Matsushima Bay
One of Japan's three canonical views — 260 pine-covered islands scattered across a tranquil bay. Cruise between the islands at dusk for a view unchanged since the haiku poet Matsuo Bashō famously fell speechless before it.
관광명소
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Hiraizumi — Chusonji & Motsuji
The Konjikido (Golden Hall) of Chusonji Temple — entirely sheathed in gold leaf — is one of Japan's most breathtaking interiors, built in 1124. Motsuji garden beside it is one of the best-preserved Heian-period gardens in the country.
Hirosaki Castle & Cherry Blossoms
Hirosaki Castle surrounded by 2,600 cherry trees is considered one of Japan's finest blossom viewing spots. At peak bloom the fallen petals form a pink carpet on the moat — the 'flower raft' (hanaikada) — a uniquely Hirosaki spectacle.
Yamadera (Risshakuji Temple)
A mountain temple complex of 1,000 stone steps ascending a sheer cliff face above a forested valley. Matsuo Bashō composed one of his most famous haiku here in 1689. The view from the summit over the valley is among the most atmospheric in all Tohoku.
Tsurugajo Castle — Aizu-Wakamatsu
The red-roofed castle of Aizu-Wakamatsu is deeply associated with the Boshin War of 1868 — the last stand of samurai loyalty to the Tokugawa shogunate. The surrounding city retains a strong samurai heritage and excellent sake breweries.
Kakunodate Samurai District
One of Japan's best-preserved samurai towns — the wide streets of the inner samurai quarter are lined with black-walled clan estates and ancient weeping cherry trees. In late April the blossoms create one of Tohoku's most iconic scenes.
Namahage — Oga Peninsula
On New Year's Eve, demon-masked men in straw costumes (namahage) visit homes on Akita's Oga Peninsula, demanding that children behave and adults work hard. This ancient ritual, inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list, can be experienced year-round at the Oga Shinzan Folklore Museum.
