Northern Honshu & Hokkaido
Northern Honshu, known as Tohoku, offers wonderful natural scenery spread over three national parks plus numerous lesser-known cultural and historical treasures. Sendai is a lively, modern city, home of the famous August Tanabata Star Festival and gateway to the Tohoku region. Nearby Matsushima boasts a famously scenic bay. The pleasant city of Aizu-Wakamatsu is known for its lacquerware, historic Tsurugaoka Castle and fascinating Buke-yashiki samurai residence. The volcanic landscapes of the adjacent Bandai-Asahi National Park are a favourite with hikers, as is the dramatic Dewa Sanzan area and Mount Zao, which transforms into one of Japan’s top ski resorts in winter. Historic Hiraizumi is of interest for the fabulously ornate Chusonji Temple and Hirosaki is an attractive castle town. To the very north of Honshu, the stunning volcanic crater of Lake Towada is surrounded by the alpine landscapes of the Towada-Hachimantai National Park, also known for its hot springs and ski resorts. Hokkaido was for a long time Japan’s ‘Wild West’ and still retains a distinct pioneer feel. The island is home to the last of Japan’s indigenous Ainu people, and the remnants of their distinct culture are a major attraction. Large parts of Hokkaido are protected as National Parks: areas of fantastic volcanic scenery, ‘bottomless’ crater lakes, hot springs and numerous mountain and ski resorts. Furano, in particular, is renowned for its summer flower fields and winter skiing. During the winter visitors flock to see two of Hokkaido’s outstanding natural phenomena: ‘dancing’ cranes and hot-spring-bathing monkeys. Sapporo, Hokkaido’s vibrant capital, is famous for its great nightlife and the extraordinary Snow Festival in February. To the south, the port city of Hakodate was one of the first of Japan’s ports to open to foreign trade. Known for its historic Goryokaku Fort and gorgeous night views, the city displays a notable Russian influence.
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