Tohoku

Tohoku is the northeastern region of Honshu, Japan. It comprises six prefectures: Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, Akita, Yamagata, and Fukushima. The name means "north-east" and the region forms the northern part of Honshu. It is bordered by Hokkaido to the north, the Sea of Japan to the west, and the Pacific Ocean to the east, with the Ou Mountains running through much of its interior.

Geography and climate: The Ou Mountains run through the interior, creating a climate that features heavy winter snow inland and milder summers along the Pacific coast. The Sanriku coast is a rugged ria coastline. Towada-Hachimantai National Park protects forests, volcanic rims, and Lake Towada.

History and demographics: The region has ancient roots in Jomon and Emishi cultures and was a frontier of the early Japanese state. After modernization it remains relatively rural and less densely populated than eastern Honshu, with many small towns and aging infrastructure.

Economy and culture: Agriculture and fisheries are important, with rice, apples, pears, and seafood shaping local economies. Tourism emphasizes hot springs and landscapes, with festivals such as Aomori Nebuta, Akita Kanto, and Yamagata Hanagasa. Local crafts and cuisine, including Sendai gyutan and regional sake, are notable.

Recent history and transportation: The 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami caused widespread damage and a nuclear crisis at Fukushima Daiichi; reconstruction continues. The region is served by the Tohoku Shinkansen and conventional railways, with airports at Aomori, Sendai, and Fukushima, among others.