Summer in Tohoku is all about festivals! Here's a roundup of the 2025 dates for the "Six Major Tohoku Festivals," major events that bring local traditions to life and are enjoyed by both locals and tourists.
In central Iwate Prefecture, between Morioka City and Oshu City, there are roadside stations dotted with uniquely flavored local soft serve ice cream. There are also stations with museums showcasing the Nanbu Toji brewers, and abandoned...
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The local soft serve ice creams at roadside stations in southern Iwate Prefecture are characterized by their "orthodox" flavors, which are made with the delicious local milk, and by the fragrant sesame seeds. This article...
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Every June, a festival that can be considered a symbol of early summer in Iwate Prefecture is held in Takizawa City and Morioka City. The name of this festival, sometimes called "Japan's cutest festival" in some areas, is "Ch...
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Hachimantai, which straddles Iwate and Akita prefectures, is a mountainous region with a gentle slope at an elevation of 1,614 meters, and is a naturally rich area that is counted among Japan's 100 most famous mountains. Towada Hachimantai is a...
The Sanriku Coast south of Miyako City is a scenic ria coastline, and the offshore area has long been known as a good fishing spot. The seafood can be tasted and purchased at roadside stations, so it's a popular destination for locals.
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As part of the post-earthquake reconstruction efforts, the Sanriku Coastal Road was completed as a bypass of National Route 45 along the Sanriku Coast. While this has made travel easier, it is said that the number of cars passing through the city has also increased. Therefore, the coastal road...
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The soft serve ice cream at roadside stations makes the most of the flavors and aromas of local ingredients, making it a popular gourmet treat that's essential for a break from driving. Last time, I introduced the soft serve ice cream at a roadside station recommended by the author near Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture.
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The barrel-aged herbal liquor "ONI no amaro KZ" features a striking label featuring a demon mask from the traditional Onikenbai dance, a traditional art form passed down mainly in Kitakami City, Iwate Prefecture.
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Daian-ji Temple sits quietly in the downtown area of Mizusawa, Oshu City, Iwate Prefecture. Although it is not well known as a tourist destination, it is home to historical sites that convey the history of Oshu to the present day. The temple was once the domain of the rulers of this region...
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