Lesser-Known Tohoku Is the Perfect Place To Experience Japan’s Tranquil Side
Japan’s popularity among travelers comes as no surprise to anyone as the archipelago is overflowing with natural beauty, historical sites, delicious food, and unique experiences. Most itineraries are focused around the major cities of Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Osaka, and while those cities definitely deserve all the praise and attention they receive, with 47 prefectures that are divided into eight separate regions, Japan has way more to offer. The northeastern Tohoku region in particular packs just as much of a punch as its big-city counterparts — and with just a fraction of the crowds. While six distinct prefectures make up the Tohoku region, the three prefectures of Yamagata, Miyagi, and Iwate are easily reachable from Tokyo in a couple of hours on a Shinkansen and have a perfect mix of sights for every type of traveler. Whether you decide to visit just one of the prefectures or combine all three, here are the coolest things to do and see in each.