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Travel + Leisure
08-08-2025
- Travel + Leisure
Japan's Best Food Destination Is Less Than 2 Hours From Tokyo—and It Has a Cat Island, Samurai History, and Bubbling Mountain Hot Springs
Top 5 Can't Miss Sleep on the shores of one of Japan's most scenic bays in the upscale Matsushima Sakan Shoan ryokan. Discover the spectacular seascapes and storied history of the Tōhoku coast by hiking along the Michinoku Coastal Trail. Eat your fill of soba noodles at Azumaya Soba, an Iwate prefecture staple for over a century. Visit in spring or fall for cherry blossoms and changing colors, or come in winter to see snow monsters and ski your heart out. Soak up onsen culture at Ginzan, one of Japan's most enchanting bathing destinations. We get it—no one visiting Japan wants to miss the chance to stroll through the winding streets of Kyoto or to hike the summit of Mount Fuji, despite the crowds. But you can escape the throngs of fellow travelers without missing out on those classic Japanese experiences. Just head north to Tōhoku. Spanning six prefectures that cover the entire northern tip of Honshu, Tōhoku is one of Japan's most overlooked regions. Home to less than 10 percent of the population, it's an outdoor lover's dream, with cloud-piercing peaks, lakes, dense forests, offshore archipelagos, warm hot springs, and epic coastlines. Tōhoku encompasses a fifth of Japan's landmass, so there's plenty of room to roam. But that doesn't mean it's lacking in culture, either. Tucked between stratovolcanoes and mystical mountain ranges, you'll find ramen-rich cities, Edo-era villages, heritage sake breweries, and ornamental temples. There are many festivals throughout the year that celebrate the region's unique folkloric traditions, and historic districts that date back to feudal times when samurai lords ruled, earning Tōhoku the nickname 'the land of the samurai.' 'Tōhoku is very special because we only have about two percent of all the inbound guests who travel to Japan,' says Katy Shina, a tour guide at Northern Japan Horizons and Tōhoku travel expert who has lived in the region since 2012. 'The locals are very friendly and welcoming to people who want to know more about the culture up here.' On the international stage, Tōhoku may ring a bell as the site of the 2011 Fukushima disaster and the region hardest hit by the earthquake and tsunami. But over a decade has passed; Tōhoku has since rebuilt and recovered, and patiently awaits travelers. Here's everything you need to know before planning a trip to Tōhoku, Japan. Best Hotels & Resorts Skyline of Sendai in the Tohoku region of Japan. voyata/Getty Images Matsushima Sakan Shoan Enjoy the becalming vistas of Matsushima Bay from this 11-room luxury ryokan, with traditional Japanese or blended Japanese and Western-style rooms. Kaiseki meals showcase local seafood, and you can soak in onsen baths after strolling the grounds' pine-lined nature trails. The Park Hotel Jodogahama Stay just steps from one of Japan's most breathtaking beaches at the upscale Park Hotel Jodogahama. Peeking out from the trees atop Jodogahama Hill, it overlooks this stunning stretch of coastline, whose turquoise waters, sun-bleached rocks, and pebbly beaches recall the Mediterranean. After a day exploring Miyako Bay, return to warm onsen water, craft sake sips, and a variety of dining choices. Fujiya When this modern take on the classic ryokan opened in Ginzan, it caused a stir with its contemporary design. Its elegant, minimalist spaces exude calm and distraction-free relaxation, with on-site kaiseki dining and dreamy hot springs baths. For a more classic ryokan stay, try Notoya and Ginzan-so. Best Things to Do A landscape view of Lake Towada. Tohoku Tourism Promotion Organization Hike the Michinoku Coastal Trail. Stretching over 600 miles along the eastern seaboard, the Michinoku Coastal Trail launched in 2019 to aid with post-2011 recovery. See the colossal sea cliffs of Kitayamazaki Cape, trek through tunnels carved into coastlines, and enjoy some culture along the way, with stops in seaside villages or visits to landmarks like the Iwate Tsunami Memorial Museum. Tackle the trail in its entirety (a 50-odd day commitment) or do day hikes, with guided tours available through companies like Shina's Northern Japan Horizons. Island-hop around Matsushima Bay. 