{"id":15348,"date":"2021-06-04T10:50:11","date_gmt":"2021-06-04T08:50:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog?page_id=15348"},"modified":"2021-09-10T08:35:25","modified_gmt":"2021-09-10T06:35:25","slug":"tohoku","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/regions-of-japan\/tohoku","title":{"rendered":"Tohoku Region: Japan travel guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Located in the north of the island of Honshu, <strong>the <\/strong><strong>Tohoku region <\/strong><strong>of <\/strong><strong>Japan <\/strong><strong>is a remote, scenic area which boasts lush countryside<\/strong>, natural attractions like hot springs and lakes, and spectacular mountain ranges with an abundance of snow perfect for skiing and other winter sports.<\/p>\n<p>With<strong> a coastline bordering both the Pacific and the Japan Sea<\/strong>, some prefectures of Tohoku were hit hard by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. However, most attractions in the area reopened just a few weeks later, and Tohoku continues to be a <strong>popular tourist destination in Japan<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<p>Tohuku is also<strong> incredibly easy to visit from Tokyo<\/strong> or Hokkaido by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/shinkansen-bullet-trains\">Shinkansen bullet train<\/a> using the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/the-japan-rail-pass\">JR Pass<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div id=\"toc_container\" class=\"toc_white no_bullets\"><p class=\"toc_title\">Table of Contents<\/p><ul class=\"toc_list\"><li><a href=\"#Tohoku_prefectures\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">1<\/span> Tohoku prefectures<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Top_destinations_in_Tohoku\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">2<\/span> Top destinations in Tohoku<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Best_things_to_do_in_Tohoku\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">3<\/span> Best things to do in Tohoku<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Main_train_lines_and_transportation\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">4<\/span> Main train lines and transportation<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Other_regions_of_Japan\"><span class=\"toc_number toc_depth_1\">5<\/span> Other regions of Japan<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n<h2><span id=\"Tohoku_prefectures\">Tohoku prefectures<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The Tohoku region <strong>consists of the following 6 prefectures<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Aomori <\/strong>&#8211; An incredibly green prefecture which <strong>offers a range of natural attractions to explore<\/strong>, such as Lake Towada and the Shirakami Sanchi and Sanriku Fukko national parks.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Akita<\/strong> &#8211; Well known for <strong>a wide range of onsen hot springs<\/strong> and the unique Yokote Snow Festival, Akita also hosts Japan\u2019s spectacular annual National Fireworks Competition.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Iwate<\/strong> &#8211; This prefecture is<strong> home to <\/strong><strong>Appi Kogen, the premier ski resort <\/strong>in the Tohoku region, as well as the Kitakami park, one of the<a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/best-cherry-blossom-spots-in-japan\"> best places to experience the cherry blossom season in Japan<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Yamagata <\/strong>&#8211; Famous for its \u2018snow monsters\u2019 (heavily snow-covered trees) in the winter, Yamagata is also <strong>home to Ginzan Onsen, an ancient hot springs town<\/strong>, as well as some of the best ski resorts in the region.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Miyagi <\/strong>&#8211; <strong>Home to Sendai,<\/strong> <strong>the largest city in the Tohoku Region<\/strong>, Miyagi prefecture also boasts one of the most scenic natural beauty spots in Japan: Matsushima Bay.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Fukushima<\/strong> &#8211; A fertile prefecture <strong>full of natural wonders, including the Oz<\/strong><strong>e National Park<\/strong>, a popular hiking spot, and the colorful mineral lakes of Goshikinuma.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span id=\"Top_destinations_in_Tohoku\">Top destinations in Tohoku<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>As it covers much of the north of Japan\u2019s main island, the region of Tokuhu envelops a number of <strong>towns and cities that are popular tourist destinations<\/strong> in Japan.<\/p>\n<p>These include the city of \u00a0Morioka in Iwate prefecture, the traditional post town of Ouchijuku, and <strong>Sendai<\/strong>,<strong> the largest metropolitan center<\/strong> in Tohoku.<\/p>\n<div class=\"paginas-recopilatorio--wrap\">\n        <!-- HTML Content -->\n    <div class=\"paginas-recopilatorio\">\n        <article id=\"post-2098\"\n            class=\"post-2098 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry\">\n            <header class=\"entry-header\">\n                <H3 class=\"entry-title\">\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/sendai-travel-guide\" rel=\"bookmark\">\n                        Sendai                    <\/a>\n                <\/H3>\n            <\/header>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-5 image-pad\">\n                <div aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                    <a class=\"post-thumbnail lazy\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/sendai-travel-guide\">\n                        <img width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/sendai-city-e1505477793732.jpg\" class=\"attachment- size- wp-post-image\" alt=\"Sendai city\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>                    <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n                <div>\n                    <footer class=\"entry-footer\">\n                        <span class=\"cat-links\">\n                                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/destinations\" rel=\"category tag\">\n                                Destinations                            <\/a>\n                                                    <\/span>\n                    <\/footer>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-7 image-pad\">\n                <div class=\"entry-content\">\n                    <p>Sendai may not be as renowned at the neon metropolis of Tokyo, but it is ranked among Japan\u2019s largest cities. It is also known as \u201cthe city of trees.\u201d Why? Sendai features broad streets punctuated by parks and green public spaces. Even its covered shopping arcade has trees growing within it.<\/p>\n<p>Sendai is also home to a rich and vigorous history. The city was founded by a powerful feudal lord around the year 1600. Many of the tourist attractions in Sendai reflect its history and that of its founding family.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/sendai-travel-guide\" class=\"more-link\" rel=\"nofollow\">Read more...