Boasting the largest land area of all Japan's
prefectures, Iwate Prefecture is located on the
northeastern part of Honshu, facing the Pacific
Ocean on the east. Relatively cool in summer,
it is a popular escape from the summer heat.
It's rugged coastline, with sand dunes and cliffs eroded by the
sea, also has an abundance of different marine products. The
long stretch of dramatic cliffs contrasts magnificently with the
peaceful 'Jodogahama' beach in Miyako City. Moreover, Iwate
has many historical attractions, including Hiraizumi which has
Chusonji 'Konjikido'(Golden Hall) and Motsuji Temple. The
ancient forests on Mt. Iwate and the Appi Plateau are perfect for
outdoor enthusiasts. A wide range of activities, including skiing,
hiking and golf are available. Afterwards, a variety of 'onsen'
offer a soothing rest for the weary traveler.
Shared by Aomori and Akita, the
Shirakami Mountains spread out over
130,000 hectares. The central part of this
mountain range was designated a World
Heritage Site in 1993, along with the
Yakushima Range in Kagoshima
Prefecture. The primeval beech forest is
one of the world's largest and home to a
variety of plant and animal species.
Located in Miyagi
Prefecture, Matsushima is
considered one of the three
most scenic spots in all
Japan. About 260 small
islands dot Matsushima Bay. With views that constantly change,
depending on the season, there is always something new to discover.
Sightseeing cruisers are available.
Okama crater lake is a highlight
of the Zao Mountain Range on
the border between Yamagata
and Miyagi Prefectures. It is
also known as 'Goshiki-numa'
(five-colour marsh) as the water
can change color several times
a day.
Together, this mountain and lake represent the beautiful scenery in Fukushima
Prefecture. Mt. Bandai has two faces - a harsh crater on the north side and a
graceful volcano on the south.
Aptly nicknamed, 'Tenkyo'
(Heaven's Mirror), Lake
Inawashiro is often compared
to a looking glass reflecting the
mountain.
'Namahage' is a ritual observed
throughout Akita's Oga Peninsula
on New Year's Eve for the purpose
of blessing the new year and
cleansing people's souls. Men
dressed as 'Namahage' or
demons, attempt to scare children by visiting each home shouting
"Do any naughty children live here?"
Together, this mountain and lake represent the beautiful scenery in Fukushima
The 'Nebuta-matsuri' Festival is
one of the largest summer
festivals in the Tohoku region.
Popular both inside and outside
Aomori, people come from all
over to participate in the energetic
dancing and to enjoy the colorful
floats and exciting music.
Eating 'Wanko Soba'
(buckwheat noodles) is a
unique and entertaining
experience that should not be missed. This local Iwate cuisine is
served by the mouthful. Once you finish the first bowl, a server
flings a fresh ball of noodles into your empty bowl and keeps on
re-filling it until you've had enough!
'Gyutan' (grilled ox tongue), a regional
delicacy, originated in Sendai City. Many
restaurants specializing in 'gyutan' can be
found around Sendai Station. Try this
mouth-watering dish
lightly sprinkled
with salt.
Travel Eastern Japan with convenience, comfort and economy!
Different from the JAPAN RAIL PASS that covers all JR travel
nationwide, the economical and flexible JR EAST PASS permits the
traveler easy movement around Eastern Japan. It is valid on all the
JR railway lines of JR EAST: Limited Express Trains (except
private compartments or berths) including 5 'Shinkansen' bullet
trains (Tohoku, Akita, Yamagata, Joetsu and Nagano); Express
trains (except berths, etc.); Local trains (except "Liner"/"Home
Liner"). Please note the JR EAST PASS is not valid for the
Tokaido Shinkansen and the Sanyo Shinkansen lines, connecting
Tokyo and western cities, such as Kyoto, Osaka, or Fukuoka.
Eastern Japan's countryside laying out an Impressionist painter's
palette of dazzling colored foliage is a popular autumn destination.
