Title: Tohoku Travel Guide: Best of Tohoku, Japan Travel 2026 | Expedia.co.uk [Hotels in Tohoku](https://expedia.co.uk/Tohoku-Hotels.d6048156.Travel-Guide-Hotels)[Holiday Rentals in Tohoku](https://expedia.co.uk/Tohoku-Holiday-Rentals.d6048156.Travel-Guide-HolidayRentals)[Flights to Tohoku](https://expedia.co.uk/Cheap-Flights-To-Tohoku.d6048156.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Things to do in Tohoku](https://expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-Tohoku.d6048156.Travel-Guide-Activities)[Tohoku Car Hire](https://expedia.co.uk/Compare-Cheap-Car-Hire-In-Tohoku.d6048156.Car-Hire-Guide)[Tohoku Holidays](https://expedia.co.uk/Tohoku.d6048156.Holidays-City-Breaks) # Tohoku Travel Guide ## Tourist Guide ![Appi Kogen Ski Resort which includes snow skiing, mountains and snow](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6103730/d5ea1bea-a475-49d9-b4e4-874859935919.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Appi Kogen Ski Resort which includes snow skiing, mountains and snow](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6103730/d5ea1bea-a475-49d9-b4e4-874859935919.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Appi Kogen Ski Resort showing snow skiing and snow as well as an individual male](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6103730/a7472822-08d9-4c79-bed3-a06b8197a66b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Appi Kogen Ski Resort showing snowboarding and snow as well as an individual male](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6103730/8d6fbe6a-8c0c-4482-b083-b0523b5229ba.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Appi Kogen Ski Resort which includes a luxury hotel or resort and interior views](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6103730/328c497a-3a08-4dac-827b-4759f5f6071f.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Visit Tohoku Where to stay Things to do #### Beautiful rural countryside, mirror-like lakes, ski resorts, old samurai towns and vibrant festivals await in the northernmost region of Honshu. Tohoku is Honshu’s northern frontier, a wilderness of primeval landscapes, ancient customs and thrilling adventures. With a Pacific coastline, volcanic mountain ranges, samurai heritage and exquisite seafood, it’s a veritable snapshot of Japan. Thanks to the resilience of Tohoku’s people, the region bounced back successfully after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. Remote Aomori is about ichigo-ni (sea urchin and abalone stew), hot springs and volcanic scenery. Carve up on the slopes of Mount Hakkoda and spot lava domes while boating on Lake Towada. Admire the fall colors of Oirase Gorge and hike the Shirakami Sanchi mountains. The elaborate parades of August’s Nebuta Matsuri festival turn the streets of Aomari City into a riot of color. Mountain ranges and verdant forests provide boundless opportunities for outdoor adventures in Akita prefecture. Visit samurai mansions in Kakunodate and witness the 400-year-old Kamakura Snow Festival in Yokote. Climb to the lookout platform on Mount Hachimantai and drink in the views of Mount Iwate from Hachimantai Hot Springs. Neighboring Iwate is famous for the centuries-old Chūson-ji Temple and Mōtsū-ji Temple, Jodogahama Beach and the coastal Sanriku Fukkō National Park. Discover more superb skiing on Mount Zao and world-class hiking around Okama Crater Lake, in Yamagata prefecture. Yamadera Temple is an inspiration for haiku poetry while 22 carved Buddhist faces gaze over the Sea of Japan from Mount Chokai. Kick back on the 260 pine-clad islands of Miyagi’s Matsushima Bay. Hop between sushi bars in Shiogama. Fukushima stretches from the Pacific Ocean and past aquamarine crater lakes, such as Goshikinuma, into cherry blossom-covered mountainsides. Wander the streets of the samurai stronghold Aizuwakamatsu and the Edo-era town of Ouchijuku. Attend horse races and browse the Tsuchiyu artist’s studios in Fukushima City. Watch as Mount Bandai reflects elegantly in Lake Inawashiro and stroll alongside Ice Age flora in Oze National Park. Get to incredible Tohoku by catching bullet trains from Tokyo and Hokkaido and then get around by bike, foot, skis and themed trains. An authentic Japanese vacation awaits in both the snowy winters and mild summers of Tohoku. ### Where to stay in Tohoku ![Winter vacation skiing in Japan ,Zao ](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6054141/6d3d48fc-23cc-4f98-8ba5-c79936092d5c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Zaoonsen 5/5(1 area review) If you're spending some time in Zaoonsen, Zao Chuo Ropeway and Zao Sanroku Ropeway are top sights worth seeing. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Yamagata-Zaoonsen.dx553248635976007284) ![Sendai Japan](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/939462331099156480/76663d1f-ba0b-4c9e-a2e6-fc32f19a1e30.