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.
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.
Ginzan Onsen
Ginzan Onsen is a picture perfect hot spring town nestled in the mountains in the deep countryside of Yamagata Prefecture.
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
Mototaki Falls
Mototaki Falls is a waterfall located in an atmospheric mossy ravine of the Mount Chokai Geopark in the Tohoku region of Japan.
Oku-Matsushima Sagakei Gorge Sightseeing Boat Ride
Located around the jutting southeastern peninsula of Oku-Matsushima and Miyato Island, contrary to Matsushima Bay’s feminine seascape, Sagakei Gorge continues to astound and move spectators with its panoramic masculine, rough cliffs. Enjoy the scenic beauty while listening to the captain’s commentary on this adventurous voyage.
Kokeshi Doll Painting Experience
The kokeshi doll, born in the Tohoku region first as a toy, took on new life as an item travelers visiting the hot springs of the region would take back with them as a souvenir. In this experience, paint their own original kokeshi doll using the same kind of brushes and electric lathe the artisans themselves do.
Zao Snow Monsters
Snow Monsters are synonomous with winter on Mount Zao—read on to find out how to access them, the best times to visit, and more!
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.
Date Masamune Culture: Suzume Odori Dance in Sendai’s Ryokusaikan
Learn the Suzume Odori, a traditional dance passed down from the times of the samurai. Enjoy the traditions of the samurai and townspeople from Sendai’s castle town days.