Worth a DetourKakunodate
Akita
About 32 miles away
A samurai town of black-walled houses under weeping cherry trees, which turn its streets pink in late April.
Guide Coming Soon
Morioka
A small castle-town city below Mount Iwate, known for its noodle challenges, coffee houses and old brick buildings.
- Best Time to Go
- Apr–May, Sep–Oct
Our full guide to Morioka is being written. It's on the Hokkaido and Tohoku list as If You're Nearby.
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1–3 of 18
Worth a Detour
Worth a DetourHiraizumi
Iwate
About 50 miles away
The golden hall of Chūson-ji and the gardens of a northern court from 900 years ago.
Guide Coming Soon
If You're NearbyNyūtō Onsen
Akita
About 22 miles away
A cluster of remote hot spring inns in beech forest, with milky outdoor baths, near Lake Tazawa.
Guide Coming Soon
The Full Short List
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