<\/a>                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/article>\n    <\/div>\n    <!-- HTML Content END -->\n        <!-- HTML Content -->\n    <div class=\"paginas-recopilatorio\">\n        <article id=\"post-15107\"\n            class=\"post-15107 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry\">\n            <header class=\"entry-header\">\n                <H3 class=\"entry-title\">\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/akita-japan\" rel=\"bookmark\">\n                        Akita                    <\/a>\n                <\/H3>\n            <\/header>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-5 image-pad\">\n                <div aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                    <a class=\"post-thumbnail lazy\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/akita-japan\">\n                        <img width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/lake-towada-oirase-stream.jpg\" class=\"attachment- size- wp-post-image\" alt=\"lake towada oirase stream\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/lake-towada-oirase-stream.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/lake-towada-oirase-stream-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/lake-towada-oirase-stream-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>                    <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n                <div>\n                    <footer class=\"entry-footer\">\n                        <span class=\"cat-links\">\n                                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/destinations\" rel=\"category tag\">\n                                Destinations                            <\/a>\n                                                    <\/span>\n                    <\/footer>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-7 image-pad\">\n                <div class=\"entry-content\">\n                    <p><strong>Akita prefecture<\/strong><strong> and its capital, <\/strong><strong>Akita City<\/strong>, is located in the Tohoku Region in the north of Japan\u2019s largest island, Honshu. Akita translates to \u2018autumn rice paddy\u2019 in Japanese, and accordingly the prefecture is well-known for its extensive rice farming. It is also <strong>famous for its sake breweries<\/strong> and for supposedly being the origin of the <strong>Akita dog breed<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/akita-japan\" class=\"more-link\" rel=\"nofollow\">Read more...<\/a>                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/article>\n    <\/div>\n    <!-- HTML Content END -->\n        <!-- HTML Content -->\n    <div class=\"paginas-recopilatorio\">\n        <article id=\"post-15218\"\n            class=\"post-15218 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry\">\n            <header class=\"entry-header\">\n                <H3 class=\"entry-title\">\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/yamagata-japan\" rel=\"bookmark\">\n                        Yamagata                    <\/a>\n                <\/H3>\n            <\/header>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-5 image-pad\">\n                <div aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                    <a class=\"post-thumbnail lazy\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/yamagata-japan\">\n                        <img width=\"700\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/ginzan-onsen-yamagata-prefecture.jpg\" class=\"attachment- size- wp-post-image\" alt=\"Ginzan Onsen, Yamagata prefecture\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/ginzan-onsen-yamagata-prefecture.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/ginzan-onsen-yamagata-prefecture-300x171.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/>                    <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n                <div>\n                    <footer class=\"entry-footer\">\n                        <span class=\"cat-links\">\n                                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/destinations\" rel=\"category tag\">\n                                Destinations                            <\/a>\n                                                    <\/span>\n                    <\/footer>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-7 image-pad\">\n                <div class=\"entry-content\">\n                    <p>The city of Yamagata, capital of the eponymous Yamagata Prefecture, is <strong>one of Japan\u2019s premier winter destinations<\/strong>. Surrounded by snowy mountains and natural beauty, Yamagata city is the perfect base to visit the ski slopes, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/best-onsen-in-japan\">hot springs<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/best-national-parks-in-japan\">national parks<\/a>, and historic monuments that fill the region.<\/p>\n<p>Located in the north of Honshu (the largest of the islands that make up Japan), Yamagata forms part of the T\u014dhoku region. It is known for being a <strong>hub of winter sports<\/strong> centered around Mount Zao. It is also home to one of the National Treasures of Japan: the <strong>Five-storey <\/strong><strong>Gojuto Pagoda<\/strong><strong> of <\/strong><strong>Mount Haguro<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/yamagata-japan\" class=\"more-link\" rel=\"nofollow\">Read more...<\/a>                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/article>\n    <\/div>\n    <!-- HTML Content END -->\n        <!-- HTML Content -->\n    <div class=\"paginas-recopilatorio\">\n        <article id=\"post-14919\"\n            class=\"post-14919 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry\">\n            <header class=\"entry-header\">\n                <H3 class=\"entry-title\">\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/aomori-travel-guide\" rel=\"bookmark\">\n                        Aomori                    <\/a>\n                <\/H3>\n            <\/header>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-5 image-pad\">\n                <div aria-hidden=\"true\">\n                    <a class=\"post-thumbnail lazy\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/aomori-travel-guide\">\n                        <img width=\"800\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/aomori-city-view.jpg\" class=\"attachment- size- wp-post-image\" alt=\"Aomori City\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/aomori-city-view.