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Downtown Sendai While you're in Downtown Sendai, take in top sights like Asaichi Morning Market and jump on the metro at Hirose-dori Station to see more of the city. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Sendai-Downtown-Sendai.dx939462331099156480) ![Wonderful grave](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/3110/87034377-13d2-4cea-bc0f-4a088d2ffd98.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Aoba Ward 4.5/5(13 area reviews) Aoba Ward is a destination travellers like for its hot springs, and you might hop aboard the metro at Kotodai-Koen Station or Kita-Yonbancho Station to explore sights like Miyagi Prefectural Office. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Sendai-Aoba-Ward.dx553248635939578919) ![Jozenji-dori Avenue in Sendai, Japan. Sendai is known as "The City of Forest" for its cityscape with trees to be one important element of the city](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635976007691/a254683c-48ed-4799-a319-d4e1bf31e1d3.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Kokubuncho While you're in Kokubuncho, take in top sights like Tokyo Electron Hall Miyagi and jump on the metro at Kotodai-Koen Station to see more of the city. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Sendai-Kokubuncho.dx553248635976007691) ![Sendai_SendaiUminoMoriAquarium_553248633862423840_07](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248633862423840/aa13e975-ab11-47fe-9ac8-cb28442a2e8d.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Miyagino Ward 4/5(1 area review) If you're spending some time in Miyagino Ward, Mitsui Outlet Park Sendaiko and Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium are top sights worth seeing. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Miyagino.dx553248635976387154) ![A winter waterfall. Akiu Falls near Sendai. ](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/3110/4bebed03-9445-4707-bf88-913bd2b64b2b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Taihaku Ward While you're in Taihaku Ward, take in top sights like Sendai Gymnasium or Yagiyama Zoo, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Nagamachi-Minami Station or Nagamachi Station. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Sendai-Taihaku-Ward.dx553248635975438417) - Top hotels in Tohoku - Top Holiday Rentals in Tohoku ![Hotel JAL City Sendai](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/80000/78700/78657/157d56bb_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Hotel JAL City Sendai 1-2-12 Kakyoin, Aoba-ku Sendai Miyagi-ken £42 1 Feb - 2 Feb additional charges may apply Stay at this hotel in Sendai. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Popular attractions Mitakisanfudoin and Sendai Anpanman Children's Museum ... 8.4/10 Very Good! (633 reviews) The location to the train station was excellent. We stayed only one night and the hotel served our needs. Reviewed on 19 Jan 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=01%2F02%2F2026&endDate=02%2F02%2F2026&selected=78657&PinnedHotelID=78657&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6048156) ![ReLabo-Medical Spa&Stay-](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/105000000/104120000/104110800/104110781/4ec682d2_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### ReLabo-Medical Spa&Stay- 1-1-5 Aomori AOMORI £98 26 Feb - 27 Feb Stay at this hotel in Aomori. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, hot springs on-site and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Auga Fish Market and Nebuta Museum WARASSE ... 9.6/10 Exceptional! (251 reviews) Spotless and spacious room with amazing snow views. All staff are very friendly and helpful. Amazing amenities - free onsen, complimentary snacks, fitness classes and even ikebana class. This is the best hotel I have ever stayed. Reviewed on 23 Jan 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=26%2F02%2F2026&endDate=27%2F02%2F2026&selected=104110781&PinnedHotelID=104110781&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6048156) ![The OneFive Sendai](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/101000000/100970000/100965700/100965697/df69ec3a_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### The OneFive Sendai 4-6-28 Tsutsujigaoka, Miyagino-ku Sendai Miyagi £26 3 Feb - 4 Feb additional charges may apply Stay at this hotel in Sendai. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Asaichi Morning Market and Sendai Sunplaza ... 8.8/10 Excellent! (594 reviews) Clean, convenient location, nice staff. Reviewed on 30 Dec 2025 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=03%2F02%2F2026&endDate=04%2F02%2F2026&selected=100965697&PinnedHotelID=100965697&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6048156) [See all 1,657 properties in Tohoku](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&startDate=27%2F01%2F2026&endDate=28%2F01%2F2026®ionId=6048156) Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply. ![Rakuten STAY x EAGLES](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/46000000/45800000/45790600/45790570/0568a558_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Rakuten STAY x EAGLES 2-11-6 Miyagino Sendai Miyagi Stay at this apartment in Sendai. