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Tohoku Consisting of 6 prefectures, the Tohoku region (東北地方) is located in the northeastern part of Japan's main island. Being a beautiful source of nature and agriculture, the region is well known for its stunning mountains, lakes, and hot springs.

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Zao Fox Village (蔵王キツネ村): One of the Cutest Days of Your LifeIf you're heading to Northern Japan any time soon, you'll probably spend some time in the Sendai area. While you're there, you can't miss the Fox Village, or Kitsune Mura (キツネ村). Populated by numerous adorable canids, if you like spending time with animals, the place is a must-see!, By Plane: Take a flight right to Sendai Airport! By Bullet Train: Take the Tohoku Line Bullet Train from Tokyo to Sendai Station. (An hour and a half, approximately 11,000 yen, ~$100.) Or, get off at Shiroishi Zao Station, and take the Castle Kun Bus right to the Fox Village. (Let the bus driver know you want to get off there!) Once you're in Sendai, the easiest way there is by car.,Approximately 100 foxes freely roam the grounds, calling the village their home. All of these foxes are officially wild, but they're still looked after, and given things like parasite protection.,The foxes make great models, so you're free to take plenty of photos. Lots of visitors come to do just this, since word of mouth has made the place popular among foreign visitors in recent years. All of these foxes are truly living lives of leisure. They may be wild, but this fox village is a pretty cushy place to live!,The majority of the foxes at the village aren't domesticated, so they will bite if bothered! There are different rules for different animals at the village; it's best to read warnings carefully and listen to any rules you're told! They may all be totally adorable, but if the sign says they're wild animals who might bite, you should probably heed that warning. If you do that, you and the foxes will all enjoy your visit!,The Fox Village offers a couple different interaction experiences, so you can spend some more quality time with the foxes. On weekends, and the occasional weekday, you can feed the foxes snacks! You get a handful of treats, and you can toss them to the foxes as if you were giving your own puppy a biscuit. (200 yen) If you want to get even closer to the foxes, and really hands-on, you can take part in a fox-hugging experience! Hold a fox in your arms, and imagine they're yours to call your own. (If only!) This event happens three times a day, so keep an eye on your watch, and don't miss it! (10:30 to 11:00 / 13:00 to 13:30 / 14:30 to 15:00) Of course, if the fox starts feeling uncomfortable, these experiences might be cut short. It's disappointing, but we don't want any unhappy foxes now, do we?,If you're in Sendai, why not rent a car and head right over? You too could be holding foxes in your arms in a matter of hours. To tell the truth, I'm hard-pressed to think of a better way to spend an afternoon, how about you? Zao Fox Village (宮城蔵王キツネ村) Address: 11-3 Kawarago, Fukuokayatsumiya, Shiroishi, Miyagi Hours: 9:00 to 17:00, closed Wednesdays Official Website Be sure to look out for more exciting articles every day at JAPANKURU! 🐶 Or add us on Instagram and Facebook to share your pictures of Japan. 💖🗾,⇩ Check out our video to see the foxes in action! ⇩#tohoku#tour#sendai 2019.05.1747
