Tohoku

The samurai residences of Kakunodate, Akita Prefecture, are buried under snow in winter. Walking through this quiet, white world, you will feel as if you have been transported back to the time of the samurai. Here, I would like to introduce Kakunodate in winter. Photos of Kakunodate in winter Kakunodate in winter, Akita Prefecture = Shutterstock   Kakunodate in winter, Akita Prefecture = Shutterstock   Kakunodate in winter, Akita Prefecture = AdobeStock   Kakunodate in winter, Akita Prefecture = AdobeStock   Kakunodate in winter, Akita Prefecture = Shutterstock   Kakunodate in winter, Akita Prefecture = Shutterstock   Kakunodate in winter, Akita Prefecture = Shutterstock   Kakunodate in winter, Akita Prefecture = Shutterstock   Kakunodate in winter, Akita Prefecture = Shutterstock     Map of Kakunodate     I appreciate you reading to the end.   Back to "Best of Akita"    

In Kakunodate, Akita Prefecture, there are some very fine samurai residences that still remain. Especially in autumn, you can enjoy the amazing autumn colors in these samurai residences. In this page, I am going to introduce Kakunodate in autumn. Photos of Kakunodate in autumn Kakunodate in autumn, Akita Pfrefecture = Shutterstock   Kakunodate in autumn, Akita Pfrefecture = Shutterstock   Kakunodate in autumn, Akita Pfrefecture = Shutterstock   Kakunodate in autumn, Akita Pfrefecture = Shutterstock   Kakunodate in autumn, Akita Pfrefecture = Shutterstock   Kakunodate in autumn, Akita Pfrefecture = Shutterstock   Kakunodate in autumn, Akita Pfrefecture = Shutterstock   Kakunodate in autumn, Akita Pfrefecture = Shutterstock   Kakunodate in autumn, Akita Pfrefecture = Shutterstock     Map of Kakunodate     I appreciate you reading to the end.   Back to "Best of Akita"    

In Kakunodate, Akita Prefecture, there are some very fine samurai residences that still remain. The scenery of these samurai residences changes beautifully as the seasons change. In this page, I would like to introduce the scenery of spring and summer. Photos of Kakunodate in spring and summer Kakunodate in spring and summer = Shutterstock   Kakunodate in spring and summer = Shutterstock   Kakunodate in spring and summer = Shutterstock   Kakunodate in spring and summer = Shutterstock   Kakunodate in spring and summer = Shutterstock   Kakunodate in spring and summer = Shutterstock   Kakunodate in spring and summer = AdobeStock   Kakunodate in spring and summer = Shutterstock   Kakunodate in spring and summer = Shutterstock     Map of Kakunodate     I appreciate you reading to the end.   Back to "Best of Akita"    

If you want to admire the cherry blossoms to your heart's content in a Japanese castle, I recommend Hirosaki Castle in Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture. This castle is not very big. If you only want to visit the castle, I'd recommend Himeji Castle or Matsumoto Castle. However, on a mild spring day, seeing the incredible number of cherry blossom petals falling on Hirosaki Castle will be one of the best memories you will ever have. Hirosaki Castle is covered in snow in the winter. It's another great time of year to visit! Photos of Hirosaki Castle in Aomori Prefecture Hirosaki Castle in Aomori Prefecture = Shutterstock   Hirosaki Castle in Aomori Prefecture = Shutterstock   Hirosaki Castle in Aomori Prefecture = AdobeStock   Hirosaki Castle in Aomori Prefecture = Shutterstock   Hirosaki Castle in Aomori Prefecture = Shutterstock   Hirosaki Castle in Aomori Prefecture = Shutterstock   Hirosaki Castle in Aomori Prefecture   Hirosaki Castle in Aomori Prefecture = Shutterstock   Hirosaki Castle in Aomori Prefecture = Shutterstock     Map of Hirosaki Castle in Aomori Prefecture     I appreciate you reading to the end.   Back to "Best of Aomori"    

If someone asks me which is the most beautiful mountain stream in Japan, I would probably mention Oirase Stream in Aomori Prefecture in the northern part of Honshu. Oirase Stream is a mountain stream flowing out of Lake Towada. Along this stream, there is a walking path about 14 kilometers. When you are strolling here, you will surely be amazed by the beautiful clear stream and the surrounding scenery. The world of Oirase Stream changes very beautifully with the changing seasons of spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Photos of Oirase Stream in Aomori Prefecture Oirase Stream in Aomori Prefecture   Oirase Stream in Aomori Prefecture   Oirase Stream in Aomori Prefecture   Oirase Stream in Aomori Prefecture   Oirase Stream in Aomori Prefecture   Oirase Stream in Aomori Prefecture   Oirase Stream in Aomori Prefecture   Oirase Stream in Aomori Prefecture   Oirase Stream in Aomori Prefecture     Map of Oirase Stream in Aomori Prefecture     I appreciate you reading to the end.   Back to "Best of Aomori"    