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/aomori-city-view-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/aomori-city-view-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>                    <\/a>\n                <\/div>\n                <div>\n                    <footer class=\"entry-footer\">\n                        <span class=\"cat-links\">\n                                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/destinations\" rel=\"category tag\">\n                                Destinations                            <\/a>\n                                                    <\/span>\n                    <\/footer>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"col-sm-7 image-pad\">\n                <div class=\"entry-content\">\n                    <p><strong>Aomori prefecture, located in the T\u014dhoku region of Japan,<\/strong> boasts a number of spectacular natural landscapes that shouldn\u2019t be missed on a trip to the country. \u00a0It\u2019s also home to the northernmost prefectural capital city on the main Japanese island of Honshu, <strong>Aomori city<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/aomori-travel-guide\" class=\"more-link\" rel=\"nofollow\">Read more...<\/a>                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/article>\n    <\/div>\n    <!-- HTML Content END -->\n    <\/div>\n\n<h2><span id=\"Best_things_to_do_in_Tohoku\">Best things to do in Tohoku<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Aside from stunning natural scenery and a range of adventure sports, the Tohoku region offers visitors the chance to <strong>discover a number of impressive historical attractions <\/strong>in Japan, including the Chusonji-Konjikido golden temple, a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/unesco-world-heritage-sites-in-japan\">UNESCO World Heritage Site<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Tohoku is also well worth a visit to <strong>explore the unique traditional festivals<\/strong> which take place annually in 3 of its major cities: the Kanto Festival in Akita, the Nebuta Festival in Aomori, and the Tanabata Festival in Miyagi.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Main_train_lines_and_transportation\">Main train lines and transportation<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The Tohoku region is well served by <strong>an extensive network of train and Shinkansen lines<\/strong>, including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/tohoku-shinkansen-jr-pass\">Tohoku Shinkansen<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/akita-shinkansen-jr-pass\">Akita Shinkansen<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/yamagata-shinkansen-jr-pass\">Yamagata Shinkansen<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/pokemon-with-you-train\">Pokemon with You Train<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/jr-joban-line\">Joban line<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Uetsu line<\/li>\n<li>Ou main line<\/li>\n<li>Tohoku main line<\/li>\n<li>Senzan line<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span id=\"Other_regions_of_Japan\">Other regions of Japan<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Japan\u2019s 47 prefectures are<strong> traditionally divided into 8 regions<\/strong>. Other than Tohoku, the regions in Japan are as follows:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/regions-of-japan\/chubu\">Chubu<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/regions-of-japan\/chugoku\">Chugoku<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Hokkaido<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/regions-of-japan\/kanto\">Kanto<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/kansai-airport-to-kyoto\">Kansai<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/regions-of-japan\/kyushu\">Kyushu<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Shikoku<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Located in the north of the island of Honshu, the Tohoku region of Japan is a remote, scenic area which boasts lush countryside, natural attractions like hot springs and lakes, and spectacular mountain ranges with an abundance of snow perfect for skiing and other winter sports. With a coastline bordering both the Pacific and the Japan Sea, some prefectures of Tohoku were hit hard by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. However, most attractions in the area reopened just a few weeks later, and Tohoku continues to be a popular tourist destination in Japan.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":15163,"parent":1909,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":[],"acf":{"bread_1":false,"bread_2":false,"bread_3":false,"bread_4":false,"bread_5":false,"bread_6":false,"bread_7":false,"bread_last":false,"custom_guide":"","shortcodes":[{"post_id":"destinations","tag_h":"H3","post_selector":[{"ID":2098,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2017-09-15 14:19:57","post_date_gmt":"2017-09-15 12:19:57","post_content":"Sendai may not be as renowned at the neon metropolis of Tokyo, but it is ranked among Japan\u2019s largest cities. It is also known as \u201cthe city of trees.\u201d Why? Sendai features broad streets punctuated by parks and green public spaces. Even its covered shopping arcade has trees growing within it.\r\n\r\nSendai is also home to a rich and vigorous history. The city was founded by a powerful feudal lord around the year 1600. Many of the tourist attractions in Sendai reflect its history and that of its founding family.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\nFrom 6th to 8th of August \u00a0of each year, the streets of downtown Sendai blossom with a forest of brightly colored paper streamers. This is part of the festival known as the <strong>Sendai Tanabata <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/summer-festivals-japan\">Matsuri<\/a><\/strong><strong>\u00a0or Star Festival<\/strong>. There is always plenty to do in Sendai, as you will find as you explore the guide below.\r\n\r\nTraveling around Japan is easy when you utilize the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\">Japan Rail Pass<\/a>. Consider the following routes to get to the city of Sendai from other popular destinations.<strong>\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n<h2>Tokyo to Sendai<\/h2>\r\nFor many, the Japanese vacation begins in Tokyo. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/getting-around-tokyo-metro\">From Tokyo Station<\/a>, take the JR Tohoku Shinkansen line to Sendai Station. When using the Komachi, Hayate, or Hayabusa trains, the trip takes just over an hour and a half. On the Yamabiko train, expect a journey of two hours. The entire trip is covered by the JR Pass. If you have extra time, you may enjoy side trips from the Ueno or Omiya Stations along the way.\r\n<h2>Kyoto to Sendai<\/h2>\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/getting-around-kyoto\">From Kyoto Station<\/a>, take the Hikari train to Tokyo Station. This leg of the journey will last around 5 hours. You may wish to stay overnight in Tokyo, which will give you time to see the sights, such as the Koishikawa Korakuen, one of the oldest traditional gardens in Japan. From Tokyo Station, take the JR Tohoku Shinkansen line to Sendai Station.\r\n<h2>Osaka to Sendai<\/h2>\r\nBegin with a five-hour train ride from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/osaka-city-loop-line\">Osaka Station<\/a> to Tokyo Station. There, transfer to the JR Tohuku Shinkansen line and continue to Sendai Station.