When talking about Japan, most people will talk about Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. In fact, there are a lot of cool places in Japan. As I’ve mentioned in my previous article, I would like to invite you to rediscover a rare pearl of Japan: the Tohoku region. I simply like things that are unique to Japan, how friendly and hard-work the Japanese people, and so much more, that’s why I want to share again with you how great Japan is. But again, in this post I will share most of the hidden gems in Tohoku region, which consists of six prefectures in the north of Japan‘s largest island, Honshu. You can see below image to get the big picture of the Tohoku region.
Tohoku region is famous for its countryside, mountains, lakes, hot springs, high-quality rice and rough winters. I found out from the Tohoku Facebook Fan Page; there’s a very interesting temple in Yamagata prefecture, called Risshakuji Temple or also known as Yamadera (literally means “mountain temple” in Japanese). Visitors must climb the stairs with a total of more than 1,000 steps leading up to the mountainside and to reach the Okunoin (main hall) of the Risshakuji Temple at the apex of the hill. Those who’ve been to Yamadera say there are great views down onto the valley.
While, in Aomori Prefecture, there is one of the best attractions recommended by Tripadvisor community, namely River Oirase, Aomori. Oirase Stream is one of Japan‘s most famous and popular for autumn colors destinations. The stream flows along the floor of the Oirase Gorge; winding among the trees, while a lush green in spring and summer, turn brilliant shades of red, yellow and orange from late October through early November. To be able to get lost in nature, between trails, trees, and waterfalls, so calming and beautiful!
Different cultures, different prefecture, different scene and of course, different attractions too. In Iwate Prefecture, tourist can enjoy the famous Iwate Snow Festival, which usually comes in February. This festival is considered as one of the five major snow festivals of the Tohoku, which attracts people with numerous ski slopes. If you like the outdoors activity, with at least a dozen ski resorts, you should be here!
And last but not least, if you want to spend New Year’s Eve unlike before, why not come to Sendai, the largest city in the Tohoku region, in Miyagi prefecture. The ‘tree-clad’ City of Sendai, turns into a tunnel of light, with its trees of Zelkova lit by more than 800.000 light bulbs along Jozenji and Aoba-Dori. It’s so pretty and amazing! You can see some pictures and explore more about Tohoku region at the following link https://www.facebook.com/TasteofTohoku?fref=ts. There are so many interesting things about Tohoku, and I will share it with you in my next post. Stay tuned!