Things to do & places to visit in Tohoku, Japan

Tohoku #8 destination in Japan 2023. The average rating score is 4.17 based on 40.0k traveler reviews, of 180 attractions. Timezone: Asia/Tokyo, current date and time: Monday, April 29, 2024, 17:01.

Top things to do (29)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

4.5 Oirase Gorge (1.063 reviews)
- Night light show is wonderful
Bodies of Water

Generally speaking, the Oirase Stream is hard to access by public transport during winter due to road closure, but the winter sight is awesome which is something I realy wanted to see. So I joined one of the tours that runs between the Lake Towada WInter Tale venue the the Oirase Stream (there are day or night tours). The 2-hour tour took us to 5 scenic spots along the stream to see the frozen falls, which are lighted up by a van that followed us. The local tour guide is able to communicate in English. A translated information card was also available. Night at Oirase Stream is eerie but mesmerizing. I'm glad I had a chance to admire the stream and the falls at such a special time of the year and I will definitely come back again in other seasons! See more..
4.5 Risshaku-ji Temple (904 reviews)
- Climbing 1000 steps for a breathtaking view
Monday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Religious Sites

While there are lots of shrines and temples in Japan, a visit to Yamadera could offer a unique and interesting experience. One needs to be prepared to climb over 1000 steps to reach the Okunoin, located at the highest level among the temple buildings, whereas from Godaido, the view can be quite breathtaking. Weather can be unpredictable; I started at the entrance with bright sunshine but by the time I reached close to Godaido, it started to rain quite heavily. Then it was sunshine again when I finished the hike and reached the rail station, ready to go to my next destination. See more..
4.5 Chuson-ji Temple (792 reviews)
- The temple consists of several buildings, including a museum, in a park
Monday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Religious Sites

Plan on at least three hours to see the Chusonji temple complex and make sure you go into the museum as well as going into the Konjikido. The walk up to these two buidlings is through a beautiful park ascending to the buildings through a cyprus and maple forest. In November the maples are a brilliant panoply of reds yellows and oranges. If you are old like me, you may find yourself winded and you may stop a few times along the way. There are eating places and tasteful souvenir shops as you ascend. Visited 26 November 2018. See more..
4.5 Goshikinuma Lake (608 reviews)
- Amazingly coloured lakes
Bodies of Water

This is a very nice hike with views of a number of lakes that have been turned unreal colours of blue and green by volcanic sediment. The hike itself is pretty easy. It's not a paved path or anything, but it's not difficult. The lakes are really impressive to see, and the hike is well worth the trip. The main thing to pay attention to here is logistics, as the hike begins and ends at different locations. There's a bus that runs between the two once every 1-2 hours, at 250 yen/person, or, when we went, an enterprising taxi driver waiting at the end who'd take you back immediately for about 1350 yen. The best lakes are closest to the Urubandai Visitor's Centre, so if you can arrange it to end up there, your hike will get better as you go - plus it'll be downhill overall. See more..
4.5 Hirosaki Park (574 reviews)
- Beautiful autumn view and chrysanthemums fair
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Parks

We were here on 2 November. We walked through the Hirosaki Park with many beautiful autumn foliage on our way to Hirosaki Castle. We were surprised at how small the castle was and initially thought it was a mock up. Parts of the castle was still under renovations. The view infront of the castle is beautiful facing the mountains and there were benches where we had our tea break. We went up the castle. The stairs were steep and narrow. Once on top of the castle, they display photos of all the castles in Japan. The view on top is nice. On the ground floor, there is a small souvenir shop. We also visited the botanical gardens when they were having a chrysanthemums fair. All the dolls were dressed up with chrysanthemums in very artistic way. It’s worth to get the package entrance tickets to both the castle and the botanical gardens. There are renovations around, otherwise the place will be more beautiful. Hirosaki is indeed an interesting city to visit. See more..
4.5 Tsuruoka City Kamo Aquarium (466 reviews)
- Extraordinary
Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Aquariums

When Kerrie said she wanted to visit an aquarium whose specialty was jellyfish I thought she'd finally lost the plot. But it was amazing ! The aquarium has a lot more than just jellyfish, but there is no doubt that jellyfish are their "thing" and it is the jellyfish that you'll remember most of all after visiting. The aquarium is located on the coast about a 20 minute taxi ride from Tsuruoka train station (and town centre). We caught the train to Tsuruoka and then took a taxi to the aquarium. The staff at the aquarium were then happy to call a taxi for us when we wanted to return. See more..
4.5 Okama Crater (400 reviews)
- 750 yen Gamble
Geologic Formations

