ENGLISH EDITIONTOHOKU TOURIST INFORMATION CENTER NETWORKTOHOKU
Round Trip Guide

Majestic Nature
Historic Landmark
Excellent Cuisine
Indigenous Festival

TOHOKUTOURIST
INFORMATIONCENTERNETWORKThe 42 tourist
information centersin the Tohoku
region are allconnected with an
online video chat service.
We provide information
to you in real time.

Shiroishi River and 1000 Cherry Trees, Miyagi
Tohoku Regional Collaboraion Promotion Office,Culture and Tourism Bureau, City of Sendai

Hokkaido

TOHOKU TOURIST INFORMATION CENTER NETWORK
Tohoku, an area surrounded by beautiful nature with four seasons.

Aomori

Architectures with rich Japanese history,

Experience
CuisineFestivalvarious local cuisine, unique indigenous festivals.
Experiences only possible in Tohoku await.

Aomori

INDEX

4
6
7

Iwate

Iwate

Experience
CuisineFestival

8
1011

MiyagiExperience
CuisineFestival

12
14
15

Aomori

Akita

Tanesashi Coast

Miyagi

Jodogahama BeachExperience
CuisineFestival

16
18
19

Yamagata

Akita

Experience
CuisineFestival

20
22
23

Akita

Iwate

Fukushima

Matsushima

Yamagata

Godzilla RockExperience
CuisineFestival

24
26
27

Tourist Information Center
Railway

28
34

Yamagata

Miyagi

Fukushima

Fukushima

Mt. Haguro2

Higashiyama Onsen (Hot Spring)3AomoriExperience

Superb View of 2,600
Cherry Trees (Sakura)
and a White-walled Castle
Hirosaki Castle

Iwate

Iwate

Around 50 varieties of Sakura

AccessBlue Lake Towada Reflects the Sky
and Mountains Like a Mirror
Lake Towada
Beautiful Lake Towada is a volcanic caldera that reflects the sky andmountains like a mirror. At roughly 46km in circumference and 327m
at its deepest point, it is the third deepest lake in Japan. A beech
forest and other trees grow around the lake, where the beauty of thefour seasons can be enjoyed by seeing vibrant green during springand summer, deep-colored leaves during autumn, and a silver
woodland scene during winter. Despite being a northern lake at ahigh elevation, this lake doesn't freeze over during the winter, anddue to this, it is referred to as " the Mysterious Lake".

AccessTowada City, Aomori (1 hour and 30 minutes by car from JR Shin-Aomori Station)

Walking Route to Experience
Nature in Grand Shirakami-Sanchi
Shirakami-Sanchi and Jyuniko
Shirakami-Sanchi, a World Heritage Site, is in a
mountain range which borders on Aomori and Akita
prefectures. The pristine natural beech forest, largely
unaffected by humans and one of the largest in theworld, has many trekking routes for a unique natureexperience. An especially popular trek is the 12
pond walk route with the cobalt blue Aoike (bluepond) and the emerald green Wakitsubo pond.
There is little up and down so it’s easy for beginningtrekkers too. Enjoy nature’s beautiful colors, fresh
green, crimson leaves and bright colored birds.
Access

1-56, Matsukami, Fukauramachi, Nishitsugarugun,
Aomori (Mori-no-Bussankan Kyororo：About 15
minutes by shuttle bus from JR Jyuniko Station)

About 5500 Year Old
Jomon Village Site
Special Historical Site
Sannai-Maruyama Site
This is the biggest Jomon village site in Japan and isdesignated as a special historical site. Excavation
and research undertaken since 1992 has uncovered
the remains of pit houses, burial pits of adults andchildren, storage pits, and close to 2000 other relics.
Some of the highlights include the reconstructedlarge pit-dwellings and large pillar-supported
buildings. At the Jomon Jiyukan you can learn about
the lives of the Jomon people through exhibits andarray of activities such as making 'Magatama'beads and 'Dogu' miniature clay dolls.

Access

Fukushima

Fukushima

Enjoy aleisurely
walk

Okuse, Towada City, Aomori (JR bus bound for “Towadako
Yasumiya” from Shin-Aomori Station, Aomori Station
or Hachinohe Station)World
naturalheritagesite

Yamagata

Yamagata

Oirase Mountain Stream

The Michelin Green Guide gave the Oirase
Keiryu (mountain stream) two stars. Cliffs
covered by deep natural forest line bothbanks of the stream, and the entire 14km
path has superb scenery. We highly
recommend taking the trek through the pureforest air, taking in its natural beauty, andexperiencing changes in the stream
throughout the seasons and time of day. The
best season for viewing fresh green leaves isfrom May to early June. The beauty of mid tolate October autumn leaves is also popular.

Akita

Akita

Scenic Spot Selected for
the Michelin Green Guide

1, Shimoshiroganecho, Hirosaki City, Aomori (10 minutes by taxi from JR Hirosaki Station)

Miyagi

Miyagi

Warriors from Tsugaru brought 25 Kasumi zakura from Kyoto in 1715, and presently 2,600 trees of 50
varieties including Somei yoshino, Shidare zakura and Yae zakura are growing in Hirosaki Park. The outermoat when covered in Sakura petals is called a “Sakura carpet” and is a marvelous sight.

Access4

Aomori

Aomori

Hirosaki Castle in Hirosaki Park, built in the Edo period, has thenorthernmost castle tower*1 in Japan and is designated as animportant national cultural property. Its extensive castle walls intheir original form being opened as a park is rare in Japan. There
are about 2,600 Sakura in the park, and many people come forthe blossoms in the spring. Seeing the Sakura in full bloom andHirosaki Castle is like a time slip back to the Edo period. The very
popular Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival held in late April orearly May has about two million visitors from Japan and overseas.
<*1 The tallest structure in the castle. >305, Maruyama, Oazasannai, Aomori City, Aomori(About 20 minutes by car from JR Aomori Station,and 10 minutes by car from JR Shin-Aomori Station)
5

Cuisine

Festivals

Popular Local
Dish is a Unique
Food Sensation

Aomori Nebuta
Festival

Production
share of 60%

Hachinohe Sembei(Crispy Thin Cracker) Soup
AomoriApplesAccessHeld yearly from August 2 to 7

Fukushima

Fukushima
622-2, Azakansai, Kawaragi, Hachinohe City, Aomori (About 12 minutes by bus from JR Hachinohe Station)

A Place that
Connects Our Worldto the Other World
Osorezan (Mt. Osore) Sanmon (temple gate)

Hasshoku Center

Access1-1-1, Yasukata Aomori City, Aomori(1 minute walk from JR Aomori Station)

Yamagata

Yamagata

Experience the Delights of Hachinohe's Local Kitchen
At the 60 shops in this market,
fi n d t h e f u l l l i n e u p o f
Hachinohe’s fresh seafood,dried foods and souvenirs.
There are seasonal foods too,and the foods you buy can becharcoal broiled and eaten in
the plaza on site or at places
like Shichirinmura. There's
also a playroom for kids too,so feel free to bring themalong.

AccessAomori City, Aomori (About a 7 minute walk from
JR Aomori Station)

Osorezan is
one of the threemost famous
holy mountains
in JapanThe red exterior of this very unique facility
introduces the appeal and history of the Aomori
Nebuta Festival.
Nebuta used in thefestival are on
permanent display,so you can see how
big they are.

Akita

Akita

Japan’sApple Paradise

Date

Nebuta Museum WA RASSE

Miyagi

Miyagi

Aomori’s apple history started from three seedlings
planted in the Aomori Prefectural Government
grounds in 1875, and now, Aomori grows about 60%
of Japan’s apples. The percentage for each variety
is Fuji 50% , Orin, Jonagold, and Tsugaru each have
10% and other varieties make up the rest. Some ofthe processed goods made with the apples arejuice, apple cider, jam, dressing and vinegar andthey all make excellent gifts.

