Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, Akita, Yamagata, Fukushima
One of the top specialties in the Aizu region is Awamanjū (あわまんじゅう), a slightly chewy bun filled with red bean paste. While manjū is a common traditional sweet that can be found across Japan, Awamanjū is only sold in Aizu, where it originates. Speaking of Awamanjū, Koike Confectionary Store (小池菓子舗) is the most famous shop […]
Koike Confectionary Store: The Most Famous Awamanjū Shop Read More »
Besides the famous Akiu Onsen, if you are looking to enjoy a hot spring session in Sendai, Sakunami Onsen (作並温泉) is another great option to consider. Although the hot spring town has less exciting things to see and do, the weakly alkaline onsen is gentle on the skin and is nicknamed the Beauty-Making Onsen (美女づくりの湯)!
The Top 10 Places to Visit or Stay in Sakunami Onsen Read More »
If you love whisky and would like to tour around a Japanese whisky factory, jump onto a train and head to Sendai city‘s outskirts and visit Nikka Whisky Sendai Factory (ニッカウヰスキー 宮城峡蒸溜所). The distillery holds factory tours throughout the day to show visitors how their delicious whisky is made. And the best thing is that
Nikka Whisky Sendai Factory: Sendai’s Hidden Gem for Alcohol Read More »
If you are a Japanese history buff, the first attraction you will want to visit once you arrive at Sendai must be the Sendai Castle (仙台城). The castle, situated atop Mt. Aoba or Aobayama in Japanese, was built by Date Masamune (伊達政宗), one of the most famous feudal lords in the late 15th to early
Sendai Castle – The Throne of Powerful Ruler, Date Masamune Read More »
Aomori, Japan’s main island’s northmost prefecture, is filled with stunning landscapes and volcanic mountain ranges. In addition to its many off-the-beaten-path scenic destinations, it is also culturally rich and features two of the country’s best art museums. Read on and discover the top 12 places to visit when you visit Aomori!
The Top 12 Destinations in Aomori Prefecture Read More »
If you have a competition or something similar coming up, make sure you visit Akiu Shrine (秋保神社) in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, during your next Japan trip. The shrine erected in the early Heian period is famous for those who want to pray for victory. In recent years, starting with the famous Japanese figure skater Hanyu
Akiu Jinja – The Ultimate Shrine to Pray for Victory Read More »
Tashirojima (田代島) is a small island east of Ishinomaki City (石巻市) in Miyagi Prefecture. It is the only “cat island” in the Tohōku region, where the cat population is larger than human residents (61 humans vs. more than 130 felines). So many locals refer to the island as Cat’s Island (Neko no Shima, 猫の島).
Tashirojima – The Utopia for Cats and Cats Lovers in Tōhoku Read More »
When you arrive at Aomori, if you are looking for a destination where you can enjoy the nice hot springs of Japan and magnificent ocean views at the same time, take a short train ride to Asamushi Onsen (浅虫温泉), northeast of Aomori’s city center. Moreover, you can indulge in abundant negative ions in the forest
Asamushi Onsen – Aomori City’s Best Onsen Resort Read More »
While the world was panicking about the once-in-a-lifetime pandemic, in March 2021, Aomori Prefecture proudly welcomed another world heritage title. The Sannai Maruyama Special Historical Site (三内丸山遺跡) that completely overturned the understanding of the Jōmon civilization was registered as a part of Jōmon Prehistoric Sites in Northern Japan (北海道・北東北の縄文遺跡群) as a World Heritage.
Japan’s New World Heritage Sannai Maruyama Historical Site Read More »
Close to Morioka’s famous landmark, Sakurayama Shrine (櫻山神社), Mont Ceri. Morioka is a bakery that aims to cater to all customers. And the good news is that the bakery usually opens for breakfast at 7:30 am on weekdays. If you plan to visit Morioka, there is no need to rely on rice balls sold at
Mont Ceri. Morioka: The Vegan and Gluten-Free-Friendly Cafe Read More »
