Zooming Japan

Goryokaku is a star-shaped fort in Hokkaid. It was created as protection of the Hakodate Magistrate's Office. The last battle of the Boshin War took place there.

Goryokaku Fort

Matsumae Castle is located in Hokkaido. It's considered to be the last traditional style castle in that prefecture. Matsumae Yoshihiro built it in 1606. 

Matsumae Castle

The Shiraoi Ainu Museum near Sapporo is great if you want to know more about Ainu culture and history.
It is considered to be one of Japan's best museums about Ainu.

Shiraoi Ainu Museum

Otaru City makes a great day trip from Sapporo. Especially popular is the Otaru Canal and the Snow Light Path Festival in February.

Otaru City

Probably the most popular cherry blossom viewing spot in Tohoku can be found in Aomori Prefecture. It's the Hirosaki Castle Park where you can observe moats filled with cherry blossom petals in late April / early May.

Hirosaki Castle Park

Japan has many so-called cat islands. Tashirojima is probably the most famous one. You'll find more cats than human residents there.
There are also cat-shaped lodgings.

Tashirojima (Cat Island)

Tashiro-jima : Cat Island

Yamadera (alternative name: Hojusan Risshakuji) is a temple complex in the mountains of Yamagata Prefecture. It is one of the leading sacred places in Tohoku.

Yamadera

Yama-dera Temple

Kaminoyama City has a lot to offer, e.g. a beautiful castle, onsen and it's also the shooting location for the movie "Okuribito - Departures".

Kaminoyama

Kaminoyama City

Located in Hiraizumi, you'll find Chusonji Temple, the head temple of the Tendai sect in Tohoku. There are several national treasures such as Konjikido, the Golden Hall.

Chusonji Temple

Chuson-ji Temple

The “Pure Land Garden” of Motsuji Temple is very beautiful and absolutely worth a visit when in Hiraizumi. It was designated a Special Historic Site and Special Place of Scenic Beauty.