Oishida Festival Matsuri
The small town of Oishida goes all out during their Oishida Matsuri, a summer festival featuring fireworks and exuberant traditional dance.
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.
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!
Miyagi Prefecture
Crafting Katana: A Behind-the-Scenes Forge Experience
Geibikei Gorge River Cruise
Private Performance: Hayakawa-ryu Suzunome Yatsushika Odori deer dance
Recenter Your Body & Mind with Shojin Ryori Dinner & Zen Meditation at Sendai’s Zen Temple
Ocean Horseback Riding Experience at Japan’s Scenic “Oku-Matsushima” Beach
Mini Tatami Mat Workshop
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
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.
Wakayanagi Jiori Textile Factory Tour
In the Meiji (1868–1912) and Taisho (1912–1926) periods, the Wakayanagi area of Kurihara flourished thanks to the production of Wakayanagi jiori, a traditional cotton textile. Learn about the Wakayanagi jiori production process and the special characteristics of the Y-type loom, about dedication to craftsmanship and techniques passed down through generations, from third-generation owner Kojun Chiba.
Sendai Han Hanayama Nuruyu Bansho Museum
Nuruyu Bansho was a checkpoint station at the entrance to Akita’s Ogachi District beyond Hanayama, referred to as the “Sendai Domain Senboku Border Checkpoint Nuruyu Bansho.” It became a checkpoint station during the Keicho Period after Lord Date Masamune entered Iwadeyama, and for over 200 years served as an inspection station for people and packages passing through.
Presently, various exhibits are on display, from materials passed down from the original bansho, to local folk art and tools which tell the stories and history of the region.
Shimenawa Making Experience
As a means of purifying spaces and preventing evil from entering, shimenawa ropes are hung to welcome the god Toshigami into one’s home. This experience offers visitors the chance to make a shimenawa decoration using green wara.
Sanriku Seafood Sabbatical
From oyster fishing and cooking in Ishinomaki to the seafood auction of Shiogama, Japan’s sushi capital, delight in the delectable seafood of the Miyagi coastline on this 3 day, 2 night gastronomy tour.
Nakajimadai
Nakajimadai is a beautiful beech forest and wetland area featuring easy nature trails. It is located at the base of Mount Chokai in Akita.