Planning to spend winter vacation in the Tohoku region, but not sure what to do? This post showcases the best of what Tohoku offers during the winter months.
Tohoku is more rural than other regions, such as Kanto and Kansai in Japan. In winter, its wilderness is transformed into epic snowscapes. There is no place better to see the unique character of Japan in winter.
Whether you want to see unspoiled landscapes coated in snow or enjoy unique cultural events that bring a bit of warmth to this northern region’s winter, there is something amazing to be found in Tohoku for you.
Here are the ten top winter destinations in Tohoku:
1. Zao Onsen/Ropeway in Yamagata Prefecture
Zao is one of the most popular places to ski in Tohoku. The ski resort is known for its many high-quality runs.
The iconic snow monsters that represent the town are trees covered in ice, a fairly rare phenomenon that can be seen here. When you’re done skiing, there’s excellent apres-ski to be had as well as hot spring baths.
Zao’s hot spring baths are known as “Springs of Beauty. There are many hot spring baths to choose from. Take the ropeway to get a view of the incredible snowy mountainside. You can get to Zao on the JR East line.
Website: Zao Onsen Ski Resort
2. Sendai Pageant of Starlight in Miyagi Prefecture
This is one of the largest wintertime illuminations in Japan. Started in 1986, the Pageant has grown to nationwide fame.
Visitors can walk through the Tunnel of Illumination where lights are strung across rows of trees along Jozenji-dori Street, twinkling above food stands, vendors, and performances. You’re likely to see light snowfall, too, making the evening even more magical.
To get to the Sendai Pageant of Starlight, head to Sendai Station then walk twenty minutes to Jozenji-dori Street.
3. Geibikei Gorge in Iwate Prefecture
Take a boat along the Satetsu River to see one of Japan’s Three Great Gorges. The sheer cliffs rise 50 meters above the water for about two kilometers.
The boats here are hand-made cedar, steered with long poles by local boatmen who tell local stories and sign traditional songs that echo off the cliffs. Geibikei (Geibi) Gorge is beautiful at any time of year, but in winter snow lays upon the cliffs and nearby trees to turn the area into something otherworldly.
The boats are outfitted with heated seats throughout this season. Boat rides cost 1800 yen per person. The gorge is located a five-minute walk from Geibikei Station on the Ofunato Line.
4. Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival in Aomori Prefecture
This festival at Aomori can be found at the castle at Hirosaki Park. The highlight of the festival are the large, detailed snow sculptures found throughout the park.
At night, these sculptures are illuminated and some feature projection shows. There is a playground with games and snow slides. If you stay a little while, you can see one of the few winter fireworks shows in Japan.
There are plenty of food and souvenir vendors to be found. If you explore, you’ll find paths lit by lanterns. During the day, there are musical performances.
To get to the festival, head to Hirosaki Station, then take a 15-minute bus ride to the Shiyakusho Mae bus stop.
5. Yokote Kamakura Festival in Akita Prefecture
Held every year on February 15 and 16 in the city of Yokote, this festival centers on kamakura, snow huts that feature altars to the water deity. These huts are located around the city and feature charcoal braziers for warmth and to grill rice cakes.
In the evening, children invite visitors to the kamakurato enjoy rice cakes and amazake (a low-alcohol content rice wine)in return for making an offering to the water deity. At the city’s Komyoji Park, visitors can learn how to make a kamakura.
Kamakurakan Hall is a place that preserves kamakura all year round in a special chilled room. There is a snow playground for children and lighted mini-kamakura near the river. The whole festival can be reached from Yokote Station.
Learn more about this winter festival: Yokote Kamakura Festival.
6. Sumikawa Snow Park in Miyagi Prefecture
This great ski resort is ideal for those looking for some backcountry skiing. There are ski runs here for all levels, but it is best known for being an excellent base for backcountry expeditions.
If you’re not up for skiing, you can also take a ski tour on the massive snowcats, which will take you up to where you can opt to ski or snowshoe for even more exploration. This park is on the Miyagi side of Mount Zao. Reservations are recommended for all activities.
You can get to Sumikawa Snow Park by taking a train (Tohoku Shinkansen) to Sendai Station, then taking the reservation-required Johyu shuttle bus from the east exit.
7. Ouchi-juku in Fukushima Prefecture
This historic town was once a stop for travelers headed to Tokyo during the Edo period. The village has gone through a lot of effort to retain its unique character; some of the thatched-roof buildings are over 300 years old!
The town hosts many festivals through the seasons, but in winter the most famous is the Ouchi-juku Snow Festival on the second weekend of February every year. During this festival, candles are placed inside lanterns made from snow among lively events and great food.
To get to the town, take a train to Yonokami Onsen Station on the Aizu Railway Aizu Line, then take a taxi 5 minutes to the town.
8. Ginzan Onsen in Yamagata Prefecture
The hot springs in this town can be found lining the Ginzan River. Walking through town is a magical experience. Colorful pictures called Kote-e can be found on the hot spring baths’ walls and there are snowflake designs on the roads.
At night, the town is lit by gas lamps. The town is compact, which is great for exploring its man shops, eateries, and- of course- hot spring baths. Winter brings deep snows that add to the magic and make the hot springs even more pleasant.
Regardless of the season, you can get there by taking a Shinkansen from Tokyo to Yamagata Shinkansen Line followed by a 40-minute direct bus ride.
9. Tadami River Bridge No. 1 Viewpoint in Fukushima Prefecture
Located in the region of Aizu, this iconic bridge is an amazing sight. It spans the emerald waters of the Tadami River against a vast mountainous backdrop.
In winter, the color of the water stands out even more amid a blanket of white snow. A train crosses the bridge every two to four hours. The trip to the viewpoint can be icy and has many steps.
To get to the viewpoint, take the direct bus from JR Aizu-Wakamatsu Station to Aizu-Miyashita Staation on the Tadami Line. Then take the commuter bus to Michi-no-Eki Ozekaido Mishima-juku. The viewpoint is about a 10-minute walk from there.
This webpage shares the exact way to reach the viewpoint from JR Aizu-Wakamatsu Station.
10. Appi Kogen Ski Resort in Iwate Prefecture
You’ll find this ski resort in the Appi Highlands in the Iwate Prefecture and is considered by many one of the best ski resorts in the Tohoku Region.
There are 23 ski courses. Ski seasons last from late November or so to early April. There is also a terrain park for snowboarders and a snow-tubing course. You can find many world-class resorts at the base of the mountain, as well as ski rentals and a chance to sign up for lessons.
You can get to Appi Kogen Ski Resort by taking a train to JR Morioka Station and then taking a bus 50 minutes to the resort.
