北海道・東北地區

關於北海道・東北地區旅遊的常見問題

• How do I get to the Tohoku Region? And how can I travel from Hokkaido to Tohoku?

  The Tohoku Region, with its six prefectures and seven airports, offers various transportation options. If you're traveling from Tokyo, besides air travel, you can take the bullet train. The Tohoku Shinkansen Hayabusa, for example, takes 3 hours and 15 minutes to Shin-Aomori Station in Aomori Prefecture, the northernmost part of Tohoku. From Hakodate in Hokkaido, the Hakodate Liner and Hokkaido Shinkansen take 1.5 hours to reach the same destination. Another option is the Seikan Ferry, which takes 4 hours.

• Is there a JR Pass available for the shinkansen in the Tohoku Region?

  The Japan Railways Group provides various special transportation passes for different areas. The JR East Pass (Tohoku area) is valid in the Kanto and Tohoku regions. The JR East-South Hokkaido Rail Pass can be used in parts of Hokkaido, including Sapporo and Hakodate, as well as the Tohoku and Kanto regions. Additionally, the JR Tohoku-South Hokkaido Rail Pass is applicable in parts of Hokkaido such as Sapporo and Hakodate, and six prefectures in the Tohoku Region.

• Besides the JR Pass, what other affordable transportation passes are available in the Tohoku Region?

  Each prefecture and city offers a range of budget-friendly transportation tickets. In Sendai City in Miyagi Prefecture, for example, the Loople Sendai One-Day Pass and the Loople Sendai and Subway One-Day Pass allow you to ride a loop-line bus that connects key sightseeing spots. For broader travel in Miyagi, Yamagata, and Fukushima prefectures, the Mini Trip Holiday Pass allows unlimited rides on regular and rapid trains, as well as BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) for one day. The Tohoku Highway Bus Ticket is valid on express buses across the Tohoku Region.

• When is the best time to visit if I want to join festivals in the Tohoku Region?

  The Tohoku Region hosts vibrant festivals in both summer and winter. Key events include the Sendai Tanabata Festival, Aomori Nebuta Festival, and Akita Kanto Festival in early August. The Aomori Nebuta Festival showcases stunning giant floats, while the Omagari Fireworks Festival in Akita offers a national fireworks competition on the last Saturday in August. In winter, don't miss the annual Yokote Snow Festival in mid-February, and the Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival in Aomori. Both feature illuminated snow huts and lanterns, creating a magical atmosphere.

• Where are the best places to shop in the Tohoku Region? Are there any outlet malls?

  In the Tohoku Region, discover a variety of shopping options, from bustling morning markets to urban malls and outlet centers. Miyagi Prefecture, especially around Sendai City, is home to large malls like Sendai-Izumi Premium Outlets and Mitsui Outlet Park Sendai Port. Convenient options like S-Pal (connected to Sendai Station) and Aeon Mall Natori offer diverse stores for a comprehensive shopping experience. Make sure not to overlook the souvenir shops on the second floor of Sendai International Airport for some last-minute delights before your departure.

• Apart from the Zao mountain range in Yamagata Prefecture, where else in the Tohoku Region can I find frost-covered trees?

  You can see frost-covered trees, also known as "snow monsters," in various locations across the Tohoku Region. Apart from Mount Zao as seen from Yamagata and Miyagi prefectures, the Hakkoda Mountains in Aomori and Mount Hachimantai in Akita also offer spectacular views. Mount Zao and the Hakkoda Mountains are particularly recommended for beginners, as they are accessible by snowmobiles and ropeways. The prime viewing period is typically from January to February each year, but be sure to check the availability of viewing tours in advance when planning your trip.

• Is it dangerous to drive on snowy roads in winter in a rental car?

  Driving on snowy roads is not recommended. Even with suitable equipment such as snow tires and chains, it’s unsafe and can lead to slipping, getting stuck, and reduced visibility due to blizzards—especially when navigating unfamiliar roads in a foreign location. Prioritizing safety and peace of mind is essential, so we recommend using public transportation such as trains, local and express buses, and bus tours when traveling in winter.

• What are some easily-accessible ski resorts and snow destinations in the Tohoku Region?

  Consider ski resorts with easy access from train stations to reduce travel times. For example, Hoshino Resorts Alts Bandai Snow Park & Resort in Fukushima Prefecture is just a 15-minute free shuttle-bus ride from Bandaimachi Station, and Listel Ski Fantasia is also only a 15-minute free shuttle-bus ride from Inawashiro Station. In Iwate Prefecture, Appi Kogen Ski Resort can be reached within one hour by local bus from Morioka Station. Opt for shuttle buses and bus tours from major stations for added convenience.

• What are some beginner-friendly ski resorts in the Tohoku Region?

  The Grandeco Snow Resort and the Inawashiro Ski Resort (Chuo x Minero) in Fukushima Prefecture, as well as the Zao Onsen Ski Resort in Yamagata Prefecture are great options for beginners. They provide numerous slopes for first-timers and excellent family-friendly facilities. When planning a stay at a ski resort, be sure to check the location's accessibility, rental services, quality of slopes for beginners, kids' parks, and ski school options.