Charms of Tohoku: Rice Paddy Art & Autumn Leaves

The shinkansen (or "bullet train") is a type of high speed train that travels between most of the major cities in Japan. By taking the shinkansen, trips between destinations that might take almost a full day by car can be reached in a few hours. The bullet trains can run up to 320 kilometers per hour (close to 200 miles per hour), and are known to be generally on time, comfortable and safe.

Nebuta Wa Rasse is a museum dedicated to the history of the Nebuta Matsuri and allows visitors to see the floats all year round. The museum will displays approximately 300 years of Nebuta festivities on display followed by pictures of floats and the participants of the celebrations. The museum building itself holds floats where visitors can view the details of the huge structures that were used in previous parades, though they change them out every year.

Rice Paddy Art is a community arts project in the town of Inakadate, Aomori Prefecture. Upon the discovery of local rice paddies that were over 2,000 years old (making the town one of oldest rice-growers in Japan), the town decided to celebrate that fact by growing rice paddy art of nearby Mt. Iwaki. It proved to be a huge financial success for the town, and ever since, the town council has carefully planned the annual rice paddy art to include historical figures, pop culture, famous landmarks, and Japanese culture. The art is viewable from July to October. In recent years, the town added a unique variety of winter art on the snow-covered paddies using snowshoes to make magnificent patterns over the fields. While not as colorful as the regular rice paddy artworks, the winter art patterns are still highly intricate and impressive.

Hirosaki Castle is a charming castle from the Edo period, located in Aomori prefecture. Initially built by the lord of the region. The original castle was destroyed in 1627 in a flash of lightning, eventually reconstructed in 1810. Eight of the castle’s buildings are now designated as National Historic Sights, drawing people come from around the world to view the magnificent castle structures. The castle is the center of Hirosaki Castle Park, an especially popular place to be in spring. All around the castle grounds and moat are over two thousand cherry trees, making Hirosaki Castle one of the most prominent places to visit for cherry blossom-viewing. Visitors can even take a boat under the overhanging branches, drifting through a moat flowing pink with delicate sakura petals. In late April, the castle holds an annual cherry blossom festival.

The Fujita Memorial Garden is the former residence of the affluent Fujita family, and named specifically for Kenichi Fujita, the first chairman of the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The garden was constructed in 1919 according to the prevailing notions of landscaping held during the Edo period, becoming one of the finest gardens of the Tohoku region. As this residence was constructed during the Taisho period, a blend of Japanese and Western style was used in the construction of the buildings. The resulting Western-style house offers visitors an elegant place to come and sip English-style black tea while listening to the music of a grand piano. The house terrace offers splendid views of the gardens, even as far as Mount Iwaki on clear days.

Kakunodate was a former castle town in Akita prefecture which maintains much of its traditional Edo-era aesthetic through its well-preserved Samurai district. As many as 80 samurai families once lived in this heritage district, granting the city the informal title of the “little Kyoto of Tohoku.” The houses and attached gardens are exquisitely maintained, and some even allow visitors to see the interior for a peek into the daily life of a Japanese samurai during Japan’s feudal period. The broad thoroughfares between houses are shaded with weeping sakura trees, making the Samurai District especially popular in spring. Popular locations in the district include the Aoyagi House, which includes a museum with a samurai-themed collection, restaurant, and gift shop. The Ishiguro house is also worth a look, with its collection of samurai armor and preserved storeroom. Parts of this house are closed off, however, as the family still lives on the property.

In the port city of Sakata, locals frequent the Sakata Seafood Market, or “Sakata Kaisen Ichiba” for the freshest seafood in town. Located right on the Mogami River, the market is near to the port. Caught daily in the nearby Sea of Japan, this store is a must-visit for travelers who love seafood. The market is divided into two distinct sections, with Seafood Market Honpo on the first floor and Seafood Restaurant Tobishima on the second floor. On the first floor, patrons can shop for fresh fish and other kinds of seafood prepared in a variety of ways. And on the second floor, seafood lovers savor mouthwatering dishes prepared with fresh fish directly stocked from the market below. While eating, visitors can enjoy a view of Sakata Port from a wooden deck on the second-floor terrace.