'Matsushima, aah! Matsushima! Matsushima!' This haiku by Japanese poet Bashō perfectly sums up the experience of first seeing Matsushima Bay: abject awe. Over 200 pine-covered islands sit scattered around this sun-dappled bay near Sendai. Take a sightseeing cruise for the full spectacle, or hop on a ferry to explore the islands themselves. A bit further up the coast, take a detour to the Tashirojima Cat Island, famed for its more than 700 resident felines. Dive into Tōhoku's great outdoors. From sea to summit, Tōhoku's wild places stun. Sail around the Lake Towada caldera, follow pilgrimage routes on the sacred slopes of the Three Mountains of Dewa, and hike through the forested mountains of Towada-Hachimantai National Park. Think Hokkaido is the only place in Japan to hit the slopes? Think again. Tōhoku is one of Japan's snowiest regions, making it a prime destination for powder hounds who favor ski resorts like Zaō Onsen Ski Resort and Appi Kogen. At the end of the day, head to an onsen for a restorative soak—if your hotel doesn't have one on the property, you'll likely find one nearby. Step back in time in samurai districts, preserved villages, and stately castles. In Aizu-Wakamatsu, also known as 'Samurai City,' roam the grounds of Tsuruga Castle, explore the thatch-roofed village of Ouchi-juku, and soak in the same waters as samurai lords once did at Higashiyama onsen. The UNESCO-recognized gardens and temples of Hiraizumi, Hirosaki Castle, and the 'Little Kyoto' Kakunodate district are other highlights. Connect to Tōhoku's heritage at the region's renowned festivals. Join in the revelry of Tōhoku's celebrated summer festivals, most of which take place in late July or early August. Watch processions of glowing pole lanterns at the Akita Kanto Festival, marvel at the colorful floats of the Aomori Nebuta Matsuri, and see Sendai explode with kaleidoscopic decorations during the Tanabata Festival. Best Places to Eat Bowls of soba being prepared at Azumaya Soba. Tohoku Tourism Promotion Organization Iwate Wagyu beef, artisanal sake, and succulent seafood are some of Tōhoku's culinary stars. As you explore, feast on regional delicacies like koji-enhanced products (koji is a type of mold culture critical in producing staples like soy sauce, miso paste, and sake), fresh Matsushima Bay oysters, and hoya sea squirts, which are affectionately known as "sea pineapples." L'aureole Tanohata This remote restaurant on the Iwate coast is a bit out of the way, but it's worth the trip to try chef Katsuyasu Ito's cross-cultural fare, showcasing Tohokan ingredients prepared with a French flair. Perched high atop a cliff overlooking the ocean, the views aren't half bad either. Kesennuma Fish Market and Umi no Ichi The Miyagi prefecture town of Kesennuma is one of Japan's biggest fishing ports, making its seafood market a must-visit. After watching the catch of the day come in, head to the neighboring Umi no Ichi food and shopping hall to grab a bowl of sea-to-table kaisendon: slices of sashimi, jewel-like roe, and other oceanic delights atop a bed of rice. Miroku Yokocho Yokochos—narrow alleyways filled with small eateries and watering holes—are a staple of Japanese dining culture, and the northern port city of Hachinohe has some of the most charming in the region. Miroku Yokocho is among the most popular, and it's packed with snug izakayas and food stalls slinging sashimi, ramen, sake, and beer. Azumaya Soba Try all-you-can-eat wanko soba noodles, a regional specialty, at this Iwate eatery, which has been around since 1907. Shiogama-ko Sushi Hailed as Japan's sushi capital due to its plethora of sushi spots, Shiogama needs to be on every Tōhoku-bound foodie's itinerary. Out of the many restaurants to choose from, Shiogama-ko Sushi is a favorite. Don't be fooled by the casual, conveyor belt set-up; diners rave about its excellent quality and freshness. Best Time To Visit Spring cherry blossoms in Tohoku, Japan. Tohoku Tourism Promotion Organization 'Season-wise, anytime of the year is great and has different offerings,' says Shina. Spring (March to May) and fall (August to October) are best for hiking and watersports while avoiding the worst of summer's high temperatures and humidity. Spring comes with the added bonus of catching the cherry blossom bloom in mid-April, and seeing the Dragon's Eye lake atop Mount Hachimantai. Fall offers some of Japan's best leaf-peeping in places like Aomori and Miyagi's Naruko Gorge. Apart from skiing, winter (December through March) is also worth a trip for snowy onsen visits, wintry landscapes, and seeing the region's famous "snow monsters," aka snow-encrusted trees frozen into fantastical shapes by frigid Siberian winds. Mount Zaō, Mount Miroyoshi, and the Hakkoda Mountains are among the best places to witness this phenomenon. How to Get There A crowd waits for a train approaching a station in Tohoku, Japan. Tohoku Tourism Promotion Organization The best way to reach Tōhoku is by first flying into Tokyo, to either Narita International Airport (NRT) or Haneda Airport (HND), and then getting to Tōhoku by train or another quick flight. Sendai Airport (SDJ) is Tōhoku's biggest airport, but there are smaller airports in each prefecture. Japan's high-speed bullet train, the Shinkansen, has three routes throughout the region, with stops in major cities like Sendai, Yamagata, and Akita. The trip from Tokyo to Sendai takes about an hour and a half. 