If you're looking for a quieter way to enjoy an onsen, I would first recommend Nyuto Onsen in Akita Prefecture. Among Nyuto Onsen, the Tsurunoyu on this page is especially highly rated by tourists from abroad. Tsurunoyu is an onsen that was used by feudal lords of the Akita clan in the Edo period. The buildings where the samurai of that era stayed are still standing and you can stay there. In winter, you can also enjoy wonderful snowy scenery! Photos of the Nyuto Onsen in Akita Prefecture Nyuto Onsen covered with snow in winter, Akita Prefecture = Shutterstock   Nyuto Onsen covered with snow in winter, Akita Prefecture = Shutterstock   Nyuto Onsen covered with snow in winter, Akita Prefecture = Shutterstock   Nyuto Onsen covered with snow in winter, Akita Prefecture = Pixta   Nyuto Onsen covered with snow in winter, Akita Prefecture = Shutterstock   Nyuto Onsen covered with snow in winter, Akita Prefecture = Pixta   Nyuto Onsen covered with snow in winter, Akita Prefecture = Shutterstock   Nyuto Onsen covered with snow in winter, Akita Prefecture = Shutterstock   Nyuto Onsen covered with snow in winter, Akita Prefecture = Shutterstock     Map of the Nyuto Onsen in Akita Prefecture   I appreciate you reading to the end.   Back to "Best of Akita"    

If you travel somewhere in the Tohoku region of Japan, I recommend taking a cruise on the Mogami River. The famous poet, Basho MATSUO (1644–1694) left the following haiku (Japanese seventeen-syllable poem): Gathering seawards The summer rains, how swiftly flows Mogami River. (Translated by Donald Keene) Why do not you feel the world of Japanese haiku at Mogami River? Photos of the Mogami River Mogami River in Yamagata Prefecture   Mogami River in Yamagata Prefecture   Mogami River in Yamagata Prefecture   Mogami River in Yamagata Prefecture = Pixta   Mogami River in Yamagata Prefecture   Mogami River in Yamagata Prefecture = Shutterstock   Mogami River in Yamagata Prefecture   Mogami River in Yamagata Prefecture = Pixta   Mogami River in Yamagata Prefecture = Shutterstock     Map of the Mogami River     I appreciate you reading to the end.   Back to "Best of Yamagata"    

If you are traveling in the Tohoku region of Japan (Northeastern Honshu), why not go to Chusonji Temple, which is a World Heritage site, in Hiraizumi City, Iwate Prefecture. About 1000 years ago, the Tohoku region had a powerful armed government that was almost independent of the Imperial Court in Kyoto. Fujiwara, the lord of the time when the Tohoku region was almost unified after many terrible wars, built Chusonji Temple to pray for peace in the region. Inside the building seen on this photo above is the golden hall of the time. Please heal your mind and body in the quiet atmosphere of Chusonji Temple. Photos of Chusonji Temple in Hiraizumi Chusonji in winter, Hiraizumi, Iwate Prefecture = Shutterstock   Chusonji in winter, Hiraizumi, Iwate Prefecture = Shutterstock   Chusonji in spring, Hiraizumi, Iwate Prefecture = AdobeStock   Chusonji in spring, Hiraizumi, Iwate Prefecture = AdobeStock   Chusonji in autumn, Hiraizumi, Iwate Prefecture = Shutterstock   Chusonji in autumn, Hiraizumi, Iwate Prefecture = Shutterstock   Chusonji in autumn, Hiraizumi, Iwate Prefecture = Shutterstock   Chusonji in autumn, Hiraizumi, Iwate Prefecture = Shutterstock   Chusonji in autumn, Hiraizumi, Iwate Prefecture = Shutterstock     Map of Chusonji Temple     I appreciate you reading to the end.   Back to "Best of Iwate"    

In Japan, many street trees are illuminated from November to February. In addition to Tokyo, Osaka and Sapporo, I would like to recommend "SENDAI PAGEANT OF STAR LIGHT" held in December in Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture. Sendai suffered great damage during the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. However, the city is now reconstructed and is more beautiful. This illumination is so graceful that it will surely heal your heart! Photos of the "SENDAI PAGEANT OF STAR LIGHT" The Illmination "SENDAI PAGEANT OF STAR LIGHT" held in December in Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture = Shutterstock   The Illmination "SENDAI PAGEANT OF STAR LIGHT" held in December in Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture = AdobeStock   The Illmination "SENDAI PAGEANT OF STAR LIGHT" held in December in Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture = Shutterstock   The Illmination "SENDAI PAGEANT OF STAR LIGHT" held in December in Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture = Shutterstock   The Illmination "SENDAI PAGEANT OF STAR LIGHT" held in December in Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture = Shutterstock   The Illmination "SENDAI PAGEANT OF STAR LIGHT" held in December in Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture = Shutterstock   The Illmination "SENDAI PAGEANT OF STAR LIGHT" held in December in Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture = Shutterstock   The Illmination "SENDAI PAGEANT OF STAR LIGHT" held in December in Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture = Shutterstock   The Illmination "SENDAI PAGEANT OF STAR LIGHT" held in December in Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture = Shutterstock     Map of Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture     I appreciate you reading to the end.   ...