<strong>\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\n[banner-en]\r\n<h2><strong>Getting around Sendai<\/strong><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\r\nOne of the most convenient forms of visitor transportation within Sendai is the <strong>Loople Sendai, a loop bus that connects most of the city\u2019s major attractions<\/strong>. The Loople runs each hour in a clockwise tour of the city, departing from Sendai Station every 20 to 30 minutes.\r\n\r\nSome attractions are within walking distance of the Sendai Station. You may also use your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/the-japan-rail-pass\">JR Pass<\/a> to traverse the city, as two train lines are available. The JR Senzan Line provides access to Rinnoji Temple, and the JR Senseki Line to nearby Matsushima. You may also choose to use the city bus network or the two non-JR subway lines, which have a north-south and east-west orientation.<strong>\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n<h2>Things to do in Sendai<\/h2>\r\nSendai\u2019s compact downtown area, located just outside Sendai Station, offers shopping and sightseeing. <strong>The AER Building features a free observation deck<\/strong>, and the Ichibancho Arcade connects several streets, complete with a covered shopping area, trees, and arcade malls.\r\n\r\n<strong>History buffs will enjoy a visit to Aoba Castle, built in the year 1600 by the feudal lord Date Masamune.<\/strong> The site features the castle\u2019s stone walls and a guard tower, a museum, a statue of Masamune, and a dazzling view of the city below. In walking distance of this attraction as the Gokoku Shrine and museum, as well as the Sendai City Museum, Sendai Yagiyama Zoo, and Yagiyama Benyland amusement park.\r\n\r\n<strong>Another historic site is the Osaki Hachimangu Shrine dedicated to Hachiman, the Shinto god of war.<\/strong> The shrine was constructed in 1607 and displays a unique architectural style. Rinnoji Temple to the north offers a beautiful pagoda and Japanese garden within its walls. The temple was founded in 1441, and the structure was moved to its current location in the 1600s. Also worth noting is the Zuihoden Mausoleum, which entombs members of the founding Date family.\r\n\r\n<strong>If you are looking to strike out into the great outdoors, consider a side trip to Matsushima.<\/strong> This town is located about an hour from Sendai, and it is ranked as one of Japan\u2019s three most scenic views.<strong>\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\nWhile Sendai was near the epicenter of the 2011 earthquake that resulted in a devastating tsunami, damage to the city center was minimal. Tourism in Sendai resumed its normal pace within a few months of the disaster. Today, it is a thriving city, and you are certain to enjoy your vacation time there.","post_title":"Sendai travel guide: Access and what to see","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"sendai-travel-guide","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2023-04-24 13:00:04","post_modified_gmt":"2023-04-24 11:00:04","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/?p=2098","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":15107,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2021-04-16 10:37:06","post_date_gmt":"2021-04-16 08:37:06","post_content":"<strong>Akita prefecture<\/strong><strong> and its capital, <\/strong><strong>Akita City<\/strong>, is located in the Tohoku Region in the north of Japan\u2019s largest island, Honshu. Akita translates to \u2018autumn rice paddy\u2019 in Japanese, and accordingly the prefecture is well-known for its extensive rice farming. It is also <strong>famous for its sake breweries<\/strong> and for supposedly being the origin of the <strong>Akita dog breed<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\nAkita prefecture is also well-known throughout Japan for<strong> a wide variety of impressive natural beauty spots. <\/strong>These include vast mountain ranges with ample skiing opportunities, numerous onsen hot spring towns, and Tazawa Lake, the deepest lake in Japan.\r\n\r\nThis complete guide to the prefecture can help you decide on<strong> the best attractions to visit in Akita City and the surrounding area<\/strong>, as well as how to easily travel to Akita on Shinkansen trains with a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/\">JR Pass<\/a>\r\n<h2>How to get to Akita from Tokyo<\/h2>\r\nThere are several public transportation options that you can use to get from Tokyo to Akita. <strong>The most convenient for Japan Rail Pass holders is to ride the Shinkansen<\/strong> from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/tokyo-train-station\">Tokyo Station<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/ueno-station\">Ueno Station<\/a>.\r\n\r\nThe <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/tohoku-shinkansen-jr-pass\">Tohoku Shinkansen<\/a> line will take you to Morioka where, without getting off the train, you will follow the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/akita-shinkansen-jr-pass\">Akita Shinkansen<\/a> line to Akita Station in the prefectural capital.\r\n\r\nThe<strong> Shinkansen<\/strong><strong> fare is fully covered by the JR Pass<\/strong>, although it is necessary to make a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/faq\/seat-reservation\">seat reservation<\/a> in advance. The entire one-way trip takes around <strong>4 hours<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n<iframe style=\"border: 0;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/embed?pb=!1m26!1m12!1m3!1d3233395.280283809!2d138.16358439954487!3d37.68181028754782!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!4m11!3e3!4m5!1s0x60188b857628235d%3A0xcdd8aef709a2b520!2sTokyo%2C%20Japan!3m2!1d35.680399699999995!2d139.7690174!4m3!3m2!1d39.716889599999995!2d140.1296502!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1618556508057!5m2!1sen!2sus\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><\/iframe>\r\n\r\nIt is also possible to<strong> fly between<\/strong><strong> Akita and Tokyo<\/strong> in around 70 minutes. A one-way flight between Haneda Airport in Tokyo and Akita Airport costs around 28, 000 yen for a regular adult ticket, although discount fares between 14,000 and 18,000 yen may also be available.\r\n\r\nFinally, a number of <strong>overnight buses operate from Tokyo to Akita.<\/strong> The journey takes around 8 hours. A one-way ticket costs roughly 9,500 yen, and a round trip costs approximately 17,000 yen.\r\n<h2>What to do in Akita City<\/h2>\r\nAlthough it is one of the smaller prefectural capitals, <strong>Akita City is full of enticing <\/strong><strong>tourist attractions<\/strong> to explore, many within easy walking distance of the centrally-located Akita Station. These include:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong><strong>The Akita Museum of Art<\/strong><\/strong> - \u00a0Designed by architect Ando Tadao, this extensive art space boasts a large collection of work by famous western-style Japanese painter Fujita Tsuguharu.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_15108\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-15108\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/akita-art-museum.jpg\" alt=\"Akita Museum of Art\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" \/> Akita Museum of Art[\/caption]<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Akita Prefectural Museum - <\/strong>Home to a huge range of exhibits that outline the history and folklore of the prefecture.