Let's enjoy your summer vacation in Japan with Peak-Experience Japan

2019年 04月18日


Tourists systematically visit the famous Tokyo, Kyoto or Hiroshima, and too often miss out on more unknown places. The Tohoku region, the most northerly region of the main island is full of wonders and is worth a visit.


The Tohoku region is made up of six prefectures. We invite you to discover three of these six prefectures (Akita, Aomori and Iwate) in our new eight-day tour: Summer Festivals in Northern Japan!

We will take you to discover local crafts, the points of interest, especially the big summer festivals and two of the many Japanese elements inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage, for an experience in the heart of Japan. authentic.

Here is a presentation of the places and activities we have selected for you in the beautiful Tohoku region:


The three prefectures
 

  • Aomori

It is the northernmost prefecture of Honshu, the largest island in the Japanese archipelago. It is home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites and is renowned for the practice of sports and for its athletes. The specialties are the apple and fish which are particularly delicious.

 
  • Iwate

It is the second largest prefecture of the country, and is also the one in which we find the most easterly point of the country. It is famous for its beautiful wild nature and its Nambu Tekki (ironwork) which has its roots in the making of teapots for tea ceremonies.

 
  • Akita
It is the new industrial and cultural center of North Tohoku. It is famous among others for the quality of its rice and sake. The beauty of its forests and the finesse of its craftsmanship are also recognized throughout the country.

The traditional arts of Tohoku
  • The magewappa of the city of Odate
How to make the magewappa: a peiece of cedar wood is cut, bent and sewed with cherry tree bark to make utensils. It is a natural material that perfectly preserves quality and aroma of the contents, specially boiled rice. At a factory, we try to make sushi trays, steam boxes or bento boxes. We offer you to make your own bento box magewappa, a perfect souvenir to bring back from the beautiful Akita Prefecture!
 
  • The city of Ichinoseki
The Tohoku region is wel-known as a rice producing region, so there are large numbers of sake breweries that offer the Sake of high quality. Indeed, Ichinoseki city has breweries not less than 4. The visit of the city will allow you to discover the flavor of local Sake and traditional cuisine, go well with the Sake.

The points of interest of Tohoku
  • Odate City, Akita Prefecture
Akita Prefecture is known for its eponymous breed dogs, the Akita inu (dog) is famous for Hachiko, whose statue is erected in the Shibuya district of Tokyo. Since he had been waiting for his deceased master for ten years in the front of Shibuya station. The Akita inu is a very affectionate and intelligent dog. The Akita inu race is considered a national treasure. The city of Odate is proud to be the place of origin of these beautiful dogs, and you can cross it everywhere. The craft is also developed there with the making of utensils in magewappa.
  • Yokote City, Akita Prefecture

The district of Masuda in Yokote City has had its glory days from the Edo era, thanks to its shops and market that dates back to 1643. There is the highest quality silk of Akita Prefecture and a large tobacco production. We will visit historic buildings that reflect the prosperity of the region, such as warehouses and shopping centers with distinctive architectural styles.

For your information, Yokote city is also known for Yakisoba cuisine, fried noodles with fried egg whose once won the championship of class-B Gourmet grand prix.

  • Oga Peninsula, Akita Prefecture

To the west of Akita prefecture, the beautiful peninsula of Oga faces the Japan sea and presents magnificent landscapes. There are of course variety of seafood are available, not to mention those quality are high. We will visit the famous fish market of Oga.

But Oga also has a very unique and well-known traditional and cultural event, Namahage. Every year on December 31, the (scary) gods descend from the mountains and burst into the houses to impress unsuspecting children. The head of the family intervenes then and stops the Namahage. It is a festival that strengthens parental authority and congratulates good behavior. He is registered in the intangible heritage of UNESCO: we will take you to attend a demonstration, chills guaranteed!

  • Hiraizumi City, Iwate Prefecture

The city was the stronghold of the powerful Fujiwara clan during the Heian era (794-1185), so it became the rival of the imperial city, Kyoto. It is one of the most important historical sites in the Tohoku region and was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011. There are also many Buddhist temples, including Chuson-ji and Motsu-ji. very famous for their gardens that evoke the "Pure Land of the Beyond" Buddhist.

The Tohoku festivals

Festivals are held throughout the year in the Tohoku region, but the summer festivals are the most spectacular. We propose you to discover three of them:
 

  • The Aomori Nebuta

Aomori Nebuta is one of the three biggest festivals in all of Tohoku. It takes place in the city of Aomori. This five-day festival hosts a parade of huge and sumptuous lanterns called Toro, accompanied by dancers named Haneto in traditional dress. You can also wear the same outfit and join them!

  • Noshiro Tanabata Festival: the illuminated moving castles in the night
The big festival of Neburi Nagashi in the city of Noshiro is known for its huge lantern which once became 17 meters imitating Nagoya Castle. It is a centuries-old tradition that we propose to come to discover with the collaboration of the tourist office of the city of Noshiro, which provides a unique experience for you!
 
  • Kanto Matsuri
Kanto Matsuri festival takes place in the Akita city. We scroll with large lanterns 12 meters high and 50 kg each. Their handling requires great dexterity and whose secret is transmitted from generation to generation, an unforgettable sight!

Reading this article will give you a 5% discount on your Tohoku festival circuit!

Click here for more details on our "Summer Festivals in Northern Japan" tour