Fantastic andGigantic Nebuta
Parade!

Iwate

Iwate

A local dish of Hachinohe is sembei made with flourand salt put in a soup stock of meat, fish, mushrooms
and vegetables, then cooked. This sembei developed
for soups, is chewy when cooked, and has a pleasanttexture similar to al dente pasta. Many foods also go
well with the rich tasty soy sauce flavored soup.
Hachinohe City has about 140 restaurants that offer
the dish so it’s fun to try and compare their dishes.

AomoriEvery year three million
spectators gather for the
A omori N ebuta Fes ti v al .
Large dolls (nebuta) made ofwood, wire and Japanese
paper with lights insidemarch through town.
Dancers called haneto,
dance wildly to calls of“rassera, rassera” for a very
energizing performance.
Anybody can participate if
they wear the haneto outfit
so don’t just watch, be a partof the festivities yourself!

Osorezan (Mt. Osore)
Gokuraku Beach with its mysterious bleak
bare rock and white sand enveloped in theodor of sulfur, and the clear emerald green of
the sea, along with Sainokawara entice you tovisit a fantasy world with scenery that seems
to be from both heaven and hell. There’s also
an onsen (hot spring) on the temple grounds
and shrine visitors can bathe there to relive
their tiredness.

Osorezan on the Shimokita Peninsula, and Hieizan andKoyasan are the three most famous holy mountains inJapan, and visitors come to visit Osorezan from all overJapan. In the summer there’s the Osorezan grand festival,
and in autumn during the Osorezan Akimairi (fall temple visit)season, many people visit in remembrance of the spirits ofthe dead. At Osorezan you can sense the sacredness of aplace that inherits and protects the culture of thenorthernmost region of Japan’s mainland.
Date
AccessHeld yearly from July 20 to 24 * Osorezan opens in May andcloses in October (The exact dates depend on snow conditions)
3-2, Usoriyama, Tanabu, Mutsu City, Aomori (About 40
minutes by car from JR Shimokita Station)
7

IwateExperience

Superbview!

Drive Through Bright Red
Autumn Leaves

Hanamaki Onsen
and Hanamakiminami Onsen Village

Sennintoge (Autumn Leaves)Access

Jodogahama Beach

Chuson-ji Temple

8

The Konjikido is not justa shrine, but also amausoleum for the
Fujiwara clan, Hiraizumi’s
12th century founders
and rulers. Though notvisible to the public, themummified remains of
Kiyohira, Motohira,
Hidehira, and Yasuhira,the four generations of
Fujiwara leaders, lieinterred in golden caskets
beneath the altar.

202, Koromonoseki, Hiraizumi, Hiraizumicho, Nishiiwaigun, Iwate (About a 20 minute walk from JR Hiraizumi Station)

Underground Lake
Shines a Mysterious Blue
Ryusendo CaveAs one of the ‘ Three Great Limestone Caves’, Ryusendo Cave is
a popular spot where you can see many limestone rocks whileadvancing through mysterious spaces. The highlight of the caveis the illuminated and very transparent underground pool. It
glistens with a beautiful color called dragon blue. Enjoy passing
through a spot called Moon Palace, a formation of overlappingrocks which has a heart-shape. Artwork of the two dragons’
heads form shapes of heart, and is great date spot for couples.
The cave temperature is always a cool 10 degrees Celsius, so
be sure to bring something warm to wear even in summer.
Access1-1, Iwaizumikannari, Iwaizumicho,Shimoheigun, Iwate(About 2 hours and 15 minutes by car from
JR Morioka Station)© Iwate Prefecture

AccessThe Fujiwara
Clan’s Eternal
ReposeJodogahama is a place you shouldn’t misson the Sanriku Coast. This coast formed
about 5.2 million years ago, and is an
awe-inspiring scene with white volcanic rock,small stones and inlets lined with pines thatbrings to mind a Japanese garden. You canalso view Jodogahama in a pleasure boatand enjoy feeding the seagulls.

Fukushima

Fukushima

Chuson-ji Temple was accepted in the World Heritage Registry in 2011, and is
the home of the Konjikido (Golden Hall). First built in 1124 by Hiraizumi’s ruler,
Kiyohira Fujiwara, this shrine embodies the height of Heian craftsmanship.
Coated inside and out with gold leaf, and further embellished with detailed
engravings, inlays, and ornaments, the Konjikido speaks clearly to Hiraizumi’s
historical wealth and prosperity. The addition of the Buddha icons evokes the
Buddhist afterlife, a paradise said to be watched over by the Buddha and lit by agolden radiance. Making yourway through the hilltop temple
complex, surrounded by ancient
trees, you may just feel as if
you’re in a moment out of time.
The natural surroundings offer
diverse views in every season,
including cherry blossoms in
sp r in g , fr e sh g r e e nery andflowers in summer, blazing
autumn foliage, and a whiteblanket of snow in winter.

Heavenly Beautiful
Seashore

Yamagata

Yamagata

Fantastically
beautifulworld

Kamaishi Ctiy, Iwate (About 3 minutes by carfrom JR Rikuchu-Ohashi Station)

Akita

Akita

The Golden Heart ofHiraizumi

Hanamaki City, Iwate (15 to 35 minutesby taxi or bus from JR Hanamaki Station)

Miyagi

MiyagiAccess

Iwate

Iwate

There are twelve unique onsen areas and among
them are Dai Onsen, which is good for spending a
quiet time in a mountain valley to refresh your bodyand Osawa Onsen where you can enjoy beautiful
mountain stream scenery and a rotenburo (outdoorbath). In Hanamakiminami Onsen Gorge in the westof Hanamaki, there’s an unusual onsen that has abath that’s 1.25m deep that you can stand in.

Sennintoge is an 887m high pass on the boundary of
Tono City and Kamaishi City. In 2007, the 18.6km
Shinsennin Highway with four tunnels and ninebridges opened, making access better. The crimson
leaves in autumn are especially beautiful and thebest time to see them is from late October to earlyNovember. While popular for mountain climber, it isalso well-known as a driving course. Tyr taking abreath along the road at the Kamaishi Sennintoge
roadside station and enjoy the taste of local cuisine.

Aomori

AomoriWorld
Heritage
Site

An Onsen Resort toEnjoy Diverse Hot Springs

Access32, Hitachihama-cho, Miyako City, Iwate(Jodogahama Visitor Center：About 20
minutes by bus from JR and Sanriku
Railway Miyako Staion)
9

Cuisine

Festivals

Three Major Noodles ofMorioka You Should Eat

Sakkorachoiwayasse

Morioka Reimen (Cold Noodles) ,Wanko Soba and Morioka Jajamen
Aomori

Aomori

Particularraising
methodHeld yearly from August 1 to 4
Main site: Chuo-dori, Morioka City, Iwate / Secondary sites: 1. Morioka Civic Cultural Hall (MALIOS：2-9-1, Nishi-dori,Morioka Station, Morioka City, Iwate) 2. Taki no Hiroba (public square) in front of JR Morioka Station (Next to the JR
Morioka Station east exit taxi stand) Closest station: About a 15 minute walk from the JR Morioka Station

A Courtly Pastime from
Medieval Japan
Motsuji Gokusui no En

Motsu-ji Temple, another of Hiraizumi’s World Heritage
sites, hosts the Gokusui no En (Poetry Banquet) eachyear in the temple garden. This recreation of an
elegant pastime from the Heian period seesparticipants dress in period wear and compose poems
as a cup of sake is floated down the stream to theirseats. Spectators can enjoy the colorful costumes, therecitation of the poems, and the atmosphere of thishistorical recreation.

