[Fukushima, Miyagi, Yamagata] Walking in the Tohoku winter - exploring frost-covered trees, hot springs, and history

Welcome to Tohoku in Winter: A Winter Tale from Fukushima, Miyagi, and Yamagata

In winter, the Tohoku region is enveloped in a blanket of silver. With clear air, sparkling snow, and heart-warming hot springs and local cuisine, the southern Tohoku region of Fukushima, Miyagi, and Yamagata is a place where you can experience the charms of winter, a landscape that could be described as Japan's original landscape. Take in the snowy scenery while riding local trains, stroll through traditional post towns, and encounter mystical frost-covered trees—there is a special time to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

This time, we'll be introducing Fukushima's Tadami Line, Ouchijuku, and Aizuwakamatsu Castle, Miyagi's Fox Village and the frost-covered trees tour at Sumikawa Snow Park, and Yamagata's Zao frost-covered trees and Ginzan Onsen. Why not embark on a journey to experience the spectacular scenery and warmth that only a snowy country can offer?

Fukushima - The Snow Country Atmosphere Remains in the Railway and Post Town

Tadami Line: A poetic blend of snow and railways

When the snow-covered winter season arrives, the Tadami Line, which connects Fukushima and Niigata, takes on a scene that makes you feel as if you've wandered into a picture book world. Particularly famous is the sight of the train crossing the Tadami River First Bridge. The sight of the train quietly moving through the snow-white valley gives travelers the feeling that time is passing slowly.

From the train window, you can see snow-capped mountains, the frozen surface of the river, and the rooftops of villages peeking out here and there. The scenery changes its appearance from moment to moment, like a living painting by nature. In the early morning and evening, the soft light makes the snow sparkle golden, providing endless photo opportunities for photography enthusiasts.

The contrast between the warmth inside the train and the bitter cold outside is another attraction unique to the Tadami Line in winter. Spending time inside the warm train while watching the falling snow through the window will help you forget the fatigue of your journey and leave you feeling quietly moved. As the train moves through the snowy valleys, travelers are enveloped in an extraordinary time, cut off from everyday life, and you will be able to experience the unique atmosphere of winter in Tohoku.

Ouchijuku: A snow-covered Edo post town

Ouchi-juku, nestled quietly in the mountains of Aizu, is blanketed in snow in winter, creating a landscape that makes you feel as if you've traveled back in time to the Edo period. Thick layers of snow pile up on the thatched roof houses, making the contrast between black and white even more striking. Walking along the snow-covered paths, the only sound is footsteps, and in the silence you can sense the breathing and life of travelers from long ago.

Icicles swaying from the eaves provide a visual treat in the cold winter weather. The noren curtains of shops selling handmade accessories and folk crafts also exude a gentle human warmth. If you visit early in the morning or on a weekday when there are fewer tourists, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the almost deserted snowy scenery.

If you visit Ouchi-juku, you should definitely try the local specialty, " Negi Soba ." This soba is eaten with a single long leek instead of chopsticks. It is said that in the past, when it was presented as a gift to the Tokugawa Shogun or at celebratory occasions, the leek was used whole, without being cut, as it was considered bad luck to "cut" it.

Negi Soba by the Ultimate Aizu Site

"Negi Soba" is made by scooping soba noodles with spring onions and serving them with fragrant soup, which will warm you right from the inside out after being chilled by the snow. What's more, in a restaurant with an irori hearth, the sound and aroma of crackling firewood amplifies the winter atmosphere, allowing you to fully enjoy the winter of Ouchi-juku with all five senses. Enjoying this local cuisine while gazing at the snowy scenery is truly a special moment to experience Ouchi-juku in winter.

Strolling through the snowy scenery, a townscape that evokes history, and warm local cuisine - Ouchijuku is a place that offers a special experience that is essential for a winter trip to Tohoku.

