Tōhoku feels like going back in time to a Japan free from the current crush of tourism. The mountainous region north of Tokyo shines as a natural escape, where roads wind through volcanic ranges, rugged mineral-rich coastline, and the country’s most idyllic farmland. In the northernmost prefectures — Aomori, Akita, and Iwate — river valleys, beech and cedar forests, and mountain slopes are painted in stunning shades of green, vermillion, and snowy white as the seasons shift.
The region makes for an ideal road trip to get away from the hustle of Japan’s metropolises, immersing visitors in a quieter slice of life. The region retains a strong sense of samurai culture through traditions like lantern art and temple festivals. Travelers can pull over to pick fruit (Tōhoku’s apples and blueberries are spectacular), bathe at a natural onsen, sail among steep cliffs, and hike to mirrored ponds and mossy shrines that feel alive with kami (Shinto nature deities).
Who I am: I’m La Carmina, an award-winning journalist and creator who has been blogging about Japan travel on La Carmina Blog since 2007. I’ve hosted travel TV shows, written several books, and write for BBC Travel, Time Magazine, The New York Times, and other publications. Tōhoku is my happy place; I take regular trips to this region and share my discoveries on @LaCarmina Instagram.
AloJapan.com