A "single chairlift" hauled me up the slope at a leisurely pace. 750 yen (return) was a lot cheaper than most lifts around the world. The dragonflies hitched lifts and kept me company. The crater was clouded over but since it was just 22'C at the top it was 30'C at Zao and 35'C in Yamagata City. See more..
4.5 Yamagata Zao Onsen Ski Resort (336 reviews)
- Reason we visited Tōhoku (snow monsters)
Monday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Ski & Snowboard Areas

Group of friends planned to visit Japan in winter to see the snow monsters at this ski resort and the experience did not disappoint. Have to have decent conditions to see the Juhyo. The ski resort is relatively large, and mostly intermediate skill level. Can park, get rentals, and lift ticket all in same day. Not as good as the Rockies or the Alps, but still an unforgettable experience! See more..
4.5 Entsu-in Temple (334 reviews)
- Awesome autumn
Monday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Religious Sites

Serene. Amazing autumn colors. Housing the mausoleum of Date Mitsumune. Must visit while in Matsushima bay area. See more..
4.5 Mt. Haguro (311 reviews)
- Tiring but peaceful hike (2D1N Haguro-san, Gassan and Yudono-san)
Historic Sites • Mountains • Points of Interest & Landmarks

I took a bus from the front of Tsuruoka station. My initial intention was to climb up the legendary 2466 steps all the way to the top from the 羽黒センター. However, the route up was snow laden and thusly in my own opinion, treacherous. Yes snow, you hear me right. It was spring and there was snow. In view of that and my fondness for self preservation, I took the easy way up - bus. Saikan is a simple temple lodging surrounded by woods and sits on the edge of the mountain. Guess what, I was the only guest there. I spent my entire time in my room (no key, no lock, just sliding door) infront of the heater (portable type). I came to Japan with clothes meant for Spring. The whole structure of the lodging is typically Japanese, wooden. With planks covered with tatami for flooring, windows that works like sliding doors thus the cold seeped through the tiny slits. Even the journey from my room to the common toilet was a feat with the cold wind escaping into the lodging thru the cracks. When night came, I fell asleep with the sound of the wind howling & rattling on my window panes. It snowed during my slumber. I have nvr experience snowfall in my life (my country is in the Equator). I opened my eyes, and before me, snowfall. It was the most beautiful sight. I would gladly do this again even with the cold and exhorbitant bus fare. See more..
4.5 Aquamarine Fukushima (308 reviews)
- Amazing Aquarium
Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Aquariums

According to our daughter the original aquarium (and surrounding area) was destroyed by the tsunami in March 2011- all the fish were killed and the mammals had to be moved to other locations, In less than 1 year they have totally rebuilt the aquarium and restocked it - incredible! The aquarium itself was amazing - seals, fish, crustaceans, eels. The building itself is built around a very tall tank spanning several floors and at the bottom you can walk through a tunnel that represent the merging of sea currents near Fukushima. It reminded me of the Monterey Bay Aquarium in California. The whole aquarium was based around how the sea, and it's contents, is a resource that must be conserved - especially for Japan as it is a major source of protein. The only slightly worrying bit was a section where you could catch a fish and have it cooked for you! Overall we had a very enjoyable visit. See more..
4.5 Lake Juniko (279 reviews)
- delightful hiking in fall
Spent 2-3 hours Bodies of Water

we're there last fall. It's quite difficult to arrange to traffic as the bus and train are not frequent. We decided to drive there from Akita and arrived there at around 11:30am. We took the most popular track which took us around an hour to finish at comfortable pace. We bought a bento in one of the driving station between Akita and Lake Juniko. There is no restaurant in the walking trail so you'd better prepare the lunch first. On our way down the hill, we also visit the Nihon Canyon which is 30 minutes walk from the road. Nice breath taking view. See more..
4.5 Towada Art Center (266 reviews)
- Wonderful Snowy Day at the Towada Art Ceter
Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Art Museums

We enjoyed the permanent exhibition at the Towada Art Center. The light and airy building housed an international group of contemporary artists. The rooftop exhibit is closed during winter months. If driving, follow the signs to the lot. When you pay your entrance fee, they will give you a parking pass to exit. See more..
4.5 Jodogahama Beach (260 reviews)
- Paradise for Seagulls
Bodies of Water • Beaches