Bindon (Bottled Rice Bowl)
Bindon is a specialty of Miyako: sea urchin roe,salmon roe, and other seasonal food of Miyako are
stuffed in a milk bottle. It’s also beautiful to look at : itlooks like a bottle filled with jewels. Arrange thecontent of the bottle on a bowl of hot rice, and eat.
What makes this dish special is that it uses the fivesenses while seeing, arranging to eating. Be sure to
eat this if you come to Miyako.
10

See
Beautiful
Heian
Costumes

Fukushima

Fukushima

Hakkin Pork is a pork brand raised in Hanamaki City,
Iwate Prefecture. The taste of this incredibly tendermeat becomes even more delicious the more you
chew, and if you try Hakkin Pork, you won’t want to
eat other pork because of its tenderness andhigh-quality fattiness which melts in your mouth
without an off taste. We recommend it for people
who like pork as steak or cutlets.

AccessYamagata

Yamagata

Date

Hakkin Pork

What is Sansa?
Long ago, a demon appeared in the Nambu
Morioka castle town. The troubled townsfolk prayedto the god of Mitsuishi Shrine for help and the god
drove out the demon. Their dancing to“sansa-sansa” around huge three stones"Mitsuishi" to give thanks to the god is said to be
the beginning of the Sansa Odori.

Akita

Akita

Held in Morioka City yearly from August 1 to 4 , it is oneof the Tohoku’s biggest summer festivals. There are
more than 10,000 Wadaiko (Japanese drums) andabout 35,000 people who participate. The dancers
move gracefully to calls of “sakkorachoiwayasse”, andparade to the beat of the drums. Anyone can participate
in the “Waodori” held after the parade is finished. Don’t
just watch. It’s more fun to try dancing.

Miyagi

MiyagiMorioka Sansa Odori Festival

Pork with a Tender andSophisticated Taste

Seafood Stuffed in a Bottle
Pour It on Rice and Eat !

The World’s Biggest Drum Parade

Iwate© Iwate Prefecture

Iwate

If you come to Morioka, be sure to eat Morioka Reimen, Wanko Soba
and Morioka Jajamen. Morioka Reimen are noodles with robust body incold soup, topped by meat, vegetables,
Kimchi and fruits pieces. Its looking issplendid too. The distinctive featureof Wanko Soba is a waitress seves
you small amount of noodles one
after another until you are full andcan't eat. Morioka Jajamen isboiled flat udon with special meatmiso sauce and shredded
cucumbers eaten with ginger,
vinegar and chili oil. It also can befinished off by adding a egg soupand enjoyed as “Chitan Soup”.

Date

Held yearly on the 4th Sunday in May

Access58, Osawa, aza, Hiraizumicho, Iwate（About a 7 minute walk from JR Hiraizumi Station）
11

Miyagi©zuiganjiYour Gateway to the
Local Experience

Naruko Onsen Kyo (Hot Spring Village) has five onsen.
Japan’s onsen have 11 different types of water andNaruko Onsen Kyo has 9 of them. Because the color,
smell and composition of each onsen’s water are quite
different, we highly recommend comparing thedifferent onsen for fun. Late October is the best season
for the autumn leaves. About 10
minutes by car from Naruko Onsen
Station, Naruko-kyo Gorge is awell-known sightseeing spot. A
bridge over the Gorge and thevibrant warm colors of themountain scenery are sure toremain etched in your memories.

3-2-17, Fujisaki main bldg 1F, Ichibancho,
Aoba-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi(About 400m west of JR Senseki Line
Aoba-dori Station. Or about 500m westof Tohoku Honsen Line Sendai Station.)

The Fifth Tallest Bodhisattva Statue in the World
Sendai Daikannon (Bodhisattva)
The 100m tall white statue stands at the outskirts of Sendai City. You can go up to its chest by
elevator where you can enjoy the panoramic view of the city.

Finely restored legendary
castle of the Katakura Clan
Shiroishi Castle
Shiroishi Castle was the residence of the Katakura
l ords for about 260 y ears after the B attl e of
Sekigahara in 1600. In 1995 it was faithfully restored
as it was then, and is appreciated as the highest
quality of castle architecture restoration using wood.
From the topmost third floor, you’ll have a sweeping
view of Shiroishi City. There’s also a museum withJapanese armor and swords on display, and you canlearn about samurai history there.
AccessAccess1231-36, Nakayama Minami, Sanezawa, Izumi-ku, Sendai City, Miyagi (Take the bus from the No.14 bus stop at Sendai
Station. Get off at Sendai Daikannonmae. About 10 minutes by car from JR Kunimi Station on JR Senzan line.)

Fukushima

Fukushima

91, Matsushima Aza Chonai, Matsushimamachi,
Miyagigun, Miyagi (About a 20-minute walk from
JR Tohoku Line Matsushima Station or about a 5-minute
walk from JR Senseki Line Matsushimakaigan Station.)

Mt. Tokusenjo

Yamagata

Yamagata

AccessAccessJapan's Top
Azalea-Viewing Spot!
The 711m high Mt. Tokusenjo is said to be the bestplace in Japan for viewing azalea. A round trip to thesummit and back is about a one and a half to twohour leisurely hike where you can appreciate 500
thousand azaleas. They are in full bloom from mid tolate May. The scenery from the summit is a gorgeous
contrast between the mountain dyed crimson andthe blue of the Pacific Ocean.

Zuiganji Temple
Zuiganji Temple was founded in 828. It’s said that Date
Masamune had it rebuilt over five years starting in 1604 andyou can feel his aesthetic sense everywhere. The
magnificent sculptures in the main temple building weremade during the Momoyama period (16 th cent.). The mainbuilding and the temple kitchen are both must-see nationaltreasures and important cultural properties. This is Japan
Heritage site you have to see if you visit Matsushima.

Naruko Onsen, Osaki City, Miyagi（JR Naruko Onsen Station）

Akita

Akita

©zuiganji

In the spring
more than
200 Sakura(cherry trees) arein full bloom

AccessMiyagi

Miyagi

Temple Imbued with an
Inherited Aesthetic Sense

Naruko Onsen Kyo (Hot Spring Village)

Iwate

Iwate

The paintings
on the golden fusuma(sliding papered door)
are a must-see

SENDAI Tourist Information Desk (a.k.a.
i-SENDAI), located right in the heart ofdowntown Sendai, offers a number of activities
and tours for visitors interested in Japanesecultural experiences. Come to the Sake
Tasting Workshop, a bimonthly sake tasting
event held at “Sake Bar Hatago,” if you are asake lover. The bar owner, Mr. Aoya, will walk
you through six different types of seasonalsake, where you will learn about sake on a
deeper level to enjoy and appreciate sake likenever before. In the “Decorative Japanese
Dessert Making Workshop,” you can makeadorable and colorful decorative Japanese
wagashi desserts with guidance from Chika
Ogasawara. “SENDAI Cooking Meetup” is also
among the most popular activities that
i-SENDAI offers.

The Attraction ofDiverse Onsen Waters

Aomori

Aomori

i-SENDAI

Experience

1-16, Masuokacho, Shiroishi City, Miyagi (About
5 minutes by car from JR Shiroishi Zao Station,
10 minutes walk from JR Shiroishi Station)

AccessKesennuma City, Miyagi（About 30 minutes
by car from JR Kensennuma Station）
13

Cuisine

Festivals
Sanrikuseafood issplendid.

Brilliant Paper
and Bamboo
Decoration Festival

Sendai Tanabata Festival
With over two million visitors a yea,
this is one of Japan’s top festivals.
Arched green bamboo adorned withelaborate and colorful decorations line
the shopping arcade streets of Sendai
City. If you’d like to make your own
decoration, there’s a spot for making
one, so, give it a try.

Sendai Beef
Aomori

Seafood Rice Bowl
a delight for the eyes
and mouth!

Let's dance
the Suzume Odori(Sparrow dance)
together!

