Tohoku (Sendai, Yamagata, Akita, Aomori) Travel Guide: Best Season, Weather, Plugs & Itineraries
Matsushima, Yamadera, Zao’s snow monsters, Ginzan Onsen, Kakunodate’s samurai houses and Aomori’s Nebuta — strong seasons and great onsen.
🗓 Best time to goLate-April blossoms, August festivals, October foliage, Jan–Feb snow monsters.
💱 CurrencyJapanese yen (JPY)
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🔌 Plugs & voltage100V | Type A/B (flat pins). US-style plugs fit
🌦 ClimateRelatively mild for Tohoku with comfortable summers; early August brings the Tanabata festival.
Monthly average temperatures in Tohoku (Sendai, Yamagata, Akita, Aomori)
| City / month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sendai High / low | 5° -2° | 6° -2° | 10° 1° | 15° 5° | 20° 11° | 23° 16° | 27° 20° | 29° 22° | 25° 18° | 20° 12° | 14° 5° | 8° 0° |
| Yamagata & Zao High / low | 3° -4° | 4° -4° | 9° -1° | 16° 4° | 22° 9° | 25° 15° | 29° 19° | 30° 20° | 25° 16° | 19° 9° | 12° 3° | 6° -1° |
| Aomori & Akita High / low | 2° -4° | 3° -4° | 6° -1° | 13° 4° | 18° 9° | 22° 14° | 26° 19° | 28° 20° | 24° 16° | 18° 9° | 11° 3° | 5° -2° |
°C — top is the average high, bottom the average low. Typical values only; check the forecast before you go. See charts in the climate tool.
Tohoku (Sendai, Yamagata, Akita, Aomori) travel tips
- Distances are long — use the Shinkansen and allow time for changes.
- Heavy snow and ice in winter — wear grippy shoes and think twice about driving.
- Ginzan Onsen has winter-evening crowd controls; popular ryokan book out early.
Tohoku (Sendai, Yamagata, Akita, Aomori) itineraries
Tohoku: Sendai, Yamagata, Akita & Aomori in 6 Days
JapanHot springsNatureBy train
Matsushima Bay, Yamadera’s thousand steps, Zao and Ginzan hot springs, Kakunodate’s samurai houses and Aomori’s Nebuta — Tohoku’s onsen and seasons.
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General travel information — entry rules, e-authorisations, weather and opening details change often, so check official sources.