Tohoku | Japan Travel Guide - Road Trip Across Tohoku, Japan● Japan's Tohoku Region ● Over the past years, JAPANKURU has been all around Japan's mountain area Tohoku, but this time we went to some places that we felt really shows off the regions stunning mountains, lakes, hot springs, and everything else the area is famous and loved for.,Shiroishi, Miyagi (白石市) ● Zao Fox Village (キツネの村) Located in the Zao Fox Villagee in Mt. Zao, Miyagi, there are more than 100 foxes of various breeds. Here, you can not only observe the foxes at close range but also feed them! We want to recommend you wear good shoes though! Hiking shoes are best if you have them. ★Miyagi Zao Fox Village 🏢11-3 Kawarago, Fukuokayatsumiya, Shiroishi, Miyagi Google Maps - Car rental map Code: 569 139 481 * 18 ⏰9am～5pm 💴1000yen Miyagi Zao Fox Village Site (English), Recommended Local Miyagi Food ● Cow Tongue (牛タン) When it comes to the famous products in the Sendai area, the first thing that comes to mind is definitely beef tongue. Japanese people love to eat beef tongue, which is a bit strange for many foreigners to grasp. The beef tongue grilled over a charcoal fire and whether you dip it in soy sauce, miso, or salt, it tastes way better than you would think! If you have the chance to try, please do!, Tendo, Yamagata●Tendo Hot Spring Rest Area (道の駅天童温泉) During road trips it's important to make pit stops. Here you can stop for some food, drinks, and even a nice free Japanese foot bath! It gets your circulation going getting you ready to go for further adventures! ★Tendo Hot Spring Rest Area 🏢2-3-41 Kuwanomachi, Tendo, Yamagata ⏰9:00-18:00 💻Related information (link), Obanazawa, Yamagata (尾花沢市) ● Ginzan Onsen (銀山温泉) Ginzan Hot Spring (銀山温泉) is a historic hot spring area in Yamagata Prefecture. It's said that the area was originally a silver mine that operated from 1456 to the end of the 1600s. The hot spring was apparently discovered by chance by the coal mine workers, then was flourished into a hot spring resort in 1741. ★Ginzan Onsen (銀山温泉) 🏢Ginzanshinhata, Obanazawa-shi, Yamagata Prefecture Google Maps - Car rental map Code: 720 859 002 * 10 💻Official website link , Semboku, Akita (仙北市) ● Lake Tazawa (田沢湖) Not only is Lake Tazawa (田沢湖) known for its stunning waters constantly changing shades of blue and green, it's also Japan's deepest lake (423m/1387ft deep)! The most iconic spot at Lake Tazawa is the golden beauty, the Statue of Tatsuko. There is a myth that goes with it, and it is said that a beautiful woman named Tatsuko wished and prayed for her beauty to last eternally. However ended up being cursed by the gods and turned into a dragon, sinking into the lake below. ★Lake Tazawa (田沢湖) 🏢Katajiri, Saimyoji, Nishikicho, Akita Google Maps - Car rental map Code: 280 711 377 * 66,Semboku, Akita (仙北市) ● Nyuto Onsen (乳頭温泉郷) There are about 10 hot springs in the area, and you can enjoy each hot spring water in 7 different accommodations. Nyuto Onsen (乳頭温泉郷) is a rural hot spring resort in Towada-Hachimantai National Park (in Semboku City, Akita) and consists of Japanese-style hot spring spas scattered around the base of Mount Nyuto. Especially, "Tsurunoyu" (鶴の湯), a place inside Nyuto Hot Springs where the hot springs baths aren't separated by sex! Everyone bathes together! It's something you can hardly find anymore in Japan. ★Nyuto Onsen (乳頭温泉郷) 🏢50, Tatsuzawa National Forest, Tadawawa Lake, Sennichi, Akita Google Maps - Car rental map Code: 435 486 151 * 26 💻Official website link (ENG), Akita Grandmother's Ice Cream ● "Baba Hera" (ババヘラ) The Akita region has unique street food that isn't easily found in other areas of Japan. Here is an ice cream stall named "Baba Hera". "Baba" means grandmother in Japanese, and she uses a tool to spread ice cream called "hera". It's a rare sight in Japan, even Japanese people are surprised when this see this stall!,★Koiwai Farm (小岩井農場) 🏢36-1, Maruyachi, Shizukuishi-machi, Iwate-gun, Iwate Google Maps - Car rental map Code: 81 841 884 * 18 ⏰Opening hours : April 20～September 30 - 9am～5:30pm October 1～November 4 - 9am～5pm 💴800yen for adults, 300yen for elementary school students 💻Official website link (ENG),Hiraizumi, Iwate (平泉) ● Chuson-ji Temple (中尊寺) The next course from Koiwai Farm was Hiraizumi that's located in the southern part of Iwate Prefecture. Hiraizumi is connected with the fate of one of Japan's greatest heroes, the warrior Yoshitsune. The Buddhist temples in the Hiraizumi area have remained an important part of Japanese culture and history. Resulting in Hiraizumi and the temples being listed as