14

AccessSendai City and nearby shopping streets（ JR Sendai Station）

Two Days to
Enjoy Sendai’s
History and Folk
Entertainment
Sendai Aoba Festival
The origin of this traditional event is said to date backto a Sendai festival that started in 1655. On Saturday
the eve of the festival, a feeling of excitement overflows
as the Sendai Suzume Odori (Sparrow Dance) fills thestreets. At night, three yamaboko (festival floats) lit up
with paper lanterns parade and decorate Jozenji-doriAvenue beautifully. For the main festival the next day,there is a parade with warriors wearing Japanesearmor and eleven gorgeous yamaboko. It’s a perfectchance to experience Sendai’s history as a castle town
and Date-en, a reenactment of the castle town festival,
is held In Kotodai Park on both days.

Chewy andplump taste
sensation!

Oysters
Miyagi is some of the best oyster-producing regionsin Japan. The oysters are well-fed by nutrient-richwaters of both the ocean and rivers until they reachmaturity for harvesting. These oysters are rich inflavor and have a mild brininess. Try these oysters
raw, fried, Spanish style deep fried with garlic or
cooked in a Japanese style hot pot.

Held yearly from August 6 to 8

Fukushima

Fukushima

Fresh Oysters withRich Taste.

Date

Yamagata

Yamagata

Locally sourced Minamisanriku seafood is usedabundantly in this dish, and not only is it great tolook and to eat, but just as the name suggests thisfresh catch glistens magnificently. Why not try thisbeautifully presented domburi filled with seasonal
ingredients. They offer four kinds of domburi in eachseason; harutsuge-don (signs of spring) in spring,uni-don (sea urchin) in summer, akiuma-don (tasteof autumn) in autumn, and ikura-don (salmon roe) in
winter.

Akita

Akita

Kirakira Domburi(Colorful Glistening Rice Bowl)

Miyagi

MiyagiTender anddelicious!

Iwate

Iwate

If you visit Miyagi Prefecture, be sure to indulge in
Sendai Beef. Top quality Sendai beef that has
passed the strictest standard has a delicious
sweetness that seems to melt in your mouth and is aluxurious dining experience. It can be eaten grilled,in sukiyaki or in shabu-shabu hotpots. Be sure to try
one or more of the many unique shops around
Sendai City serving Sendai Beef.

Aomori©City of Sendai

Carefully
Selected Top
Quality Beef

Date
AccessHeld yearly on the 3rd Saturday (Eve of the festival) and the 3rd Sunday (Main festival) of May
Held in the Public Square in front of the Sendai City Office, Kotodai Park and Jozenji-dori Avenue
15

AkitaExperience

Huge Gathering of
more than 150 Masks ofNamahage!

Surprising
design sensein the mask

NAMAHAGE Museum

Mizukuisawa,Kitaurashinzan, Oga City, Akita (About 20 minutes by Namahage shuttle bus from JR Oga Station)

Proud to be Japan’s
Deepest Cobalt Blue Lake
Lake Tazawa

Akita Inu
Access16

Akita Inu no Sato：1-13-1 Onaricho, Odate City, Akita（A short walk from JR Odate Station）
Akita Inu Kaikan：13-1 Sannomaru Odate City, Akita（A 15 minute walk from JR Higashiodate Station）

Access

Fukushima

Fukushima

Meet theJapanese Dogof your Dreams

The Akita breed is a large dog at 61cm to 67cm
tall and weighing 35kg to 50kg that’s known forbeing loyal to its master. It was bred as ahunting dog, but nowadays many are just loved
as pets. You can learn more about this dog
breed at the ‘Akita Inu no Sato’ where there is acomprehensive display on the origins andcharacteristics of the Akita as well stories about
them with celebrities. Why not visit the ‘Akita Inu
Kaikan’ where breeding videos and breed
information documents are stored. Enjoy thecute Akita Inu.

The water of the lake is a transparent cobalt blue, andyou can see fish swimming in its beautiful transparency.
This is Japan's deepest lake being 423.4m at its
greatest depth. As the water gets deeper its surface
color changes to a vivid blue, it is a sight worth seeing.
The lake is a popular spot for viewing scenery frompleasure boats, and also for outdoor activities such as
canoeing, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding.

Yamagata

Yamagata

The
round tail iscute!

The Nyuto Onsen Village, well known throughout
Japan for its secluded hot springs in
Towada-Hachimantai National Park, is dottedwith seven onsen inns. Each of the seven onsen
has its own unique spring. There’s an inn withmilky water and a thatched roof, and modern
Japanese inns with mountain streamsiderotenburo (outdoor onsen). There’s even an
onsen with a quaint log waterfall. It has awonderful diversity in water type, inn appearance
and amenities. The Yumeguri Pass is a one-day
pass which gives purchasers' access to all seven
onsen and also includes use of a convenient
shuttle bus. Enjoy the picturesque landscape andchange of the four seasons of the beech tree
forest of the onsen's surrounding vicinity.

Akita

Akita

Nyuto Onsen (Hot Spring)

Miyagi

MiyagiSeven Hot Springs
Well Up from the
Depths at Seven Inns

Iwate

Iwate

AccessAomori

Aomori

In traditional folk events handed down on the Oga Peninsula and thesurrounding area, Namahage are deities who visit at the end of the year
to admonish laziness, and bear tidings of good health, good harvests,
and products from the mountains and oceans. The NAMAHAGE
Museum with Namahage as it’s theme introduces local history andclimate, and it displays 150 diverse actual masks made in each village.
There’s also a spot where you can wear a real Namahage costume for
a commemorative photo, and a shop where you can buy a wide variety
of gifts. Please come and experience Akita’s folk culture!

Semboku City, Akita (About 15 minutes by bus fromJR Tazawako Station, and about 40 minutes by bus
from JR Kakunodate Station)

The legend of Tatsuko
There’s a famous spot at Lake Tazawa; a golden
statue of a woman called Tatsukozo. The statue wasbuilt to commemorate the legend from long ago, whena young girl named Tatsuko who longed to be
beautiful forever, was suddenly transformed into a
dragon and thrown into the lake.

Access50, Sendatsukokuyurin, Tazawakotazawa,
Semboku City, Akita（About 40 minutesby bus from JR Tazawako Station）
17

Cuisine

Festivals

Over 10,000
Paper Lanterns
Shine in theNight Sky

Pounded Rice
Cylinders Toasted
Over an Open Hearth
Kiritampo (Rice Cylinders)

Incredibleskill

Akita Kanto Festival

Unforgettable
taste of Akita

Reputed as one of the top three chickens, the Hinai Free-range Chickens havea unique firm texture and a full bodied umami flavor. Its high rating lends to thefact that nothing is wasted from this chicken as a rich stock is made from thebones and meat, and the birds’ flavor-rich eggs are also a real treat. Yakitori(grilled chicken), Oyakodon (chicken and egg rice bowl) and hot pots madewith Hinai Chicken have an unforgettable taste.

The particular raising method.
Different from a broiler chicken, they are raised as free-range chickens. Eachchicken having about 3.3 to 5 square meters is the standard. Only females are
selected and are carefully raised for a long period of about six months.
18

Enjoy Sakura blossoms ina Castle Town, Kakunodate
Kakunodate Sakura(Cherry Trees) Festival

Fireworks Display Where
Pyro-technicians Compete

Kakunodate still has vestiges of an early Edo period
castle town. Even now Shidarezakura (weepingc herry ) bl oom on the s treet w here s amurai
residences still remain, and a road lined of the
Hinokinai River side with the beautiful pink
Someyoshino Sakura awaits you. It’s even more
fantastic lit up at night.