If I was here for the first time I would have been seriously wowed. But I have walked 500 miles (literally, I'm on a walking pilgrimage from Hachinohe to Fukushima) so perhaps there are more majestic places along the Coast of Tohoku, but this is a little gem in itself. The Japanese call it the Pure Land Beach. The seagulls call this the Free Crackers Beach. When the tsunami came, the sea had receded so much the people knew to run away. The ferry area has a place where they play videos about the tsunami. If you take the ferry, they'll bring you to the Blue Cave and you can see a hole in the rocks, where water from Hachinohe flows in and try to squeeze their darndest past a hole, resulting in a spray of water that had escape their confines, like fats after a corset. The colours of the water change according to season, but the seagulls that perch on your ferry will not. They remain the same, winter, spring, summer or fall. All you have to do is call. And throw them a cracker. For the best views of the Pacific Ocean and the Coastal Area of Tohoku...follow my reviews because it's easier that way. I want you to come to Tohoku! Spend your money here and go back richer for the experience! It's a marvelous part of Japan! See more..
4.0 Sendaijo Ato (1.045 reviews)
- Samurais All Over
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Castles

This was a fun place to visit. The shrine was neat and the statue was great! The first time we went there, there were samurai's there to take pictures with but the 2nd time we went, they weren't there. I'm not sure why one day they were there and one day they weren't. See more..
4.0 Tsuruga jo Castle (968 reviews)
- Underrated Castle With Fascinating History
Monday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Castles

Gorgeous, quite large and picturesque castle with unique red-colored roof tiles and walls of pristine white surrounded by vast grounds full of nature, like cherry blossoms and more. Every corner is filled with a fascinating historical tidbit, making it worth going on a tour so you don't miss anything. The history of the castle is interesting and tragic, and it played a surprisingly big role, yet is relatively unknown. Also, definitely stop by the teahouse for a bowl of matcha while walking the grounds! See more..
4.0 Nebuta Museum Wa Rasse (857 reviews)
- A must visit
Monday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings

The huge three-dimensional work that made by wire and paper called Nebuta. Here, fully sized shiny Nebuta that participated in the Aomori Nebuta Festival are displayed. Footage of the Nebuta parade is also projected onto a 400-inch screen. Also you can enjoy taking souvenior photos! See more..
4.0 Hirosaki Castle (813 reviews)
- Stunning in winter
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 2-3 hours Castles

The Sapporo Ice Festival may be bigger and more popular, but the snow lantern festival around Hirosaki Castle (first week of February) is less crowded and very quiet, too. Make sure you’re all bundled up before going, it gets pretty cold and take a short break at the Starbucks near the castle, it’s really pretty. Not sure if I missed the ticket gate but everything was for free, did not go into the tower, though. See more..
4.0 Sendai Station (780 reviews)
- Transportation Hub with Plenty to do
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks

JR Sendai station is a convenient transportation hub in the area. Despite its size, the station is clearly marked and easy to navigate. There are plenty of shopping and eating options in the station (check out Gyutan Dori on the third floor). See more..
4.0 Ouchijuku (669 reviews)
- Visit if you have time
Spent 2-3 hours Historic Walking Areas

A historic village popular with tourists and locals. There is a large parking area just across the street but there’s a fee for parking. The street itself is only one walking path and many stores are not even open. You can expect to spend about 1-2 hours here. There is nothing much to see. The view is also quite normal. See more..
4.0 Zuihoden (619 reviews)
- Historical…
Monday: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues • History Museums

Interesting architectural structure surrounded by a peaceful green surroundings. Very serene when I was there and there wasn’t a lot of people as well. This was where the late Date Masamune was enshrined. It was built in the year after his death according to his last will and testament by the next lord of Sendai-han, Date Tadamune. It was designated a national treasure in 1931. However, the mausoleum sustained massive damage from an airstrike by the US Air Force on July 10, 1945 during strategic bombings in World War II. It was burned down in a fire, along with the Kansenden of Sendai-han's second-generation lord, Date Tadamune and the Zenouden of Sendai-han's third-generation lord, Date Tsunamune. There was dispute over the reconstruction of the mausoleum, but reconstruction began in 1974 and finished in 1979. During excavation of the site, Date Masamune's remains and burial accessories were discovered. See more..
4.0 Matsushima Bay (573 reviews)
- The Three Views of Japan
Marinas

