[Miyagi Prefecture] Sendai Tanabata Matsuri

Dates: August 6 (Thu) – 8 (Sat), 2026

Photo by:福島わらじまつり実行委員会

[Fukushima Prefecture] Fukushima Waraji Matsuri

Dates: August 7 (Fri) – 9 (Sun), 2026

Tohoku Taxi Cruise

Discover the Charms of Tohoku! Reliable Taxi Plans

Explore Tohoku’s captivating tourist spots, places we highly recommend visiting, all from the comfort of a private taxi.

[Departure and arrival from Aomori]

Aomori scenic tour, Hakkoda, Oirase, Lake Towada, Hirosaki city walk for 2 days

[1 night and 2 days from Morioka]

Dakigaeri Gorge, Kakunodate, Lake Tazawa, Hachimantai Aspiteline Scenic Tour 2 days

[1 night and 2 days departing from Sendai]

Mogami River boat cruise and Shonai region Tour(with tour guide)

*This link will take you to an external website.

Recommended Stays in Tohoku

Discover some of the most popular and highly rated accommodations across the Tohoku region

aomori

Hotel Apple Land

The hotel has a shuttle bus service from Hirosaki Station for easy access.This hot spring inn is located in central Tsugaru, making it a great choice for sightseeing. The popular apple bath and the natural free-flowing alkaline bath will rejuvenate both body and soul.

4.2

aomori

Hotel Aomori

This 17-floor hotel, located in the center of the city, has a fine view of Mt. Hakkoda and Mutsu Bay. All rooms are equipped with cable and Internet capabilities.

4

aomori

Towada Hotel

The hotel’s main building is filled with the aroma of Akita cedar while the annex has a simple design. All rooms offer a view of Lake Towada, and guests can relax while enjoying a view of seasonally changing nature.

4.2

aomori

ART HOTEL Aomori

Located in the downtown area of central Aomori City where restaurants abound, this hotel offers excellent transportation access and convenience.
Inside is an atrium extending to the top floor. The bright, spacious interior exudes a warm atmosphere with designs featuring Aomori’s traditional “nanako-nuri” craft and Aomori hiba wood.

3.6

aomori

ReLabo Medical Spa & Stay

Directly connected to JR Aomori Station.

akita

Shin Tamagawa Onsen

Located surrounded by beech forests within a National Park, this hotel features a nice selection of spas with therapeutic benefits. Relax and recharge yourself immersed in the hot springs baths!

3.5

akita

Seiko Grand Hotel

Located in the center of the onsen resort area, this hotel is convenient for taking walks. The hotel has large shared baths and open-air baths that produce great amounts of water, as well as saunas. The seafood banquet-style dinners mainly consist of salted fish stews and other seasonal seafood.

4.9

akita

Hotel Metropolitan Akita

A hotel next to JR Akita Station, suited for tourism, business, and honeymoons. This hotel is complete with a banquet room, wedding ceremony halls, restaurants, bars, and other such dining facilities.

4.7

akita

Yukemuri no Yado Inazumi Onsen (Kyoritsu Resort)

This secluded lodging is tucked in the mountains at the boundary between the Akita, Miyagi, and Yamagata prefectures. Enjoy plentiful hot springs drawn from the lodging’s own source, and delicious food and sake from the local region.

akita

Ganiba Onsen

Surrounded by wild nature, this lodging welcomes you with 100% natural onsen (hot springs) coming directly from the spring source 24 hours a day. You can feel refreshed and healed by soaking in the homely bath.

4.3

iwate

Morioka Tsunagi Onsen Hotel Shi-on

Every room in this hotel enjoys a view over Lake Gosho and Mt. Iwate so relax in your room or in the large lobby area.

4.6

iwate

Hanamaki Onsen Kashoen

Iwate’s Hanamaki Onsen has great access from the Iwate Hanamaki Airport, the Hanamaki IC, and Tohoku Shinkansen.
Kashoen, located a mere 5 minutes from the Hanamaki IC, is a quiet lodging surrounded by Japanese red pines.
The lodging, which is arranged with the spirit of hospitality at every turn, provides guests with an elegant space free from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

4.4

iwate

Osawa Onsen Sansuikaku

Osawa Onsen Sansuikaku offers a range of bathing options to enjoy at this inn, as well as at the 200-year old Jisuibu Toujiiya and the thatch-roofed Kikusuikan sitting across the river.

4.4

iwate

Jodogahama Park Hotel

This Japanese-style inn lets guests enjoy the first sunrise of the mainland of Japan. Located on Jodogahama hill, the most beautiful landscape in Rikuchu Kaigan National Park, it is a pure Japanese hotel with with delicious local seafood dishes.

