SANRIKU COAST

While Fukushima and Miyagi prefectures were both badly hit by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, the region has now largely recovered, and is looking to see travelers flock in once again.

Tokyo certainly has charm and no one could doubt the convenience of living or staying in the major city. However, there’s so much more to see outside of Tokyo and I'm happy to give you a few examples... it’s literally my job to promote the entire country.

While Japan's northern Tohoku region may be best known for its incredible winter landscapes, the JNTO and All About Japan headed north in spring to prove there are plenty of reasons to visit the region year-round!

Many tourists concentrate on the so-called 'Golden Route' connecting Tokyo to Kyoto and Osaka. But what do you do if you want to get off the principal tourist highway and see the best of the rest? Here are Japan's 21 best off-the-Golden-Route spots!

Take flight with our writer Nick as he heads back to Tohoku to visit a shrine that's quite literally 'for the birds!'

Tohoku is an incredible area to experience the harshness and beauty of nature—particularly in the winter!

The northeast region of Honshu, Tohoku, is a destination for all seasons. If you're looking to see nature at its finest, head north!

Japan has some beautiful trains that pass through some incredible locations. And sometimes the train itself is the marvel!