a World Heritage Site in 2011. In particular, the temple called "Chusonji Temple" (中尊寺) was founded in 850, and Buddhist monuments are still preserved to this day, and it is said that a typical building style of Hiraizumi culture can be seen. ★Chuson-ji Temple (中尊寺) 🏢202 Koromonoseki, Hiraizumi, Iwate Google Maps - Car rental map Code: 142 282 772 * 53 💴Adults: 800yen, High schoolers: 500yen, Middle/High school: 300yen, Elementary: 200yen - Paid parking available 💻Official website link (ENG),Be sure to look at JAPANKURU🐶 for more exciting articles every day!! Or add us on Google+, Instagram, Facebook to share your Japanese pictures💖🗾#tohoku#tour 2018.08.09
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Must Eat Food in Sendai ★ Recommended Food That You Can Only Get in Sendai!You can't leave Sendai without eating Sasa-kamaboko! Sasa-kamaboko is minced flounder that is in the shape of bamboo leaves, and baked. So basically it's like a baked fish cake🐠 Takeda's Sasakamaboko makes it's famous sasa-kamaboko by using techniques that was popular during the Edo era. Since there wasn't a good way to preserve fish during that time, they figured micing it was best and the tradition stook! What's really cool about the sasa-kamaboko is the reasoning behind it's shape! This particular shape was inspired by the bamboo leaf in the family crest of the Date clan, which controlled Miyagi and Iwate Prefectures during the Edo Period (1603-1868). ,At Takeda's Sasakamaboko Factory, you can take a tour of the factory to learn the process of making the fish cake. Then at the end of the tour you can taste the freshly baked sasa-kamaboko!!,There is a souvenir corner that has all of Sendai's MUST EAT/BUY goods! Food like a local favorite beef tongue. There is plenty there for everyone. So take a look before leaving and get something to remember your trip by!　 Takeda's Sasakamaboko Business hours: 9am~4pm 20 minute walk from station ⦿MORE INFO ON THINGS TO DO AND WHERE TO STAY IN SENDAI HERE!!⦿ For more interesting topics, Please click here → JAPANKURU to check out our official blog Be sure to look at JAPANKURU🐶 for more exciting articles every day!! Or add us on Pinterest and/or Google+ to share your Japanese stories💖🗾#tohoku#food 2017.08.24
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Miyagi Prefecture Travel Advice✦Visit Miyagi and Japan's Beautiful Okama Crater LakeJAPANKURU went to Miyagi Prefecture which is in Japan's Tohoku (Northeastern) region. There are many things to do in Miyagi, but one of the top things on our "Places to go in Miyagi" list was Okama, the crater lake that is in Zao National Park in Zao-machi, Miyagi. Okama is a circle crater lake surrounded by the three mountains, Kattadake, Kumanodake, and Goshikidake. It is the symbol of Zao admired for its emerald green colors that changes in the sunlight. Which is why it also has the nickname "Goshikiko", which means lake of five colors.,As you can imagine, the atmosphere changes drastically depending on when you go. We went during the summer, but next time we'd love to go during the fall🍁🍁 ※Getting there※ -Coming from the Miyagi Area- The best was to get there is taking a bus from Shiraishi-zao Station. If you take a bus, here is a bus schedule that includes all the main stations. You want to go to the Zao Katta Summit! http://www.miyakou.co.jp/cp/zao/timesche.pdf -If coming from Yamagata Station- Take the train to JR Kaminoya-Onsen Station and take a free shuttle bus for 60 min. Get off at the katta parking area and take the Zao-Katta ski lift for approx. 8 min to the top. Then a 6 min. walk. ⦿MORE INFO ON THINGS TO DO AND WHERE TO STAY IN SENDAI HERE!!⦿ For more interesting topics, Please click here → JAPANKURU to check out our official blog Be sure to look at JAPANKURU🐶 for more exciting articles every day!! Or add us on Pinterest and/or Google+ to share your Japanese stories💖🗾#tohoku#entertainment 2017.08.23
