7 Best Sights in Tohoku, Japan

Founded in AD 850, this temple's highlight is its Konjikido (Golden Hall), which was completed in 1124. The first Ou Fujiwara lord, Kiyohara, commissioned many temples and pagodas during his reign, perhaps as many as 40, not to mention residences for 300 priests. Nearly all were destroyed by fire except for Konjikido, and it is the only structure in Chuson-ji that remains unchanged. More than 3,000 objects have survived and are now kept in the treasure house (Sankozo Museum). It's a 20-minute walk from JR Hiraizumi Station or a 10-minute bus ride.

On the outskirts of central Morioka near Mt. Atagoyama is a district where a dozen temples are clustered. In addition to the main temple, this is home to a hall last rebuilt in 1851 that houses 500 statues of Buddha's disciples that were carved between 1731 and 1735, in a time of severe famine and increased religious devotion. Each is unique, and if you look hard, you will see disciples laughing, chatting with their neighbors, eating, drinking, and even napping. The grounds are beautiful and serene. It is a bit out of the way, but if you enjoy wooden architecture, you will not be disappointed, even if you just stopped at the gate.

Yamadera is like something conjured out of the ethereal mists of an ancient Japanese charcoal painting. Built in the year AD 860, Yamadera's complex of temples including Risshaku-ji, is perched high on the upper slopes of Mt. Hoju (Hoju-san), from where you get truly divine vistas in any season. Just inside the temple-complex entrance is Konpon Chudo, the temple where the sacred Flame of Belief has burned constantly for 1,100 years. Near Konpon Chudo is a statue of the Japanese poet Matsuo Basho (1644–94), whose pithy and colorful haiku related his extensive wanderings throughout Japan. During a visit to the temple, he wrote, "Stillness ... the sound of cicadas sinks into the rocks" and buried the poem on the spot.

The path continues up many steps—nearly 1,100 of them, well tended though they may be. At the summit is Oku no In, the hall dedicated to the temple founder, Jikaku Daishi. But if you've come this far, keep going. Of all the temples hanging out over the valley, the view from Godaido is the best. The path becomes crowded in summer and slippery in winter.

Thirty-three of the Soto Sect's Zen temples line up along Zenrin-gai (Zen Forest Street), at the end of which Chosho-ji temple punctuates the stand of trees. The Tsugaru clan's family temple was originally built in Ajigasawa in 1528 but was moved here in 1610 to protect Hirosaki Castle. The elaborate gate, meant to shake off greediness and complaining, is alone worth a visit. Five-hundred statues depicting Buddha's disciples, in a rare and very raw setting, each one with a unique face, guard the quiet temple building.

Just beyond the plaza and boat pier in Matsushima is a small temple originally constructed in 1609 at the behest of daimyo Masamune Date. The temple is on a tiny islet connected to the shore by two small arched bridges. Animals representing the zodiac are carved in the timbers and facing each sign's corresponding direction.

While it is a bit out of the way, this temple, with a quintessentially Japanese garden, is one of Sendai's most beautiful locations. The temple holds free zazen-kai (seated meditation class) on most Saturday evenings after the temple has closed to visitors. In early summer, the garden is a blaze of color as the various flowers come into bloom. During the blooming season, visit in the early evening when the crowds leave. From JR Sendai Station, take the JR train to Kita-Sendai Station and walk 10 minutes.

Matsushima's main temple dates from AD 828, but the present structure was rebuilt to meet Masamune Date's tastes in 1609. Zuiganji is perhaps the most representative Zen temple in the Tohoku region. The museum, filled with the temple's treasures including a statue of the warlord, is also well worth visiting. The natural caves surrounding the temple are filled with Buddhist statues that novices carved from the rock face as part of their training. There are no regularly scheduled tours in English, but if you call ahead, it might be possible to arrange one, but that will depend on the availability of an English-speaking guide.