'Getting to Tōhoku is easy using the bullet train from Tokyo, but once here, public transport in some areas can be limited,' says Shina. 'Make sure to do your research in advance, or book a trip with a local guide.' Cities to Visit Fall foliage in the village of Ginzan, Japan. thanyarat07/Getty Images Ginzan This mountain onsen area is like something straight out of a Miyazaki film, with storybook ryokans crowding together over a bridge-crossed river. A former silver mining town, people now come here for the renowned baths, strolling the pedestrian-only city center in yukata (a summer kimono) garb. A popular spot, it can get crowded, but the atmosphere is worth it. Sendai As Tōhoku's biggest metropolis, the southern city of Sendai is a great jumping-off point. A former samurai stronghold, there are castles, temples, and mausoleums to tour, signature dishes like gyutan (grilled beef tongue), craft beer, and fabulous festivals. Yamagata With hiking and skiing in the Ōu Mountains and historic landmarks like Yamagata Castle and the Yamadera summit temple, Yamagata appeals to nature lovers and culture aficionados alike. Photographers flock here in fall to snap pictures of the changing foliage, and ramenheads will find themselves in good company—Yamagata consistently tops the charts as the city that consumes the most ramen in Japan, and has declared itself the 'ramen capital" of the country. Kesennuma While hit hard in 2011, this charming port city has bounced back to become one of the region's underrated gems. Grab a bite to eat at Cafe K-Port (opened by actor Ken Watanabe of The Last Samurai), head to the Mishione Yokocho for drinks at Prism, and seek out art and history at the Rias Ark Museum and the Kesennuma City Memorial Museum. How to Get Around An empty road lined with cherry blossoms lead to a mountain Japan's Tohoku region. Tohoku Tourism Promotion Organization Using the Tōhoku Shinkansen (a five-day pass costs around $200) and regional Japan Rail lines, you can navigate up and down the region with ease. But if you want to reach more remote interior places like national parks or onsens, it's best to rent a car. Around towns and cities, you can rely on local buses or taxis. 'There is not as much English signage up here, but people are friendly, so don't be afraid to ask questions, use body language, or a translation device,' says Shina.
Yomiuri Shimbun
10-06-2025
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Total 559 Run Through Tohoku Region in Michinoku Coastal Trail Walk; Pokémon-Theme Event Held by Govt, Sponsors
The Yomiuri Shimbun Participants cross the Matsukawaura Bridge in Soma, Fukushima Prefecture, on Sunday. SOMA, Fukushima — An event to walk the Michinoku Coastal Trail, a path through the Tohoku region's four prefectures along the Pacific coast, was held in Soma, Fukushima Prefecture, on Sunday. The event is titled 'The Michinoku Coastal Trail Walk in Soma with Pokémon Local Acts,' organized by entities such as the environment ministry with support from The Yomiuri Shimbun and others. It also received special sponsorship from Asics Trading Co. and Japan Airlines Co. A total of 559 people from Tokyo, Kanagawa and other prefectures walked in two courses: a six-kilometer short distance course and a 10-kilometer long distance course. On the long-distance course, participants passed near the Matsukawaura fishing port, which was severely damaged by the tsunami following the Great East Japan Earthquake but is now being revitalized. They also enjoyed a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean from the 520-meter-long Matsukawaura Bridge. A 67-year-old man from Nihonmatsu, Fukushima Prefecture, participated in the event with three members of his family. 'While walking I could enjoy the breeze from and scent of the sea. I could feel that the town is moving more toward reconstruction than when I visited after the earthquake,' he said.
