Depending on the season and your individual hiking level, we will choose a suitable route and explore the lush nature of Tohoku together. Surrounded by impressive mountain ranges, protected nature reserves and as part of the snowiest region in the world, our surroundings offer a variety of hiking opportunities all year round – always rewarded with impressive views.
Special highlights include hidden waterfalls that can only be reached via narrow hiking trails, forays through some of Japan’s oldest natural forests or snowshoe hikes through meters of powder snow in winter – past steaming volcanic springs close to the surface.
The Tohoku region in northern Honshū is one of Japan’s best-kept natural secrets. Away from the crowds of tourists, it offers an impressive variety of landscapes that are ideal for exploring on foot – from dense primeval forests and active volcanoes to idyllic lake landscapes, rugged coastlines and snow-capped mountain ranges. For hiking enthusiasts, Tohoku is a paradise that promises authentic nature experiences and tranquillity far away from the big cities.
A key advantage of Tohoku is its low population density: even popular hiking destinations are never overcrowded, and on many routes you won’t meet a soul for hours. Instead, the rustling of the trees, birdsong and the silence of the mountains dominate. The hiking trails range from easy one-day routes to historic pilgrimage trails and challenging multi-day tours in alpine terrain.
The numerous nature reserves and national parks are particularly noteworthy. There are spectacular highlights such as Lake Towada with its mystical atmosphere, the Oirase Gorge with its moss-covered rocks and waterfalls, or the active volcano Mount Zao with its bright turquoise “Okama” crater lagoon.
Winter in Tohoku offers a very special experience: the region is considered one of the snowiest in the world. At this time of year, guided snowshoe hikes are offered, during which you trudge through meters of powder snow – often past frozen waterfalls, steaming hot springs or bizarre snow sculptures made of frozen trees (“Snow Monsters”). This unique scenery is hard to find anywhere else in the world.
Those interested in culture will also get their money’s worth when hiking: many routes lead past small temples, old villages or historic trade routes. Hikes through the Japanese primeval forests not only offer nature experiences, but also insights into how the Japanese treat their environment with respect.
Tohoku combines tranquillity, unspoiled nature and scenic beauty – ideal for anyone who not only wants to hike, but really wants to arrive. Whether spring, summer, fall or winter: Each season reveals a new, impressive face of this special region.
