Northern Honshu
Rugged and remote, Northern Honshu offers Japan’s lesser trodden path. The mountains and patchwork rice fields are often missed by travellers, which only adds to their beauty. Hiking and skiing are popular pastimes here, and the area plays host to the colourful and captivating Namahage Festival, which we recommend as a unique addition to your trip.
Mountains are the backbone to Northern Honshu province, providing a dramatic backdrop for walking in an area which is liberally sprinkled with flora and fauna. Towada National Park is home to the deep blue crater lake of Towada-Ko, while Matsushima Bay is a sanctuary for pine trees; cruise along the wild coastline. Culture is also bountiful with old military sites and quirky local folklore, such as the trolls which inhabit Tono’s rivers. Lying north of Tokyo, this unexplored region allows access to Japan’s hidden side.
Hakkoda Hotel
Aomori, Japan
Located in the hills of Aomori on the slopes of Mount Kushigamine, the Hakkoda Hotel enjoys spectacular views of the mountains, offering easy access to the nearby ski slopes, comfortable accommodation, two dining options and relaxing hot spring baths.
Hoshino KAI Nikko
Nikko, Japan
Enjoying a tranquil location overlooking the beautiful Lake Chuzenji, KAI Nikko offers stylish boutique ryokan accommodation with tastefully-furnished rooms, exquisite Japanese cuisine and both indoor and outdoor hot spring baths.
Hoshino Resort KAI Tsugaru
Aomori, Japan
Immerse yourself in local culture, artworks and elegant architecture at the boutique ryokan KAI Tsugaru, where you can enjoy apple-scented hot spring bathing, kaiseki dining and traditional Shamisen lute concerts.
Okura Niigata
Niigata, Central Honshu Mountains, Japan
Set at the heart of Niigata, overlooking the Shinano River, Okura Niigata is perfectly located to explore the highlights of this coastal town, famous for its top-quality rice and sake, street markets, shrines and thriving port, gateway to the Sea of Japan
Ritz-Carlton Nikko
Nikko, Northern Honshu, Japan
A luxurious base from which to explore the temple, shrines, waterfalls and enchanting beauty of the Nikko National Park, the Ritz-Carlton fuses Japanese elegance with Western chic, creating a stylish hotel infused with peace and harmony.
Shima Tamura
Shima, Central Honshu Mountains, Japan
Surrounded by forests and bubbling hot springs, Shima Tamura is a traditional Japanese ryokan hotel, located in one of Japan’s most picturesque onsen towns in the rural, mountain landscape of Gunma Prefecture.