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_15113\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-15113\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/akita-prefectural-museum.jpg\" alt=\"akita prefectural museum\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" \/> Akita Prefectural Museum[\/caption]<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong><strong>Kubota Castle<\/strong><\/strong> - Located in Senshu Park, this historic <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/best-castles-in-japan\">Japanese castle<\/a> was largely destroyed by fire in the late 1800s but has since been partly reconstructed and contains a small museum.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_15118\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-15118\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/kubota-castle-akita.jpg\" alt=\"kubota castle akita\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" \/> Kubota Castle, Akita - Photo by Suicasmo under CC[\/caption]<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Takashimizu Park <\/strong>- Home to the ruins of Akita Castle, a Nara period fortified settlement which was designated as Japanese National Historic Site in 1939.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_15123\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-15123\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/akita-castle-ruins.jpg\" alt=\"akita castle\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" \/> Reconstructed east gate of the Akita Castle, Akita - Photo by \u63ac\u8336 under CC[\/caption]<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nHowever, Akita City is perhaps<strong> best known for hosting the annual Kanto Matsuri <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/summer-festivals-japan\">summer festival<\/a> at the beginning of August. This unique and vibrant celebration takes place on Chuo Dori street and <strong>involves a large parade of performers<\/strong> skilled in the art of juggling long bamboo poles with paper lanterns attached to the end.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_15158\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-15158\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/kanto-matsuri-akita.jpg\" alt=\"kanto matsuri akita\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" \/> Akita Kanto Matsuri - Photo by Yo3up[\/caption]\r\n<h2>Tourist attractions in Akita prefecture<\/h2>\r\nThe greater <strong>Akita prefecture<\/strong> also offers visitors a host of things to do during their trip, especially nature lovers. Some of the <strong>must-visit attractions<\/strong> include:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Hachimantai<\/strong> - A volcanically active mountainous region in the north of Akita that also crosses over into Iwate Prefecture. This area boasts a variety of stunning volcanic landscapes as well as a range of charming hot spring towns.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_15128\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-15128\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/hachimantai-akita.jpg\" alt=\"hachimantai\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" \/> Hachimantai, Akita prefecture - Photo by TANAKA Juuyoh under CC[\/caption]<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Kakunodate<\/strong> -A popular location for<a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/best-cherry-blossom-spots-in-japan\"> cherry blossom viewing<\/a> in Japan, this former castle town also boasts a well-preserved samurai district full of impressive architecture. <img class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-15133\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/kakunodate-akita.jpg\" alt=\"kakunodate akita\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" \/><\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Nyuto Onsen<\/strong> - Located within Towada-Hachimantai National Park close to Lake Tazawa, this rustic <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/best-onsen-in-japan\">onsen town<\/a> offers a number of hot spring baths for visitors to enjoy.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_15138\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-15138\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/nyuto-onsen.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" \/> Nyuto Onsen - Photo credits by Nyuto-Onsenkyo[\/caption]<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Shirakami-Sanchi<\/strong> -A mountain range that hosts some of the last virgin beech forests in Japan, this natural area offers a host of hiking trails to explore. It was designated as a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/unesco-world-heritage-sites-in-japan\">UNESCO World Heritage Site<\/a> in 1993.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_15143\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-15143\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shirakami-sanchi.jpg\" alt=\"Shirakami-sanchi\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" \/> Shirakami-Sanchi - Photo by Stefan Ertmann under CC[\/caption]<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong><strong>Tazawa lake<\/strong><\/strong> - Surrounded by gorgeous mountainous scenery, a boat ride on this large caldera lake is the perfect ending to any holiday in Akita.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_15148\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-15148\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/tazawa-lake.jpg\" alt=\"tazawa lake\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" \/> Tazawa lake - Photo credits by JNTO[\/caption]<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nIf you\u2019re planning to visit the prefecture in the winter, make sure to <strong>pass by Yokote in southern Akita to experience the Kamakura Festival<\/strong>, which takes place annually on February 15h and 16th.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_15153\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"wp-image-15153 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/kamakura-festival-yokote.jpg\" alt=\"kamakura festival\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" \/> Kamakura festival in Yokote city[\/caption]\r\n\r\nDuring this celebration,<strong> igloo-like houses are built all over the city<\/strong>. They contain small snow altars at which locals offer prayers, grill rice cakes, and share cups of amazake, a hot sweet rice wine.","post_title":"Akita City and Prefecture travel guide","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"akita-japan","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2021-04-16 10:37:06","post_modified_gmt":"2021-04-16 08:37:06","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog?p=15107","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":15218,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2021-05-07 09:35:13","post_date_gmt":"2021-05-07 07:35:13","post_content":"The city of Yamagata, capital of the eponymous Yamagata Prefecture, is <strong>one of Japan\u2019s premier winter destinations<\/strong>. Surrounded by snowy mountains and natural beauty, Yamagata city is the perfect base to visit the ski slopes, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/best-onsen-in-japan\">hot springs<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/best-national-parks-in-japan\">national parks<\/a>, and historic monuments that fill the region.