General information
Tohoku literally means Northern-East in Japanese, and this region consists of 6 prefectures; Miyagi where the capital of Tohoku Sendai is, Aomori, Akita, Iwate, Fukushima and Yamagata.
Although this region is not yet that famous among foreign tourists, you cannot miss this area if you are seeking something really Japanese and traditional, as the place still holds many of undiscovered Japanese beauties thanks to less foreigners. and the people are so warm-hearted that they will help you out whenever and wherever it is.
In addition, because the area is in the country side, they are rich in nature and all the mountain activities. They are all at the accessible distance from the main cities, both in summer and in winter. Be careful to check on the time schedule well before your travel, as the transportation runs a lot lesser than in big cities.
World heritage sites
Hiraizumi, Temples, Gardens and Archaeological Sites Representing the Buddhist Pure Land (平泉―仏国土(浄土)を表す建築・庭園及び考古学的遺跡群―)
The only World Heritage site in Tohoku region, Hiraizumi, has well-kept beauty within the area. The site has been constructed back in 12th century, by famous Fujiwara family in the hope to realize the heaven and its garden in this world, which is believed in the Buddhism. The area conserves silent and serene beauty. Chusonji temple (中尊寺) is the highlight of the area, and you will be amazed to see the temple plated with gold.
Shirakami Sanchi(白神山地)
One of the very first UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Japan. Shirakami Sanchi is the world’s largest beech tree forest which remains uncultivated by human being. More than 80% of the trees are estimated to be over 150-200 years old. You may enjoy hiking from June to October, because the road and transportation will be closed during winter to spring time. Juniko (十二湖) literally means “12 lakes”, whose view is so amazing, too.
Jomon Prehistoric Sites in Northern Japan (北海道・北東北の縄文遺跡群)
Jomon (縄文) is the name of the prehistoric era in Japan, which is believed to have started around 15,000 years ago. In Northern Japan (Hokkaido and Tohoku), there are so many ruins where we can feel how the human being cultivated their life.
In Tohoku, there are quite a few sites in Aomori, Akita and Iwate, but the biggest highlight will be Sannai Maruyama ruin（三内丸山遺跡） in Aomori city. The site has a visitor center with the reproduced houses and observatory.
National Parks
Towada Hachimantai National Park (十和田八幡平国立公園)
This national park is like a box of all the nature treasures. Starting from rich forest, the area has rivers, lakes, gorges, volcanic mountains and even hot springs. The most touristic site will be Oirase gorge(奥入瀬渓流), which is about 14km long river, which pours into the Towada Lake(十和田湖). You can never miss beautiful fresh green leaves in May, or amazingly colored leaves in September.
Sanriku Fukko National Park(三陸復興国立公園)
This is a national park which is located at the long coast line from Aomori, Iwate and Miyagi. The shore has a beautiful Ria coast, which occurs after the submergence of the river, with numbers of small lands appearing. This national park became the symbol of reconstruction after the big earthquake hit Tohoku region in 2011, as the area was severely damaged and Tsunami has taken so many lives away.
Bandai Asahi National Park (磐梯朝日国立公園)
The national park can be divided into two main areas. The first area around Dewa sanzan (出羽三山) is a sacred place for Buddhist monks. To practice and obtain physical and phycological strength, they live in the mountain following the strictest discipline.
The second area around Bandai (磐梯) is the place full of nature. Lake Inawashiro (猪苗代湖) and other beautiful lakes are included in this area. Even skiing can be enjoyed during summer time.
Advice for Muslims
For Muslim travelers, it could be a bit difficult destination to travel to, as there are fewer foreign tourists than other places in this region. It could be a bit challenging to find halal or Muslim-friendly restaurants in this region, and the fact that almost no English is spoken makes the situation even worse. Well-prepare your food before traveling.
Muslim-friendly local food
・Wanko Soba (わんこそば)
・Kiri Tampo (きりたんぽ)
・Squid croquette (いがめんち)
・Imoni (芋煮)
・Wappa meshi (わっぱ飯)
・Inaniwa udon (稲庭うどん)
Description available in each page
How is the access?
The main gateway is Sendai, Miyagi.
From Tokyo
Take either a bullet train or take a flight. It takes only 1.5 hours to get to Sendai station from Tokyo Station. If you are traveling further from Sendai, then consider taking fights, too.
From Osaka
Take flights. There are numerous flights to Sendai from Itami airport, which takes around 1 hour.
Within the area
Shinkansen bullet train is available; however, it only connects main cities. If you are traveling to the mountain or rural area, then rent-a-car is a must. Local train is not as fast and convenient as Shinkansen bullet train, but you can enjoy nomadic view of Japan if you are not in a rush.