4.7

iwate

Airinkan

Totally enjoy hot springs in 17 different baths! There are unique baths using hot spring water constantly flowing directly from the source! Guests can also choose from plans with dinner served in guest rooms, or kamado (hearth-cooked) cuisine with brand Hakkinton pork!

4.5

iwate

Hotel Metropolitan Morioka

Located next to the Tohoku Shinkansen Morioka Station – a mere 1 minute away, we are ideally situated to enjoy shopping – in the adjacent center, for business or for pleasure.t

4.3

iwate

Hotel Metropolitan Morioka New Wing

3 minutes on foot from the station. This top class facility features a mixture of classic European style and elements of Morioka. The large banquet hall can host international conferences.

4

miyagi

Genzo no Yu Naruko Kanko Hotel

This modern hotel has a large and small bath, both of which are made of granite and Japanese cypress, as well as an open-air bath. The spring is said to be especially good for the skin.

4.3

miyagi

Hotel Matsushima Taikanso

A rich variety of seafood dishes are served at this resort hotel, spanning the culinary traditions of Japanese, European, and Chinese cuisines. The ingredients are caught fresh from the Pacific. The hilltop hotel commands a breathtaking view of Matsushima.

4.3

miyagi

Hotel Monterey Sendai

Conveniently located close to Sendai Station! Hotel Monterey Sendai features an exquisite Prague-themed antique interior as well as a top floor spa (additional charges apply).

4.5

miyagi

Hotel New Mitoya

Guests to this hotel can soothe away their everyday tiredness in the 3 large communal baths, the 16 rarity baths and the aesthetic salons. The indoor pool is available for free. Located 30 minutes from Sendai Station by car.

4.3

miyagi

Saryo Soen

Guests at this hotel can look forward to the seasonal changing landscape with views of a beautiful Japanese garden from the comfort of their room.

miyagi

THE YUKAWA Ichijo Branch

Newly opened on Sept. 2, 2025, this lodging features hot spring water flowing from the source. All rooms are suites with an open-air bath. The Yukawa makes its debut deep in the quiet forest surrounded by mountains and rivers, reviving ancestral lands and pioneering the future.

yamagata

Takinoyu Hotel

This traditional Japanese inn has a spacious and light-filled lobby. Guests can relax in the Japanese-style garden with an authentic tea-ceremony house.

4.4

yamagata

Miyamaso Takamiya

Opened in 1716, this long-standing ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) situated in Zao Onsen is reaching 300 years of operation. Guests can enjoy a blissful time in 7 different types of bathtubs filled with hot spring water constantly flowing directly from the source and savor delicious Zao cuisine using fresh, seasonable ingredients.

4.6

yamagata

Takamiya Hotel Rurikura Resort

This is a new type of resort hotel in Zao, fully equipped with tennis courts, hot springs, and a heated pool open during summer. Guests are sure to have a comfortable and relaxing stay.

4.8

yamagata

Tachibanaya (Atsumi Onsen)

Our inn was built over 300 years ago, and we continue to offer a friendly, familiar hospitality and provide you with a very comfortable stay.

4.5

fukushima

Onyado Toho

This ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) is located high in Aizu Higashiyama Onsen hot spring resort, with hot springs that offer a sweeping view of the town. The open kitchen and delicious, healthy buffet is popular with guests. A shuttle bus from Aizu-Wakamatsu Station is available.

4.8

fukushima

Sansuiso

Surrounded by the scenic nature of Bandai-Asahi National Park, guests can fully enjoy the hot springs at Hotel Sansuiso. It features Taishi-no-Yu (open-air bath), fine view baths commanding views of the clear streams of the Ara River and Nidan-no-Taki Waterfall, and an open-air barrel bath.

4.5

fukushima

Shikisai Ichiriki

This ryokan (Japanese inn) is a lovely blend of traditional style and modern design. The Japanese-style garden has a natural ambiance, its water coming from Lake Inawashiro to provide a habitat to waterfowl and other wildlife.

4.7

fukushima

Hotel Hananoyu (Bandai Atami Onsen)

You can enjoy 30 types of baths. The hinoki-buro (a cypress wood large bath) with view of the town, and garden open-air bath, are popular.

4

fukushima

Hotel Listel Inawashiro Wing Tower

You can gaze out at Mt. Bandai and Lake Inawashiro. Our resort hotel has skiing, and a multi-purpose health facility for a longer stay too.

4.2

Explore All Hotels in Tohoku