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Fukushima Tourism (=^・・^=) Cats In ChargeThe Ashinomaki Onsen Station is in Fukushima and became famous for their stationmaster Bus the cat! Bus was a stray that used to love hanging around Ashinomaki Onsen Station's platform and even riding the trains! So Bus was eventually appointed the role of stationmaster in 2008✧♡✧ Fun fact! Bus was named after the cat bus in Studio Ghibli's 'My Neighbor Totoro'. Bus was the Ashinomaki Onsen Station stationmaster until she was 17 years old, and the baton was passed to an American Curl, Love😻 ,Ashinomaki Onsen Station is close to the popular tourist spots like Ouchijuku, Tsurugajo Castle, and the Samurai Mansion Aizu Bukeyashiki. Ashinomaki is only 25 minutes from the heart of Aizuwakamatsu, making it perfect for an overnight stay or day trip!! Aizu Ashinomaki Onsen Tourism Site (English) To find out more about getting around Fukushima: ✨Click here!✨ For more interesting topics, Please click here → JAPANKURU to check out our official blog Be sure to look at JAPANKURU🐶 for more exciting articles every day!!#tohoku#entertainment 2017.08.16
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Travel to Fukushima's Aizu Region for a Samurai Experience ★ Aizu-Wakamatsu (Tsugurajo)...Tsuruga Castle (鶴ヶ城) was built in 1384 but destroyed after the rebellion against the Meiji government (in 1868) who replaced and took control away from the Tokugawa shogun, ending the feudal era. The Tsuruga Castle was reconstructed around 1965, being a concrete replica of a traditional castle. About the Aizu's Special Samurai, The "White Tiger Force" (Byakkotai, 白虎隊) The White Tiger Force was a group of roughly 300 teenage boys who fought in the Boshin War against the Meiji government. The White Tiger Force was originally a reserve unit, but when the war broke out, everyone was needed. 20 young boys for the clan separated from the others and when they saw clouds of smoke rising from Tsuruga Castle. All they could see was a fire and smoke near the area, so they assumed the castle had fallen and everyone including their lord was dead. It was after that, the 20 boys attempted harakiri (when you cut the belly as a suicide ritual). Out of the 20 young boys, only one survived because he was saved by a local person. Today there is a statue of the warriors at Iimori Hill, where they are said to have committed suicide on the castle grounds. ,Tsurugajo Castle is a symbol Aizu-Wakamatsu City and is a huge tourist attraction. Since being rebuilt in 1965, the top floor now contains a museum displaying information about the local history. Things such as armor, katanas, old kimonos, even artifacts from the Edo era (1603-1868). Keep an eye out for Yae Niijima, a young woman in her 20's who disguised herself as a man, and surviving, to fight against the Meiji government in the war! After the way she did a lot for the community, even volunteering as a nurse in other wars. So it only makes sense that she would eventually become the official character for the Fukushima prefecture!! So come on over to Fukushima and experience a special part of Japanese history! ★Aizu-Wakamatsu Tsurugajo Castle★ ⏰ 8:30am ～ 5pm (Last entry is at 4:30) 💴Adults: 410 yen, Children: 150yen 🍵 Entrance to the Rinkaku Tea Cottage: 510 yen 🏢 1-1 Outemachi, Aizu-Wakamatsu City, Fukushima, 965-0873 Japan 〒965-0873 ☎ 0242-23-8000 💻 Tsurugajo Castle Homepage (English) To find out more about Japan's Beautiful Castles: ✨Click here!✨ For more interesting topics, Please click here → JAPANKURU to check out our official blog Be sure to look at JAPANKURU🐶 for more exciting articles every day!!#tohoku#entertainment 2017.08.02
