Great Wide Open Travel guides and transformative journeys

Tohoku

The region of Tohoku. The rural northern frontier of Honshu — deep snow, samurai history, vivid summer festivals and the pine-clad islands of Matsushima Bay. Among the least-touristed and most rewarding parts of the country.

Japan, Matsushima, Tohoku

Matsushima

By Andrew / July 12, 2026

Home Matsushima A bay of pine-clad islands — one of Japan’s three great views Why go? Go because it’s long […]

Hiraizumi, Japan, Tohoku

Hiraizumi

By Andrew / July 12, 2026

Home Hiraizumi A golden Buddhist capital in the northern hills Why go? Go because for a brief, brilliant century this

Aomori, Japan, Tohoku

Aomori

By Andrew / July 12, 2026

Home Aomori Home of the fiery Nebuta Festival Why go? Go because once a year it hosts one of the

Japan, Sendai, Tohoku

Sendai

By Andrew / July 12, 2026

Home Sendai The green “City of Trees” and gateway to the north Why go? Go because it’s the relaxed, leafy