The Somaro Tea House has been a high-end establishment in Sakata since the 17th century. Originally known as Somaya, this exclusive tea house arose out of close ties to Kyoto during the Edo period due to the rice trade between the two cities. This trade agreement made Sakata the affluent culture center of the region, and the Somaro Tea House was established as high-class entertainment for the wealthy elite – merchants, government officials, and artisans. One import from the old imperial capital was geisha culture, and the Sakata Maiko (apprentice geisha) continue to entertain guests at Somaro to this day. A lunch performance is highly sought after, when guests enjoy tea and traditional cuisine while the maiko dance for the guests. Somaro is also a museum and gallery, displaying a collection of hina dolls of exceptional quality. Hina dolls are specially made with fine features and rich attire, meant to reflect imperial court life.

The Sankyo Warehouses were built during the Edo period to store the city’s most lucrative resource – their quality rice grown on the nearby Shonai Plains. Many of the warehouses are still in use to this day, although visitors love the area for its historical feel paired with an enchanting riverside locale. Two warehouses in the front of the complex have been converted into a souvenir shop that sells Sakata handicraft, while in the back of the row of 15 storehouses is the Historical Museum of Shonai Rice, which includes displays on the history of rice harvesting in the area, plus another group of displays detailing the culture and history of Sakata city.

Yamabushi refers to the mountain monks of the Shugendo folk religion in Japan. Shugendo practices are inspired by esoteric Buddhism, Taoism, Shinto, and other local folk religions, usually involving physical and mental discipline through rigorous training and rituals, including standing under waterfalls or meditating on mountaintops. Mountains are an essential part of Shugendo. The Yamabushi monks of Mount Haguro offer an easy introduction to travelers looking to understand their ways, starting with a temple class where visitors are taught preparatory prayers or chants. The visitors then put on the traditional attire of the monks and walk up the mountain steps to Haguro-san Shrine while being encouraged to meditate and take in their surroundings. Near the summit, they stop at a building called “Saikan” for a healthy vegetarian lunch of monks’ food.

The Five-storied Pagoda, or Gojuto, is a National Historic site of Mount Haguro, in Yamagata Prefecture. The pagoda sits near the beginning of the path up to the top of the mountain, hidden within a forest of cedar trees, some of which are thought to be over a thousand years old. The pagoda was first built in 937 (though it has been rebuilt since), and is 29 meters (95 feet) tall. It is treasured as one of the oldest five-storied pagodas in Japan. The pagoda sits near the start of the mountain path leading up to Haguro shrine, and is one of the mountain’s most well- known features.

The monks of Mount Haguro offer visiting travelers a taste of traditional monk life while visiting their Saikan temple building, with a healthy vegetarian Shojin Ryori lunch. Shojin Ryori means “monks’ food” in Japanese, and is meant to represent the traditional fare which the Buddhist monks commonly eat in a temple. Since it is not made with meat, fish or other animal products, it can be freely enjoyed by vegetarians and vegans, and makes an ideal cuisine for visiting travelers looking for a taste of authentic Japan. Shojin Ryori is prepared according to Buddhist principles imported from China, using primarily vegetables, tofu, and soy products, as well as minimal additional seasoning, instead relying on the innate flavors of the vegetables themselves.

Haguro-san Shrine is the shrine at the summit of Mount Haguro, the first peak in the Three Sacred Mountains of former Dewa Province – known in Japanese as the Dewa Sanzan. As the most accessible of the three mountains, the shrine of Mount Haguro is open to travelers all year round, and is cared for by the Yamabushi “mountain monks” of the Shugendo folk tradition, commonly climbed as part of a pilgrimage. The ascent from the gate at the bottom involves a beautiful climb of 2,446 stone steps to reach the summit. The path is lined with tall cedar trees, some of which are thought to be over a thousand years old. Haguro-san is the lowest of the Three Mountains of Dewa, the others being Mount Gassan and Mount Yudono. A true pilgrimage to these peaks involves climbing all three mountains on a journey that is held to be symbolic of the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.

