Exploring the Unexpected Journey in the Tohoku Region, Visiting Fukushima and Miyagi Prefectures
Heyy folks, let's take a wild ride through Tohoku, the northern part of Japan's main island, thanks to our badass website! While Miyagi and Fukushima might not be the most famous destinations, they sure as hell aren't short on secrets waiting to be discovered by us adventurers.
Miyagi Mission
My journey kicks off in the picturesque Miyagi prefecture, 350km and 1h30 by Shinkansen north of Tokyo. I touch down in Sendai, a city brimming with history and culture, but let's get moving to Akiu Onsen, a small town known for its thermal baths (a must-try in Japan!). Here, I found myself charmed by the stunning river-canyon and the abundance of luxurious ryokan—traditional inns offering an unforgettable soak in onsens indoors and outdoors, alongside mouthwatering local specialties.
Did you know the city is also home to a kokeshi doll handicraft and burgeoning vineyards? Guess who's enjoying a glass of the good stuff? My French self, that's who!
Day 2 Shenanigans in Sendai
The following morning, I ventured to Marumori in the south of Sendai. Unfortunately, the region got smashed by typhoon Hagibis last October, so the trains only run during the early morning to carry out construction work. But don't worry, there's plenty to explore! The main attraction is the historic Sairi Yashiki buildings and the boat trip on the Abukuma River.
Sairi Yashiki is a collection of seven-generation buildings, home to the Saito family of merchants. The main building houses an incredible collection of Hina Ningyou, dolls representing the imperial couple and their court. With two hours to spare, you can snap pics and indulge in delicious gelato and local tapioca at the Dotdo cafe.
The boat ride on the Abukuma River was a pleasant time to sit back and appreciate Japan's natural beauty. It also offers a valuable lesson on the country's resilience in the face of natural disasters.
By night, I finally made it to Fukushima—a big, dynamic city with a buzzing nightlife!
Fukushima Flirtation
After a morning jaunt on the Ban-Etsu East line to Kammata station, my eyes were treated to the majestic sight of Takine mountain, home to the massive Abukuma-do cave. This impressive cave is a must-visit for spelunkers and offers an optional narrow, hot path for those seeking an adrenaline rush.
Further along the road is Licca Castle, dedicated to the Japanese Barbie—Licca-chan. Proceed with caution, ladies, but you might learn something new about the lovely doll's 50-year history and manufacturing process!
Iwaki town offers numerous restaurants for every palate, and I have to admit, I only got to try one—but it was delicious! Expect sashimi and sushi prepared by a master.
Museums and Marine Life
Venture to Yumoto station, where you'll find the Iwaki City Coal and Fossil Museum, a veritable dinosaur paradise. The museum also offers an in-depth look at the challenging lives of coal miners and their equipment.
A short train ride away is the AQUAMARINE aquarium, perfect for kids, adults, and all marine life lovers. The aquarium showcases rare species of fish and crustaceans, but the building itself is the real star, with stunning architecture and a beautiful view of Iwaki port. If you're feeling peckish, hop across to Lalamew fish market to try fresh, tasty donburi.
If all of that isn't enough to convince you, remember the famous volcano and snow festival in Sapporo, the pristine beaches of Matsushima, and the historic towns of Aizu, Soma, and Koriyama.
So pack your bags, bring an explorer's spirit, and join us on this Tohoku adventure! And remember, Miyagi, Fukushima, and the rest of these affected prefectures desperately need your support to recover from past disasters. Happy travels!
PS: Here are the hotels I stayed at during my trip:- Sendai Akiu Onsen Iwanumaya- APA Hotel Fukushima Ekimae- Hotel Frontier Iwaki
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Cheers!
- In Miyagi prefecture, I discovered a delightful combination of luxury ryokan, thermal baths, local specialties, and onsens alongside kokeshi dolls and vineyards.
- After a glass of wine, I headed to Marumori, where the Sairi Yashiki buildings with Hina Ningyou and a boat trip on the Abukuma River provided a peaceful encounter with Japan's natural beauty and history.
- In Fukushima, I encountered the dynamic city with a lively nightlife, and tried a master-prepared sushi and sashimi meal at one of the numerous restaurants.
- The Iwaki City Coal and Fossil Museum offered a deep dive into the lives of coal miners, while AQUAMARINE aquarium showcased rare marine species and stunning architecture, with fresh donburi available at the nearby Lalamew fish market.
- Tohoku's hidden gems extend to the famous volcano and snow festival in Sapporo, pristine beaches of Matsushima, and historic towns of Aizu, Soma, and Koriyuki, necessitating a well-planned travel itinerary for an unforgettable experience.