Yomiuri Shimbun
27-05-2025
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Over 500 People Join Michinoku Coastal Walk Event in Natori, Miyagi Pref.; Tracing Memories of 2011 Earthquake, Tsunami
The Yomiuri Shimbun Participants walking along the embankment of the Natori River on Sunday during the Michinoku Coastal Trail Walk in Natori, Miyagi Prefecture. An event to walk the 'Michinoku Coastal Trail,' a 1,000-kilometer-long path on the Pacific coast of the Tohoku region, was held on Sunday in the Yuriage district of Natori, Miyagi Prefecture. I joined as a participant and walked the approximately 4-kilometer course. It was a walk to commemorate the victims of the tsunami caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake on March 11, 2011, and help people feel the breath of the area's recovery through new buildings and young cherry trees. The cold rain that had been falling early in the morning had fortunately stopped by the 9:30 a.m. start time. A total of 531 participants from 12 prefectures, including the Tohoku region and Tokyo, gathered at the Yuriage Community Center, the starting point for the 'Michinoku Coastal Trail Walk in Natori with Pokémon Local Acts.' After the opening ceremony, participants started on two courses, one approximately 4 kilometers long and the other approximately 8 kilometers long. The Japan News Participants taking photos at a photo spot along the course. The Japan News Pokémon characters make their appearance at the opening ceremony on Sunday. The Japan News Participants starting off together under a cloudy sky The trail connects the Pacific coastline of Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures in the Tohoku region. Last year, I walked an 8-kilometer course at a similar event held in Hachinohe, Aomori Prefecture, which is the northernmost point of the trail. In contrast to the scenic coastline and natural surroundings of the Hachinohe course, this time I walked along the embankment of the Natori River estuary and the redeveloped flatlands where reconstruction continues to progress. The short course, which turns around at the Natori Trail Center 2 kilometers from the starting point, can be completed in about an hour even at a leisurely pace. However, the story behind the trail is significant. Immediately after the starting point of the walk, the embankment was lined with a commercial facility called Kawamachi Terrace Yuriage. Opened in 2019, this facility consists of three wooden single-story buildings with restaurants and souvenir shops offering an open space overlooking the Natori River where visitors can enjoy a meal. It has become a new landmark in Yuriage, which suffered many casualties in the disaster. According to the report compiled by the city of Natori after the earthquake, there were 884 victims in the city as of Jan. 31, 2014. Of these, 701, or about 80%, were residents of the Yuriage district. Many of them died in the tsunami that struck about an hour after the earthquake. The Japan News People gaze at the names of victims at the Natori City Disaster Memorial Park. The white monument is the same height as the tsunami was. As I descended the embankment and walked along the flat ground, a white monument came into view. It was the Natori City Disaster Memorial Park, which preserves the memory of the earthquake and tsunami. The 8.4-meter-tall monument serves as a memorial. I approached and looked up at it. It was the same height as the tsunami that struck this area on the day of the disaster. At the base of the monument were stone plates engraved with the names of victims, and several participants stood there, staring intently. 'Minoru Endo.' I found a familiar name. He worked as a news editor when I was a new reporter at the Yokohama bureau. In an instant, his face and voice, the red pen corrections he made on my unpolished articles, and a memory of eating grilled fish set meals together at a nearby eatery flashed through my mind. He had already retired by the time of the disaster and was living here. I stood there for a moment of silence. Along the canal in the middle of the course, there was a spot where young cherry trees lined the banks. These are the 'Natori Recovery Cherry Trees,' which were grown from buds taken from cherry trees that survived the tsunami and bloomed after the earthquake. I am sure, in ten years, these trees will be in full bloom and draw many people together. Walking events at three more locations The Michinoku Coastal Trail Walk event will be held in Soma, Fukushima Prefecture on June 8, Hachinohe on July 6, and Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture on Oct. 5. For more details, please visit the event website ( The event is organized by the Ministry of the Environment and others, sponsored by the Yomiuri Shimbun and others, and supported by Asics Trading Co. and Japan Airlines Co. The Japan News Participants walk along the embankment in front of a water gate with a sign marking the height of the tsunami. The Pacific Ocean can be seen in the distance.
