Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, Akita, Yamagata, Fukushima
Yokochō in Japanese means small alley with copious small eateries and bars great for gatherings and/or a drink after work. At Hachinohe, there are a total of eight Yokochō. Seven out of eight Yokochō have existed long ago since the Showa period. The Hachinohe Yataimura Miroku Yokochō (八戸屋台村みろく横丁), on the other hand, was only created […]
A Night Out at Hachinohe Yataimura Miroku Yokochō Read More »
Kakunodate, or Kakunodatemachi (角館町), is a town in Akita Prefecture that is known as “Michinoku no ko Kyoto (みちのくの小京都)”, or “Northeastern’s Little Kyoto”. The town used to be the home of the samurai stationed at Kakunodate Castle back in the Edo period (1603 – 1868). Even now, traces of the presence of the samurai remain
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While Kakunodate isn’t the most well-known cherry blossom destination in the Tōhoku Region, it is highly recommended. In addition to the cherry blossom in the town center, the cherry trees also lined the Kinokinai River (桧木内川) for two kilometers! Moreover, the cherry trees’ foliage also paints the town in vivid color when the temperature starts
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If you visit Sendai between late February and late March, head to Tsutsujigaoka Tenmangū Shrine (榴岡天満宮) to adore the lovely plum blossoms. Just like all the Tenmangū shrines in Japan, Tsutsujigaoka Tenmangū enshrines Sugawara no Michizane (菅原道真). Because plum blossom is Michizane’s favorite flower, plum trees are planted here and there in the shrine’s precinct.
Tsutsujigaoka Tenmangū and the Plum and Cherry Blossoms Read More »
One of the best attractions in Sendai that is scenic all year round is Zuihōden (瑞鳳殿), the mausoleum complex of Sendai Domain’s first lord, Date Masamune and his heirs. The temple’s precinct is filled with stunning nature, and the buildings are intricately decorated with vivid colors and various auspicious images. In fact, when Hanyu Yuzuru was asked for recommended places to visit in Sendai in
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Hanyu Yuzuru is more than just a two-time Olympic champion. People around the world are enchanted by his great passion and dedication to ice skating, as well as his gentle and compassionate personality. His self-challenging spirit continues to move the audience in every performance. For fans of the “Ice Prince,” Sendai is more than just
The Ultimate Hanyu Yuzuru Sendai Pilgrimage: A Fanyu’s Guide Read More »
If you are interested in visiting Japanese architecture constructed from the end of the 19th century to the early 20th century, visit the Senmaya Sake no Kura Community Facility (千厩酒のくら交流施設) in Ichinoseki City. Many buildings completed around that time incorporated Western elements into the existing Japanese design. The community facility renovated from a former sake
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Yūgendō (幽玄洞) in Ichinoseki is said to be the oldest limestone cave in Japan. The cave was determined to be 50 meters below water 350 million years ago. Thus, in addition to stalagmites, fossils such as trilobites and crinoids can also be seen in the 500-meter-long cave. At the cave’s far end is the emerald-green
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Sukawa Kōgen (須川高原) in Ichinoseki is the plateau halfway up Mt. Kurikoma (栗駒山). You can find the unique volcanic landscape at Sukawa Kōgen, including lakes, marshes, wetlands, and alpine plants. The hot spring gushing out here has a strong acidity but is said to be effective for gastrointestinal issues and skin diseases. In autumn, the
Sukawa Kōgen: Ichinoseki’s Best Spot for Onsen and Hiking Read More »
Mt. Murone (室根山) is Ichinoseki‘s perfect spot to enjoy nature and a range of outdoor activities. Besides hiking trails, lookouts, and camping sites, it has an astronomical observatory. The mountain has a height of 895 meters. On a clear day, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic mountainous and ocean view from the summit.
A Guide to Exploring and Climbing the Stunning Mt. Murone Read More »