\r\n\r\nLocated in the north of Honshu (the largest of the islands that make up Japan), Yamagata forms part of the T\u014dhoku region. It is known for being a <strong>hub of winter sports<\/strong> centered around Mount Zao. It is also home to one of the National Treasures of Japan: the <strong>Five-storey <\/strong><strong>Gojuto Pagoda<\/strong><strong> of <\/strong><strong>Mount Haguro<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\nThis guide to Yamagata tells you everything you need to know about the <strong>greatest <\/strong><strong>tourist attractions<\/strong><strong> and <\/strong><strong>things to do<\/strong> in both the city and the surrounding region, as well as how to get there on the Shinkansen trains with a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/the-japan-rail-pass\">JR Pass<\/a>.\r\n<h2>How to get to Yamagata from Tokyo<\/h2>\r\nThe easiest way to get from Tokyo to Yamagata is to <strong>take the famous Shinkansen<\/strong>, or bullet train.\r\n\r\nHolders of the <strong>Japan Rail Pass<\/strong> (JR Pass) can use it to board the Tohoku Shinkansen line at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/tokyo-train-station\">Tokyo station<\/a>.\r\n\r\nThe <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/yamagata-shinkansen-jr-pass\">Yamagata Shinkansen line<\/a> branches off from the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/tohoku-shinkansen-jr-pass\">Tohoku Shinkansen<\/a> line at Fukushima Station. It is possible to take a train directly from Tokyo without having to change at Fukushima.\r\n\r\n<iframe style=\"border: 0;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/embed?pb=!1m28!1m12!1m3!1d1632137.4144708517!2d139.13443546425464!3d36.96758807399983!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!4m13!3e3!4m5!1s0x60188b857628235d%3A0xcdd8aef709a2b520!2sTokyo%2C%20Japan!3m2!1d35.680399699999995!2d139.7690174!4m5!1s0x5f8bca074b9d6e51%3A0xa6b2924e0dbf31eb!2syamagata!3m2!1d38.255415299999996!2d140.3396175!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1620370708322!5m2!1sen!2sus\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><\/iframe>\r\n\r\nThere are various stations in the Yamagata Prefecture along the Yamagata Shinkansen line. JR Pass holders can get off at <strong>Yamagata Station<\/strong> to visit the city itself or continue all the way to Shinjo.\r\n\r\nThe journey from Tokyo to Yamagata City takes around <strong>2 hours and 45 minutes<\/strong> on the Yamagata Shinkansen line.\r\n\r\n[banner-en]\r\n<h2>What to do in Yamagata City<\/h2>\r\nThere are plenty of reasons to visit Yamagata City itself. It might not be the most well-known place in Japan, but Yamagata has various <strong>noteworthy landmarks to visit and events to experience<\/strong>. These highlights make it well worth making a stop here while touring the country with a JR Pass.\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong><strong>Yamadera <\/strong><\/strong>- Perched on a mountaintop within the city limits, this temple complex features stunning views. This is said to be where the poet Matsuo Bash\u014d composed his most popular haiku.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_15219\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-15219\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/yamdera-temple-yamagata.jpg\" alt=\"Yamadera temple\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" \/> Yamadera temple - Photo by annintofu under CC[\/caption]<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Kajo Park<\/strong> - In the city center, a ten-minute walk to the northwest of Yamagata Station lie the grounds of Yamagata Castle. Accessible by crossing bridges over the moat, this park is the best place in the city to see the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/japan-cherry-blossom-forecast\">cherry blossoms<\/a>. In mid-April, over 1,500 trees come into bloom here.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_15224\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-15224\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/kajo-park-yamagata.jpg\" alt=\"Kajo park yamagata\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" \/> Kajo Park - Photo by hatake_s under CC[\/caption]<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Yamagata Castle<\/strong> - A stronghold of the Edo period, the castle\u2019s impressive stone walls and entrance have been restored and can be visited in Kajo Park, still surrounded by the defensive moat.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_15229\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-15229\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/yamagata-castle.jpg\" alt=\"yamagata castle\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" \/> Yamagata Castle - Photo credits by Yamagata City[\/caption]<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Yamagata Museum of Art<\/strong> - Located 15 minutes\u2019 walk from the station, the city\u2019s art museum houses works by Manet, Monet, Renoir, C\u00e9zanne, and Takahashi Yuichi. It is also home to a six-panel <em>by\u014dbu <\/em>(folding screen) by Yosa Buson depicting the epic work <em>Oku no Hosomichi<\/em> by Bash\u014d, which is one of Japan\u2019s recognized Important Cultural Properties.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_15234\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-15234\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/yamagata-museum-art.jpg\" alt=\"yamagata museum of art\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" \/> Yamagata Museum of Art[\/caption]<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nYamagata hosts various festivals throughout the year. The <strong>Yamagata Hanagasa Festival<\/strong> (5-7 August) is one of the T\u014dhoku region\u2019s 4 major festivals, featuring a huge parade with 10,000 dancers.\r\n\r\nThe <strong>Yamagata International Documentary Film Festival<\/strong> takes place every 2 years, showcasing the achievements of the genre.\r\n\r\n<strong>The <\/strong><strong><em>Imoni-kai<\/em><\/strong><strong> (taro potato party)<\/strong> is a common event in the fall, where picnic spots around the city are used to cook taro potatoes, thin-sliced meat, and vegetables in large pots.\r\n<h2>Tourist attractions in Yamagata Prefecture<\/h2>\r\nWhen visiting Yamagata, you should <strong>take some time to get out of the city<\/strong> and explore some of the wider prefecture.\r\n\r\nThe <strong>snowy mountain resorts<\/strong> are perfect for lovers of winter sports.\r\n\r\nThe various <strong>spas and hot springs<\/strong> are the places to go if you\u2019re looking to get some R&amp;R.\r\n\r\nOr, if you simply love <strong>being close to nature<\/strong>, take a hike through the mountains and forests that make up Yamagata\u2019s wild side.