Modern Architecture on the Shonai Plain and the Stone Steps of Dewa Sanzan

Modern Architecture on the Shonai Plain and the Stone Steps of Dewa Sanzan

A modern hotel set among harvested rice fields on the Shonai Plain became our base before heading into the cedar forests of Dewa Sanzan. This stretch of Yamagata offered architecture, nature, and centuries of mountain worship. The day was complete with the sunset on the Japan Sea and arrival in Niigata.

Samurai in Kakunodate and Surprises in Rural Akita

Samurai in Kakunodate and Surprises in Rural Akita

Rain set the pace in Kakunodate as we walked the samurai streets, moved between old houses, and stayed the night on the former bukeyashiki road. After plans to climb Mount Chokai fell through, we discovered Karamatsu Shrine deep in the trees, before ending the day along the coast at sunset.

Lakeshore Walks and Forest Valleys: Lake Tazawa, Dakigaeri Valley and Nyuto Onsen

Lakeshore Walks and Forest Valleys: Lake Tazawa, Dakigaeri Valley and Nyuto Onsen

Lake Tazawa, Dakigaeri Valley, and Nyuto Onsen are close on the map, therefore we did not drive long this day. From the deepest lake in Japan and its Nessie-like legend to forested valleys, the route ends at a secluded mountain hot spring, one of the most profound I have visited.

Red Leaves and White Snow: Crossing between Morioka and Goshogake Onsen

Red Leaves and White Snow: Crossing between Morioka and Goshogake Onsen

Red leaves, white snow, hot spring steam, and a former copper mine. This part of the trip moved between the extremes. From fall in Morioka to winter in Akita’s mountains, including a stay at remote Goshogake Onsen on the peaks of Hachimantai and a visit deep underground at Osarizawa Mine.

Deep in Nature: Hakkoda-san, Oirase Gorge and Lake Towada

Deep in Nature: Hakkoda-san, Oirase Gorge and Lake Towada

These days were active with hikes on Hakkōda-san’s snowy trails, along Oirase Gorge with moss and waterfalls, and quiet moments in the Hoshinoya resort hotel and around Lake Towada. We experienced Aomori with a strong local apple theme throughout.

1000 Torii, a 1000 Year Tree and Timeless Calligraphy: In and around Aomori

1000 Torii, a 1000 Year Tree and Timeless Calligraphy: In and around Aomori

Aomori was where the trip truly began. Meeting up with three Swiss friends kicked off the two-week road trip across Tohoku. Long drives, beautiful nature and shrines, calligraphy, and surprise encounters replaced trains and crowds, setting the tone for everything that followed.

Tokyo, Chichibu, Kawagoe: Starting off the trip

Tokyo, Chichibu, Kawagoe: Starting off the trip

One day after arriving in Tokyo, I again visited Chichibu with two friends. This time we stayed at a ryokan with a private open-air rock bath and gorgeous dinner. On the way back Kawagoe offered Edo-era streetscapes, sweets shops and a calm shrine.

Planning a 3 Week Tohoku Trip with a Group

Planning a 3 Week Tohoku Trip with a Group

November is one of the best months to travel in Japan, especially outside major cities. With autumn colors appearing in the mountains and winter slowly approaching at higher elevations, it is an ideal time to explore rural regions beyond the usual routes. This article is the start to a series that explores travelling Japan’s North in autumn.

Back on the Road: New Stories from Japan’s North

Back on the Road: New Stories from Japan’s North

There has been a long break on this blog once again. Over the past two years, Tabimonogatari has been more dormant than I intended, even though the experiences that usually end up here have very much continued in the background.

Feeling Morioka (Tohoku in Winter 5/5)

Feeling Morioka (Tohoku in Winter 5/5)

In no time we reached day 5 of our New Year’s vacation. We spent the whole day in Morioka and returned with fulfilled wishes and filled bellies to Tokyo in the evening.