Tohoku exploration

I've been to most regions of Japan and I've a plan for Kanto and another for Kyushu.

But with regards to Tohoku, I am lost. What is worth the time to see. I know transportation isn't the best in that part of Japan. Any there any favourites or must see places anyone has been. Any must do activities or places to munch at?

I do not have a plan at the moment, just need ideas and how long it I should spend at a location.

My travel pace is fast. Budget is subjective, I can stay in a hostel or spend to stay in a temple lodging.

For now, please look here.
http://www.japan-guide.com/list/e1102.html
It is easy to go where the Shinkansen is through.
Also, I think if you go many days in any season, even place to go by what if there is interest different from the.
I was across the Aomori to last year's January.
Go to Sendai in March of two years ago, I went to the Aizu and ouchijuku in December of three years ago.
Please hostel looking at here.
http://www.hostelworld.com/
It is Japanese, but here are a list of temple is listed.
And (where possible training)
Where I have seen only a little, Saikan seems to be Shukubo.
http://syukubo.com/spot/01tohoku/050syugyo_tohoku.html
Since the December to March is a season of snow, train and often the bus is late.
Especially the Sea of Japan side.

Thank you!

I'm thinking of doing Tohoku all in one go. As in, in one trip. How long do you think that would take?

Do you have any special places to recommend.

E.g. Niigata is known for rice. But besides eating high grade rice are there any attractions or activities?

Where I went
Aomori�¨ Hirosaki (I think really good spring or summer), Aomori (sannnai maruyama ruins, Aomori Prefectural Museum of Art), Towada (Towada Museum of Contemporary Art)
Has not been went, but such as Lake Towada and Sukayu hot spring.
Iwate �¨ Hiraizumi, genbikei, Tono, (Hanamaki, Morioka)
There is also such appi if skiing.
(Ryusendo,sanriku coast)
Akita �¨ Kakunodate, Lake Tazawa
Miyagi �¨ Sendai
Has not been performed, but Matsushima.
Because it is like cat personally, I want to go to Tashirojima.
Yamagata �¨ I have never Yamagata only went.
Okama of Zao, yamadera, such as ginzan hot spring.
Fukushima �¨ Aizu wakamatsu, ouchijuku, (Kitakata, goshikinuma)
Cherry season (spring) and autumnal season (autumn), Festival of the season (summer) is also another good location.
Maybe, I think it can go roughly in about two weeks to 10 days.

hello

im also doing a Tohoku trip.
my plan is here -) http://www.japan-guide.com/forum/quereadisplay.html?0+118885

im still missing info for Aomori and Nagano

I go to the Sanriku Coast of Tohoku ever since the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami to visit towns affected. Been to Ishinomaki every year, Kesennuma twice and once to Minamisanriku. I will be doing the Ishinomaki, Minamisanriku, Kesennuma, Rikuzentakata and Ofunato trip again in April. I'll stay 4 days in Kesennuma as a base.

I'm sure people will like tourists to visit their towns and let them know they're not forgotten and offer your support. I'm sure your Yen will be quite welcomed there as well!

In Aomori, Osorezan is nice especially at the end of October with the autumn leaves (everything closes down on Nov. 1). The Shirakami coast is also nice, especially Juniko.

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3725.html
http://juuniko.info/

In Akita, you might want to ride the Akita Nairiku line, especially if you are a train freak.

http://www.akita-nairiku.com/

What is worth the time to see.

What isn't worth the time to see! Tohoku is one of my favorite regions, but that's probably because the nature, hot springs, festivals, etc really line up with my interests. What do you like seeing, and more importantly, what season will you be travelling in?

Thank you for your time and answers.

@Digs: how long does that take? Going around the different cities?
@Firas: Where is Juniko?
@yll: Nice to know you like it. Any favourites to share?
I do not have any plan for a season to go to. As I said I want to do everything if not mostly everything in one go. Any suggestions?

Anyone know what is there to do in Niigata besides eating rice?

The travel time between towns can be an hour to 2 hours because most of the travel is done by buses instead of rail.The rail line will most likely never be repaired after the tsunami destroyed it.

Any favourites to share?

Some of my favorites in no particular order: Nyuto Onsen, Lake Towada, Aomori Nebuta, Akita Kanto Matsuri, Yuzawa, Zao, Matsushima, Bandai, various cherry blossoms spots... I'd also like to check out Dewa Sanzan and Osorezan in the future.

I do not have any plan for a season to go to. As I said I want to do everything if not mostly everything in one go. Any suggestions?

The problem is that a lot of it is very seasonal, making it impossible to do everything in one go. If you can only do one season than go in summer and just skip some of the more wintery things.

Anyone know what is there to do in Niigata besides eating rice?

Some of Japan's best skiing is in Niigata. There a big art festival in Tsumari-Echigo, and of course the Earth Celebration on Sado Island. FYI, Niigata is part of the Chubu Region and not really all that easy to access from most of Tohoku.

I have never went or Itoigawa of Niigata.
So, I do not know well.
Murakami City I know the famous salmon.
Also seems to be Murakami cattle.
http://www.sake3.com/mainsearch.html?c=1&pf=508
Rice (Koshihikari) is famous hits of Tokamachi.
Also opens Echigo Tsumari Art events.
Hegisoba also seems to be.
http://www.tokamachishikankou.jp/en/
If you drink a drink, there are a lot of famous sake in Niigata.
This is Niigata city.
Please refer to.
http://www.nvcb.or.jp/travelguide/en/index.html

@Firas: Where is Juniko?

Like I said, on the Shirakami coast (i.e., western Aomori prefecture), near the aptly named Juniko station.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Juniko+Station/@40.5513276,139.95966...

You probably want to go there while the Resort Shirakami train is running, otherwise you're stuck with slow local trains (unless you have a car, of course).

http://www.jreast.co.jp/railway/joyful/shirakami.html

Thanks everyone

For winter I decided on Nyuto, Yamadera, Ginzan, Zao, Hiraizumi.

Awesome, that sound like a nice trip. Be sure to bring your warm weather clothes. Also, make sure to look into reservations well in advance if you are interested in staying at Tsurunoyu Onsen in Nyuto.