Ride Through Spring with the JR EAST PASS

The Tohoku region is a beautiful wonderland of snow and cherry blossoms during the springtime. It makes for a great opportunity for some incredible photographs. With the JR EAST PASS, it’s easier than ever to visit Tohoku to see what all the fuss is about. It’s time to escape the cities and make a beeline for some amazing sightseeing spots in northern Japan.

It’s well known that the Tohoku region is famous for snow—mountains and mountains of the stuff—so it comes as no surprise that pure-white powdery snow makes for some of the best Tohoku adventures. But how about mixing snow with landscapes of cherry blossoms? It’s a unique sight that you’ll be hard-pressed to find in other parts of the country. Once you’re done marveling at fluffy mounds of snow and cherry blossoms, take a warm dip in one of the local hot springs.

The JR EAST PASS makes sure that you have access to all of the best places in Tohoku while also offering amazing savings. For example, traveling from Tokyo Station to Sendai Station in Tohoku’s Miyagi prefecture will already cost over 10,000 yen per person—and that’s just one way! By purchasing a JR EAST PASS before you travel, you’re looking at incredible savings, which is especially true when you consider that the 5-day pass costs only 20,000 yen per person.

What sort of destinations can you look forward to when you travel with a JR EAST PASS in the Tohoku region? Let’s take a look.

Snow

Snow culture is big in Tohoku! From winter sports to snowy train rides, here are some of the best snow stops you can visit with the JR EAST PASS.

1. Yamagata – Zao Onsen Ski Resort

This huge mountainside resort is famous for its snow sports offerings and nearby hot springs. Zao Onsen Ski Resort is located in Yamagata prefecture and along with skiing and snowboarding, you’ll also be able to spot ‘snow monsters’ at the peak of the resort. These Juhyo—snow-covered trees—take on an unusual and spooky appearance earning them their nicknames. The resort is open from early December through early May with the snow monsters looking their best from February to March.

Access: Start off from Yamagata Station Eki-mae bus stop and take the Z90 bus bound for Zao Onsen BT—alight at the Zao Onsen Bus Terminal after 37 minutes. From here, it’s an 18-minute walk or a 7-minute taxi ride to Zao Onsen Ski Resort.

2. Iwate – Hachimantai Snow Corridor

The Hachimantai Snow Corridor in Iwate is an impressive testament to the snow that blankets the prefecture every year. The 27-km-long road has snow walls on either side that are more than 8 meters deep. The road reopens in mid-April and then becomes a popular sight for drivers headed toward Hachimantai rest house for amazing panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and even cherry blossoms if you visit at the right time.

Access: Hop on the train at Morioka Station headed for Odate and get off at Kitamori Station after 45 minutes. From Kitamori, you’ll need to either rent a car or make use of a taxi. It’s a 30-minute drive to the Hachimantai Snow Corridor.

3. Akita – Akita Nairiku Line

For train enthusiasts, Japan is the holy grail. If riding the shinkansen to Tohoku wasn’t enough for you, it’s time to board the Akita Nairiku Line that runs through Akita prefecture and shows visitors picturesque snowy landscapes like something out of a holiday greeting card. With direct access from Kakunodate Station on the JR Tazawako Line, it’s a convenient stop and sightseeing opportunity all in one. Do note that the JR EAST PASS does not cover the Akita Nairiku Line fare.

Access: You can ride the Akita Nairiku Line from Kakunodate Station to Takanosu Station in Akita prefecture.

4. Aomori – Hakkoda Ropeway

The Hakkoda Ropeway is one of the best ways to see Aomori prefecture’s mountainous landscapes from the peak of Mount Tamoyachi. In winter, the ropeway carries skiers—in summer, hikers can reach the summit for a trek through alpine vegetation on the way down Tamoyachi. No matter when you ride the ropeway, it will deliver some of the best sights from the ropeway cars and observation deck at the summit.

Access: From JR Shin-Aomori Station on the shinkansen make way to Aomori Station on the Ou Line. From there, ride the JR Bus Tohoku's "Mizuumi-go" bus bound for Sukayu Onsen and get off at Ropeway Station.

Cherry blossoms

Droves of travelers to Japan visit the country for the transient cherry blossom season. There’s something about these pastel-pink flowers resembling snowy branches that charms and warms hearts.

1. Fukushima – Nicchu Line Memorial Walkway

Wander beneath fluffy clouds of pink petals at the Nicchu Line Memorial Walkway in Fukushima prefecture. This cherry blossom tunnel was once home to the Nicchu Line national railway that closed in 1984 and has since become a haven for hanami lovers. The best time to visit is from mid to late April, but blossoms start as early as late March. You won’t want to miss this fantasy-like scene.