Aizuwakamatsu Castle (Tsuruga Castle): The white castle tower stands out against the snow

Aizu's symbol, Tsuruga Castle (Aizu-Wakamatsu Castle), stands out even more in winter. With snow piled up on the white walls and red roof tiles, the contrast of red and white creates a beauty unique to a snowy country. Its solemn yet somehow elegant appearance is a unique sight, exquisitely blending strength and serenity.

The moat surrounding the castle freezes over in winter, creating a fantastical scene together with the snow-covered castle walls and trees. The castle town is also covered in snow, with the tiled roofs and cobblestone streets framed in a soft white, giving you a real sense of the weight of history that has continued since the Edo period.

The castle town seen from the castle tower, with its snow-covered streets and distant mountains, blends together to create a picturesque landscape. The snowy landscape lit up by the winter light changes its appearance with the passing of time, offering a different charm each time you visit, from the quiet scenery of early morning to the crimson-hued scenery of dusk.

Furthermore, Tsuruga Castle is deeply connected to the history of the Boshin War. Seeing the bullet holes and documents from that time remaining on the castle walls and keep, you can feel the breath of history more than just a beautiful castle. This winter scene, where the snowy scenery and history overlap, will leave a deep impression on travelers, providing a sense of emotion that cannot be experienced through mere sightseeing.

Miyagi - Animal Encounters and Snowmobile Adventures

Miyagi Zao Fox Village: Little Residents in the Snow

Zao Fox Village, located at the foot of the Zao mountain range, is a magical landscape enveloped in snow in winter, where you can see over 100 foxes playing freely! In the snowy winter scenery, the foxes' movements and expressions look even more vivid. From staring intently at you with their round eyes, to innocently playing with their noses in the snow, to frolicking with friends - all of these are so adorable that they will make you forget the fatigue of your journey. With your camera in hand, you'll find yourself staring at them one after another, with photo opportunities popping up, and you'll lose track of time as you gaze upon them.

The park also has an area where visitors can interact with the foxes, feeding them directly and observing them up close. However, because foxes have personalities similar to those of wild animals, it is important to watch them gently and not forcefully. Combining this with the surrounding snowy scenery allows you to take some special winter photos. The distant mountains, the light reflecting off the snow, and the foxes playing all come together to create a scene that is like something out of a fairy tale. Zao Fox Village is a relaxing and surprising spot that is well worth a visit on your winter trip to Tohoku.

Snowmobile tour at Sumikawa Snow Park

If you want to experience the charm of winter in Miyagi Zao, then the "Frost-covered Snowmobile Tour" is a must. Once you board the "Wild Monster," a special vehicle equipped with gigantic caterpillar tracks, the engine noise and vibrations reverberate across the snowy fields, and an extraordinary adventure begins. After crossing snow-covered forests and hills and racing up frozen slopes, a group of frost-covered trees known as "snow monsters" will appear before your eyes.

The frost-covered trees are natural formations created over many years by strong winds and extremely cold weather conditions. The trees covered in snow and ice look like monsters from mythology, and when illuminated by the daylight they stand out with a translucent pale blue, while in the evening they turn a fantastical crimson color. As you walk along listening to the guide's explanations, you will discover that each piece of frost-covered tree has its own name and characteristics, and it will resonate deeply with you as not just a spectacular view, but as a "story carved by nature."

During the tour, it is not uncommon for the temperature to drop below -10°C. Therefore, warm clothing, gloves, a hat, thick socks, and other equipment are essential. The vibrations and sounds of the snowmobile as it moves through the snowfields also stimulate the sense of adventure and further enhance the sense of being in an extraordinary place. When taking photos, being mindful of the reflection of light on the snow and ice will help you capture even more beautiful images.

You can meet adorable foxes here!

A snowmobile tour is more than just sightseeing; it's an experience of direct contact with winter nature. The mystical sight of the frost-covered fields, the cold, clear air, and the sensation of being enveloped in roaring sounds and vibrations—all of these things are sure to give travelers unforgettable winter memories.

