Tōhoku Region

Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, Akita, Yamagata, Fukushima

Zuihoden-Sendai-Miyagi-Japan

Zuihōden – Date Masamune’s Splendid Mausoleum

May 25, 2024 / Autumn Foliage, Miyagi Prefecture, Temples & Shrines, Tōhoku Region

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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Life-size Hanyu Yuzuru panel at Sendai City Tourist Information Center in traditional Sendaihira kimono

The Ultimate Hanyu Yuzuru Sendai Pilgrimage: A Fanyu’s Guide

May 3, 2026 / Miyagi Prefecture, Tōhoku Region

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

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Senmaya-Sake-no-Kura-Community-Facility-Ichinoseki-Iwate-Japan

What to Do at Senmaya Sake no Kura Community Facility

April 17, 2024 / Iwate Prefecture, Tōhoku Region

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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Sukawa-Kogen-Onsen-Ichinoseki-Iwate-Japan

Sukawa Kōgen: Ichinoseki’s Best Spot for Onsen and Hiking

October 7, 2025 / Autumn Foliage, Iwate Prefecture, Tōhoku Region, Trekking/Hiking in Japan

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

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Azaleas-at-Mt.-Murone-Ichinoseki-Iwate-Japan

A Guide to Exploring and Climbing the Stunning Mt. Murone

April 17, 2024 / Iwate Prefecture, Tōhoku Region, Trekking/Hiking in Japan

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.

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Former-Samurai-House-of-the-Numata-Clan-Ichinoseki-Iwate-Japan

The Former Numata Family Samurai Residence

May 29, 2024 / Iwate Prefecture, Tōhoku Region

If you are curious about how fancy a chief retainer’s residence in Iwate Prefecture was during the Edo period, visit the Former Numata Family Samurai Residence (旧沼田家武家住宅) in Ichinoseki. The Numata clan was the chief retainer of Ichinoseki Domain (一関藩). The residence was determined to be completed in the beginning of the 18th century. The

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Wisteria-at-Hanaizumi-Flower-World-Ichinoseki-Iwate-Japan

The Hidden Flower Spots in Ichinoseki That You May Not Know

April 16, 2024 / Iwate Prefecture, Tōhoku Region, Wisteria

Most people visit Ichinoseki City for the Genbikei Gorge and Geibikei Gorge. They are the top spots in Iwate Prefecture to enjoy nature’s blessing. But if you are in the city from spring to autumn, there are a couple of places you can head to to adore seasonal flowers. So, don’t be too disappointed if

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Ichinoseki-City-Museum-Ichinoseki-Iwate-Japan

Explore Roadside Station Genbikei & Ichinoseki City Museum

May 28, 2024 / Iwate Prefecture, Museums/Galleries, Tōhoku Region

The Roadside Station Genbikei (道の駅 厳美渓) is a large complex with several facilities, including a farmers’ market, Restaurant Pattankun, and Ichinoseki City Museum. Located just a 5 to 10-minute walk from the spectacular Genbikei Gorge, it is a perfect resting spot after exploring the gorge.

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Dakigaeri-Gorge-Akita-Japan

Dakigaeri Valley And Its Mystical Turquoise Mountain Stream

October 7, 2024 / Akita Prefecture, Autumn Foliage, Hidden Gems, Tōhoku Region, Trekking/Hiking in Japan

When people visit Semboku City in Akita Prefecture for leisure, their preferred natural destinations will most likely either be Nyūtō Onsen (乳頭温泉郷), Lake Tazawa (田沢湖), or Tamagawa Onsen (玉川温泉). While those spots are definitely worthwhile places to visit, we would recommend that you also drop by the Dakigaeri Valley (抱返り渓谷) close to Kakunodate (角館) as

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