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, private hot tubs and satellite TV channels. Popular attractions Sekisui Heim Super Arena and Rakuten Mobile ... 8.6/10 Excellent! (4 reviews) 清潔な客室でした。ペット同伴でしたが快適に過ごせました。 Reviewed on 28 Sept 2025 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Sendai-Hotels-RS-X-EAGLES.h45790570.Hotel-Information) ![Bigstone Terrace Suite Tsutsumimachi](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/104000000/103730000/103728600/103728513/5afa961b_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Bigstone Terrace Suite Tsutsumimachi 1-chome-9-7 Tsutsumimachi Aomori Aomori Stay at this holiday home in Aomori. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and in-room deep-soaking baths. Popular attractions Munakata Shiko Memorial Museum of Art ... [](https://expedia.co.uk/Aomori-Hotels-Bigstone-Terrace-Suite-Tsutsumimachi.h103728513.Hotel-Information) ![Up to 8 people Shakunage Building No 10 Elderly / Yama-gu Fukushima](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/44000000/43480000/43479700/43479667/ed7dadbd_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Up to 8 people Shakunage Building No 10 Elderly / Yama-gu Fukushima Yama-gu Fukushima Stay at this holiday home in Inawashiro. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Family Snow Park Bandai x2 and Spectacular Inawashiro ... [](https://expedia.co.uk/Inawashiro-Hotels-Up-To-10-People-Shaku-Nagare-10-Buildin-Yama-Gu-Fukushima.h43479667.Hotel-Information) [See all properties in Tohoku](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience®ionId=6048156&sort=VACATION_RENTAL) Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply. ## Check Tohoku hotel availability [Tonight ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6048156&startDate=2026-01-26&endDate=2026-01-27)[26 Jan - 27 Jan](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6048156&startDate=2026-01-26&endDate=2026-01-27) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6048156&startDate=2026-01-27&endDate=2026-01-28)[27 Jan - 28 Jan](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6048156&startDate=2026-01-27&endDate=2026-01-28) [This weekend ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6048156&startDate=30%2F01%2F2026&endDate=01%2F02%2F2026)[30 Jan - 1 Feb](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6048156&startDate=30%2F01%2F2026&endDate=01%2F02%2F2026) [Next weekend ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6048156&startDate=06%2F02%2F2026&endDate=08%2F02%2F2026)[6 Feb - 8 Feb](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6048156&startDate=06%2F02%2F2026&endDate=08%2F02%2F2026) ### Popular places to visit ![Beautiful Frozen Forest Covered By Powder Snow On The Ropeway To The Hill Of Mount Zao Range, Zao Juhyo Festival, Yamagata , Japan](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6104152/2afea211-a3e3-4805-8c3f-c0f3052a2e8b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Zao Hot Springs Ski Resort 4.5/5(2 reviews) Hit the slopes in Yamagata with a visit to Zao Hot Springs Ski Resort. Discover the area's mountain views and temples. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Zao-Hot-Springs-Ski-Resort-Yamagata.d6104152.Attraction) ![Appi Kogen Ski Resort showing snow skiing and snow as well as an individual male](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6103730/a7472822-08d9-4c79-bed3-a06b8197a66b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Appi Kogen Ski Resort Ski miles of groomed slopes and exciting powder runs or relax in steaming onsen baths and lavish hotels at this beautifully maintained ski resort in Tohoku. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Appi-Kogen-Ski-Resort-Hachimantai.d6103730.Attraction) ![Halfway from the visitors center to Lake Towada sits this beautiful waterfall.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6125406/21517b72-55e0-4812-a031-5a0a3222175a.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Oirase Gorge Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Oirase Gorge during your travels in Towada. Wander the lakeside or discover the area's volcano viewpoints. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Oirase-Gorge-Aomori.d553248621532776506.Attraction) ![Nasu_NasuHighlandPark_6147715-0438](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6147715/8a9416c1-0e39-4f66-831d-88b95510e7bc.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Nasu Highland Park Enjoy the thrill rides with your children at Nasu Highland Park during your trip to Nasu. Discover the area's volcano viewpoints and hot springs. