Must-Visit Spots in Tohoku! Discover Recommendations from Real Travelers

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To celebrate the 1st anniversary of Hotel Reviewn by GMO, we're running a special campaign: the “Zoom Across Japan Campaign” 🎉
We’re bringing you a travel plan packed with the charm of Tohoku’s great nature, historical sites, and hot spring towns. Read this article and discover your next destination that will awaken all five senses! ✨

Oirase Keiryu (Towada City, Aomori)

A scenic trail embraced by mossy rocks and crystal streams — Oirase Keiryu is a grand stage of nature that showcases the four seasons. A tunnel of fresh green in spring, a cool breeze in summer, fiery leaves in fall, and a snowy wonderland in winter. Enjoy forest bathing and the harmony of water sounds on the 14 km trekking route 📸
From the observation decks along the stream, you can feel the sparkle of water droplets and the depth of silence up close — a photographer's dream! If tired, rest on a bench and let the fresh air and forest scents rejuvenate you.
For accommodation, stay at Hoshino Resorts Oirase Keiryu Hotel. All rooms offer views of the stream, and the hot spring is sourced directly from Mt. Hakkoda. Savor a full-course dinner made with local apples and wild vegetables 🍎

Source: Rakuten Travel Hoshino Resorts Oirase Keiryu Hotel（travel.rakuten.co.jp/HOTEL/40434/40434.html）

Lake Towada (Aomori & Akita)

The mysterious blue waters of Lake Towada sit at around 400m elevation and yet never freeze — an enigma in itself. The mirrored surface reflects the sky and mountains like a painting, especially during early morning frost or sunset. Stroll along the well-maintained lakeside paths or enjoy a canoe or SUP cruise 🚣‍♀️
Stay at “Towadako-han Sakuraku.” All rooms feature a lake view with a harmonious blend of clear waters and wooden warmth. Relish creative kaiseki cuisine with local fish and wild vegetables, and unwind in the open-air hot spring bath ♨️

Source: Towadako National Park Association（towadako.or.jp/towadako-oirase）

Matsushima (Matsushima Town, Miyagi)

With over 260 islands dotting the bay, Matsushima offers breathtaking contrast between the calm sea and lush islands. A sightseeing boat ride reveals the reflections of clouds and autumn leaves on the water, like a living painting 🛳️
Visit historical sites like Godaido and Zuiganji Temple nearby for a cultural stroll.
Stay at “Matsushima Onsen Matsushima Ichinobo,” featuring open-air baths overlooking the sea, rock salt sauna, and forest sauna for full relaxation ✨ After cycling through island paths, enjoy local seafood rice and sasa-kamaboko 🎣

Source：Matsushima Tourism Association（matsushima-kanko.com）
Source：Rakuten Travel Matsushima Onsen Matsushima Ichinobo（travel.rakuten.co.jp/HOTEL/29234/）

Ginzan Onsen (Obanazawa City, Yamagata)

With Taisho-era wooden inns lining the cobblestone slopes and gas lamps illuminating snowy scenes, Ginzan Onsen feels like stepping into a fairytale. The romantic nighttime illumination is perfect for Instagram 🌙
After exploring, unwind in a riverside open-air bath or a footbath café. Warm yourself with local Yonezawa beef hot pot and signature soba dumplings 🍲
Search for accommodations here.

Source: Ginzan Onsen Official（ginzanonsen.jp）

Zao Onsen Dai Rotenburo (Yamagata City, Yamagata)

Surrounded by the Zao mountain range, Zao Onsen Dai Rotenburo offers full-body immersion in nature and sulfur-scented hot waters.
Free changing rooms and rest areas mean you can visit without bringing much. Refresh your body and soul with views of the gorge and snowy landscapes ♨️
Enjoy winter tree ice illumination and ropeway rides too.

Source: Zao Onsen Dai Rotenburo（jupeer-zao.com/roten）

Hiraizumi (Iwate)

Hiraizumi harmonizes temples and gardens built upon Pure Land Buddhist philosophy. The golden Konjikido and the seasonal reflections in Motsuji’s water garden are the essence of historical romance. Barrier-free paths make sightseeing accessible to everyone.

Source: Hiraizumi Navi（hiraizumi.or.jp/heritage）

Inawashiro & Bandai (Yama District, Fukushima)

This area, where volcanic lakes and mountains meet, is an outdoor paradise! The ultra-clear lake is ideal for kayaking or boat walks, while hikes in Urabandai reveal the mystical hues of Goshikinuma.
Warm up with Kitakata ramen or Bandai Kogen beer, then stargaze from a cottage with hot springs 🌌

Source: Inawashiro Tourism Association（bandaisan.or.jp/area_bandai）

British Hills (Iwase District, Fukushima)

British Hills is a “passport-free UK” theme resort ☕
Famous as the filming location for the mansion of Domyoji Tsukasa (played by Matsumoto Jun of Arashi) in the hit drama “Hana Yori Dango,” the aristocratic buildings and antique interiors are highly photogenic 🏰
Enjoy British-style gardens, tea parties, and even a kilt workshop — it feels just like studying abroad!
In-house English lessons and stay-style conversation programs are also popular.

Source: British Hills Official（british-hills.co.jp）

Meet Tiger-kun & Date Masamune – Tohoku Edition

Our campaign’s original acrylic keychains feature Tiger-kun in local costumes 🎁

Date Masamune, born on September 5, 1567, was a feudal lord nicknamed the “One-Eyed Dragon” after losing his right eye at a young age. In 1600, he became the first lord of the Sendai Domain and laid the foundation of the city. His statue stands proudly at the ruins of Sendai Castle, clad in splendid armor and helm!
Be sure to check out our campaign on X (formerly Twitter) for a chance to get this cool “Dokuganryu Date Masamune Tiger-kun” acrylic keychain ✨

Conclusion

We’ve introduced some of Tohoku’s stunning scenic spots, hot spring towns, and cultural heritage. Whether it’s a mossy forest walk in Oirase, the mystic Lake Towada, scenic Matsushima, the historical beauty of Hiraizumi, the outdoor paradise of Inawashiro & Bandai, or the cross-cultural British Hills — the region is full of irresistible destinations!
Why not enjoy your next trip to Tohoku with Hotel Reviewn by GMO? 🍀