The Mogami River is the chief river of Yamagata prefecture, winding its way through half the region before letting out into the Sea of Japan near Sakata. The river became famous by the pen of traveling poet Matsuo Basho, who composed an enduring haiku noting the strength and swiftness of the river. A riverboat line was opened and named the Basho line in his honor, taking travelers along the Mogami River Gorge. It passes through what is widely agreed to be the prettiest sections of the river, lined with gorgeous autumn-changing trees and waterfalls. While traveling on the river, the boatmen of the Basho line are known to regale their passengers with traditional river ballads, which has increased the fame and popularity of the Basho Line boat ride.

Risshakuji Temple is the temple complex atop Yamadera in Yamagata Prefecture. Some people refer to the temple simply as Yamadera temple. It is nationally designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty. It was founded in 860 by the priest Ennin as a temple of the Tendai Buddhist sect, and features a main hall constructed of beechwood, a treasure house full of sculptures and other treasures, and a repository for Buddhist sutras. The ascent to Risshakuji involves a climb of 1,000 stone steps through a dense cedar forest. The area around Risshakuji is famed for being a stop on the route of the traveling poet Matsuo Basho, who wrote a haiku highlighting the stillness of the local environment and the sound of the cicadas.

Matsushima Bay has been known as one of the top most scenic places in all of Japan for many years. Without a doubt the most popular and best way to see the bay is by boat cruises. There are many cruises available for visitors to ride on to experience one of Japan’s best scenic views.

Godaido serves as a symbol of Matsushima since it is a on an islet of the bay in Miyagi Prefecture, which is known for its cruises and natural scenery. Inside the temple itself are five statues that are presented to the public once every 33 years. The small island is connected a short, red bridge that gives the scenery a particularly attractive elegance to the temple’s surrounding environment. Admission to this temple is free, however it does close in the evenings.

One of the most distinguished temples of the Tohoku region is the Zuiganji Temple. The temple is so notable that it has been received as a national treasure in Japan; particularly special places are the main hall with golden sliding doors, the Kuri of the main hall, the “Gate of Honor”, and the “Inner gates” are some examples. Visitors going to the temple can also visit the museum called Seiryuden, also called the Zuiganji Art Museum, where many artifacts and some temple treasures are displayed, in particular a wooden statue of an armored Date Masamune.

Nikko is famous for the Toshogu Shrine, which holds the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the famous founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate that ruled for over 200 years (1603-1868). The original resting place for Tokugawa Ieyasu was much simpler in design that it is today. The construction was carried out in accordance to his father’s will by Ieyasu’s son, Hidetaba Tokugawa, in 1617. However, it was later expanded to its modern size by Ieyasu’s grandson, Tokugawa Iemitsu. The dozens of buildings were built with grandiose designs, unique with its brightly- colored carvings of animals and various types of images.

Kegon Waterfall is listed as one of the three most beautiful falls in Japan along with Nachi Waterfall in Wakayama Prefecture and Fukuroda Waterfall in Ibaraki Prefecture. It is located in Nikko and is the most famous waterfall out of the many in the area. Kegon Waterfall is about 100 meters high and is the only exit for the waters of Lake Chuzenji to exit from. The best time to see the waterfall would be in the autumn season. The surrounding foliage of Kegon Waterfall painted in fall hues is a sight not to miss.