Fukushima

Fukushima

Hinai Chickens

Kanto Odori, Akita Ctiy, Akita (About a 15 - minute walk from JR Akita Station)

Yamagata

Yamagata

Unique Texture Captivates Chicken Lovers

Held yearly from August 3 to 6 Access

Akita

Akita

UniqueFull-bodied
Noodles Only
Found in Akita

Date

Miyagi

Miyagi

Inaniwa Udon is dried udon noodles madeby skilled artisans. They are thick bodied,and have a smooth feel on the tongue. In
the strainer, the noodles have a shiny luster
and an elasticity that slides smoothly down
your throat. Making them takes three to fourdays and a lot of effort. These noodles arevaluable as they are not mass produced sothey are popular as a special gift.

Akita Kanto Festival – an event where locals pray forbountiful harvests while giant lantern structures,
called kanto, sway in the summer night sky. This
festival is one of the great summer festivals in
Tohoku, and is a National Important Intangible Folk
Cultural Property with a history spanning about 270
years. The skill of raising and manipulating the large
kanto requires a good sense of balance. This
traditional technique has been passed down forgenerations.

Iwate

Iwate

Inaniwa Udon

Aomori

Aomori

Kiritampo Nabe is Akita's most recognizable dish. ‘Tampo’refers to cooked rice wrapped on a skewer which is thenbaked. Long and narrow in shape, this spear-like cylinder
can be cut in half or into thirds which is how it earned thename ‘Kiri (cut) tampo.’ Chicken, burdock, mushrooms, andother ingredients are cooked together in a soy sauce broth,creating a simple but delicious hot pot dish which iswell-loved in Akita. Be sure to try Akita's taste of home.

Omagari Hanabi National Fireworks
Competition
With a proud history of over 100 years, this is one ofJapan’s top fireworks displays. Its power, history andtradition draws over 700 thousand spectators yearly.
Thematically original and very creative fireworks arefreely combined as 18 thousand bursts of artistic light
fill the night sky. The show also takes place in spring,
fall and winter.
Date
AccessHeld yearly on last Saturday in August (The Others
are on early May, mid-October, late March)
Daisen City, Akita (About a 25 minute walk from
JR Omagari Station)

AccessKakunodatemachi, Semboku City, Akita
About a 20 minute walk from JR Kakunodate Station
19

YamagataThis Entire Mountainis a Power Spot

A Hot Spring Resort with
560 years of History
Kaminoyama Onsen (Hot Spring)

The Hoshusan Risshaku-ji Temple, commonly called
Yamadera, was built in 860 AD. It has vast temple
grounds of 1.9M square meters, and in it more than 30
large and small temple buildings remain. Especially
famous are the 1015 stone steps to the summit. Alongthe one hour walk from the trailhead to the Great Buddha
Hall inner sanctuary can be found the Godaido hall, thebest scenic spot of Yamadera, offering a splendid view ofthe surrounding rural landscape. Yamadera is a popular
praying destination that has many attractions.

AccessAccessAccess20

Tsuruoka City, Yamagata (Mt. Haguro: About 55
minutes by bus from JR Tsuruoka Station,
Mt. Gassan: About 2 hours and 5 minutes by bus
from JR Tsuruoka Station［The bus only runs
during summer］, Mt. Yudono: About 50 minutes
by car from JR Tsuruoka Station)

Uesugi-jinja Shrine was built on the site of Yonezawa
Castle to enshrine Uesugi Kenshin, the bravest
warrior in the Sengoku period, who is also known as“God of War”.The most part of the shrine wasdestroyed by the Great Fire of Yonezawa during the
Taisho period, but it rebuilt a few years later.The
shrine was designed by Ito Chuta, the pioneer ofshrine architecture from Yonezawa City.There is
Keishoden, the treasure house with a large collectionof Important Cultural Properties related to the Uesugiclan, in the precincts, and Yonezawa City Uesugi
Museum is also located near the house.

Yozotoge (Yozo Pass)

Jelly fishwith anartistic form

Recognized in Guinness
World Records! Aquarium with
the Most Kinds of Jellyfish

Yozotoge is a 685m high pass that connects
Sakegawa Village and Sakata City. Walking along
the path nearby the river, you’ll see four waterfalls
discovered in 1993. Every June, there are many
people who participate in the nature tour such as
viewing beautiful beech trees and varied aspects ofwaterfalls.

Fukushima

Fukushima

Dewa Sanzan consists ofthree mountains: Mt.
Haguro, Mt. Gassan, and
Mt. Yudono. They’ve been
loved since ancient times
as sacred mountains. The
trip is said to be a rebirthjourney with Mt. Haguro
representing your present
life, Mt. Gassan your pastlife and Mt. Yudono yourfuture life.

Four Dramatic Waterfalls

Uesugi Shrine

Yamagata

Yamagata

Dewa Sanzan(Three Mountains of Dewa)

Feel the Culture of
The Uesugi Warrior Clan

Kamiyama City, Yamagata (About 5 minutes
by car from Kaminoyama Onsen Station, About 5
minutes by car from Tohoku-Chuo Expressway
Kaminoyama Onsen Interchange)

Akita

Akita

Reset Your Body
and Mind at theseThree Mountains

Zao Onsen Yamagata City, Yamagata (About 40
minutes by bus from JR Yamagata Station)

Miyagi

Miyagi4456-1, Yamadera, Yamagata City, Yamagata (A 5-minute walk from JR Yamadera station to the temple entrance)

Iwate

Iwate

Zao Onsen thrives as a resort area where people
can enjoy hot springs, ski and snow monsters. The
abundant hot spring water comes from a strong
acidic sulfur spring that is said to be highly effective
for beautiful skin and health. The hot spring can beenjoyed casually at one of the three public baths as
the entrance to each (Kamiyu, Shimoyu andKawarayu) is just 200 yen. They are close to eachother so we recommend trying them all.

Enjoy Hot Springs,
Skiing and Snow Monsters

Aomori

AomoriZao Onsen

Kaminoyama’s onsen (natural hot spring) baths
are scattered throughout the six districts of thecity. You can enjoy a unique onsen tour of the fiveopen-air baths. We also recommend visiting thefootbaths scattered around town while strollingthrough the historic castle area in your yukata(casual kimono). The rotenburo (outdoor baths) at
the traditional ryokan (Japanese inns) havebeautiful views of the majestic Zao mountain
range, and you can also use a free shuttle bus toenjoy the nature environment of Zao.

1,015 steps
to the top

Yamadera Risshaku-ji Temple

AccessExperience

Kamo Aquarium
Kamo Aquarium’s nickname is Jellyfish Dream
House. There are over 60 types of jellyfish, and it
was recognized in Guinness World Records forhaving the most kinds of them in 2012.The rounded
water tank holding 40 tons of water with about 2,000
Aurelia jellyfish swimming in it is a must-see
attraction. Jellyfish goods and jellyfish ice cream
sold only here are pretty popular.
Access1-4-13 Marunouchi, Yonezawa-shi, Yamagata(Take a bus from JR Yonezawa Sta. and get off
at Uesugi Jinja-mae Bus Stop)

Access657-1, Imaizumiokubo, Tsuruoka City, Yamagata(About 35 minutes by bus from JR Tsuruoka Station)

Access

Oashizawa, Sakegawa Village, Yamagata(About 1 hour by car from JR Shinjo Station)
21

Cuisine

Festivals

Beautiful Art Createdby Nature

Luxurious
Yamagata
diningSnow Monsters and Illumination

AccessThis is a summer festival that shows off Yamagata City.
Accompanying the call of “yassho makasho” and soundof drums, over 10,000 performers parade and dance tothe Hanagasa-ondo song. The dynamic scene of thedancers wearing elegant kimono and holding kasa hatswith safflower decorations dancing in unison helps you
to discover Japanese traditions. It’s a splendid festivalthat colors the Yamagata midsummer night.

Yamagata

Yamagata

It's said that four-legged animals were not eaten in Yonezawa at
the start of the Meiji period, but after British teacher Charles Henry
Dallas ate some of the Wagyu beef, its use as a food source began.
Surprised by how tasty it was, Mr. Dallas took a cow back to Yokohama
with him and from there its consumption spread throughout Japan.