If you want to go to onsen in a snowy area, I recommend Ginzan Onsen in Yamagata Prefecture. Ginzan Onsen is a retro hot spring town that is also known as the setting for the Japanese TV drama "Oshin." On both sides of the Ginzan River, which is a branch of the Mogami River, there are wooden ryokans built about 100 years ago. You will surely be able to time slip into the old Japanese world! Photos of the Ginzan Onsen Ginzan Onsen, a retro hot spring town with a beautiful snow scene, Yamagata   Ginzan Onsen, a retro hot spring town with a beautiful snow scene, Yamagata = Shutterstock   Ginzan Onsen, a retro hot spring town with a beautiful snow scene, Yamagata   Ginzan Onsen, a retro hot spring town with a beautiful snow scene, Yamagata = Shutterstock   Ginzan Onsen, a retro hot spring town with a beautiful snow scene, Yamagata = Shutterstock   Ginzan Onsen, a retro hot spring town with a beautiful snow scene, Yamagata = Shutterstock   Ginzan Onsen, a retro hot spring town with a beautiful snow scene, Yamagata = AdobeStock   Ginzan Onsen, a retro hot spring town with a beautiful snow scene, Yamagata = AdobeStock   Ginzan Onsen, a retro hot spring town with a beautiful snow scene, Yamagata = AdobeStock   Ginzan Onsen, a retro hot spring town with a beautiful snow scene, Yamagata = Shutterstock   Ginzan Onsen, a retro hot spring town with a beautiful snow scene, Yamagata = Shutterstock     Map ...

In Japan, when snow falls in winter, children make snow domes and play. The snow dome is called "Kamakura". When I was a kid, I played with my friends in Kamakura. Recently, in Akita Prefecture in the northern part of Honshu Island, many large and small Kamakuras are made in the winter to welcome tourists. Especially in Yokote City in the inland area of Akita Prefecture, the "Yokote Snow Festival" is held in the middle of February every year, where many Kamakura Domes are built. The inside of Kamakura is surprisingly warm. In Kamakura, local children will serve you warm food and drinks. Why don't you make fun memories in Kamakura? Photos of the Snow Dome "Kamakura" "Kamakura" at Yokote Snow Festival, Yokote City, Akita Prefecture   "Kamakura" at Yokote Snow Festival, Yokote City, Akita Prefecture   "Kamakura" at Yokote Snow Festival, Yokote City, Akita Prefecture   "Kamakura" at Yokote Snow Festival, Yokote City, Akita Prefecture   "Kamakura" at Yokote Snow Festival, Yokote City, Akita Prefecture   "Kamakura" at Yokote Snow Festival, Yokote City, Akita Prefecture = Shutterstock   "Kamakura" at Yokote Snow Festival, Yokote City, Akita Prefecture = Shutterstock   "Kamakura" at Yokote Snow Festival, Yokote City, Akita Prefecture = Shutterstock   "Kamakura" at Yokote Snow Festival, Yokote City, Akita Prefecture = Shutterstock     Map of Yokote in Akita Prefcture     I appreciate you reading to the end.   Back to "Best of Akita"    

Towns which have the flavor of ancient Kyoto are called “Little Kyoto（小京都）.” There are many towns which are referred to as “Little Kyoto” in Japan. One of my favorite “Little Kyoto” is Kakunodate in Akita Prefecture. Samurai residences are left in this traditional city. Please refer to the following articles for Kakunodate and Akita Prefecture. Photos of Kakunodate in Akita Prefecture Samurai residence in Kakunodate, Akita = AdobStock   Samurai residence in Kakunodate, Akita = Shutterstock   Samurai residence in Kakunodate, Akita = Shutterstock   Samurai residence in Kakunodate, Akita = Shutterstock   Samurai residence in Kakunodate, Akita = Shutterstock   Samurai residence in Kakunodate, Akita = Shutterstock   Samurai residence in Kakunodate, Akita = Shutterstock   Samurai residence in Kakunodate, Akita = Shutterstock   Samurai residence in Kakunodate, Akita = AdobStock     Map of Kakunodate   I appreciate you reading to the end.   Back to "Best of Akita"