Yamagata - Frost-covered trees, hot springs and a feast in the snow country

Zao Ropeway: View of the frost-covered trees from the sky

Zao on the Yamagata side is known nationwide as a popular spot for viewing frost-covered trees. After taking the ropeway and arriving at the observation deck, travelers are greeted by a vast expanse of snow and ice-covered trees known as "snow monsters." These natural formations, created by the power of the cold and wind, are truly works of art in the snow country.

The frost-covered trees show different beauty depending on the angle and time of day, so you'll never get bored even if you stay from morning to night. During the day, the silvery white forest sparkles against the blue sky, and the contrast between the white of the snow and the pale blue of the frost-covered trees is a vivid sight. The surface of the ice sparkles depending on the light, creating a fantastical world that feels like peering into a jewelry box. At dusk, the crimson and orange light softly dyes the frost-covered trees, giving them a different look than they do during the day. The three-dimensional frost-covered trees, woven with light and shadow, are sure to captivate photography enthusiasts and landscape fans.

At night, the trees are lit up, and the frost shining on the snow creates a fantastical scene that is like a scene from a fantasy movie. The contrast between the snow and light, the variety of shapes of the frost trees, and the still winter air all create an extraordinary world that leaves a lasting impression on visitors.

Ginzan Onsen: A hot spring town surrounded by snow

A must-visit place to end your trip is Ginzan Onsen in Yamagata Prefecture. The sight of wooden inns reminiscent of the Taisho era, their eaves covered in snow lining the river, is as beautiful as a scene from a movie, allowing you to fully experience the winter atmosphere. The white snow, the warm lights of the inns, and the soft glow of the gas lamps reflected on the river's surface create a tranquil yet moving night view.

Soaking in the hot springs at a ryokan while snow is falling creates the ultimate comfort with the contrast between the cold outside air and the warm water. It will slowly relax not only your body but also your mind, helping you forget the fatigue of everyday life. Soaking in the waters flowing directly from the source while gazing out the window at the snow-covered cityscape is a luxury that can only be experienced at Ginzan Onsen.

The hot spring town also has traditional souvenir shops and small cafes where you can relax and enjoy the snowy scenery. Ginzan Onsen changes with the seasons, but the snow-covered winter scenery is especially romantic, making it a place that will leave you with unforgettable memories at the end of your trip.

Small touches to add color to your trip

To enjoy a winter trip to Tohoku, it's essential to take precautions against the cold. Layered innerwear, gloves, a hat, and non-slip shoes are essential. If you want to take photos of the snowy scenery, don't forget to protect your camera and smartphone from the cold. By taking proper precautions against the cold, you can enjoy long walks and sightseeing with peace of mind.

The food unique to snowy regions is also an important element that adds color to your trip. Regional flavors, such as Aizu's local dishes "Negi Soba" and "Kozuyu," Miyagi's specialty "Gyutan," and Yamagata's "Imoni" and soba noodles, taste exceptionally well when enjoyed against the backdrop of a snowy landscape. A dish enjoyed alongside the silvery white scenery will surely be etched into your travel memories.

A blissful journey surrounded by snow and hot springs

Starting with the snowy scenery of the Tadami Line, you'll travel through the historic streets of Ouchijuku, the majestic snowy scenery of Tsuruga Castle, the frost-covered fields of Zao, and finally warm your body and mind at Ginzan Onsen. This journey will allow you to rediscover the gentleness and power of nature that can only be felt in the harshness of winter.

Winter in Tohoku is not just cold. Visitors can experience the tranquility, excitement, and warmth that can only be found in a snow-covered landscape. This winter, head to the snow-covered world of Tohoku. Walk through the pure white snowscape, see frost-covered trees, visit hot springs, and experience the historic streets—an unforgettable experience awaits you.

A tour to enjoy frost-covered trees, hot springs, and snow country