Northern Japan, collectively known as the Tōhoku region, connects Tōkyō in the south-east with the island of Hokkaidō in the north. The area itself is coated in forest and mountain with most of the population concentrated within the lowlands. As such, the region features six of Japan's most rural prefectures; from Yamagata to Aomori to the very north of Honshū. Sitting higher on the northern hemisphere, Tōhoku experiences cooler summer temperatures but also harsher winters. With the advent of the shinkansen bullet train and a great range of domestic airports, it is simple to travel to all six of Tōhoku's prefectures either on land or by air. For example, you can reach Shin-Aomori station from Tōkyō station in roughly three hours – a distance of nearly 700 km. From there, regional trains and buses reach out across the region, allowing visitors and residents to travel around easily from town to town.
Tōhoku was traditionally considered the granary of Japan thanks in part to the city of Sendai being the key supplier of rice to Tōkyō markets, where it provided 20 percent of the entire nation's rice. Tourism has since boomed in the region significantly, with visitors travelling towards the area’s several national parks, scenery and beautiful natural hot springs.
Discover the country at your own pace with our detailed maps and walking instructions. Everything else - from rail tickets to accommodations - are all organised by us, so you can focus on relaxing and enjoying excellent local home-cooked meals and world class hospitality.
Visit a region that has preserved both its natural beauty and its long legacy, passed down from the samurai of old.
Travel into rugged terrain deep in mainland Japan’s north. Authentic, remote, and perfect for those seeking a challenge.
A rugged self-guided hiking tour down the central portion of the Michinoku Coastal Trail. Includes a visit to the village of Okirai, which contains many monuments to the area's past.
Walk through preserved nature-rich lands that bore witness to battles and the progress of history and visit one of Japan’s largest mountain wetlands.
Curated sections of northern Japan’s newest hiking trail, with walks along a rugged, dramatic coastline and through lush mixed forests.
Hike Tōhoku’s Michinoku Coastal Trail and travel to the breathtaking Kitayamazaki Coast, where cliffs over 200 metres high stretch up over the ocean.
Sign up as individual travellers and leave as lifelong friends on an Oku Japan small-group guided tour. With a maximum of 13 people in any group, our tours ensure you get the full attention of your local guide who themselves share a passion for Japan. Whether it’s traditions, food, society or history, learn the ins and outs together with your fellow travellers and the assistance of our fully-licensed, bilingual guides.
Walk alongside the beautiful Sanriku coast and learn about the unique way of life in one of Japan’s most remote regions.
Dramatic peaks and soothing hot springs of the north. A small-group guided walking tour with 6 days of walking and hiking of 2-6 hours per day