\r\n\r\nThings to do in Yamagata Prefecture include:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Mount Zao<\/strong> - One 40-minute bus ride from Yamagata Station and you\u2019ll be on Mt. Zao \u2014 a snow-covered volcanic mountain. Home to some of Japan\u2019s best ski resorts, it is a top destination in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/snow-season-japan\">snow season<\/a>. It is equally great for hikers. Watch out for the snow monsters as you go! These unique natural phenomena are actually trees covered in snow and ice.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_14031\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-14031\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/zao-onsen-snow-monsters.jpg\" alt=\"zao onsen snow monsters\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" \/> Mount Zao Snow Monsters - Photo by Zao Onsen[\/caption]<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong><strong>Onsens<\/strong><\/strong> - One of the biggest draws of the Yamagata Prefecture, these spa towns sit on volcanic hot springs. There are many to choose from, but one of the best is Zao Onsen at the foot of Mount Zao itself. Don\u2019t forget to follow the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/all-about-onsens-the-japanese-hot-springs\">Japanese hot springs etiquette<\/a>!\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_15239\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-15239\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/zao-onsen.jpg\" alt=\"zao onsen\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" \/> Zao onsen - Images by Zao Onsen Tourism Association[\/caption]<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Dewa Sanzan<\/strong><strong> (Three Mountains of Dewa)<\/strong> - Mount Haguro, Mount Gassan, and Mount Yudono are sacred to the Shinto religion of Japan and many make pilgrimages here each year. There are various shrines and temples that you can visit, including the famous Five-story Haguro Pagoda or Gojuto Pagoda, a National Treasure of Japan.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_15244\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-15244\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/dewa-sanzan-five-story-pagoda.jpg\" alt=\"dewa sanzan pagoda\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" \/> Dew Sanzan five sotory pagoda - Photo by JNTO[\/caption]<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>","post_title":"Yamagata City and Prefecture travel guide","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"yamagata-japan","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2021-12-17 10:53:43","post_modified_gmt":"2021-12-17 09:53:43","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog?p=15218","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":14919,"post_author":"2","post_date":"2021-04-01 09:07:14","post_date_gmt":"2021-04-01 07:07:14","post_content":"<strong>Aomori prefecture, located in the T\u014dhoku region of Japan,<\/strong> boasts a number of spectacular natural landscapes that shouldn\u2019t be missed on a trip to the country. \u00a0It\u2019s also home to the northernmost prefectural capital city on the main Japanese island of Honshu, <strong>Aomori city<\/strong>.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n\r\nThis port city dates back to Japan\u2019s early Edo period and continued to be<strong> the main departure point from Honshu to Hokkaido<\/strong> for centuries until the opening of the Seikan Undersea Railway Tunnel in 1988. However, although it has lost its status as a primary transport hub, there is still much in Aomori to entice <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/the-japan-rail-pass\">JR Pass<\/a> holders to make it a main destination on their travel itinerary.\r\n<h2>How to get to Aomori from Tokyo<\/h2>\r\nVisitors who wish to visit Aomori from Tokyo have several transportation options to choose from, including<strong> taking a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/shinkansen-bullet-trains\">Shinkansen bullet train<\/a><\/strong> using their Japan Rail Pass, traveling by bus, or flying to the prefecture from Japan\u2019s capital.\r\n\r\nHolders of a <strong>JR Pass<\/strong> can <strong>reserve a seat on a Hayabusa train<\/strong> on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/tohoku-shinkansen-jr-pass\">Tohoku Shinkansen <\/a>to Shin-Aomori station, located just a 6-7 minute train ride from Aomori station in the prefectural capital.\r\n\r\nThey can change to a limited express or local train bound for Aomori station. There is approximately one connection per hour. The entire trip from <strong>Tokyo to Aomori by train takes roughly 4 hours <\/strong>and the fare is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass.\r\n\r\n<iframe style=\"border: 0;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/embed?pb=!1m28!1m12!1m3!1d3208985.314326575!2d138.2884904423896!3d38.23833455314705!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!4m13!3e3!4m5!1s0x60188b857628235d%3A0xcdd8aef709a2b520!2sTokyo%2C%20Japan!3m2!1d35.680399699999995!2d139.7690174!4m5!1s0x5f9b9ff01c2b6aa3%3A0xffc62d9c6d85a17e!2sAomori%2C%20Japan!3m2!1d40.8222197!2d140.74735239999998!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1617258586052!5m2!1sen!2sus\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><\/iframe>\r\n\r\nThose who would prefer to<strong> travel to Aomori by bus<\/strong> can take one of the numerous highway buses which operate day and night from both <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/tokyo-train-station\">Tokyo station<\/a> and Shinjuku station. The bus journey<strong> takes approximately 11 hours.\u00a0<\/strong>\r\n\r\nAdditionally,<strong> several flights operate daily from Haneda Airport in <\/strong><strong>Tokyo <\/strong>to Aomori Airport, and the one-way trip only takes approximately 80 minutes. Once at Aomori Airport, you can take a JR bus to reach Aomori city\u2019s central train station in just 35 minutes. The bus fare is fully covered by the JR pass.\r\n<h2>Aomori city attractions<\/h2>\r\nMany of the most enticing attractions in this northern prefecture are located in the capital city of Aomori itself, and none is more famous than the unique <strong>Nebuta Matsuri festival <\/strong>which takes place annually from 2-7 August.\r\n\r\nThis popular <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/summer-festivals-japan\">summer festival in Japan<\/a> <strong>stands out for the large number of huge lantern floats<\/strong> employed in the colorful central parade which takes place daily. The enormous floats take almost a full year to construct, and commonly<strong> portray a number of famous characters<\/strong> from both Japanese history and pop culture.