Follow the Footsteps of Poet Matsuo Basho
Pack your hiking boots and get ready for an adventure as we take you to the most fascinating and beautiful spots of Japan's deep north by way of the poet Matsuo Basho.
Top 9 Sakura Spots in Tohoku & Hokkaido
Since northern Japan gets its cherry blossoms later than the rest of the country, even if you've missed the first round of 'sakura' to the south, you can often catch late blooms in Tohoku and Hokkaido as late as the end of April or even early May.
The Oldest Beech Trees in Asia
With bright blue ponds and an 8,000-year-old biosphere, we invite you to witness the unspoiled splendor of one of Japan's first UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Shirakami-Sanchi!
Top 10 Castles in Tohoku
Spared many of the fierce territorial battles of the Warring States Period, the castles of northeastern Japan are a little different from those you'll find to the south and west.
Tohoku's 3 Great Summer Festivals
Summer Festivals Tohoku Resorts
Head to northern Japan this summer for huge glowing floats, giant poles covered in lanterns and streets festooned with positive wishes for the future.
Ride 10 Gorgeous Steam Locomotives in Japan
Japan is famous for its modern trains, but it's also a great lover of traditional steam engines.
Residents Return to Fukushima Exclusion Zone
The catastrophic event that took place on March 11, 2011 left a scar in the hearts of many. These haunting photographs of former residents returning to the Fukushima Exclusion Zone remind us all of what was taken and forever lost.
Enjoy Winter to its Fullest at Mukaitaki Inn
Savor the fantastic sight of candles in the snow, the natural springs flowing through the baths, and the delicate local cuisine of Aizu.
Sakura in Hirosaki City
Hirosaki is a city in western Aomori Prefecture known for its beautiful castle and cherry blossoms. The city holds a Cherry Blossom Festival every year from April 23 to May 5.
Aomori's Stunning 'Tsugaru-nuri' Lacquerware
Looking for a unique souvenir from Japan that isn’t food? Tsugaru-nuri, a type of lacquerware local to Aomori Prefecture, may be the elegant souvenir you’ve been waiting for.
The Poster Spring for Japan Rail
Located deep in the mountains of Miyagi, this hot spring hotel is all about healing. Its outdoor 'onsen' is so picturesque that it's been featured in posters for JR.
All the Best Fall Color Spots in Tohoku
Check out these famous fall color spots and their nearby hot springs in each of northeastern Japan's six prefectures.
47 Souvenirs from All 47 Prefectures!
Traveling around Japan but don't know what souvenir to buy from each region? We've got you covered with this crazy list of our Top 47 'omiyage' from each of the nation's 47 prefectures!
This Ryokan Has an Onsen You Can Stand In
Feel the water rush up from below in this 1.25-meter-deep hot spring carved out of solid rock!
4 Lesser-Known Tohoku Summer Festivals
Summer Festivals Tohoku Resorts
Head north to see hundreds of riders in samurai armor recreate 1,000-year-old training techniques!
Putting a Vital Railway Back on Track
Despite suffering massive damage in the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, the Sanriku Railway Company swiftly restored its services and has become a pillar of support for the region.
Sakura & Samurai Houses in Kakunodate
Cherry Blossoms Tohoku Resorts
Check out one of the Three Famous Cherry Blossom Spots of Michinoku, including the centuries-old weeping cherry blossoms of Kakunodate's samurai district.
Akita Nairiku Line: Winter Wonderland by Rail
Through the heavy Akita snowfall, a train with one or two cars makes its way across bridges that span deep valleys and through tunnels that burrow into the heart of the mountains of the region.
Yamagata: Rivers of Ice & Snowy Onsen
Established in the 1400s as a silver mine, Ginzan Onsen reached its height in the 1600s. After the silver was gone, the population thinned, but the hot springs were still known as a place for therapeutic bathing.
10 Amazing Photos of Japanese Trains
Japan has some beautiful trains that pass through some incredible locations. And sometimes the train itself is the marvel!
