If you’re planning a trip to Japan – but it’s not your first time there – consider the Tohoku region, or Kyushu island.
Located in northern Honshu, Japan’s largest island on which Tokyo and Kyoto are also found, Tohoku is made up of six prefectures known for their mountains, historic towns and ever-changing seasonal landscapes.
Kyushu is the third largest island in the country and has seven prefectures. Here, you can find hot springs, active volcanoes and quaint port towns.
Both destinations can easily be reached by rail. The Tohoku Shinkansen connects Tokyo with major cities in Tohoku, while JR Kyushu’s extensive rail network makes travelling around the island convenient.
Trains are a reliable way for tourists to travel between prefectures, letting you enjoy the journey as much as the destination. Once you are there, hop on a local bus or regional train to explore the countryside.
Tohoku: Past and present
One of the most popular cities to visit in Tohoku is Fukushima, where the triple disaster took place in 2011. This was when a massive earthquake and tsunami caused a nuclear accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, resulting in hundreds of thousands of people being evacuated.
Beyond that tragic chapter is a destination filled with centuries of history, beautiful scenery and traditions that have stood the test of time.
Check out Aizuwakamatsu, one of the country’s samurai cities, where Tsuruga Castle tells the story of the region’s feudal past. Stop by one of the local sake breweries to sample Fukushima’s award-winning sake.
Take a local train to Sendai, and from there, make your way to Matsushima Bay, one of Japan’s “Three Scenic Views”. The other two are Amanohashidate in Kyoto and Miyajima in Hiroshima.
A sightseeing cruise takes you past more than 260 pine-covered islands, according to Japan National Tourism Organisation. You can already imagine the breathtaking views that await.
In Iwate, you can take a 40-minute train ride to Morioka, where you can check out the ruins of Morioka Castle. From the city, hop on a regional train to Hiraizumi, a Unesco World Heritage Site renowned for its beautifully preserved temples and landscaped gardens.
Meanwhile, Akita is where people go to see its world-famous dog breed, the Akita Inu. Apart from that, though, the town’s cultural celebrations are equally impressive.
Every August, the Akita Kanto Festival sees performers balance towering bamboo poles decorated with dozens of glowing lanterns on their palms, shoulders, hips and even their foreheads. If you visit in winter you’ll be treated to the Yokote Kamakura Festival, where hundreds of illuminated snow huts transform the town after sunset.
If you’re looking for a place that’s a little quieter, Yamagata is a good choice. The city is home to the scenic mountainside temple in Yamadera. You’ll have to work a little to get there, though, as you will need to climb more than 1,000 stone steps. But the panoramic views at the top are worth the “workout”.
Depending on the season, you can also visit fruit orchards and sample Yamagata’s famous cherries or spend a night at the Ginzan Onsen. Wrap up your Tohoku adventure in Aomori, which is famous for its apples. Travelling by train via Sendai takes around four hours.
Here, you can also learn about the spectacular Nebuta Festival at Nebuta Museum Wa Rasse, stroll around Hirosaki Castle or explore the Shimokita Peninsula.
Kyushu: Nature and culture
If you’d rather explore volcanoes and hot springs, Kyushu is your best bet.
Start your Kyushu adventure in Fukuoka, where you can shop, stroll and eat your way through the city. About 40 minutes away by limited express train is Saga. Although often overlooked, this city is renowned for its fine ceramics.
Visit the pottery districts of Arita or Imari, or stop by Karatsu Castle for sweeping views of the coastline.
Meanwhile, on Kyushu’s western coast lies Nagasaki, one of the two Japanese cities (the other being Hiroshima) devastated by an atomic bomb explosion during World War II. At the Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum, visitors get to learn about the bombing, its impact on the city and the lives of those affected.
Afterwards, explore the former foreign settlement known as the Dutch Slope, before ending the day with panoramic views of Nagasaki from Mount Inasa.
At Kumamoto, you will find Mount Aso, one of the world’s largest volcanic calderas. The area has hiking trails which you can follow if you have time to spare.
Make your way also to Oita, home to Japan’s onsen capital, Beppu. The city is dotted with thousands of hot spring vents. Spend the night at a traditional ryokan or, alternatively, unwind in a public bath before continuing your journey.
In Miyazaki, you’ll find some of Kyushu’s most spectacular natural landscapes. At Aoshima, the coastline is lined with the famous Devil’s Washboard, where layers of sandstone and mudstone have been shaped by the sea into unusual, “wave-like” rock formations.
End your trip in Kagoshima, where you can find the Sakurajima, one of Japan’s most active volcanoes. Hop on one of the regular ferries across Kagoshima Bay to get close to this constantly smoking giant.