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Complete Tendo Travel Guide ~ Day 1 ~Yamagata Prefecture is located in the southwest corner of Tohoku (northeast) region of Japan, facing the Sea of Japan. Among the 35 cities in Yamagata Prefecture, you can find Tendo city which is famous for their crops, shogi and hot springs!,By Shinkansen Depart from Tokyo Station: Tokyo Station <-> Tendo Station Depart from Osaka Station: Osaka Station <-> Tokyo Station <-> Tendo Station Depart from Sendai Station: Sendai Station <-> Uzenchitose Station <-> Tendo Station JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area) Homepage: http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/eastpass_t/index.html By Airplane From Tokyo Haneda Airport, it only takes 1 hour flight to get to Yamagata Airport. From the Nagoya Airport, only 1 hour and 5 minutes is needed. From the Osaka Airport, it takes 1 hour and 25 minutes to go to Yamagata Airport. After arriving in Yamagata Airport, we highly recommend you to get your rental car to go to Tendo City. NISSAN Rent A Car Homepage: https://nissan-rentacar.com/english/shop/yamagata/shop61.html,A. Tendo Station East Exit -> B. Tendo Shogi Museum (天童将棋資料館) -> C. Handmade buckwheat noodles experience (and lunch) -> D. Jakushouji (若松寺) -> E. Tendo Hotel,As we have mentioned above, Tendo has the largest shogi piece production in Japan. Here at the shogi museum, you can learn everything about this traditional Japanese chess game.,Address: 1-1-1 Honcho, Tendo City, Yamagata Location: 1F of JR Tendo Station MAP CODE：62374772*76 Tel.: 023-653-1690 Hours: 09:00 - 18:00 （Closed on 3rd Monday every month, 31 Dec, 01 Jan) Admission: 300 yen (adults), 200 yen (High school and other students), 100 yen (Elementary and Jr. High) Homepage (Jap.): http://www.ikechang.com/navi1.htm ,Address: 1321 Tamugino, Tendo City, Yamagata Tel.: 023-657-3628 MAP CODE：62 358 339 * 57 Period: May to October Prices: 1 to 4 persons - 2,500 yen each (1 teacher) 5 to 8 persons - 2,000 yen each (1 teacher) 9 to 12 persons - 1,500 yen each (1 teacher) 13 - 16 persons - 2,000 yen each (2 teachers) Plus 500 yen if you want to eat the noodles there after class Homepage (Jap.): http://tendokogen.or.jp/soba2016/,There are two famous temples where people go and make wishes for their love affairs! One is the Izumo Taisha Temple in Shimane Prefecture. The other one is Jakushouji (若松寺) in Yamagata Prefecture.,Address: 2205-1 Yamamoto, Tendo, Yamagata Tel.: 023-653-4138 MAP CODE：62 410 200 * 58 Free parking is available Free admission Homepage (Jap): http://www.wakamatu-kannon.jp/,Japanese style set dinner and hot spot!,At the hotel, there is an Izakaya restaurant where ramen and Japanese alcohols are provided. Why don't you have a bowl of hot noodles and a glass of Japanese sake there!! Try the famous Dewazakura and 14th Generation sake! Draft beer: 741 yen + tax Dewazakura sake: 620 yen + tax 14th Generation sake: 4,000 yen + tax HOROYOI Tei Izakaya Restaurant （居酒屋ほろ酔い亭） Opening hours: 19:00 - 23:30 (L.O. 23:00),There is one thing that we think that is pretty amazing which is the hotel provides free Yakult drink and snacks to the guests. Just feel free to use those as you like! With the service, nice rooms and hot springs, delicious food and wine, Tendo Hotel is the best place for you to stay when you visit Tendo!!,Address: 2-1-3 Honcho, Kamata, Tendo, Yamagata Tel.: 023-654-5511 MAP CODE：62376668*63 Check-In: 15:00 Check-Out: 10:00 Homepage: http://www.tendohotel.co.jp/ Reservation Page: http://www.japanican.com/en/hotel/detail/2437002/?aff=rsv,There are more interesting places in Tendo that we want to take you to! Join us again next time for the 2nd day of our autumn trip in Tendo!! More Details: JAPANKURU BLOGGER In the meantime, check out the following blogs on Tendo # Travel ♪ Your Autumn Travel Guide to Tendo City in Yamagata Prefecture!! # Travel ♪ A Taste of Tendo City - The Most Interesting Place to Visit in Yamagata Prefecture! # Travel ♪ An Amazing Hot Spring Experience in Yamagata Prefecture - Our Story in Tendo City! Part I # Travel ♪ An Amazing Hot Spring Experience in Yamagata Prefecture - Our Story in Tendo City! Part II Wanna get more and share your Japanese stories with us? Please join us on Google+ !! See you there! :)#tohoku#entertainment 2016.12.13
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