This article looks at the Miyagi coastal town of Minami Sanriku, badly damaged by the 2011 tsunami, but surviving and thriving with lots of interesting things for tourists to see and do. (Archived article – Originally published by Japan Today.)
Category: Tohoku
Stepping back in time: the Meiji Village Museum of Miyagi
The Meiji Period (1868-1912) is perhaps my favorite period of Japanese history. It is the time when Japan, which had stagnated from being closed to the outside world since early in the 17th century, leapt forward, grafting new governmental structures to its traditional emperor system and adopting various new technologies to allow it to fend … Continue reading Stepping back in time: the Meiji Village Museum of Miyagi
Ancient Temples of the Deep North: Some of Tohoku’s Most Historical Temples
This article provides history and other information on four Ninth century temples in the Tohoku region that are still popular destinations for tourists and religious devotees alike. (Archived article – Originally published by Japan Today.)
Cherries in Japan: more than a springtime blossom
Every spring Japan celebrates the pale pink petal of the cherry blossom. And justifiably. But there is much more to cherries than just the delicate springtime blossom. In early summer, Yamagata Prefecture is popping with the fruit itself, little red balls of sweet juiciness. Further north, in Akita Prefecture, the bark of the mountain cherry, … Continue reading Cherries in Japan: more than a springtime blossom
Ouchi-juku: well-preserved Tohoku post town
During Japan's Edo Period (1603-1867), the movement of people and goods was strictly controlled by the shogunate. Anyone wishing to travel was expected to apply for and receive permission to do so, and then to travel only on approved routes. Generally speaking, the only acceptable reasons to travel were for trade or religious purposes or, … Continue reading Ouchi-juku: well-preserved Tohoku post town
5 Days Exploring Akita, Aomori and Iwate Prefectures with the JR East Pass
This article provides a fun and interesting five day itinerary for taking advantage of the incredible bargain of the JR East Pass while getting acquainted with the amazing diversity of the Tohoku region. (Archived article; originally published in Gaijinpot)
Seeking Sakura and Samurai in Tohoku: Past and Present Glories of Kakunodate and Hirosaki
This article introduces two Tohoku destinations with fascinating samurai history and beautiful cherry blossoms. (Archived article – Originally published by Japan Today.)
Lighthouses and Lines on a Map
Humans have been using imaginary lines on a map to navigate the world for over two millennia. The concept is simultaneously practical and romantic. The same can be said of shining a light from a high place to warn sailors of unseen dangers, the magic of a lighthouse. In Japan, 40° North latitude seems to … Continue reading Lighthouses and Lines on a Map
Earthquake Heritage Taro Kanko Hotel: reminder of tragedy
Just off the main highway in the fishing port town of Taro, north of Miyako in Iwate Prefecture, stands a curious, derelict-looking building. Derelict buildings are not particularly unusual in Japan, but in this area, which was flooded by the tsunami of March 11, 2011, most buildings are new; their predecessors either destroyed by the … Continue reading Earthquake Heritage Taro Kanko Hotel: reminder of tragedy
Ryusendo: The cave of the dragon’s spring
Ryusendo, one of the three largest limestone caves in Japan, sits in the mountains of Iwaizumi, less than 15 kilometers from the Pacific Coast of Iwate Prefecture. An underground river pours out of the mouth of the cave, perhaps leading to its name, "cave of the dragon's spring". It is a designated National Natural Treasure, … Continue reading Ryusendo: The cave of the dragon’s spring
Sightseeing in Post-disaster Iwate’s Miyako: Tragedy and Natural Beauty Together
This article features the town of Miyako in Iwate Prefecture, in an area badly hit by the earthquake/tsunami 9+ years ago. Reconstruction is ongoing and "disaster tourists" will find interesting remnants of that sad day. The natural beauty of the coast seems to have bounced back more quickly than humans have, so there is beautiful … Continue reading Sightseeing in Post-disaster Iwate’s Miyako: Tragedy and Natural Beauty Together
Matsushima’s moods and marvels
This article features Matsushima, one of Japan's three great beauty spots. While the area suffered some damage in the earthquake/tsunami 9+ years ago, it's back to its beautiful self now. Lots to see and do. Well worth a visit! (Archived article originally published by Japan Today) For more information on Tohoku's Pacific Coast, check out … Continue reading Matsushima’s moods and marvels
Jigsaw Japan 