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Nasu-Highland-Park-Nasu.d6147715.Attraction) ![Hirosaki Castle is one of the few remaining original castles in Japan, and the area also boasts one of the most beautiful and abundant cherry blossom festivals in Japan. With thousands of trees scattered about the grounds, it's a great place to explore the beauty of the season.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/55326/24664392-5cc0-47da-97fd-b0bcb9c0682f.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Hirosaki Castle Find out about the history of Hirosaki when you take a trip to Hirosaki Castle. Take in the festivals and hot springs in the area. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hirosaki-Castle-Hirosaki.d6102556.Attraction) ![An impressive gauge in Miagi north of Japan showing the beautiful colours of Autumn.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6141140/6b936734-6823-4eb6-b76a-720ee80c7e79.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Naruko Onsen You can take time to visit Naruko Onsen during your travels to Osaki. Take in the museums and hot springs in the area. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Naruko-Onsen-Osaki.d553248635810425639.Attraction) ### Things to do ![Sendai: Local Foodie Tour, wander around the gourmet town](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/48580689/23413c12-c19f-4416-a1e1-56367c91a368.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Sendai: Local Foodie Tour, wander around the gourmet town £83 per adult [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/sendai-local-foodie-tour.a48580689.activity-details) ![Local Foodie Tour in Sendai, wander around the gourmet town](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/48650875/8d3a760a-2f2b-4457-8572-5318b36da22a.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Local Foodie Tour in Sendai, wander around the gourmet town £79 per adult [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/local-foodie-tour-in-sendai.a48650875.activity-details) ![ Romantic Tour In Sendai](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/3355440/2b332965-98ba-45a6-9da3-ff1125759ab2.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Private Romantic Waking Tour In Sendai £488 per traveller [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/private-romantic-waking-tour-in-sendai.a3355440.activity-details) [See all activities in Tohoku](https://expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-Tohoku.d6048156.Travel-Guide-Activities) ## Cities near Tohoku ![High-resolution panoramic photo overlooking Sendai. Miyagi Prefecture, Japan.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/3110/4cb3e930-7495-494f-b993-64859c4d7225.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Sendai ![Tanesashi kaigan Coast. The coastline includes both sandy and rocky beaches, and grassy meadows scenic views. Hachinohe, Aomori, Japan](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/180619/7778348c-817a-4dba-90c8-7445065cd62f.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Hachinohe ![Shidarezakura Weeping Cherry blossom in Tendo Park or Maizuru Park in Spring season, landmark popular for tourist attractions in Yamagata prefecture, Tohoku, Japan](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6047771/b8bfc65c-75f7-483a-8c31-4d95421efd01.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Tendo ![Field](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6060218/d30b9be9-1ef3-42f2-b65e-2d7202341a63.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Odate - Cities near Tohoku - Places of interest [Sendai](https://expedia.co.uk/Sendai.dx3110)[Hachinohe](https://expedia.co.uk/Hachinohe.dx180619)[Tendo](https://expedia.co.uk/Tendo.dx6047771)[Odate](https://expedia.co.uk/Odate.dx6060218)[Nikko](https://expedia.co.uk/Nikko.dx6069795)[Aomori](https://expedia.co.uk/Aomori.dx6095029)[Morioka](https://expedia.co.uk/Morioka.dx6128410)[Tsuruoka](https://expedia.co.uk/Tsuruoka.dx6139812)[Ichinoseki](https://expedia.co.uk/Ichinoseki.dx6140069)[Shibata](https://expedia.co.uk/Shibata.dx6152307)[Agano](https://expedia.co.uk/Agano.dx6162732)[Shinchi](https://expedia.co.uk/Shinchi.dx6191009)[Matsushima](https://expedia.co.uk/Matsushima.dx6200003) - [Appi Kogen Ski Resort ](https://expedia.co.uk/Appi-Kogen-Ski-Resort-Hachimantai.d6103730.Attraction) - [Nasu Highland Park ](https://expedia.co.uk/Nasu-Highland-Park-Nasu.d6147715.Attraction) - [Hirosaki Castle ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hirosaki-Castle-Hirosaki.d6102556.Attraction) - [Lake Towada ](https://expedia.co.uk/Lake-Towada-Japan.d6138865.Attraction) - [Iizaka Onsen ](https://expedia.co.uk/Iizaka-Onsen-Fukushima.d553248628619695322.Attraction) - [Oze National Park ](https://expedia.co.uk/Oze-National-Park-Japan.d6104148.Attraction) ![](https://a.travel-assets.com/mad-service/footer/bnaBanners/BEX_Footer.jpg) ## Go further with the Expedia app Save on select hotels when you book in the app. Our app deals help you to save on trips so you can travel more and manage it all on the go. 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