Lake Chuzenji is located in the mountains near Nikko at the foot of Mount Nantai and is beautiful around the autumn season. On the eastern side of the lake is a small hot spring town called Chuzenjiko Onsen. From mid to late October the nature around Lake Chuzenji is very attractive. It is around this time that the autumn colors of the trees reach their peak. Since Lake Chuzenji is a scenic body of water there is a hiking trail that goes around the entire area. It is also possible to enjoy the scenery by going on a sightseeing boat that departs from the onsen town.

Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro is located 3 minutes by foot from Ikebukuro Station, a massive terminal with eight different subway and JR lines. From the station, over 17 round trip buses depart to both Narita and Haneda International Airports each day, assuring convenience for guests arriving by or planning to make a transfer by air. When setting off from the hotel, guests can easily reach popular attractions such as the Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre and Ikebukuro Café, a unique space where visitors can play with owls and other animals.

Right next to JR Hirosaki Train Station, Art Hotel Hirosaki City offers rooms with free WiFi and Simmons mattresses. It features dining options including a tea lounge and teppanyaki restaurant. Meeting and banquet facilities are available for guests. The air-conditioned rooms at Art Hotel Hirosaki City have soft lighting and wood furnishings. An air purifier/humidifier, electric kettle and fridge are provided. Guests can watch pay TV programs. The private bathroom includes a hair dryer, slippers and a toilet with a bidet.

Tazawako Lake Resort & Onsen is set in Senboku and offers a hot springs bath. Guests can use the ski storage space and enjoy the on-site restaurant. Free WiFi is available throughout the property and free private parking is available on site. Kakunodate Town is a 20-minute drive away from the accommodations. Each room at this hotel is air conditioned and is fitted with a flat-screen TV. Some units have a seating area for your convenience. For your comfort, you will find slippers and free toiletries. For dinner, traditional Akita cuisine is prepared fresh in the kitchen and served in a Japanese and Western-style buffet. Guests can enjoy a breakfast of traditional local cuisine and all-you-can-eat salmon roe.

Located in Tsuruoka, 6 miles from Kamo Aquarium, Shonai Hotel Suiden Terrasse provides accommodations with a restaurant, free private parking, a fitness center and a bar. With a garden, the property also features a spa & wellness center. The accommodation has a hot spring bath, free WiFi throughout the property and family rooms. At the hotel, every room includes a closet. Complete with a private bathroom equipped with a bidet and a hairdryer, all guest rooms at Shonai Hotel Suiden Terrasse have a flat-screen TV and air conditioning, and certain rooms will provide you with a terrace. The rooms will provide guests with a desk and an electric tea pot.

Hotel Taikanso is located on the highland overlooking Matsushima bay in the three most famous scenic places in Japan. The largest resort hotel sprawls atop a plateau surrounded by pine- covered hills and offers the best views in town. Matsushima's splendid view are enjoyed from the observatory public bath, open-air bath, lobby and several other locations in the hotel.

Surrounded by a forest and an expansive pasture, this stylish, Northern Italian-style hotel is wrapped in the verdant, peaceful bosom of nature. The baths use water from the hotel's own constant and free-flowing hot spring.

Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro is located 3 minutes by foot from Ikebukuro Station, a massive terminal with eight different subway and JR lines. From the station, over 17 round trip buses depart to both Narita and Haneda International Airports each day, assuring convenience for guests arriving by or planning to make a transfer by air. When setting off from the hotel, guests can easily reach popular attractions such as the Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre and Ikebukuro Café, a unique space where visitors can play with owls and other animals.

The Hotel Mystays Premier Narita is conveniently located ten minutes from Narita Airport and 80 minutes by car from central Tokyo. Guests can relax in the tranquility of the hotel’s traditional Japanese garden or explore nearby places of historical beauty such as the Narita Shrine and Shinshoji Temple. The rooms are functional, well kept and convenient with essential facilities such as direct line telephones and cable TV. There is an excellent choice of sports and recreational activities including indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts and a fitness club. Guests can be spoiled by the choice of dining options which include restaurants specializing in Western, Chinese and Japanese cuisine in locations with impressive views of the airport.