Japan Tohoku

Sendai is the capital city of Miyagi Prefecture, Japan, and the largest city in the Tohoku region. The city was founded in 1600 by the daimyo Date Masamune, and is nicknamed the City of Trees; there are about 60 zelkova trees on Jozenji Street and Aoba Streets. In the summer, the Sendai Tanabata Festival, the largest Tanabata festival in Japan, is held. In winter, the trees are decorated with thousands of lights for the Pageant of Starlight, lasting through most of December. Sendai is home to historical sites related to the Date clan, especially known for the mausoleum. Other attractions include a shrine, a museum, and the Aobayama hill, which affords a panoramic view of the city.

Yamaguchi is the capital city of Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan. Yamaguchi has claim to two famous religious sites: the Buddhist temple, Rurikō-ji, with its five-story pagoda, and the Roman Catholic cathedral connected with Saint Francis Xavier whose work was responsible for the introduction of Christianity to Japan in 1550. Other attractions include museums, a church, and an onsen.

Yamagata is the capital city of Yamagata Prefecture located in the Tohoku region of northern Japan. Yamagata is located in mountainous southeast Yamagata Prefecture. The Mogami River passes through the city, which includes Mount Zao within its borders. The Hanagasa festival is one of Tohoku's major summer festivals. Yamagata also hosts the bi-annual Yamagata International Documentary Film Festival. An autumn tradition is Imoni-kai (taro potato party). Taro potatoes, thin-sliced meat, and vegetables are cooked in a large pot at picnic spots. Other attractions include the Yama-dera temple, Kajo Park, and multiple museums.

Aizuwakamatsu is a city in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. The area of present-day Aizuwakamatsu was part of ancient Mutsu Province, and was settled from prehistoric times. The Aizu-Otsuka Kofun within the city borders dates from the 4th century AD, and is an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Local attractions include a castle, gardens, and samurai houses.

Akita is the capital city of Akita Prefecture, Japan. The city of Akita is located in the coastal plains of central Akita Prefecture, bordered by the Sea of Japan to the west. The Omono River runs through the center of the city. The area of present-day Akita was part of ancient Dewa Province, and has been inhabited for thousands of years. The Jizoden ruins within the city limits are a major archaeological site with artifacts from the Japanese Paleolithic period through the Jomon and Yayoi periods. Akita is home to a number of attractions, such as castles, museums, a zoo, as well as a summer sporting festival.

Aomori is the capital city of Aomori Prefecture, in the northern Tohoku region of northern Japan. Aomori is located in central Aomori Prefecture, on a plain between the southern end of Aomori Bay, which it faces to the north and the Hakkoda Mountains to the south. The area has been settled extensively since prehistoric times, and numerous Jomon period sites have been found by archaeologists. Aomori Nebuta is a famous festival held in August, during which floats are carried through the city center. Other attractions include ruins, museums, nearby mountains, and onsen.