North or South?

I�fve visited Japan three times now and each time I�fve spent most of my time in the southern half of Honshu and mainly the Pacific side of the island.

So next time I go (not for a while now) I�fm wanting to focus either on the southern tip of Honshu and Kyushu or head north from Tokyo and travel up to Sapporo. It would probably be an early autumn trip.

I�fm particularly interested in castles, temples and shrines (anything historic really) beautiful scenery and smaller towns and cities where I�fve found the people are friendlier, more relaxed and that you can enjoy more interaction as they seemed genuinely pleased to see you. Also, it is quite possible that next time I may travel alone; I don�ft know if this has any bearing on things.

Does anyone have an opinion as to which end of the country would be best for me to visit?

Consider the beautiful Tohoku region in Northern Honshu
http://www.northern-tohoku.gr.jp/english/index.htm
http://www.e-tohoku.jp

For scenery, there are 4 beautiful lakes, Tazawa-ko, Towada-ko, Okama-ko and Inawashiro-ko. For landscape, there are spectacular Geibikei Gorge, Gembikei Gorge and Naruko Gorge. A unique winter scenic destination is Zao-san where people make special trip up there from Jan. to Mar. to see the Juhyo snow monsters. If one is into skiing, one can ski among them. They are even lit up at night. The Aspite Line in Hachimantai Plateau has snow corridor similar to that of the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route. And of course, there is the ever popular scenic cruise in Matsushima. Other scenic cruises include flat-bottom boat rides in Geibikei Gorge and Mogamigawa river where the boatmen sing, sometimes even in English!

For hiking, the Oirase Stream trail in Towada-ko is very popular. There are also the Bandai Plateau and the Dewa Sanzan whose 3 peaks are considered to be pilgrimage places by the people of Japan.

For temples and shrines, Yama-dera is spectacularly perched against the mt. slopes with breathtaking view on top. In Matsushima, there are Zuigan-ji and Godai-do. In Hiraizumi there are Motsu-ji and Chuson-ji whose Konjiki-do golden hall is said to be Japan's first designated national treasure.

For history, Aizu-wakamatsu with its Tsuruga Castle and Kakunodate are worth a look if you are interested in samurai. The lovely setting of the village Ouchijyuku overrides its historical significance. With its thatched rooftop houses, it is a sort of "Shirakawa-go in the north". Kitakata has lots of preserved historical kura storehouses. For archaeology, do not miss the Sannai-Maruyama Iseki site in Aomori and the unique Tomizawa Site Museum in Sendai.

For famous names, there are the Hideyo Noguchi Memorial Hall for the world renowned bacteriologist and the Mangattan Museum for the popular cartoonist Shotaro Ishinomori.

For scenic train rides, the Gono Line between Akita and Hirosaki/Aomori along the coast has special tatami viewing seats. The SL steam train runs from Aizu-wakamatsu to Niigata every April to November. The Aizu Railways between Aizu-wakamatsu and Shimogo has special compartments with wide windows, tatami seats and horoscopic lights. Another special stove train is in Tsugaru, Aomori Prefecture where inside the classic steam train compartment is a stove which food is grilled and one can enjoy hot buns or fry squids during the journey in winter.

For onsen experience, there is beautiful Ginzan Onsen. Other popular destinations include Nyuto Onsen, Naruko Onsen, Akiu Onsen and Zao Onsen.

For food, Sendai is famous for grilled gyu-tan ox tongue, Matushima for fresh oyster, Kesennuma for shark fin, Kitakata and Morioka for ramen, Yonezawa for beef, Yuzawa for udon and Aomori for apple.

Popular sites for autumn foliage during the fall season include Yama-dera, Naruko Gorge, Ginzan Onsen, Kakunodate and Nyuto Onsen