Emily and Ayaka visited Akita, Aomori, and Iwate, the three northernmost prefectures of Japan’s main island of Honshu. The recommendations in their sample itinerary covered everything from natural wonders and historical neighborhoods to museums, local eats, and traditional crafts — showcasing the diverse and rich experiences that Tohoku has to offer. They also explained which train lines and stations to use to get to their recommended sites.

Tohoku has, historically, been a less-visited region of Japan compared with central cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. In 2017, for example, only 1.6% of all inbound tourists visited Tohoku. While the total number of international visitors is steadily increasing across Japan, the percentage who visit Tohoku has remained stubbornly low, at 1.8% in 2025. Drawing a greater percentage of tourists to Tohoku is important not only for boosting local economies but for helping smooth out issues related to overtourism in the already much-visited areas.

With this background in mind, the new JR East Pass is a boon for both travelers looking to get off the beaten path and Tohoku locals eager to share just how awesome their region really is. “This 10-day itinerary encourages slow travel, inviting you to immerse yourself in the local culture,” Emily writes in her article. 

The 10-day rail pass costs ¥48,000, or half price for children 6 to 11 years old (a 5-day option is also available). It is only available to foreign nationals visiting Japan. 

Jarman International is passionate about sharing the value of areas like Tohoku, and we hope to continue working with regional partners to do so going forward!

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However, the great question remains…where should you go?

For those who might be overwhelmed by the plethora of must-visit destinations in the vast lands of Tohoku, check out the wonderful five-day, four-night itinerary included in this Tokyo Weekender article! From healing your soul in the rose bath hot springs of Iwate and learning about the legendary namahage (troll-type demons) in Akita, to savoring the famous, melt-in-your-mouth apple pie in Aomori, this itinerary is the perfect introduction to Tohoku’s charm. 

We say ‘introduction’ here because five days is surely not enough for you to explore all of Tohoku. Hopefully, by the end of your trip, you will be itching to come back and continue your travels in this still undiscovered, hidden gem in Japan.

Tohoku is also home to glorious cherry blossom spots. Check out this Japan Today article to learn more!

The post The perfect five-day itinerary in northern Japan using the JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area)! appeared first on Jarman International KK.

On February 20 starting at 2:30PM (JST), there will be a free, online tour where you’ll be guided around this history theme park called Edo Wonderland, and simultaneously discover Nikko, located just two hours away from Tokyo.

The tour will also feature an exclusive look into the VIP lounge at Nikko station, a Q&A session about travel in Tohoku and helpful information on the JR EAST PASS, and more.

Join us using the Zoom link HERE on event day!

Find your perfect JR Rail Pass HERE.

The post Travel back to 17th-century Japan from anywhere in the world on February 20 at 2:30PM (JST)! (Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture) appeared first on Jarman International KK.

For a flat fee of 20,000 yen (10,000 yen for children), you can be anywhere from gazing up at the 350-year-old pagoda of Saisho-in Temple in Aomori and taking a stroll in the old castle town of Kakunodate where authentic samurai-era architecture still remains, to attempting the wanko soba (buckwheat noodle) challenge in Iwate and dipping into a hot spring among the fantastical mountains of Yamagata.

The writers of Jarman International recently collaborated with Japan Today to publish an article highlighting everything you need to know about this rail pass, which you can read HERE.

In late October, two of our JI Core 50 members, Daniel Moore and Adam Fulford visited Tohoku to explore its wonders. You can read about their experiences below, and find out what makes this region of Japan so special.

Daniel’s experience in Fukushima Prefecture HERE. Adam’s travel to Yamagata Prefecture HERE.

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