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.

Ginzan Onsen

Ginzan Onsen is a picture perfect hot spring town nestled in the mountains in the deep countryside of Yamagata Prefecture.

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Miyagi Prefecture

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

Hiraizumi Club — Private Traditional Villa Stay

Nestled at the foot of Mount Tabashine in the World Heritage town of Hiraizumi, this renovated 150-year-old Japanese house offers an exclusive stay for one group per day. Surrounded by tranquil rice fields and rural scenery, it provides a refined retreat where time flows gently and tradition lives on.

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Shiroishi Umen: Guided Factory Tour of Kichimi Noodle Production

Founded in 1897 (Meiji 30), Kichimi Seimen has faithfully preserved the traditional techniques and spirit of Umen-making. At the factory, high-quality ingredients are carefully selected and processed using time-honored methods combined with modern technology. Every step—from mixing and kneading to aging, stretching, and drying—requires the experience and refined judgment of skilled artisans.
During the factory tour, you can witness the noodle-making process up close, where manual craftsmanship and modern machinery coexist in harmony.

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Matsushima

There simply isn’t a view quite like this anywhere else in the country. Matsushima is more than simply a beautiful bay filled with stunning rock formations. The mainland town is also home to centuries of Buddhist culture, samurai history, and incredible seafood, making it a day trip from Sendai you won’t want to miss.

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Zasu Pottery at Hanayama: Gallery and Anagama (Traditional Wood-Fired Kiln) Tour

Zasu Pottery is one of the few remaining anagama (traditional wood-fired kilns) in the Tohoku region, continuing the tradition of producing unglazed, natural-fired pottery. Their work features everyday tableware as well as flower vases, tea utensils, and art objects, blending traditional techniques with designs that fit modern lifestyles.
During the experience, you will tour the old-style anagama kiln while listening to explanations from the pottery master.

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Sendai City

Sendai is the capital of Miyagi Prefecture. As the largest city in Tohoku, it also serves as the gateway to this off-the-beaten-path region.

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Mt. Kurikoma Area Geo-Guide

Mt. Kurikoma Area Geopark, located around Mt. Kurikoma, features a rich and diverse natural environment. On this guided hike, learn the story of how people in the region have lived through and overcome numerous natural disasters, including earthquakes and floods.

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