With relatively cool temperatures and many spectacular natural landscapes, Japan's Tohoku region is the perfect destination for a summer getaway! Consisting of six prefectures in the country's northeast – Aomori, Akita, Iwate, Yamagata, Miyagi, and Fukushima – this area is filled with hidden gems.
Here we'll introduce some of Tohoku's top scenic summer spots, from dynamic cliffs to quiet coves where you can swim in the sea.
1. Miyagi: Saigyo Modoshi no Matsu Park, Matsushima
Photo courtesy of Miyagi Prefecture Tourism Association
Located in Miyagi Prefecture is Sendai, the largest city in the Tohoku Region. Matsushima, famous as one of Japan's Top Three Scenic Views, is a mass of nearly 260 islands, big and small, that float in and around Matsushima Bay.
Since ancient times, people have been fascinated by this beautiful natural landscape. In recent years, it has become one of Japan's leading tourist destinations.
Saigyo Modoshi no Matsu Park, located atop a small hill, is just one of Matsushima's many spots that overlook the sea and islands.
To get there, take the JR Senseki Line from Sendai Station and get off at JR Matsushima Kaigan Station. The park is about 20-minute away on foot, but be warned: it's a pretty steep walk! You may want to take a taxi during the hot summer months.
Photo: PIXTA
There are several observatories in the park that offer a bird's-eye view of Matsushima. The summer landscape contrasts beautifully between the blue sea and the dark green trees on the islands. The white boats bobbing along the quiet bay also blend in well with the scenery.
Photo: PIXTA
The Matsushima landscape changes depending on the time of day and season. We recommend staying for sunset, which paints the sky a bright red over the bay. In the spring, Matsushima becomes a panoramic view of cherry blossoms!
Photo: PIXTA
Recommended accommodations nearby:
Matsushima Ichinobo
Takagihama 1-4, Matsushima, Miyagi
MatsushimaHotel Matsushima Taikanso
Inuta 10-76, Matsushima, Miyagi
MatsushimakaiganBreezbay Seaside Resort Matsushima
Inuta 1-10, Matsushima, Miyagi
MatsushimakaiganSaigyo Modoshi no Matsu Park
Inutazinai, Matsushima, Miyagi, Matsushima, Miyagi Prefecture, 981-0213
・Phone: 022-354-5708 (Matsushima Town Industrial Tourism Division)
・Hours: Visit anytime
・Admission: Free
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2. Aomori: Hotokegaura
Saimura is a relatively untouched natural land located on the Shimokita Peninsula in Aomori, the northernmost prefecture of Honshu.
The rocks of Hotokegaura were carved by the rough waves, wind, and snow. The white-green tuff rocks of this natural monument and national scenic spot extend for nearly 2 kilometers!
Take the Aoimori Railway from Hachinohe Station to JR Shimokita Station. From there, you'll want to rent a car or hail a taxi, as it's about 1 hour and 20 minutes away.
You can view the powerful cliffs from atop the observatory or up close from the promenade near the parking lot!
You could even take a sightseeing boat from Sai Port. Board the boat at Tsugaru Kaikyo Cultural…
