Let's enjoy your summer vacation in Japan with Peak-Experience Japan
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
The traditional arts of Tohoku
- The magewappa of the city of Odate
- The city of Ichinoseki
The points of interest of Tohoku
- Odate City, Akita Prefecture
- 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
- Kanto Matsuri
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