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Tokyo, Japan
Use Tokyo as your launch pad heading north. Stock up on snacks at Ueno Station and grab your Shinkansen ticket to Nikko or Aizu. Staying near Ueno or Akihabara keeps you close to the Tohoku Shinkansen line.
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Niigata, Japan
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Ginzan Onsen, Japan
Ginzan Onsen is a fairy-tale hot spring village of Taisho-era wooden ryokan lining a narrow stream — one of Japan's most photogenic spots. Stay overnight in a traditional inn and soak in the public foot baths along the lantern-lit promenade after dark. The surrounding mountains offer lovely hiking trails through beech forests.
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Tsuruoka, Japan
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Kakunodate, Japan
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Akita, Japan
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Aomori, Japan
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Morioka, Japan
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Sendai, Japan
Sendai is Tohoku's largest city and a lively base with great food and easy Shinkansen access back to Tokyo. Visit the Zuihoden mausoleum of Date Masamune and stroll the Jozenji-dori tree-lined avenue. The city is famous for gyutan (grilled beef tongue) — head to Ichibancho or the station's Eki-chika for the best spots.
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Yamadera, Japan
Yamadera, or Risshakuji Temple, is a mountain complex of ancient stone steps and cliffside halls that inspired the haiku poet Basho. Climb the 1,000 stone steps through moss-covered cedars for sweeping valley views. It makes a perfect stop en route to Ginzan Onsen and is easily reached from Yamagata city.
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Shinjuku, Japan