Aomori is the northernmost prefecture on Japan's main island, Honshu, and its appeal is the expansive natural scenery such as the Shirakami-Sanchi Mountains, Oirase Stream, and Tanesashi Coast. You can take in picturesque views in all four seasons at Lake Towada and Mount Hakkoda, and there are also lot of other scenic spots like Hirosaki Park, which is one of the best places for cherry blossom viewing in Japan. Aomori is also famous for intense summer festivals such as the Nebuta Festival, as well as apples, scallops, and a local specialty of Hachinohe called senbei-jiru (rice cracker soup).

Akita Prefecture is a place where distinctive traditional culture survives, and the Kakunodate Bukeyashiki (Samurai Residences) keep a strong sense of Edo period culture alive. Namahage (a New Year's ritual of dressing up as demon-like creatures with masks and straw outfits) and the Akita Kanto Festival are some of the unique culture Akita takes pride in. We also recommend the impressive Omagari Fireworks and mystical spots like Hachimantai Dragon Eye and the Oyu Stone Circles. Well-known local dishes like kiritanpo (mashed and toasted rice skewers) and Inaniwa udon are also a must.

In addition to the World Heritage sites of Hiraizumi such as Chusonji Temple and Motsuji Temple, Iwate Prefecture is also famous for natural scenery including beautiful spots on the Sanriku Coast like Jodogahama Beach, Geibikei Gorge where you can enjoy boat trips, Genbikei Gorge which features a series of unusually-shaped rocks, Ryusendo Cave with its beautiful and clear "dragon blue" water, and Hachimantai Dragon Eye. There are abundant opportunities for typical Tohoku pastimes like visiting hot springs and enjoying snow activities, and local specialties like the three great noodles of Morioka (wanko soba: all-you-can-eat soba noodles served in small bowls, reimen: a cold dish of semi translucent noodles served in a chicken and beef broth, and jajamen: thin udon noodles topped with meat miso) and Maezawa beef are well-known.

In Miyagi Prefecture, Sendai is a city located centrally within Tohoku where the "Date Culture" of opulent luxury built up by Date Masamune lives on at sites such as the Sendai Castle Ruins and the Zuihoden Mausoleum. There are many scenic spots like Matsushima, one of Japan's top three views; the Zao Okama crater lake, which sparkles in emerald green; and Naruko Gorge, a large canyon with beautiful autumn leaves, as well as abundant hot spring areas such as Akiho, Sakunami, and Naruko. The beef tongue is well-known nationwide, and other famous Miyagi food products include oysters and Pacific saury.

Yamagata Prefecture has a rich abundance of hot springs, with these spring waters flowing in all cities, towns, and villages. There are many famous hot springs and secret spots with distinctive character such as Ginzan hot spring, which is popular for its atmosphere of Taisho period (1912 - 1926) romanticism. Yamagata is also home to plenty of historical sites such as Dewa Sanzan, where mountain temples rise up from the peaks and mountain worship is alive and well, and Mount Zao, where you can enjoy skiing and picturesque frost-covered trees. It is known as the ramen prefecture and soba kingdom, reflecting the deep roots of the appealing noodle culture, and famous foods from Yamagata include cherries, Yonezawa beef, and imoni (a soup made with taro potato and meat).

Fukushima Prefecture is famous for sites such as Tsuruga Castle which represent the unique samurai culture of the Aizu region. It is also home to the colorful Goshikinuma Pond Group, with lush natural scenery and snow activities to enjoy in the winter. In mid-spring, the cherry blossoms on Mount Hanami are said to be heaven on Earth, and there are abundant leisure facilities such as coastal areas, aquariums, and spa resorts. Famous foods include peaches, Kitakata ramen, and Aizu Sauce Katsudon (cutlet dipped in sauce and served over rice).