Across the Seto Inland Sea, it borders the Kansai and Chugoku regions, and is greatly influenced by both in terms of culture and economy. In addition to the sea, mountains, and rivers, there are many small islands, making it warm and rich in nature.

Due to the lack of accessibility from the most populous metropolitan area, there are very few tourists, making it a good destination for those who want to take a relaxing trip.
A drive along the coast with a spectacular view can be enjoyed without any traffic jams.

The area is also associated with Kukai, the founder of the Shingon sect of Buddhism, and is known for its 1,400 km long pilgrimage route that takes you to 88 temples.

Kagawa is known for its world-famous art island, Naoshima, as well as for Sanuki udon noodles, which have spread all over Japan and are served at many famous restaurants, and calls itself “udon prefecture”.

Shimanami Kaido (Shimanami sea route), which connects the islands of the Seto Inland Sea via bridges, is a popular activity that can be enjoyed from Imabari City in Ehime.

Dogo Onsen, one of the oldest hot springs in Japan, has recently been the scene of many art events.

Shodoshima, with its olive groves and film locations, is a popular destination for women, and Iya, one of the three most unexplored regions in Japan, is popular among those who like spectacular scenery.

Tokushima is known for its famous summer festival, the Awa Odori dance, and recently, Kamiyama Town, which was revitalized by IT, has become a hot spot for satellite offices of companies from the Tokyo metropolitan area.

If you like

Arts and culture:
The islands of the Seto Inland Sea, including Naoshima, a mecca for contemporary art, are home to many museums. The Otsuka Museum of Art, where you can view “replicas” of Western masterpieces, is also very unique.

Outdoor activities:
You can enjoy cycling on the Shimanami sea route, canoeing down the Shimanto River, and surfing on the Anan Coast. The southwest coast of Kochi, famous for whale-watching, has magnificent coral reefs and is a good spot for diving

Traditional townscape:

Marugame Castle, Matsuyama Castle, Uwajima Castle, and Kochi Castle all have precious castle towers from the Edo period. The udatsu pillar-lined streets of Wakimachi are extremely good well preserved.

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Iwate Prefecture is the second largest prefecture in Japan, and Fukushima Prefecture is the third largest. These six prefectures alone account for about 18% of Japan’s total area, but they are not densely populated and are recommended for those who want to travel without congestion.

The area is blessed with abundant nature and hot springs, and there are many places with spectacular views, such as Matsushima, one of the three most scenic spots in Japan, Zao‘s tree ice, Hakkoda‘s Tsuta-numa, and the Shimokita Peninsula’s Butsugaura.
Iwate’s Sanriku Railway, which runs along the coast, and Akita’s JR Gono Line are popular among railroad fans.

Along with Ise Jingu Shrine, to which since ancient times it has been said that you should pay homage, Yamagata’s Dewa Sanzan has a long history as a sacred site of Shugendo. Yamagata is also famous for its many Sokushinbutsu(a kind of Buddhist mummy).

The Tohoku region is also a holy land of folklore with unique culture and folklore, such as Osorezan in Aomori, known for its “necromancer” shaman who talks with the dead, Kappa in Tono, Iwate, and Namahage in Akita.

Kokeshi dolls are one of the most famous local toys in the Tohoku region, and Naruko and Togatta in Miyagi Prefecture and Tsuchiyu in Fukushima Prefecture are known as the “Three Great Kokeshi Dolls of Japan.

Many areas were defeated by the new government forces in the civil war at the end of the Edo period, and there are many historical sites related to the sad history of the region, especially in Aizu Wakamatsu. On the Pacific side, there are still scars from the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011.

With the exception of the urban areas, the region is said to have a large number of introverted people, and many people find its shy character and simplicity, which is less touristy than other areas, attractive.

If you like

Shopping:

Sendai (Miyagi Prefecture), the largest city in the Tohoku region, has department stores that are comparable to those in the Tokyo metropolitan area, offering everything you need. In Morioka(Iwate Prefecture), there are many handcraft workshops, including Nanbu Ironware, which are popular among folk art lovers.

Arts and culture:

Aomori Prefecture has recently become a popular destination for art fans. In addition to the Aomori Museum of Art and the Towada Museum of Contemporary Art, which attract many tourists from outside the prefecture, the Hirosaki Renga Soko Art Museum, designed by world-renowned architect Tsuyoshi Tane, has opened in Hirosaki. The memorial museum of Domon Ken, one of Japan’s most famous photographers, is small but highly regarded for its architecture and views.

Outdoor activities:

There are many ski resorts in the mountainous areas such as Abi Kogen and Zao. Canoeing can be enjoyed at Lake Towada, and fishing can be enjoyed at the seaside.

Hot springs:

Nyuto Onsen-Kyo, Naruko Onsen-kyo, Ginzan Onsen, etc. are famous and hidden hot springs with a unique Tohoku flavor, and are especially photogenic during the snow season.

Traditional townscape:

Popular destinations include the World Heritage site of Hiraizumi, mountain temples with spectacular views, the temples and shrines of Dewa Sanzan, the samurai residences of Kakunodate, and Ouchi-juku, an inn town with a series of thatched-roof houses.

Gourmet food:

Seafood is excellent along the coast. Yonezawa beef from Yamagata, gyutan (beef tongue) from Sendai, and local ramen from Fukushima and Yamagata are also famous throughout Japan. Yamagata’s Tsuruoka City is the only city in Japan designated as a “UNESCO City for the Creation of Food Culture” and has many nationally renowned restaurants.

Blessed with rice, water, and a cool climate, the region is also home to many highly regarded sake breweries.

Nightlife:

Sendai, the largest city in the Tohoku region, has many live music venues and clubs, as well as retro drinking areas such as Bunka Yokocho.

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