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.
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.
3 Animal Dances in Miyagi
Where could you see a dozen tigers dance on a rooftop? Head north to Miyagi!
Top 10 Local Train Rides
Sit back, relax, and let us take you on a journey through the most scenic train rides Japan has to offer.
13 Tantalizing Tohoku Treats
Tohoku has a giant selection of sweet traditional treats to choose from. We've selected 13 of the best!
Japan's Top 5 'Hanami' Hikes
Japanese culture is deeply tied to nature, and there's no better time to appreciate the Japanese wilderness than cherry blossom season.
Hit 3 Sites in Hiraizumi in Just One Day!
The UNESCO-registered temples and gardens of Hiraizumi represented an attempt to create an ideal world on Earth.
Japan's 7 Best Spring Ski Locations
Ski & Snowboard Tohoku Resorts
Japan gets so much snow that some of its biggest resorts offer skiing into the second week of May—and there's even one that goes into July!
These Sakura Petals Float on a Moat
Missed out on the blooming sakura in Tokyo? Why not head north to view the cherry blossom flower rafts in Aomori Prefecture?
5 Great Lesser-known Onsen Towns
If you’re looking to get off the beaten path, then give these towns a try!
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.
Japan's Top 3 Flower Parks
Being cocooned by sweet floral scents among a palette of bright colors will leave your nose and eyes calling out for more!
The 3 Great Cherry Trees of Japan
The only thing more jaw-dropping than their beauty is just how long these cherry trees have been around!
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.
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.
