Miyagi is the most populated prefecture in the Tohoku region, known for its historical attractions, hot springs, natural beauty, and delicious seafood. Sitting along the coast between Sendai and Matsushima is the city of Shiogama. A walk through this port town begins at its spiritual heart: Shiogama Shrine. Revered as the guardian of the Tohoku region, it has stood for centuries as a center of devotion and political significance. The city’s name, meaning “salt cauldron,” comes from an ancient method of boiling seawater to make salt: a ritual still performed every July at the shrine. From here, stroll to the historic Urakasumi sake brewery, founded in 1724 as the official sake supplier for the shrine. Using local rice and traditional techniques, it continues to produce refined ginjo sake. Nearby, Oota Yohachiro Shoten has crafted miso and soy sauce for over 170 years, preserving the flavors and spirit of Shiogama.

After enjoying the charms of Miyagi Prefecture, you can reach your next Tohoku destination, Aomori, in less than two hours from Sendai by the Hayabusa Shinkansen.

Akita Prefecture, located along the Sea of Japan in northern Tohoku, is mainly known for its snowy scenery, hot springs, vibrant festivals, and a beloved breed of Akita dog. In the heart of Akita City, the Akita City Folk Performing Arts Heritage Center provides a window into the region’s festival culture and folklore. The first-floor exhibition hall features permanent displays, including the towering “Kanto” — bamboo poles nearly 12 meters tall, adorned with 46 glowing lanterns used in the city’s largest summer festival, the Kanto Matsuri. Visitors can also enjoy exhibits on other local celebrations, such as the colorful Hikiyama floats of the Tsuchizaki Shinmeisha Festival and the sacred Bonten from Taiheizan Sankichi Shrine. A hands-on challenge corner allows the opportunity to try balancing a mini Kanto pole for a fun and immersive experience. From April to October, weekend performances by the Akita City Kanto Association bring the excitement of the festival to life right inside the museum.

From Akita, the Inaho Limited Express reaches Tsuruoka in Yamagata Prefecture, the next destination on the journey, in about two hours.

Fukushima Prefecture is the third largest in Japan and offers a mix of history and natural beauty, from castle towns and samurai traditions to hot springs and seasonal scenery. One of its most renowned landmarks is Tsurugajo Castle in Aizu-Wakamatsu, a symbol of resilience and local heritage. Originally named by Hideyoshi’s general Gamo Ujisato during the Sengoku period, it featured the first full-scale tenshukaku (main keep) in eastern Japan. The castle endured a month-long siege during the Boshin War of 1868, earning its reputation as an impregnable fortress. Although dismantled in 1874, the tenshukaku was rebuilt in 1965 using historical photos. Today, it stands out for its red-tiled roof — an Aizu innovation from the Edo period designed to withstand heavy snow. Surrounded by a vast park featuring around 1,000 cherry trees, Tsurugajo is not only a nationally recognized historic site but also a popular spot for hanami (cherry blossom viewing) in spring.