Genbikei Gorge in Ichinoseki, Iwate Prefecture, is one of the Tohoku region's representative gorge attractions, known for its unusual rock formations, emerald-green water, and beautiful scenery in every season. It is especially popular for autumn foliage and is also famous for the must-try “Flying Dango” from Kakkoya.
Author: Gentle Evening Breeze
Lake Kawaguchi Maple Corridor Guide: Autumn Leaves Festival, Night Illuminations, and Transportation
If you want to see autumn foliage at Lake Kawaguchi, one place you should not miss is the popular Maple Corridor. It is not only the main venue of the Fuji Kawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival, but also attracts around 200,000 visitors every November. This guide covers the best foliage season, festival and nighttime illumination information, as well as how to arrange transportation back after enjoying the illuminated autumn leaves. Read this before you go to make your foliage trip smoother!
10 Best Yamagata Souvenirs: Must-Buy Fresh Cream Roll Cake, Dutch Rice Crackers, Juhyo Roman, and Cherry Jelly
Yamagata Prefecture in Japan's Tohoku region lives up to its name, with magnificent mountain scenery and beautiful ridgelines stretching across the landscape. Its outstanding natural environment also produces an abundance of agricultural products and local specialties. This guide highlights 10 of the most distinctive souvenirs from Yamagata Prefecture, including a variety of sweets made with Sato Nishiki cherries. With beautiful packaging that makes them ideal for gifts, be sure to add them to your shopping list when traveling independently around Tohoku!
2026 Tohoku Autumn Foliage: 24 Best Spots in Sendai and Aomori, Including Oirase Gorge and Naruko Gorge, with Peak Viewing Times
The autumn foliage season in Japan's Tohoku region spans about two months, beginning around late September in Hachimantai, Iwate, and continuing until mid-November in Matsushima, Miyagi. This guide covers 24 top autumn foliage spots across Aomori, Iwate, Akita, Yamagata, Miyagi, and Fukushima, along with the best viewing times and the 2026 foliage forecast. If you want to know which prefecture to visit and when, this guide has you covered.
Goryokaku Park Guide: Goryokaku Tower, Tickets, Transportation, Seasonal Highlights, Souvenirs, and Food
Goryokaku Park is a must-visit attraction on any Hakodate independent trip. Its star-shaped fort is designated a Special Historic Site of Japan, and from Goryokaku Tower you can look down over the entire geometric layout. Throughout the year, visitors can enjoy spring cherry blossoms, autumn foliage, and the winter-only Goryo Hoshi no Yume illumination. This guide covers Goryokaku’s must-see highlights, ticket prices, transportation, nearby food recommendations, and an efficient one-day itinerary combining other Hakodate attractions.
Zojoji Temple Guide: See Tokyo Tower from the Tokugawa Family Temple — Tickets, Amulets, and New Year’s Eve Worship in One Complete Guide!
Zojoji Temple, located in Shiba Park in Minato City, Tokyo, is the head temple of the Jodo sect and stands at the foot of Tokyo Tower. Known as a temple of “victory and good fortune” because of its historical connection with Tokugawa Ieyasu’s military success, it also serves as the family temple of the Tokugawa shoguns. With several nearby stations, it is an easy historical attraction to explore in a relatively short time. Here is a complete look at Zojoji’s must-see highlights, distinctive sacred items, seasonal festivals, and essential visitor information.
Kawaguchi Asama Shrine Guide: Tenku no Torii Viewpoint, Transportation, Omamori, Goshuin, and Opening Hours
Located in Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi Prefecture, Kawaguchi Asama Shrine is a must-visit landmark for first-time visitors to Mount Fuji, alongside the beautiful lake and mountain scenery. The shrine has a long history, while the “Tenku no Torii” Mount Fuji Worship Site on the mountain behind it has become a hugely popular scenic photo spot in recent years. This guide covers transportation to Kawaguchi Asama Shrine, the thousand-year-old Seven Sacred Cedars, goshuin and unique omamori, photography rules at the Tenku no Torii, and seasonal scenery. It also includes a recommended day-trip route featuring Oishi Park, Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine, and other nearby attractions—essential reading before planning your Lake Kawaguchi trip.
Complete Guide to Kanda Shrine: IT Amulets, Goshuin, Kanda Matsuri, and an Akihabara Side Trip
Kanda Shrine (Kanda Myojin) is a shrine with more than 1,000 years of history, located near Akihabara Electric Town, Tokyo’s famous hub of subculture. It is worshipped for blessings in relationships and business prosperity, and is also widely known as an “information security shrine.” This guide takes an in-depth look at the highlights of Kanda Shrine, access and worship information, its colorful amulets and other sacred items, eye-catching festivals, and nearby attractions that are easy to combine with your visit.
2026 Hokkaido Autumn Foliage Guide: 20 Best Fall Color Spots and Peak Viewing Times
Hokkaido's autumn foliage season usually begins nearly a month earlier than in other parts of Japan. From Asahikawa and Sapporo all the way to Hakodate, an autumn trip can let you chase fall colors for as long as a month and a half. This guide selects 20 of the best autumn foliage spots in Hokkaido for 2026, with peak viewing times, transportation information, and the 2026 foliage forecast to help you plan your Hokkaido autumn trip.
Iwaki City Travel Guide: Must-Visit Attractions, Hot Springs, Transportation, Food, and Accommodation
Iwaki City, located in southeastern Fukushima Prefecture facing the Pacific Ocean, is a travel destination that combines hot springs, ocean scenery, and great food. It is also the setting of the classic film Hula Girls. With a mild climate and little snow in winter, Iwaki is suitable for independent travel throughout the year and is conveniently only about 2.5 hours from Ueno, Tokyo. From Spa Resort Hawaiians and Aquamarine Fukushima to the National Treasure Shiramizu Amidado, this guide introduces Iwaki through its attractions, food, and recommended accommodation.