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Tohoku's 3 Great Summer Festivals

Head to northern Japan this summer for huge glowing floats, giant poles covered in lanterns and streets festooned with positive wishes for the future.

The True 'Deep' North: Caving in Tohoku

Big, small, weird, wonderful, and beautiful! Welcome to the world of caving in Tohoku!

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.

How Akita Warms the Winter

See life in Akita through the eyes of elementary school students as this snowbound town prepares for its winter balloon festival. If you've ever lived in small-town Japan, we challenge you not to cry.

See Samurai Up Close—On Horseback!

Samurai aren't just in the movies! The spirit of the samurai lives on at the Soma-Nomaoi festival, featuring a horde of armored warriors on horseback!

Get Crafty in Tohoku by Making 'Kokeshi'

Travel to Sendai and learn all about 'kokeshi,' the traditional wooden dolls that come from the Tohoku region, before getting a chance to make one of your very own!

Jodogahama: A View Withstanding the Tides

In my early 20s, I decided to use my summer holiday to travel the coast of Iwate on my own. I bought the JR Seishun 18 Ticket, which meant I had free range of almost all the JR stations in Japan—and I chose Miyako as my first stop.

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.

Discover the Beauty of Tohoku

Japan's northeastern Tohoku region offers the comforts of refreshing nature, beautiful scenery and time-tested traditions—concentrating the best of Japan into a single incredible area!

Tohoku's Late-Blooming Sakura Wonderland

Join our writer Nick as he travels with the JNTO to capture a glimpse of some of northern Japan's beautiful cherry blossom scenery.

Nature’s Art: The Frost-Covered Trees of Zao

The mountains of the Zao Mountain Range are one of the defining natural features of the Tohoku region.

Fukushima Ski & Snowboard Guide

Your guide to the top slopes in Fukushima!

Eating My Way Through Sendai

Come on a journey to the northeastern region of Japan's largest island as I enjoy the delicious foods and snacks of Sendai.

Embracing the Warmth of Tohoku in Hachinohe

My journey to northern Japan led to an immersion in the rich culture and hospitality of the residents and regions of Hachinohe, Aomori.

Recovery Five Years After 3.11

As March 11, 2016 marks the fifth anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake, Highlighting Japan offers an update on the results and challenges of recovery efforts in the Tohoku region.

Aizuwakamatsu: Modern City, Samurai Spirit

Join our writer Nick as he travels to Aizuwakamatsu, in Fukushima Prefecture, to get a deeper look at the rich history and culture the city has to offer.

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.

Slake Your Thirst with Sake from Aizuwakamatsu

Fukushima Prefecture is regarded as one of the finest areas for sake brewing in the country. Join our writer Nick as he visits some of the fantastic breweries in the historic city of Aizuwakamatsu.

6 Sublime Views in Tohoku

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

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