Explore, Unwind, Connect: Discover Nature’s Wonders in Mogami
Explore nature’s wonders in the Mogami region of northeastern Japan on this 2-day, 1-night tour, including a riverboat cruise and trekking to an ancient forest.
Locations
Each prefecture, area, city and town all have their own unique characteristics. Explore each area's hidden wonders by its location here.
Yamagata Prefecture
Yamagata City / Murayama Region
As capital of the prefecture and home to Yamagata’s largest metropolitan population, Yamagata City has no shortage of activities, cuisine, nightlife, and lodging accommodations, as well as a variety of sightseeing and historic points of interest to keep visitors busy. The Murayama region includes Yamagata city and other cities and many of this region’s top sightseeing locations are found here.
Sakata, Tsuruoka / Shonai Region
Blessed with towering mountains, vast open plains, and long stretches of rich coastline in Tsuruoka city and a highly influential historic port with delicious seafood and historical, cultural gems in Sakata city, the Shonai Region has an absolute treasure trove of hidden gems to explore.
Okitama Region
The Okitama Region is an area of southern Yamagata, consisting of the municipalities and surrounding agricultural lands of the Okitama Basin, cradled to the south, east, west by vast mountain ranges. Okitama is replete with not only the quintessential scenic and culinary charms of the pastoral Japanese countryside, but also pristine wilderness, as shown in cities in the region like Nagai City.
Mogami Region
The north of Yamagata Prefecture also has stunning gems to be discovered.
Visiting Ginzan Onsen in the Winter
Info on access to and lodging in Ginzan Onsen in winter, how to make reservations for the popular Twilight Bus tour, and more!
Oishida Festival Matsuri
The small town of Oishida goes all out during their Oishida Matsuri, a summer festival featuring fireworks and exuberant traditional dance.
Miyagi Prefecture
Date Masamune Culture: Suzume Odori Dance in Sendai’s Ryokusaikan
Shiogama Tuna Auction and Fishmarket Tour
Taiyaki Workshop in Kurihara
Crafting Katana: A Behind-the-Scenes Forge Experience
Kokeshi Doll Painting Experience
Recenter Your Body & Mind with Shojin Ryori Dinner & Zen Meditation at Sendai’s Zen Temple
Niigata Prefecture
Niigata Prefecture
Stretching along the Sea of Japan for over three hundred kilometers, Niigata Prefecture feels a world away from the crowds and rush of Tokyo. And yet, it is accessible by bullet train from Tokyo in just a little over an hour. Niigata is probably best known for snow and sake, but is also home to lesser-known attractions that make a visit here a fascinating journey for those seeking deep experiences and memorable moments off the beaten path.
Other prefectures
Early Summer Exclusive: Create a One-of-a-Kind Indigo-Dyed Work
This program offers an opportunity to experience “Sho-Aizome,” one of Japan’s oldest indigo dyeing techniques, passed down in the Monji area of Kurikoma, Kurihara City
Guided Migratory Bird-Watching Tour in Miyagi
Embrace the hobby sweeping the masses- bird-watching! The Izunuma-Uchinuma wetlands are one of the wintering grounds frequented by the migratory waterfowl that come to Japan each winter. Contemplate the relationship between man and nature as you observe waterfowl rising from their roosts in the early morning and returning at dusk.
Mt. Zao
Rising over 1,800 meters along the border between Yamagata and Miyagi, Mount Zao is a popular ski, hiking, and hot springs destination.
A Journey into Marumori’s Silk Farming Culture and Silk Heritage
Experience Japan’s traditional sericulture (silkworm farming) in Marumori Town, Miyagi Prefecture, once renowned for a prosperous silk industry. Through exchanges with local farmers and artisans, you can enjoy a variety of hands-on activities related to silkworms and silk.
Staying at Yuzu no Azemichi Amago no Kaeru
Spend time in a space of extraordinary freedom, surrounded by tranquil countryside views in a nostalgic old Japanese-style house.
Overnight Stay at KIBOTCHA
KIBOTCHA, a hands-on disaster preparedness and accommodation facility, opened in 2018 in a former elementary school damaged by the Great East Japan Earthquake. The school, once slated for closure, has been thoughtfully renovated and reborn with a focus on learning through experiencing. Guided by the concept of “learning through play,” KIBOTCHA offers immersive, stay-based programs that combine lodging, hands-on activities, and training experiences.