Hot Springs and Sake: Why You Should Visit Tohoku in Winter

Hi everyone! I’m Kazuya, a Japanese expert who has traveled all over Japan.

This time I will introduce my favorite region, Tohoku.

Table of Contents

Where is Tohoku!?
1. What Makes Tohoku Special?
  1. ①Excellent Hot Springs
  2. ②Delicious Sake
2. Access
  1. By Plane
  2. By Train

Where is Tohoku!?

Tohoku is one of Japan’s least populated and most underrated regions, even among Japanese people.

japan region map. vector map of japan provinces.

But why do I make it a point to travel to Tohoku every year? The answer is simple: I believe Tohoku is a hidden gem, abundant in hot springs and rich cultural experiences.

Tohoku consists of six prefectures

①Aomori Prefecture

“Nebuta Festival”
One of Japan’s three major festivals.

②Akita Prefecture

“Nyuto onsen”
Most famous and Traditional Open-air Bath

③Iwate Prefecture

“Chusonji Konjiki Do”
A temple built in 1124 and decorated with gold leaf

④Yamagata Prefecture

⑤Miyagi Prefecture

“Matsushima Rikyu”
Traditioanl Guest house and Park

⑥Fukushima Prefecture

“To no hetsuri”
Beautiful river and cliffs

What Makes Tohoku Special?

①Excellent Hot Springs

Tohoku is home to some of Japan’s most unique hot springs, many of which are rich in sulfur, filling the air with their distinct, soothing aroma. You can find these hot springs in every prefecture, but some of the most famous include:

Nyuto Onsen (Akita)

Ginzan Onsen (Yamagata)

Zao Onsen (Yamagata)

Higashiyama Onsen (Fukushima)

②Delicious Sake

Tohoku is also a paradise for sake lovers. The region produces a wide variety of sake, ranging from fruity to dry, that pairs perfectly with seafood and traditional Japanese cuisine. If you enjoy alcohol, you simply must try Tohoku’s sake, such as:

Aramasa (Akita)

Access

While Tohoku may not be as accessible as Tokyo or Osaka, I guarantee that the effort is worth it. Here’s how you can get there:

By Plane

Sendai Airport
Located in Sendai, the largest city in Tohoku, this airport offers flights to Seoul, Taipei, Shanghai, and Dalian.
Aomori Airport
There are direct flights from Seoul, making it a convenient option if you’re heading to Aomori.

By Train

Shinkansen (Bullet Train) from Tokyo Station
You can reach all of Tohoku’s prefectures via the Shinkansen. Flying into Narita or Haneda Airport and then taking the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station is another convenient option.
e.g.)　https://maps.app.goo.gl/hc1VSY23cuLns9sD8

I’ll dive deeper into each of these attractions in future posts, so stay tuned!