Tōhoku Region

Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, Akita, Yamagata, Fukushima

Hasshoku Center Hachinohe Aomori Japan

Hasshoku Center Hachinohe: The Kitchen of Hachinohe

Experience the ultimate bounty of northern Japan at Hasshoku Center (八食センター), Hachinohe’s vibrant indoor marketplace, where local agriculture and the freshest Pacific catch take centre stage. The bustling hub is world-famous for Shichirin-mura, a unique dining area where you can grill the fresh ingredients purchased from the market yourself over traditional charcoal braziers. Beyond the […]

Hasshoku Center Hachinohe: The Kitchen of Hachinohe Read More »

Shimei-Tei-Observatory-Lake-Towada-Aomori-Japan

Lake Towada Guide: The Top 15 Must-See Attractions & Tips

Discover a realm where volcanic power meets serene sapphire waters at Lake Towada (Towadako in Japanese, 十和田湖), the largest caldera lake on Japan’s main island of Honshu. Straddling the border of Aomori and Akita prefectures, this “mystic lake” is the heart of Towada-Hachimantai National Park, famous for its crystal-clear depths and dramatic forested cliffs. Whether

Lake Towada Guide: The Top 15 Must-See Attractions & Tips Read More »

Towada-Jinja Shrine Lake Towada Aomori Japan

Towada Shrine Guide: The Mystic Dragon Temple of Lake Towada

Deep in the ancient cedar groves of the Yasumiya district lies Towada Shrine (十和田神社), a mystical “power spot” that has drawn pilgrims to the shores of Lake Towada for over 1,200 years. This sacred sanctuary, once a major center of mountain asceticism (Shugendo), is dedicated to the legendary prince Yamato Takeru and steeped in local

Towada Shrine Guide: The Mystic Dragon Temple of Lake Towada Read More »

Statue Of Maidens Lake Towada Aomori Japan

Yasumiya Guide: The Heart of Lake Towada Sightseeing

As the bustling gateway to Lake Towada, Yasumiya (休屋) is the primary hub for travelers seeking a blend of cultural history and lakeside adventure. Located on the southwestern shore, this charming village serves as the region’s main transportation center and is home to the area’s most iconic landmarks, including the symbolic Statue of Maidens and

Yasumiya Guide: The Heart of Lake Towada Sightseeing Read More »

Towadako Backpackers - Best Budget Stay at Lake Towada Aomori Japan

Towadako Backpackers: Best Budget Stay at Lake Towada

Where to stay at Lake Towada? Experience the perfect blend of budget-friendly comfort and authentic Japanese hospitality at Towadako Backpackers (十和田湖バックパッカーズ), a cozy lakeside retreat in the heart of the Yasumiya district. Just a 5-minute walk from the shores of Lake Towada and the JR Bus terminal, this family-run hostel is a favorite among hikers,

Towadako Backpackers: Best Budget Stay at Lake Towada Read More »

Mt.Ogura-Cliff-Lake-Towada-Aomori-Japan

Top Things to Do Around Nenokuchi: Cruises, Hiking & Cycling

The eastern part of Lake Towada is known as the Utarube Area (宇樽部), many knows about this part of Lake Towada because of the Nenokuchi (子ノ口) watergate that regulates the amount of water that flows to Oirase Gorge. It serves as the vital link between the tranquil waters of Japan’s largest caldera lake and the

Top Things to Do Around Nenokuchi: Cruises, Hiking & Cycling Read More »

Sukayu-Onsen-Aomori-Japan-Winter

Sukayu Onsen Guide: Japan’s Iconic 1,000-Person Mixed Bath

Experience a step back in time at Sukayu Onsen (酸ケ湯温泉), a legendary hot spring retreat nestled at an altitude of 900 meters in Aomori’s Hakkoda Mountains. Established over 300 years ago, this historic inn is world-famous for its massive 1,000-Person Bath (Sennin Buro,ヒバ千人風呂), a rare 248-square-meter mixed-gender bathhouse crafted entirely from aromatic hiba cypress. As

Sukayu Onsen Guide: Japan’s Iconic 1,000-Person Mixed Bath Read More »

Yakeyama-Aomori-Japan

Yakeyama Guide: The Gateway to Oirase Gorge & Lake Towada

Begin your journey through Aomori’s wild interior at Yakeyama (焼山), the scenic gateway to the world-renowned Oirase Gorge and the majestic Lake Towada. Located at the downstream entrance to the 14-kilometre Oirase Stream, this tranquil village is the primary hub for hikers and nature lovers seeking to explore one of Japan’s most beautiful river valleys.

Yakeyama Guide: The Gateway to Oirase Gorge & Lake Towada Read More »

Suirennuma-Aomori-Japan

Aomori’s Top 3 Ponds: Jigokunuma, Suirennuma & Tsuta Nananuma

Explore the breathtaking volcanic beauty of Aomori’s Hakkoda Mountains with a visit to Jigokunuma Pond, Suirennuma Pond, and the mystical Tsuta Nananuma (Seven Ponds of Tsuta). This trio of aquatic wonders showcases the diverse landscapes of Towada-Hachimantai National Park, from the steaming, sulfur-rich “Hell Pond” of Jigokunuma near Sukayu Onsen to the high-altitude marshlands and

Aomori’s Top 3 Ponds: Jigokunuma, Suirennuma & Tsuta Nananuma Read More »

紅葉と蔦沼の日の出

Tsuta Nananuma Guide: Exploring Aomori’s 7 Mystical Ponds

Nestled in the pristine beech forests of Towada-Hachimantai National Park, the Tsuta Nananuma (Seven Ponds of Tsuta) offer a mystical landscape just steps from the historic Tsuta Onsen Ryokan. Formed by ancient volcanic activity, this cluster of serene waters is a sanctuary for rare birds and a premier destination for those seeking the quiet beauty

Tsuta Nananuma Guide: Exploring Aomori’s 7 Mystical Ponds Read More »