Yamagata Hanagasa Festival

Akita

Akita

The Tradition of Yonezawa
Beef was Started by aTeacher from England.

A Fascinatingand Dynamic
Dance

Miyagi

MiyagiYonezawa Beef

One of Japan's most famous wagyu (Japanese beef)
is Yonezawa Beef. Used in Yamagata's premium
dining, this fully marbled meat not only has a delicious
taste but also melts in your mouth, and there aremany famous restaurants in Yonezawa City which
serve this beef. Its deliciousness can be savored inmany ways including grilled as steak, cooked inshabu-shabu hotpot and in various other meat dishes.

Iwate

Iwate

High Quality Beef Raisedin the Climate and Natural
Features of Yamagata

ZAO Ropeway Jizosancho Station and aroundthe Sancho Line (About 40 minutes by bus from
JR Yamagata Station to Zao Onsen Bus
Terminal, then a 10 minute walk to the Zao
Ropeway Sanroku Station)

Aomori

AomoriThe world-famous snow monsters, known as juhyo,
are soft rime covered trees, a beautiful work of art only
on display in winter. If you take the ropeway from the
Zao Onsen resort in the afternoon you can observe thesnow monster forest below, and if you ski or
snowboard, you can enjoy sliding nearby and see themup close. The snow monsters are also illuminated onsome nights to create an absolutely fantastic scenery.

Fukushima

Fukushima

Three Famous Fruitsof Yamagata
Cherries, La France Pears
and Grapes
Yamagata Prefecture grows about 70% of Japan’scherries. The harvest season is from April to Julyand in there are many orchards in the prefecture to
try cherry picking and eat them off the trees.
Yamagata also has about 80% share of La France
pear production. The harvest season is from October
to January and their sophisticated sweetness andjuicy tenderness makes them popular as a gift.
Grapes cultivation in Yamagata dates back about
400 years with fairly abundant varieties such as
Kyoho, Takao and Pione. Fresh and tasty fruits canbe had throughout the year in Yamagata.

22

Yassho,MakashoDate
AccessHeld yearly from August 5 to 7
Tokamachi, Honcho, Nanokamachi-odori ~ Bunshokan, Yamagata City, Yamagata (About a 15-minute walk from
JR Yamagata Station East Exit)
23

Fukushima

Theme Park withSix Giant Onsen
Spa Resort Hawaiians

Held from mid-October to mid-November
1-1, Otemachi Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima（ About 10 minutes by bus from JR Aizuwakamatsu Station）

Iizaka Onsen (Hot Spring), Takayu Onsen and Tsuchiyu Onsen
At the long established Iizaka Onsen that sits alongside the Surikamikawa River,there are several Ryokan (Japanese style inns). There are nine public baths which
you can visit casually, so try as many as you like. Many people visit Takayu Onsen
for its water quality and skin beautifying properties held by this milky sulfur springwater. At Tsuchiyu Onsen which sits alongside a mountain stream, you can enjoy abountiful flow of water and 13 different water types. As each onsen area has been
noted for their recuperative value from long ago, there are many people who stay atthem for long periods. Relieve tiredness from traveling while taking in Japan's
beautiful natural scenery.
Iizaka Onsen: Yuzawa, Iizaka-cho, Fukushima City, Fukushima（From JR Fukushima Station transfer to the Fukushima
Kotsu Iizaka Line and after about 25 minutes get off at Iizaka Onsen）
Takayu Onsen: Niwazaka, Fukushima City, Fukushima（About 30 minutes by car from JR Fukushima Station）
Tsuchiyu Onsen: Tsuchiyu Onsen-cho, Fukushima City, Fukushima（About 40 minutes by car from JR Fukushima Station）

Chaotic History Calmly
Relayed by a Castle

Referred to as the Windy Plateau, this highland ishome to 33 power-generating wind turbines, each
100m tall, lined up like giants, tuning slowly as they
intake the gales provided by mother nature. It’s apopular spot with a sweeping view of Mt. Bandai and
Lake Inawashiro. There’s an observation platform
and a walking course, and rapeseed flowers in thespring, sunflowers in the summer and cosmos in thefall are in full bloom.

Fukushima

Fukushima

Take a Dip in Alleviating Waters
at Three Famous and Unique Onsen

Access

Koriyama Nunobiki Kaze no Kogen(Kaze no Highland)

Yamagata

Yamagata

Date

A Blustery
Plateau Brimmingwith Greenery

Akita

Akita

Tsuruga-jo Castle (Crimson Leaves Illumination)

Sakuracherry trees
in spring andcrimson leaves
in the fall

Miyagi

MiyagiThoughts of a Famous
Castle and Crimson Leaves
on an Autumn Evening

Tsuruga-jo Castle Park is illuminated forthe autumn leaves beginning from
mid-October until early November.
Brightly colored autumn leaves seem
more vivid thanks to the special lightingused to illuminate the park. Besides thecrimson leaves and stone walls, othersites of interest are illuminated under the
starry night sky. Daytime Tsuruga-jo
Castle is well worth seeing too.

50, Warabidaira, Fujiwaramachi, Joban, Iwaki- City, Fukushima（About 15 minutes by free shuttle bus or 10 minutes by car from JR Yumoto Station）

Iwate

Iwate

AccessAomori

AomoriSpa Resort Hawaiians is a popular themepark, where you can enjoy various
onsen. There’s a gigantic onsen poolwhere you feel as if you’re in a tropicalcountry. There’s the world’s biggest
rotemburo (outdoor bath) t hat’ s l i k e
travelling back to ancient Japan. And, awaterslide that’s 283m long with a 40.5m
drop. These are some of the many things
you can only enjoy at this onsen.

Access24

Experience

Komine Castle
Komine Castle is a renowned castle that was largely
rebuilt by Niwa Nagashige in 1632, during the early
Edo period. The beautiful stone-walled and graceful
Sanjyuyagura castle was largely burned down during
the Boshin War (1868 to 1869). But, it was faithfully
restored using wood in the Heisei era (1989 to 2019)
based on excavation, research and Edo period
drawings. It’s also been selected as one of Japan's
Top 100 Castles.
AccessKakunai, Shirakawa City, Fukushima（About a 5 minute walk from JR Shirakawa Station）

AccessAkatsubatouhara, Konanmachi, Koriyama City,
Fukushima（Tohoku Expressway：70 minutes
by car from Koriyama South Interchange,
Banetsu Expressway：60 minutes by car from
Bandai Atami Interchange）
25

Cuisine

Festivals
Handkneadednoodles

Enjoy Picking
Peaches in a
Vast Pink
Peach Orchard

Japan’s Biggest
12m Long Straw
SandalWaraji Festival
Waraji are traditional Japanese footwear. In
this festival a 12m long giant waraji iscarried to Haguro Shrine and dedicated in a
ceremony held from long ago. The festival
is over three days, and there’s a gorgeous
dance, Waraji Odori, accompanied by adrum corps and many other events.

Fukushima is a famous peach production region
where many delicious fruits are harvested. Its
peaches in particular, are juicy and firm and haveoutstanding sweetness. In the west part of
Fukushima City, there’s National Route 13 called thePeach Line which has many orchards where you canenjoy picking peaches. Harvest season is from
July to September.

Iwate

Iwate

Miyagi

Miyagi

Akita

Akita

A Place where
Specialty Ramen
Shops Compete
Fiercely

Aomori

AomoriPeachesShirakawa Ramen

20 to 30 Gyoza
on One Plate

Held in early August

AccessRoute 13, Nobuo Street (About a 5 minute walk from JR Fukushima Station)

Why don't you
go to thefamousSakura site?