Matsushima Bay is one of Japan's three most scenic places (Nihon Sankei) and I have to admit that is has earned the designation. The hundreds of islands are best viewed by taking a sightseeing cruise but they can certainly be enjoyed for the shore as you walk along the peaceful town. Matsushima Bay is easily accessed via train just and hour from JR Sendai Station. Take the JR Senseki Line to Matsushima Kaigan Station. See more..
4.0 Sannai-Maruyama Site (567 reviews)
- Worth a visit 1.5 -2.5 hours
Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Ancient Ruins • Historic Walking Areas • Architectural Buildings

This historic site was accidentally discovered during construction of a baseball stadium. Excavations have revealed artifacts and structures dating back 5500 years to the Jomon period. See more..
4.0 Samurai District (560 reviews)
- Advice if you want to have a wonderful experience.
Neighborhoods • Historic Walking Areas

This historic neighborhood consists of wide, tree-lined streets with mansions built during the Edo Period, only six of which remain and are open to the public. The area is particularly beautiful in late April, when the cherry trees are in full bloom. See more..
4.0 Tazawa Lake (493 reviews)
- One of our favorite spots in Japan
Bodies of Water

Lake Tazawa is one of those places that you want to go back multiple times. It was about 3.5 hour drive from Misawa (in North/Eastern Aomori). About 1 hour west from Morioka through a picturesque mountain scenery. We camped for one night really close to the lake. The campground was located on a very hilly area with many creeks/logs etc.--that part was a bit tricky with kids. But the bathrooms were great and the commong cooking area with "sinks" was very comfortable for all four of our families camping. Swimming area is very close to the campground as well, you could walk there if you want. The beach was sandy and pretty clean. The lake is not deep at all in the area for swimming, so it was completely safe to go with small kids. But the rest of the lake is just magnificent--steep banks, dark blue water with not bottom in sight. It took as about 35 minutes to drive all around the lake. I hear, somewhere near the swimming area, you could rent bikes for a reasonable price. See more..
4.0 Jozenji-dori Avenue (470 reviews)
- Only lights up during winter
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Went at night with the wife. We were disappointed to find the trees not lit up, apparently that only happens in winter. Still, it was a nice stroll, plenty of tall leafy trees, clean broad sidewalks and balmy weather. Plus, it was quiet when we went, a refreshing change from the tourist choked main streets of Osaka and Kyoto. A few nice restaurants too, although we couldn't find anything with an English menu (for more food options and other "action", one should head to Kokobun-Cho). It's almost impossible to visit a small city like Sendai and not walk down the main street. But Jozenji Dori is worth it, especially at night. See more..
4.0 Motsu-ji Temple (445 reviews)
- Beautiful garden
Monday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Religious Sites

Special Historical Site and Special Place of Scenic Beauty The garden represents the Pure Land Buddhist world and beauty of Japan. The temple garden of Motsu-ji has been doubly recognized as a Special Historic Site and Special Place of Scenic Beauty, a tribute to its extraordinary cultural value. The temple itself, like Chuson-ji, is said to have been established in 850 by Ennin (Jikaku Daishi, third head abbot of the Tendai sect.) Building began here in the twelfth century, during the time of Fujiwara no Motohira, and was completed by his son, Hidehira. At its peak, Motsu-ji was home to more than forty halls and pagodas, and more than five hundred monks' quarters. Its main hall, Enryu-ji, was considered "without peer in all the land" by medieval sources. The garden is centered on a pond known as Oizumigaike, an exemplar of the elegance of Heian era gardening technique. See more..
4.0 Zuiganji (444 reviews)
- I rate Zuiganji No. 1 attraction
Monday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Religious Sites

Zuiganji was first built in 828 and rebuilt in 1609 by Date Masamune. The Main Hall is beautiful inside. Taking photos is not allowed so please resist the temptation to sneak one as the camera flash will damage the colours (true). You will be able to buy postcards which show the interior of the building. Outside the main temple but still part of it are the Meditation Caves. They are built into a cliff face and almost seem like a lost world, due to the small trees, ferns and moss growing around and on them. Close to Zuiganji is Entsuin garden which I rate as No. 2 attraction in Matsushima. See more..
4.0 Seikan Ferry Memorial Ship Hakkodamaru (400 reviews)
- Interesting modern history
Monday: Speciality Museums

It was a fabulous experience to see how this ferry was used to transport people and goods around the waters of Northern Japan. See more..
4.0 Aomori Museum of Art (396 reviews)
- Worth a visit!
Monday: Art Museums

Because of the lack of snow, ski resorts were slow to open. But we were glad we came here. The highlight was the four huge stage backdrops painted by Chagall for the ballet “Aleko”. See more..