Tohoku is a breath of fresh mountain air; its deep and light powder offers a wonderful retrieve for crowd-weary skiers and snowboarders looking for all levels of challenge. And all this is just a few short bullet-train hours northeast of Tokyo in 7 Prefectures.
Tohoku not only scores #3 in Lonely Planet’s 2020 Top Regions but is also voted for National Geographic’s Top 25 Destinations for 2020. Japan is buzzing in 2020 as the world descends on Tokyo for the Summer Olympics. This normally quiet corner of the country has been hard at work reopening transport links, developing new long-distance hiking trails, rebuilding and greatly improving tourist facilities.
Spectacular wild and craggy coastline, steep and rugged mountain ranges with an undisturbed natural peace that inspires adventure and contemplation. Within its valleys and gorges traditional Japanese culture still thrives – its cherry blossom and summer festivals, locally caught fish and farmed produce, its myriad of onsen hot springs, its quiet yet challenging winter ski resorts of untouched snow and its warm and inviting hospitality – all await the traveller seeking a more authentic Japan experience.
While many attractions throughout the year, here are some of amazing Winter Wonderland Events in the region.
- Frozen Waterfall Night Tour
Take a bus tour to the Oirase Gorge in Aomori to see the beautifully illuminated frozen waterfalls.
Period: January 10, 2020 – March 15, 2020
Reservation required
Fee: ¥2,000 – ¥3,000
- Kakunodate Fire and Snow Festival
Celebrate the Lunar New Year in the old samurai neighbourhood of Kakunodate in Akita featuring fire dance in the snow.
Period: February 14, 2020
Free entrance
- Juhyo (Snow Monster) Light-up
Enjoy the unique winter scenery in Zao/Yamagata, through the window of the heated night cruiser.
Period: December 28, 2019 – February 29 , 2020
Fee: Adults ¥3,000 Children ¥1,500
- Echigo-Tsumari Snow Fireworks 2020
Watch the spectacular firework show over the snow colouring the night sky of Echigo-Tsumari, Niigata.
Period: February 29 , 2020
Fee: Adults ¥3,500 Children under 16 ¥1,200
