Northern Japan anyone ?
 

My wife and I are planning a 2 week trip to Japan, from the UK, next Easter (2004).
My wife has lived in Tokyo so has already been to Kyoto, Mt.Fuji, etc.
Has anyone suggestions for the Northern part of the country, especially cultural or scenic themes ?
I would like to stay in both modern business hotels and the traditional Ryokan too.
Jayne can speak very basic Japanese so the language will not as daunting as it would otherwise have been.
I have contacted a UK tour specialist, but wanted first hand accounts of the country.

Thanks
Mick.

If you are going in the middle of April, I would suggest AIZU area in Fukushima prefecture because cherry trees should be in full bloom. The city of Aizu Wakamatsu has restored its castle which was burned down 140 years ago due to the war between new government then and Aizu. There is a beautiful lake, Inawashiro-ko.

The city of Sendai in Miyagi prefecture is historically center of Northern Japan. In nearby Matsushima area are beautiful islands and old temple (Zuiganji), but it would be a little bit early (cold) to do sightseeing.

Further North, Tono in Iwate prefecture is famous for its efforts to preserve old country style village.

Bonjour Mick,

Have a look at the site of JNTO in London at www.seejapan.co.uk (their office is in Saville Row).

They can send you lots of free maps, pamphlets, regional informations etc. for free.

Check the dates for the Kodo festival on Sado Island, Niigata. If you are in Japan at the same time, I'd highly recommend it (but book early if you want accommodation - we camped on the beach!).

Unfortuantely there isn't much else to see/do in Niigata - although there is great sake there, and in winter the skiing is excellent.

If you want to go far north, I've heard great things about Sapporo.

-- Viola

Three hours on a shinkansen will get you from Tokyo to Tazawa-ko station. Another 45 minutes by bus and you would be in the Nyuto Onsen area. I only visited an onsen there, but there were what appeared to be several nice ryokan that would be a nice place for a couple. Fifteen minutes further on the shinkansen from the Tozawa-ko station is Kakunodate. The JR hotel at the Kakunodate station is a good place to stay. Here is some info about that town: http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/RTP/Northe...oku/day_1.html