Tohoku
Tohoku Driving Guide
Onsen towns, mountains and coastline — best explored by car.
Updated 2026-09-01
Region
Tohoku
Best season
Fresh green in May–June, foliage in October.
Popular road trips
5
Why visit
- Oirase Gorge
- Zao snow monsters
- Matsushima Bay
Best season
Fresh green in May–June, foliage in October.
Driving notes
- Mountain passes close in winter — check status first.
- Refuel at half a tank in mountain areas.
Driving tip
Planning a road trip in Japan?
Search Rental Cars on holioo.comPopular road trips
Spring: Aomori In, Akita Out — Hirosaki Cherry Blossoms & Shirakami
A spring blossom route across Tohoku, from Hirosaki Park to Juniko and the samurai streets of Kakunodate.
Spring: Sendai Loop — Aizu, Zao & Matsushima
A spring loop from Sendai taking in Aizu-Wakamatsu Castle, the Zao foothills and Matsushima Bay.
Summer: Akita In, Aomori Out — Lake Tazawa, Hachimantai & Oirase
A cool summer mountain route over the Hachimantai Aspite Line and along the Oirase Stream.
Autumn: Sendai Loop — Naruko Gorge & Zao Foliage
A late-October to early-November foliage loop via Naruko Gorge, Ginzan Onsen and Zao.
Tohoku Pacific Coast: Sanriku & Hiraizumi in 5 Days
North along the Sanriku Expressway to Jodogahama, Ryusendo Cave and the World Heritage temples of Hiraizumi.
Nearby airports
Please check the official website for the latest information.
Related articles
Heading here together? Share the driving notes with your group.
holioo.com | Tohoku Driving Guide https://e-drive.holioo.com/en/regions/tohoku