15 Places To Experience the Best of Tohoku, Japan

Looking to avoid the crowds heading to Japan this year? Then book a trip to Tohoku in the Northern region of Japan. Tohoku has six prefectures-Aomori, Akita, Fukushima, Iwate, Miyagi and Yamagata-each of which offers beautiful landscapes, spiritual temples and shrines, historical sites, unique cuisine, samurai culture and more. Avoid tourist traps and overwhelming crowds while experiencing the best of Tohoku at these 15 places.

This temple sits at the base of Mount Yudono. It's home to one of the most famous Sokushinbutsu, or mummified monks, in the world. In the 18th century, this Buddhist priest decided to become an "eternal monk." Over the course of his life, he reduced his body to mere flesh and bones, eating a few nuts a day and drinking sap to preserve his insides. He was buried alive at 93 and today his near-perfectly preserved body is on display at this temple.

This is one of the Iwate prefecture's most scenic destinations. The Genbikei Gorge is surrounded by trees and large boulders, many of which create pretty mini-waterfalls. Visitors can walk the 2-kilometer canyon and stop at one of the best viewpoints of the gorge not only for pictures but to try the famous "flying dango," which are sweet, glutinous rice balls. These traditional treats are sent over from Kakkoya, a dango shop across the gorge, via rope and basket.

This is one of the three mountains of Dewa which represents rebirth. In the Edo period, worshippers from all over Japan came here to undergo religious purification. Today there still exists the Yudonosan Shrine, which is situated among waterfalls and mountainous hot springs. Visitors can do a purification ritual, which involves entering the shrine with bare feet, chanting and bathing in the sacred water while praying to deities.

For a unique take on Shonai vegetables, Al Ché-cciano in Tsuruoka is a charming Italian restaurant that features "Yamagata-style Italian cuisine". Chef Mr. Masayuki Okuda specializes in blending together Italian cuisine with local ingredients and flavors. Each dish is both aesthetically pleasing and offers a spin on traditional Italian dishes like risotto or spaghetti.

This is one of the three mountains of Dewa which represents the past. Hagurosan Mountain is an absolutely beautiful place shrouded in nature that currently has three stars in the 2009 Michelin Green Guide Japan. It's home to mountain monks who use conch horns to protect the mountain from evil spirits. The entrance is lined with ancient 500-year-old cedar trees and features a 2,446 step ascent to the main shrine, with 33 hidden carvings on the steps. They say if you find them all your wishes come true.

Situated within Mount Haguro is Tohoku's oldest five-story pagoda. This nearly 30-meter-high wooden pagoda was built around 931-938 and is surrounded by cedar trees, one of which is over 1000 years old named Jijisugi. Inside the pagoda is an earthquake-resistant damper pendulum that has provided architecture inspiration for modern-day buildings in Japan. This National Treasure is an epic sight to see and a great photo-taking spot.

Visit the Dewa Sanzan where, for over 1,500 years, Yamabushi have walked the mountains of Dewa in Yamagata in search of greater purpose. Yamabushi are mountain monks who practice spiritual mountain practices to achieve enlightenment. At the three sacred mountains guests can be guided by Yamabushido in training that includes an extensive journey in nature taking you from the world of the present on Mt. Haguro, to that of the past on Mt. Gassan and then to meet your future self on Mt. Yudono.

The best way to see the incredible fall foliage in Tohoku is via scenic boat ride on the Mogami River. On the boat ride, you'll have your boat captain singing traditional river songs as you make your way down the river for about an hour. You'll also make a fun stop at a riverside convenience shop where you can purchase yakitori, sake, cherry blossom ice cream and more.

For a unique dining experience, take a seat at Shokeikaku, a restaurant that serves traditional tansu cuisine. This type of cuisine is a series of small dishes served in Sendai-style traditional tansu, which are small chests of drawers. It's a fun way to explore the cuisine of this area and taste a wide variety of food in one sitting. Guests are also invited to explore the restaurant which is in the former residence of the Date samurai family.

This temple area is very scenic and features the main temple, garden and pond, which includes traditional Japanese garden elements such as a beach area, rocky coastline and large rocks jutting out of the lake's surface, bridges and mountainous elements. The garden is meant to blend harmoniously with the surrounding nature. Hondo is the main hall of the temple whose main object of worship is Yakushi or the healing Buddha.

Date Masamune was one of the most powerful feudal lords of the Edo Period and played a great role in the history of this area. He established the castle town of Sendai and grew it to become the third-largest domain in Japan. Those interested in history will enjoy visiting this historical site where he is laid to rest. Nearby is a museum that also shows personal artifacts of the Date family.

This scenic city is famous for its bay which features small pine-clad islets. It's also known for Zuiganji which is one of the most important Zen temples in Tohoku. Take time to enjoy tea at Kanrantei, meaning "place to view ripples on water," a charming tea house that overlooks the bay. Indulge in traditional sweets and matcha green tea within this ornate Momoyama-style tea house for just 500 yen.

Located in Matsushima is Entsuuin Temple which was founded in 1674 as the mausoleum for Date Masamune's grandson Mitsumune. The enclosed garden is pristinely manicured and allows guests to roam through the temple on little pathways that take you through a curated forest. During the fall season, the garden landscape is lit up at night to further highlight the vibrantly colored trees and the zen garden.

This museum focuses on the history of gold production in Japan. Located in Wakuya Town, which is Japan's first gold producing region, Tempyo Romankan dives into gold mining in the Tempyo Era. Visitors can also pan for gold here and visit the nearby Koganeyama Jinja, a Shinto Shrine built on the site of the first gold mine in Japan.

Known as the Golden Hall, it's located within the Hiraizumi Chuson-Ji Temple. Konjikido Hall is decorated with gold leaf, lacquer, ivory, mother-of-pearl, and other expensive materials to convey wealth and nobility. Inside the hall are the remains of four Oshu Fujiwara leaders, Kiyohira, Motohira, Hidehira, and Yasuhira. This temple complex was originally built in the 12th century and today there remains five buildings designated at Important Cultural Treasures.