Access: Take the Ban-Etsu West Line to Aizu-Wakamatsu Station and from there go to Kitakata Station. The Nicchu Line cherry blossoms are a 20-minute walk from the station.

2. Miyagi – Hitome Senbonzakura

Check out some 1,200 cherry blossom trees lined up along the Shiroishi River in Miyagi prefecture. Being only 30 minutes away from Sendai Station, the hitome senbonzakura (one thousand cherry trees at a glance) makes for an easy countryside escape with all the natural splendor one might expect from one of Japan’s best hanami spots. The cherry trees against a snow-capped Mount Zao with Shiroishi in the foreground make for an awe-inspiring sight.

Access: Ride the Tohoku Line until Funaoka Station and walk 10 minutes to see the Hitome Senbonzakura.

3. Aomori – Hirosaki Castle Park

With one of the last twelve remaining castle towers in Japan, Hirosaki Castle Park is worthy of a visit no matter when you can go. But cherry blossom season is when the park springs to life with thousands of petals swirling through the air. It’s even a world-recognized spot for cherry blossom viewing. It’s certainly difficult to beat the view from the red vermilion Geko Bridge with cherry trees lining the moat and the castle tower in the background.

Access: Ride the Ou Line from Aomori Station to Hirosaki Station. From there you can either walk for 30 minutes to the castle park or take a 15-minute taxi ride.

4. Fukushima – Miharu Takizakura

The lone weeping cherry tree in Miharu, Fukushima, proves that it’s all about quality over quantity for some hanami enthusiasts. The sprawling tree is more than 1,000 years old and flowers annually from mid to late April. The weeping cherry tree branches look like something from a traditional watercolor painting as the branches sway in the breeze. It’s especially beautiful lit up at night.

Access: Start off from Koriyama Station and take the Ban-Etsu East Line to Mogi Station. From there, take a taxi for 15 minutes to see the Miharu Takizakura.

Hot springs

Is there anything better than a long soak in mineral-rich hot springs? Probably not, so definitely make your way to one of these marvelous onsen to try them for yourself.

1. Akita – Nyuto Onsenkyo

Nyuto Onsenkyo is Akita prefecture’s wonderful secret seven hot springs. Each local onsen has its own source of hot spring water and is renowned for its healing properties. Whether you’re after seclusion at the likes of Tsuru no Yu or you want to experience an open-air bath in a beech forest like at Kyukamura, the seven springs of Nyuto Onsenkyo are sure to rejuvenate you: mind, body, and soul.

Access: Head to Tazawako Station from Morioka Station and then hop on the Nyuto Line bus bound for Nyuto-Kaniba Hot Spring. You’ll arrive after 47 minutes.

2. Yamagata – Ginzan Onsen

Travel back in time to old Japan when you visit Ginzan Onsen in Yamagata prefecture. Though not a direct inspiration, this village looks like something out of Spirited Away’s famous hot springs scenes, but whether or not you like anime, this hot spring area is sure to heal and soothe your stress. Take a walk around the village in a rented kimono and experience the past as you relax in one of the foot baths on the village streets.

Access: Begin from Yamagata Station and head north to Ooishida Station via the Yamagata Line. From Ooishida Station, take the Ginzan Line bus to Ginzan Hot Spring and you’ll arrive in 36 minutes.

3. Iwate – Ichinoseki Onsenkyo

The Ichinoseki hot spring area in Iwate prefecture has six sumptuous hot springs ready for any onsen lover. With both indoor and open-air baths, the hot springs in the area are great for a day of bath hopping in order to experience the full effects of the healing waters. While you’re in the Ichinoseki area, visit Geibikei and Genbikei to appreciate Iwate’s gorgeous gorges.

Access: Take the Tohoku-Hokkaido Shinkansen from Morioka Station to Ichinoseki Station. From the station, take a taxi for 15 minutes and arrive at the Ichinoseki hot spring area.

4. Miyagi – Akiu Onsen

Akiu Onsen is largely regarded as one of the most popular hot springs in Tohoku. It’s easy to fall in love with the quaint surroundings and soak up the 1,500 years of history that the springs hold. Akiu Waterfall and Rairaikyo Gorge are both worth visiting while you’re nearby—if you spot the heart-shaped hole at the bottom of Rairaikyo’s Nozoki Bridge Heart it’s said that you’ll have eternal happiness.

Access: Start from Sendai Station and take the Akiu Bus Line bound for Akiu Forest Sports Park. Alight at Akiu Onsen Yumoto after 57 minutes.

With so many incredible sights waiting for you in Tohoku, purchasing the JR EAST PASS is an easy decision—one that’s sure to bring you joy, fun, and savings.