Together with the regions. Presenting Japan’s hidden charms to the world.Tastes of JAPAN

Hirosaki Park in Hirosaki City is well known as one of the best sakura (cherry blossoms) viewing spots in Japan, mainly because of the combination of cherry blossoms and the majestic Hirosaki Castle. In this park, there are around 2,600 cherry trees of 52 varieties, which create a magnificent landscape of the area.

Ryusendo Cave in Iwaizumi, Iwate Prefecture, is one of Japan's three greatest limestone caves and designated as a national natural monument. The underground lake created by pristine water welling out of the cave is one of the most transparent in the world, called "dragon blue." The spot has also been drawing attention in recent years as a "lover's sanctuary," a romantic setting often visited by couples.

Every year from August 6 to 8, the famous Sendai Tanabata Festival is held over three days in the city of Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture. Recognized as one of the three major festivals in the Tohoku region, the historical festival has been continued from the era of Masamune Date (1567-1636), the founder of the Sendai domain. A crowd of visitors from both around and outside of Japan fill the streets of Sendai during this period to enjoy the gorgeous Tanabata paper ornaments adorning the city.

Every year between late May to mid-June, Kagami Pond located on Mount Hachimantai in Senboku City, Miyagi Prefecture, creates a rare natural phenomenon that takes on the appearance of a dragon eye. As a great amount of snow melting in spring pours into the pond, its center rises by buoyancy, which then starts to thaw in such a way as to resemble an eye of a dragon. You may be lucky enough to witness this mysterious vista only seen during this time.

Officially known as Hojuzan Risshaku-ji, Yamadera was founded in 860. At the base of the mountain sits the main Konpon Chudo Hall, a designated important cultural property of Japan, followed by the 1,015 stone steps that lead to the summit. It is a form of ascetic training that leaves your worldly desires behind as you ascend each step. The views of the mountains and surrounding villages from the mountaintop are truly captivating.

Located within the Bandai-Asahi National Park, Bandai-Azuma Skyline is Fukushima's representative sightseeing mountain road that has been also selected as one of the 100 Best Roads in Japan. Because the road is closed in wintertime, the reopening of the road in April announces the arrival of spring. The road's maximum elevation reaches 1,622 meters around the Jododaira area, letting you enjoy a driving amid breathtaking volcanic landscapes of the Azuma mountain range as well as lush greenery and bright autumn colors.

Deep in the Towada-Hachimantai National Park in Aomori Prefecture is the Tsutanuma Pond, which is one of the seven ponds collectively known as "Tsuta no Nana Numa" (the seven ponds of Tsuta) along with Kagaminuma, Tsukinuma, Hyotannuma, Suganuma, Naganuma and Akanuma ponds. Surrounded by native beech trees adorned with seasonal colors such as fresh greenery in May and the stunning shades of autumn leaves, the pond fascinates visitors with picturesque landscapes. The perfect photo opportunity is the moment when the morning glow illuminates the entire area in beautiful red hues and the autumn leaves are projected on the water surface. However, such a breathtaking scenery can only be seen when certain conditions allow - the moment when the early morning sun rises on a quiet, cloudy day without wind.

The 27-kilometer mountain sightseeing road runs through Iwate and Akita prefectures. It offers panoramic views of seasonal landscapes of Mount Hachimantai, which are spectacular especially during the seasons of the snow-walled corridor in spring and stunning autumn foliage. The Jukai Line joins with the Hachimantai Aspite Line near the peak of Mount Hachimantai and also offers a scenic driving route that traverses the magnificent scenery of Mount Iwate.

Located in the center of the Tohoku region, the 1,626-meter Mount Kurikoma is a popular hiking destination that offers six courses with Iwakagami-daira as a starting point, and is suitable both for beginners and advanced climbers. From mid-September to mid-October, broad-leaved trees such as beech and maple adorn the entire mountain with impressive layers of autumn foliage. Climb up to the summit and indulge in the unbroken views of the superb colorful leaves that can only be seen from the top.