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

![Photo provided by APPI Resort](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/148000/148981-Appi-Kogen-Ski-Resort.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

[Photo provided by APPI Resort](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/148000/148981-Appi-Kogen-Ski-Resort.jpg)

![Photo provided by APPI Resort](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/148000/148980-Appi-Kogen-Ski-Resort.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

[Photo provided by APPI Resort](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/148000/148980-Appi-Kogen-Ski-Resort.jpg)

![Photo provided by APPI Resort](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/148000/148979-Appi-Kogen-Ski-Resort.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

[Photo provided by APPI Resort](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/148000/148979-Appi-Kogen-Ski-Resort.jpg)

![Photo provided by Appi Kogen Ski Resort](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/161000/161103-Appi-Kogen-Ski-Resort.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

[Photo provided by Appi Kogen Ski Resort](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/161000/161103-Appi-Kogen-Ski-Resort.jpg)

![Photo provided by APPI Resort](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/148000/148989-Appi-Kogen-Ski-Resort.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

[Photo provided by APPI Resort](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/148000/148989-Appi-Kogen-Ski-Resort.jpg)

## 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

![Default Image](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/46cc90f0d99f39e605a9178c830d2f38.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)

![Default Image](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/a8e65216c29a9ffcc9bb8a0e6d3547c3.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)

![Default Image](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/1/9d5358335719cadf0376c6fff4a8d7ff.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)

![Default Image](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/1/0dca76499f37a94210a76a23c78967a7.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)

![Default Image](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/1/5e9baa08afb9c6b7f121b967ef511973.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)

![Default Image](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/3/367441037a7aa227966290b3d2739481.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)

[Photo](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=58024346) by [Arui Kashiwagi](https://www.panoramio.com/user/7000481?with_photo_id=74230203) ([CC BY](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0))

### Wakabayashi

 When in Wakabayashi and the surrounding area, you'll want to check out sights like Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium or Mitsui Outlet Park Sendaiko and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Kawaramachi Station or Atago-Bashi Station. 

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Wakabayashi.dx553248635976395083)

- Top hotels in Tohoku
- Top Holiday Rentals in Tohoku

![Hotel Keihan Sendai](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/42000000/41360000/41352100/41352012/b294965c_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Hotel Keihan Sendai

3-3-5 Chuo Sendai Miyagi

£60

22 Dec - 23 Dec

additional charges may apply

Stay at this hotel in Sendai. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Sendai Ginza Street and Sunmall Ichibancho ...

9/10 Wonderful! (341 reviews)

Basic hotel but we are happy with its cleanliness, proximity to Sendai Station/ restaurants, and helpful staff.

Reviewed on 14 Oct 2025

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=22%2F12%2F2025&endDate=23%2F12%2F2025&selected=41352012&PinnedHotelID=41352012&HadPinnedHotel=true&regionId=6048156)

![Hotel JAL City Aomori](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/200000/199500/199455/89ad0a5d_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Hotel JAL City Aomori

Yasukata, 2-4-12 Aomori Aomori-ken

£31

9 Jan - 10 Jan 2026

Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Aomori. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...

8.6/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)

暖房費節約で館内寒いのではと心配しましたが、お部屋や廊下、朝食会場などどこも暖かく過ごせて快適だった。朝食も美味しく頂きました。お米は、東北旅行で食べた中で一番美味しかったですし、そのお米のアイスがなんともクセになり美味しかったでさ。

Reviewed on 7 Dec 2025

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=09%2F01%2F2026&endDate=10%2F01%2F2026&selected=199455&PinnedHotelID=199455&HadPinnedHotel=true&regionId=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

£85

14 Dec - 15 Dec

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! (225 reviews)

Everything and everyone was very good. The onsen was superb too

Reviewed on 22 Nov 2025

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=14%2F12%2F2025&endDate=15%2F12%2F2025&selected=104110781&PinnedHotelID=104110781&HadPinnedHotel=true&regionId=6048156)

[See all 1,649 properties in Tohoku](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&startDate=13%2F12%2F2025&endDate=14%2F12%2F2025&regionId=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.

![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)

![private Lodging KASE Gosyogawara](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/112000000/111760000/111752300/111752213/87c24337_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

private Lodging KASE Gosyogawara

86-5 Hibarino, Kanagichokase Goshogawara Aomori

Stay at this holiday home in Goshogawara. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and slippers. Popular attractions House of Tachi Nebuta and Fujimi Lake Park are located ...

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Goshogawara-Hotels-Private-Lodging-KASE-Gosyogawara.h111752213.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&regionId=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&regionId=6048156&startDate=2025-12-12&endDate=2025-12-13)[12 Dec - 13 Dec](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6048156&startDate=2025-12-12&endDate=2025-12-13)

[Tomorrow night

](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6048156&startDate=2025-12-13&endDate=2025-12-14)[13 Dec - 14 Dec](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6048156&startDate=2025-12-13&endDate=2025-12-14)

[This weekend

](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6048156&startDate=12%2F12%2F2025&endDate=14%2F12%2F2025)[12 Dec - 14 Dec](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6048156&startDate=12%2F12%2F2025&endDate=14%2F12%2F2025)

### Popular places to visit

![Appi Kogen Ski Resort showing snow skiing and snow as well as an individual male](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/148000/148980-Appi-Kogen-Ski-Resort.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)

![Oirase Gorge](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/3a299c0acad781a22cd2f78982ae8546.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)

![Naruko Onsen](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/065c6cebccd3dd1a20df843338b7c10c.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)

![Hirosaki Castle](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/1/9e798c3456f350b0dd87243cd9c4bf97.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)

![Mt. Zao](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/1/968e660a7d706f2fb6bb5fcf784c8365.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Mt. Zao

4/5(2 reviews)

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Mt. Zao during your travels in Zao. Discover the area's mountain views and countryside. 

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Mt-Zao-Zao.d3000756925.Attraction)

#### 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)

### 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

£86

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

£82

per adult

[](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/local-foodie-tour-in-sendai.a48650875.activity-details)

[See all activities in Tohoku](https://expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-Tohoku.d6048156.Travel-Guide-Activities)

## Cities near Tohoku

![Sendai](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/1/5e9baa08afb9c6b7f121b967ef511973.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium)

### Sendai

![Photo by Matt Bingaman](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/5b8fa3d483c052702c30ffb1b9757ba1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium)

### Hachinohe

![Photo "Tendo" by Mukasora (page does not exist) (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/3/f2f47ee5255e19adc7e72c5567753807.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium)

[Photo](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) by [Mukasora (page does not exist)](//commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:Mukasora&action=edit&redlink=1) ([CC BY-SA](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0))

### Tendo

![Photo "Odate" by 掬茶 (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/3/980b356edf36568fab7ee549023a1296.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium)

[Photo](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0) by [掬茶](//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:%E6%8E%AC%E8%8C%B6) ([CC BY-SA](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0))

### 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)
- [Lake Towada ](https://expedia.co.uk/Lake-Towada-Japan.d6138865.Attraction)
- [Hirosaki Castle ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hirosaki-Castle-Hirosaki.d6102556.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)

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