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Yahoo
Everything to you need to know about Japan
Japan's popularity is rising again post-Covid, with tens of millions every year visiting the mix of old, new, and futuristic in Tokyo; World Heritage sites in the ancient capital Kyoto; Hakone's hot springs, ryokan inns, and the majestic Mount Fuji. Beyond those classic destinations, you could travel to Shikoku to visit the contemporary art islands in the Seto Inland Sea or embark on lesser-known experiences, such as hiking the Michinoku Coastal Trail in Tohoku and horse riding in the volcanic landscape of Aso-Kuju National Park in Kyushu. Japan has something for everyone! Spring: Cherry blossoms briefly turn much of Japan pink from late March to mid-April. In Tokyo, picnic under the sakura in Ueno Park or take a laid-back stroll along the blossom-lined Meguro River. For hanami (flower viewing) in a traditional setting, head north to Akita for Kakunodate's old samurai district or visit Aomori, where the delicate blossoms engulf Hirosaki Castle. Summer: As Japan settles in for several months of hot and sticky weather, the festival season kicks into high gear. Tokyo's Sumida River Fireworks display in late July is one of the capital's highlights. In early August in Aomori, giant paper-covered floats are paraded for the week-long Nebuta Matsuri. In Tokushima, thousands of colorfully dressed dancers take to the streets for the Awa-Odori in mid-August. Autumn: Take in the fiery-red and golden-yellow koyo (autumn leaves) from a piping-hot onsen bath in Jozankei Onsen or an open-air seat on the scenic Kurobe Gorge Railway in Toyama. For a long fall foliage trek, hikers can head to Daisetsuzan National Park in Hokkaido or summit the 5,606-foot Mount Daisen in Tottori. Winter: In early February, visit the city of Sapporo in Hokkaido for the giant ice sculptures of the Snow Festival, then warm up with the city's miso ramen and spicy soup curry. Fifty-five miles away, the powder snow of Niseko provides some of Japan's best skiing and snowboarding. (Related: The essential guide to visiting Japan's Kyushu island.) Cities: Experience old Tokyo with a stroll around the retro Yanaka neighborhood or visit Meiji Jingu Shrine. Explore the contemporary side of the city at fashionable Omotesando (dubbed Tokyo's Champs Elysees) or the futuristic teamLab galleries. As one of the planet's finest foodie destinations, don't miss Tokyo's sushi, ramen, and high-end kaiseki. In Kyoto, the gilded Kinkaku-ji Temple and torii gateway-covered paths of Fushimi Inari Shrine are two of the former capital's must-see (and most visited) World Heritage sites. However, there's plenty to experience away from the crowds, including the quiet fishing village of Ine in Kyoto's north and lesser-visited temple complexes like Myoshin-ji and its pretty gardens. North: Pack your hiking boots and go backpacking on the Michinoku Coastal Trail, a 621-mile route that runs along jagged clifftops, sandy beaches, and pretty fishing ports in the less-crowded Tohoku region. Inland, follow in the footsteps of haikuist Matsuo Basho with a hike to the mountaintop temple of Yamadera. East: Traditional ryokan inns, hot-spring baths, and close-up views of Mount Fuji make Hakone a popular side trip from Tokyo. Walk between the beautifully preserved Edo-era (1603-1868) villages of Magome and Tsumago on the remains of the road that once connected Kyoto and Tokyo. West: Visit Hiroshima for the A-Bomb Dome memorial of the nuclear attack in 1945 and the 'floating' Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island. Pedal the scenic Shimanami Kaido cycle route across a network of bridges connecting Japan's main island with less-visited Shikoku. Take a ferry to Naoshima in the Seto Inland Sea for a cutting-edge collection of contemporary art venues and installations. South: Island hopping in Okinawa offers white-sand beaches, coral reef dives, mangroves, and the distinct Ryukyuan culture, shaped during the 450 years Okinawa was an independent kingdom called