Tsuruga-jo Castle Sakura (Cherry Tree) Festival
The Tsuruga-jo Castle festival is held from early April to early
May when the Sakura bloom. Enjoy the fantastic beauty of
1,000 Sakura trees in full bloom in the night sky at the‘Tsuruga-jo Castle Park Illumination’ and many other eventsat the Tsuruga-jo Castle festival. Here you can experience
the distinctive Japanese spring scenery of beautiful Sakura
and lofty white Tsuruga-jo Castle.

Disk Gyoza Dumplings
These popular disk-shaped gyoza are friedin a pan then moved in one piece onto aplate. The crisp yet soft exterior combinedwith the juicy meat and hearty cabbage
fillings' flavor spreads out in your mouth, anirresistible taste you'll want to savor. Eatthem while still hot with the special secretsauce of each shop.
26

Celebrating Springwith Various Events
at Tsuruga-jo Castle

Fukushima

Fukushima

Why not
try somewith beer?

Date

Yamagata

Yamagata

The chewy hand-made noodles tangle in a robust
soup for a superb flavor in Shirakawa Ramen. There
are many shops in Shirakawa City, and each shop
owner is constantly pursuing a unique tastiness,
which builds Shirakawa City’s ramen culture.

Date
AccessHeld from early April to Early May
1-1, Otemachi, Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima（ 10 minutes by bus from JR Aizuwakamatsu Station）
27

Tourist
Information
Center

The 42 Tourist information
centers in the Tohoku region
are all connected with an
online video chat service. We
provide information to you inreal time.

Explanatory Notes

Service&Facilities: Phone: Languages

Category 1:［ Cat 1 ］

Category 2:［ Cat 2 ］

Category 3:［ Cat 3 ］: URL: Wi-Fi Available for free

Coverage area: Within the city / prefecture
Language: No full-time staff with foreign language
skills on duty, but ser vice is available withminimal English, and other languages may
sometimes be available.

Coverage area: Neighboring
prefectures
Language: English-speaking
staff are on duty full-timeCoverage area: All over Japan
Language: Service is available in
English and 2 other languages, fulltime.

: Hours of Operation

8 Mutsu

Shimokita Tourist Information Center
0175-34-9095
https://gururin-shimokita.com/

AomoriIwate

9:00-19:00
English9 Morioka
2 Aomori

Aomori Prefecture Tourist Information Center
017-734-2500
https://www.en-aomori.com/

Hokkaido［ Cat 2 ］

9:00-19:00 (Apr.-Oct.)
9:00-18:00 (Nov.-Mar.)English, Chinese, Korean

017-723-4670
https://global.atca.info/

Mutsu 8

Airport0198-31-2244
https://www.kankohanamaki.ne.jp/en/
9:00-18:00 (Apr.-Sep.)
9:00-17:30 (Oct.-Mar.)EnglishAomori 4
Hirosaki 5［ Cat 1 ］

AomoriTowada 7

Hachinohe 6

TohokuShinkansen［ Cat 2 ］

0178-27-4243
https://visithachinohe.com/en/［ Cat 2 ］

9:00-19:00 (9:00-17:00 on
30 Dec., 1 Jan. and 2 Jan.)
English, Chinese(Not always)

Lake Towada Tourist Information Center

English, Chinese, Korean
28

AccessKamaishi 14

INFORMATION DESK

0191-23-2350
https://www.ichitabi.jp/
index.php
9:00-17:00

Hiraizumi 15
Ichinoseki 13

Fantastic
beautyAbout 10 minutes by car from JR Hakodate Station［ Cat 2 ］

English, Chinese© City of
Hakodate

0176-75-1531
https://www.towada.travel/
en/index
9:00-17:00

It is a 3 minute ride to the top of themountain by ropeway. The night view
lights from the top of the 334m highMt. Hakodate make the landscapeappear as if beautiful jewels.

11 Hanamaki

13 Ichinoseki Ichinoseki Tourist Information Center

Japan’s Most Famous Night View
Mt. Hakodate

IWATE HANAMAKI

12 AIRPORTEnglish［ Cat 2 ］

9:00-19:00 (Apr.-Oct.)
9:00-17:00 (Nov.-Mar.)English, Korean

6 Hachinohe Hachinohe General Tour Information Plaza

Miyako 10［ Cat 1 ］

0198-26-5011
https://www.hna-terminal.
co.jp/en/
8:00-19:00

Hakodate Tourist Information Center
0138-23-5440
https://www.hakodate.travel/en/

English

7 Towada

AirportHokkaido
1 Hakodate

Morioka

9

12 Hanamaki Iwate Hanamaki Airport

Hirosaki Tourist Information Center
0172-26-3600
http://www.hirosaki-kanko.or.jp/en/
8:45-18:00

Iwate

11 Hanamaki Hanamaki Tourist Information Center

Aomori 2 3

8:30-20:30
English, Chinese, Korean

5 Hirosaki［ Cat 2 ］

9:00-18:00
English, Italian

Aomori Airport Information Center
017-739-2007https://www.aomori-airport.
co.jp/en/TohokuShinkansen

Miyako Tourist Information Center
0193-62-3534
http://www.kankou385.jp/［ Cat 2 ］

8:30-19:00 (8:30-17:00
on 31 Dec., 1 Jan.)
English4 Aomori［ Cat 2 ］

9:00-17:30
EnglishHokkaido
Shinkansen

Aomori City Tourist Information Center

Regional Tourist Information Center

019-625-2090
http://www.odette.or.jp/

1 Hakodate

10 Miyako
3 Aomori

Iwate/Morioka

14 Kamaishi

Kamaishi tourist information center
0193-22-5835
http://kamaishi-kankou.
sakura.ne.jp/wp/
9:00-18:00
English15 Hiraizumi Hiraizumi Tourist Information
0191-46-2110
http://hiraizumi.or.jp/en/［ Cat 2 ］

8:30-17:00
English, Chinese29Explanatory Notes: PhoneMiyagi16 Sendai

22 Matsushima Matsushima Information Center

Sendai Tourist Information Center［ Cat 2 ］

25 Odate［ Cat 1 ］

9:00-17:00
English0184-56-2236
http://www.obako5.com/［ Cat 2 ］

Kesennuma

9:00-12:00, 13:00-17:00

19
27

osaki

21

8:30-17:00
EnglishMiyagi23

27 OgaOga Station Tourist Information Center
0185-24-2100
https://oganavi.com/

Minamisanriku

oga［ Cat 1 ］

22 Matsushima

Shiroishi

20

9:00-17:30
EnglishFurukawa Station Tourist Information
0229-24-0062
https://www.mo-kankoukousya.
or.jp/publics/index/295/?1566538650
9:00-17:00
English30

18 Sendai Airport［ Cat 1 ］

TohokuShinkansen

Semboku

30

24 Akita
29

Akita
Shinkansen
Daisen 28

28 Daisen［ Cat 1 ］

Akita

9:00-17:00
EnglishSendai 17 16

21 Osaki

25 Odate

26 Yurihonjo Akita Yashima , Chokai Tourist Information Center

0226-22-4669
https://kesennuma-kanko.jp/0224-26-2042
http://shiroishi.ne.jp/［ Cat 2 ］

English19 Kesennuma Kesennuma Station tourist center

Shiroishi Tourist Information Center

Tazawako Tourist Information Center

Odate City Tourist Information Center
0186-57-8120
http://www.dodasuka.com/

0226-25-8903
https://www.m-kankou.jp/
english/9:00-17:00

TOHOKU TOURIST INFOMATION
022-383-6741
https://www.tourist-informationcenter.jp/tohoku/sendai/en/
9:00-20:00
English, Chinese, Korean

20 Shiroishi: Wi-Fi Available for free

0187-43-2111
https://tazawako-kakunodate.com/
8:30-17:15
English, Korean［ Cat 2 ］

9:00-19:00 (Apr.-Oct.)
9:00-18:00 (Nov.-Mar.)English23 Minamisanriku Minamisanriku Tourist Information［ Cat 2 ］