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_14920\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-14920\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/nebuta-matsuri-aomori.jpg\" alt=\"nebuta matsuri aomori\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" \/> Nebuta Festival at Asamushi Onsen in Aomori - Photo by 663highland under CC[\/caption]\r\n\r\nHowever, even if you don\u2019t manage to visit Aomori during August, you can still <strong>experience the spirit of this Matsuri at the Nebuta Warasse museum<\/strong> in the city center. This art space hosts a number of lanterns and floats used in previous celebrations, and dancers and musicians involved in the festival often perform live during weekends and holidays.\r\n\r\nOther attractions in Aomori city well-worth a visit include the <strong>two central fish markets, Furukawa and Augu<\/strong>, where visitors can sample the fresh seafood which has become a renowned export of the prefecture. Additionally, those interested in Aomoris\u2019 long history should <strong>visit the Jomon Archaeological site<\/strong> to experience a number of carefully reimagined prehistoric structures.\r\n\r\n<strong>Getting to the city\u2019s main attractions<\/strong> is easy, as many are located within walking distance of Aomori station. However, it may be necessary to take a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/buses\">JR bus<\/a> to get to the Jomon site, as it is roughly a 20-minute bus ride outside of the city center.\r\n<h2>Things to do in Aomori prefecture<\/h2>\r\nThe greater Aomori prefecture offers a huge range of dramatic natural scenery and sites of historic and cultural importance for visitors to explore. Some of the <strong>most popular <\/strong><strong>attractions in Aomori prefecture<\/strong> include:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong><strong>Hirosaki<\/strong><\/strong> - The former regional capital of Aomori, Hirosaki is a <strong><strong>culturally rich city centered around its impressive historic castle<\/strong>.<\/strong> The extensive castle grounds are full of thousands of cherry trees, making it one of the best <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/best-cherry-blossom-spots-in-japan\">cherry blossom viewing locations in Japan<\/a> during <em>sakura<\/em> festivals in the spring.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_1969\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"wp-image-1969 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/hirosaki-castle-800x533.jpg\" alt=\"Hirosaki Castle\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" \/> Hirosaki Castle[\/caption]<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Lake Towada<\/strong> - Straddling the border between Aomori and Akita prefectures, Towada is<strong> the largest caldera lake on the island of Honshu<\/strong>. It\u2019s well-worth taking a boat trip on the lake in the autumn to experience the spectacular <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/japan-autumn-leaves-forecast\">fall foliage<\/a> along the shoreline.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_14925\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-14925\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/lake-towada-aomori-tohoku.jpg\" alt=\"lake towada aomori tohoku\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" \/> View from Lake Towada shore[\/caption]<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Shimokita Hanto<\/strong> - Located on the northernmost tip of Honshu, this peninsula is <strong>best known for the imposing \u201cFear Mountain\u201d<\/strong>. The steaming slopes of this sacred volcanic summit are said to resemble the concept of Buddhist hell and are also home to the ornate Bodaiji Temple.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_14930\" align=\"alignnone\" width=\"800\"]<img class=\"size-full wp-image-14930\" src=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/shimokita-hanto.jpg\" alt=\"shimokita hanto\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" \/> Shimokita Hanto - Photo by Amber Mezbourian[\/caption]<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nTravelers planning to visit Aomi prefecture during May should also <strong>consider a trip to Yokohama to experience the Rape Blossom Festival<\/strong> that takes place in the town every year. A helicopter sightseeing flight over the vast number of vibrantly blooming fields is highly recommended.","post_title":"Aomori city and prefecture travel guide","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"aomori-travel-guide","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2021-12-17 13:13:41","post_modified_gmt":"2021-12-17 12:13:41","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog?p=14919","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}]}]},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v20.10 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Tohoku Region: Japan Travel Guide | JRailPass<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover a guide to the Tohoku region of Japan, an area full of stunning natural beauty, traditional onsen hot springs, and ample skiing opportunities.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/15348\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Tohoku Region: Japan Travel Guide | JRailPass\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Discover a guide to the Tohoku region of Japan, an area full of stunning natural beauty, traditional onsen hot springs, and ample skiing opportunities.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/regions-of-japan\/tohoku\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Japan Rail Pass Travel Blog | JRailPass\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2021-09-10T06:35:25+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/lake-towada-oirase-stream.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"800\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"450\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/regions-of-japan\/tohoku\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/regions-of-japan\/tohoku\",\"name\":\"Tohoku Region: Japan Travel Guide | JRailPass\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/#website\"},\"datePublished\":\"2021-06-04T08:50:11+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2021-09-10T06:35:25+00:00\",\"description\":\"Discover a guide to the Tohoku region of Japan, an area full of stunning natural beauty, traditional onsen hot springs, and ample skiing opportunities.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/regions-of-japan\/tohoku#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/regions-of-japan\/tohoku\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/regions-of-japan\/tohoku#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Japan Travel Blog\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Regions of Japan\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/regions-of-japan\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"Tohoku Region: Japan travel guide\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/\",\"name\":\"Japan Rail Pass Travel Blog | JRailPass\",\"description\":\"Discover Japan by train with the Japan Rail Pass\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":\"required name=search_term_string\"}],\"inLanguage\":\"en\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.jrailpass.com\/blog\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Japan Rail Pass S.L. - 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