JR EAST PASS

Although often overlooked by travellers, the Tohoku Region in the north of Honshu features chiseled coastlines and mountain ranges from Tokyo all the way to Aomori, the northernmost city of this main island. Not far from Sendai, a cosmipolitan capital with plenty of charm, is Matsushima, one of the "Three Views" of Japan, where travellers can admire the reflection of a pinetree forest in the clear waters of the sea. The mountaneous central region features plenty of hot springs and fantastic natural scenery.

As a day-trip from Tokyo, explore Nikko, with its temples and shrines surrounded by cedar trees, and stroll by its river and sacred bridge. In Karuizawa, there is plenty of shopping to be done whilst awaiting your train to Gala-Yuzawa for a ski trip. Further on is the start of Hokkaido and its natural beauties: north of Hakodate is the semi-national Onuma Park and its mountain lakes, with some of the most beautiful views in Japan. You will also be able to head further to the "North Star," the city of Sapporo, to discover snow, beer, and colonial architecture...