30 Semboku

Akita City Tourist Information Center
018-832-7941
https://www.akita-yulala.jp/en/

English, Chinese, Korean

10:00-19:30*Subject to change
English, Chinese, Korean

Airport24 Akita

022-354-2618
https://www.matsushimakanko.com
8:30-17:00(8:30-16:30 Dec.-Mar.)［ Cat 2 ］

SENDAI Tourist Information Desk
080-2815-8321
https://i-sendai.jp/

18 Sendai: Languages: Hours of Operation

Akita
022-222-4069
https://www.sentia-sendai.jp/
english-guide/
8:30-19:00(9:00-17:00 31 Dec. - 3 Jan.)
English17 Sendai: URL

Daisen Tourist Information Center-Grand Port
0187-86-0888
http://daisenkankou.com/［ Cat 1 ］

26 Yurihonjo

9:00-18:00
English29 Semboku Kakunodate Tourist Information Center
0187-54-2700
https://tazawako-kakunodate.com/
9:00-18:00 (Apr.-Sep.)
9:00-17:30 (Oct.-Mar.)［ Cat 1 ］

Yamagata
Shinkansen

English31

Explanatory Notes: Phone: URL

Yamagata

Fukushima

31 Yamagata Yamagata City Tourist Information Center

37 Fukushima Fukushima City Tourist Information Center

023-647-2266
http://www.kankou.yamagata.
yamagata.jp/db/

0246-23-0122
http://kankou-iwaki.or.jp/

34

Tourist Information［ Cat 2 ］

Tourist Information Center

Tourist Information Center

Tsuruoka

Yamagata

42 Shirakawa ShinShirakawa Wide Area

39 Aizuwakamatsu Aizuwakamatsu Station

Yamagata
Shinkansen

0242-32-0688
https://aizuwakamatsu.
mylocal.jp/trip/en/
9:00-17:30
English［ Cat 1 ］

10:00-18:00

9:00-18:00
Korean, English

Shinjo 35［ Cat 2 ］

Iwaki City Tourist Information Center

024-542-4241
http://iizaka.info/［ Cat 2 ］

33 Yonezawa Michi-no-Eki Yonezawa
0238-40-8400
http://yamagatakanko.com.
e.db.hp.transer.com/
9:00-18:00
English, Chinese

https://www.kanko-koriyama.
gr.jp/
9:00-17:30
English, Chinese(Not always)

41 Iwaki

38 Fukushima Iizaka Tourist Information Center

32 Yonezawa Okitama Tourist Information Center
0238-24-2965
http://yamagatakanko.com.
e.db.hp.transer.com/
8:00-18:00
English024-924-0012［ Cat 2 ］

9:00-18:00
English, German, Spanish

9:00-17:30
English: Wi-Fi Available for free

40 Koriyama Koriyama Tourist Information Center(JR Fukushima Sta,West Exit)

024-531-6428
https://www.f-kankou.jp/en/［ Cat 2 ］

: Languages: Hours of Operation

0248-27-2287
http://shirakawa315.com/
eng/index.html
9:00-17:00 (Nov.-Feb.)
9:00-18:00 (Mar.-Oct.)English［ Cat 2 ］

［ Cat 1 ］

31 Yamagata
34 Tsuruoka

Tsuruoka Tourist Information Center
0235-25-7678［ Cat 2 ］

Kaminoyama 36
Fukushima 38

https://www.tsuruokacity.com/

37

9:00-17:30
EnglishFukushima

33 Michi-no-Eki
Yonezawa 32

Yonezawa

Aizuwakamatsu

39
35 Shinjo

Mogami Information Center
0233-28-8881
http://www.ecopolis.or.jp/
index.html［ Cat 1 ］

TohokuShinkansen

9:00-18:00
English023-672-5703
http://kaminoyama-spa.com/
9:00-19:00

Fukushima

40

Shirakawa 42

TohokuShinkansen

36 Kaminoyama Kaminoyama Onsen
Tourist Information Center

Koriyama

Iwaki 41

［ Cat 1 ］

English32

33

Railway* From Tokyo Station to Sendai Station, the Tohoku Shinkansen operates at a rate of
80 trains per day on weekdays, and about 90 trains per day on weekends and on public holidays.

ROUND TRIP TO TOHOKU
http://tohokuregion.jp/

Tohoku region offers breathtaking beauty
at all seasons. Find your own special
destination here.

42

40

39

Banetsu West Line
[About 1hr 10min]

Aizuwakamatsu

37 Yamagata Shinkansen 32 33[About 35min]

Yonezawa

20

Kaminoyamaonsen

Senzan Line
[About 1hr 20min]

16

Shiroishi

TohokuMain Line[About30min]

36

Yamagata Shinkansen[About 30min]

13 Tohoku Main Line
[About 8min]

Tohoku 17
Main Line[About50min]

21

Yamagata
Shinkansen[About 10min]

15
Hiraizumi

11

Rikuu
West Line[About 45min]

Uetsu
Line
[About 20min]

Amarume34
Tsuruoka
Yuri Kogen Railway[About 40min]

12
Hanamaki Airport

Ugo-Honjo

Tazawako

6

Akita
Shinkansen[About15min]

TohokuShinkansen
About
12min]

29
Kakunodate

28
Omagari

Akita
Shinkansen[About30min]24
Akita

Oga Line[About56min]

Hakodate
Liner[About15-20min]

Hokkaido
Shinkansen[About 57min]

Ou Line[About40min]

Ou Line[About5min]

5Hirosaki

2

3

Aomori

Aomori
AirportLimousine

Ou Line[About45min]

AomoriRailway[About45min]

25
Odate

27
Oga

1

NohejiOminato Line
[About 1hr]

4Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto

Shin-Aomori

Towada Art Center

7

Akita
Shinkansen[About10min]

TohokuShinkansen[About16min]

Towada Kanko
Dentetsu (BUS)[About 35min]

MiyakoKamaishiLine[About1hr 50min]

Yamada Line
[About 2hr]

Yashima

Hakodate

TohokuShinkansen[About30min]

30

Hachinohe

14

Akita
Shinkansen[About35min]

26

Uetsu Line
[About 40min]

Shichinohe-Towada

TohokuShinkansen[About15min]

Morioka

23

Sendai-kesennuma Line (BUS)[About 1hr 39min]

8

Shimokita

Aomori Airport
JR BUSTOHOKU (BUS)[About 95min]

Towadako

Shin-Aomori Tohoku Shinkansen [About 3hr]
Tokyo

34

Ofunato Line
[About 1hr 20min]

Morioka Tohoku Shinkansen [About 2hr 20min]
Tokyo

Shinjo10

Sendai Tohoku Shinkansen [About 1hr 30min]
Tokyo

Tohoku Main Line
[About 50min]

Kamaishi

Iwaki

Tokyo

19

Minamisanriku

Joban Line [About 2hr]

Shin-Hanamaki

Joban Line [About 2hr 20min]

Matsushimakaigan

41

22
Senseki Line
[About 40min]

Iizakaonsen

Iizaka Line
[About 25min]38

TohokuShinkansen[About30min]

Kesennuma

Sendai Airport

Banetsu East Line
[About 1hr 30min]

Sendai Airport
Access Line
[About 25min,
17min onexpress train]

TohokuShinkansen[About18min]

Ichinoseki

18

TohokuShinkansen[About12min]

Furukawa

TohokuShinkansen[About 20min]

SendaiTohokuShinkansen[About15min]

Fukushima

Koriyama

Shinshirakawa

Tokyo

TohokuShinkansen[About15min]

Yamagata

35

Iwateken kotsu Hanamaki Airport Line (BUS)[About 45min]

9

TohokuShinkansen[About1hr 25min]

Yamagata
Shinkansen[About 45min]31

Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Tohoku-Hokkaido Shinkansen [About 3hr 58min]35