Ryukyu. In Kyushu, head to Aso-Kuju National Park to hike and go horseback riding on one of Japan's most active and beautiful caldera volcanoes, Mount Aso. (Related: The essential guide to visiting Japan's Hokuriku region.) RamenJapan's favorite comfort food comes in various guises. Some ramen aficionados give top rank to Hakata ramen in Fukuoka for its combination of pork bone broth and thin, yet firm noodles. For others, that accolade goes to the miso-rich broth of Sapporo-style ramen. You'll find local takes on ramen as far and wide as Wakayama, Tokushima, Hakodate, Kitakata, Okinawa, and many places in between. SushiLike ramen, sushi is a varied affair. On a budget, kaitenzushi (conveyor belt sushi) chains such as Sushiro and Kura deliver a fun experience and great cost performance, while the wallet-breaking, high-end sushi includes 20 sushiya in Tokyo alone with Michelin stars. Head to a department store food floor—like the basement of Mitsukoshi in Tokyo's Nihonbashi district—where sushi isn't just a nigiri of rice topped with seafood. Chiraizushi features chopped sushi toppings scattered over a bed of rice. Makizushi is thin rolls of rice and sushi filling wrapped with toasted nori seaweed, and oshizushi has slices of fish (like mackerel) tightly pressed in a box of vinegared rice. (Related: The essential guide to visiting western Japan.) By train: Japan Railways operates high-speed bullet trains between many of the main cities and offers money-saving rail passes for overseas travelers. Purchase rail tickets at stations or online at Eki-net. Travel time from Tokyo to Kyoto is just over two hours, while Tokyo to Hiroshima is four hours. By plane: There are domestic flights between Haneda Airport and regional hubs, including New Chitose Airport in Sapporo and Naha in Okinawa. By car: If you're only visiting the big cities, stick to the highly efficient public transport. For exploring rural areas where trains and buses are limited, you should consider renting a car from companies like Nippon Rent-a-Car and JR Rent-a-Car. An international driver's license is required, and remember, motorists drive on the left. Languages: Japanese is the official language. English is increasingly spoken in the main cities and tourist areas. LGBTQ+: Same-sex couples cannot legally marry in Japan, but there are no laws against same-sex relationships. Shinjuku Ni-chome in Tokyo is the largest LGBTQ+ neighborhood in Japan, with several hundred bars, clubs, and restaurants. In June, Tokyo Pride is the country's largest event for the LGBTQ+ community and allies. Osaka, Japan's third-largest city, has a website ( dedicated to LGBTQ+ travelers. (Related: Everything you should know before visiting northern Japan.) Outdoors: The 34 National Parks of Japan cover almost six percent of the country, protecting endangered wildlife and delicate ecosystems. When you visit, stay on designated trails, take your litter home, and follow other local rules to help keep the parks pristine. SDGs: Japanese businesses are increasingly referencing the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals, though look out for greenwashing or box-ticking. Businesses that are making genuine sustainable efforts tend to list the specific SDGs they are targeting and detail the exact measures they are taking to reach their goal(s). Shopping: Artisans across Japan produce a vast range of traditional arts and crafts, including ceramics, lacquerware, textiles, and woodwork. For authentic, high-quality crafts, look for products marked with the government's Designated Traditional Craft logo. Dining: With sushi, remember the 4-S rule. Eating seafood that's small, silver, seasonal, or shellfish has a lower impact. Bluefin tuna and freshwater eel are best avoided. Before visiting animal cafes where you can pet cats, dogs, and other animals, be aware that the industry has a poor track record for animal welfare. (Related: What locals love about Japan.) Rob Goss is a freelance writer based in Tokyo, covering travel and culture in Japan. Follow him on Instagram.
