Embrace Southern Tohoku’s Green Season

As winter’s cold gives way to spring’s bloom, Southern Tohoku bursts forth with life.
The shallow waters of freshly planted rice paddies reflect the sky above, ancient cedar
forests awaken from their slumber, and new greenery brightens sacred mountain paths.
Here, rich natural beauty unfolds at a gentle pace, unhurried by crowds. With the JR
EAST PASS, these breathtaking landscapes are yours to explore with ease and flexibility.

For a touch of adventure, Nanyo Sky Park awaits. Take to the skies on a beginner-friendly tandem paragliding flight with English-speaking instructor Makoto Kanai. Become one with the wind as a patchwork of rice paddies stretches out beneath you, offering a grounded perspective on life…from 300 meters above!

Back on the ground, head to nearby Kumano Taisha Shrine, a site dedicated to the kami (Shinto deities) of all living things. This over 1,200-year-old shrine is home to three rabbit carvings hidden in its main hall, with the rabbits considered divine messengers in Shinto tradition. If you can spot all three, legend has it that good fortune will come your way.

For a deeper connection to Japan’s ancient spirituality, journey to Mt. Haguro and discover two treasures: a 600-year-old five-story pagoda nestled among ancient cedars and the 350-year-old Saikan temple lodging. For a truly unique experience, an overnight stay is a must, featuring shojin ryori (traditional Buddhist cuisine) to nourish the body and early morning prayers to nourish the soul.

Further along the route lies Yamadera, a mountain temple over 1,000 years old, reached by ascending more than 1,000 stone steps. The climb is considered a symbolic journey towards spiritual renewal, culminating in a mountain vista that has inspired artists for centuries—vast in its scale, yet tranquil in its solitude.

With the JR EAST PASS, all of these destinations—including shinkansen access from Tokyo—are conveniently connected. Choose the 5-day pass for a compact highlights trip, or the 10-day option for a deeper, more leisurely exploration.

Step aboard and discover Japan during its season of rebirth and renewal.