Enjoy Japan's scenic beauty; use the JR EAST PASS!
Eligibility
Only visitors (non-Japanese passport holders) who stay in Japan up to 90 days are eligible to purchase any JR EAST PASS.
Purchase outside Japan
An eligible buyer purchasing the pass outside of Japan receives an
exchange order that must be exchanged into an actual rail pass after
arriving in Japan and within three months of the purchase.
Purchase inside Japan
Purchasing a JR EAST PASS inside Japan limits the visitor to one
pass only. Your passport must bear the "Temporary Visitor" entry
status stamp.
In the north east of mainland Japan, the Tohoku region
beckons travelers seeking breathtaking scenery and
compelling historical attractions. It is comprised of six
prefectures: Aomori, Iwate, Akita, Miyagi, Yamagata and
Fukushima. Because of its remote location, Tohoku used to be
called 'Michinoku', meaning 'outside government control'. Despite the
harsh climate, Tohoku has many charms yet unknown to tourist in Japan.
Nature lovers will appreciate the gorgeous scenery, including Hachimantai
National Park and the Shirakami mountain range - designated a World
Natural Heritage Site. Aomori city has the highest snowfall figures in the world
and there are many hot springs and excellent skiing to enjoy in the Tohoku
region. History buffs will love exploring the many castles and samurai residences,
as well as 'Chusonji' and 'Motsuji' temples in Hiraizumi. In summer, Aomori's
'Nebuta' and Akita's 'Kanto' Festivals are exciting events not to be missed. It
is surprisingly easy to get there - from metropolitan Tokyo, take the Tohoku
Shinkansen. Take the road less traveled and discover Tohoku for yourself!
Shared by Aomori and Akita, the
Shirakami Mountains spread out over
130,000 hectares. The central part of this
mountain range was designated a World
Heritage Site in 1993, along with the
Yakushima Range in Kagoshima
Prefecture. The primeval beech forest is
one of the world's largest and home to a
variety of plant and animal species.
Located in Miyagi
Prefecture, Matsushima is
considered one of the three
most scenic spots in all
Japan. About 260 small
islands dot Matsushima Bay. With views that constantly change,
depending on the season, there is always something new to discover.
Sightseeing cruisers are available.
Okama crater lake is a highlight
of the Zao Mountain Range on
the border between Yamagata
and Miyagi Prefectures. It is
also known as 'Goshiki-numa'
(five-colour marsh) as the water
can change color several times
a day.
Together, this mountain and lake represent the beautiful scenery in Fukushima
Prefecture. Mt. Bandai has two faces - a harsh crater on the north side and a
graceful volcano on the south.
Aptly nicknamed, 'Tenkyo'
(Heaven's Mirror), Lake
Inawashiro is often compared
to a looking glass reflecting the
mountain.
'Namahage' is a ritual observed
throughout Akita's Oga Peninsula
on New Year's Eve for the purpose
of blessing the new year and
cleansing people's souls. Men
dressed as 'Namahage' or
demons, attempt to scare children by visiting each home shouting
"Do any naughty children live here?" 
Together, this mountain and lake represent the beautiful scenery in Fukushima
The 'Nebuta-matsuri' Festival is
one of the largest summer
festivals in the Tohoku region.
Popular both inside and outside
Aomori, people come from all
over to participate in the energetic
dancing and to enjoy the colorful
floats and exciting music.
Eating 'Wanko Soba'
(buckwheat noodles) is a
unique and entertaining
experience that should not be missed. This local Iwate cuisine is
served by the mouthful. Once you finish the first bowl, a server
flings a fresh ball of noodles into your empty bowl and keeps on
re-filling it until you've had enough!
'Gyutan' (grilled ox tongue), a regional
delicacy, originated in Sendai City. Many
restaurants specializing in 'gyutan' can be
found around Sendai Station. Try this
mouth-watering dish
lightly sprinkled
with salt.
Travel Eastern Japan with convenience, comfort and economy!