Heritage sites in Tohoku region

The Tohoku region preserves a vast timeline of Japanese history, from the primeval beech forests of Shirakami-Sanchi to the 12th-century Buddhist "Pure Land" architecture of Hiraizumi. This collection features UNESCO World Heritage sites like the gold-leafed Konjikidō at Chūson-ji and the industrial ruins of the Hashino iron mining site. It also includes prehistoric Jōmon-period shell mounds, preserved Edo-period post stations like Ōuchi-juku, and geographical monuments marking the 40th parallel and Honshu's easternmost point.

Tohoku Heritage Sites — Map

らんで / CC BY-SA 4.0

A

Shirakami-Sanchi

Shirakami-Sanchi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Tōhoku region of northern Honshū, Japan.

竹麦魚(Searobin) / CC-BY-SA-3.0

B

Chūson-ji

Chūson-ji is a Buddhist temple in the town of Hiraizumi in southern Iwate Prefecture, Japan.

Nerotaso / CC BY-SA 3.0

C

Hiraizumi – Temples, Gardens and Archaeological Sites Representing the Buddhist Pure Land

Hiraizumi – Temples, Gardens and Archaeological Sites Representing the Buddhist Pure Land is a grouping of five sites from late eleventh-…

Nerotaso / CC BY-SA 3.0

D

Mōtsū-ji

Mōtsū-ji is a Buddhist temple of the Tendai sect in the town of Hiraizumi in southern Iwate Prefecture, Japan, and also refers to the…

tak1701d / CC BY-SA 3.0

E

Muryōkō-in

Muryōkō-in is former temple in Hiraizumi in what is now southern Iwate Prefecture in the Tōhoku region of Japan.

竹麦魚(Searobin) / CC-BY-SA-3.0

F

Golden Hall

A 12th-century Buddhist hall at Chūson-ji temple, completely covered in gold leaf and mother-of-pearl inlay. It serves as a mausoleum for the leaders of the Northern Fujiwara clan.

Nerotaso / CC BY-SA 3.0

G

Kinkeisan

Mount Kinkei is a conical hill in the town of Hiraizumi in southwestern Iwate Prefecture, Japan.

のりまき / Cc-by-3.0

H

Hashino iron mining and smelting site

Hashino iron mining and smelting site is the ruins of an iron smelting and primitive blast furnace built by the Tokugawa shogunate during…

663highland / CC BY-SA 4.0

I

Kanjizaiō-in

Kanjizaiō-in was a Buddhist temple located in Hiraizumi in what is now southern Iwate Prefecture in the Tōhoku region of Japan.

J

Mt. Shirakami

One of the highest peaks in the Shirakami-Sanchi UNESCO World Heritage area, reaching 1,235 meters. It offers panoramic views over the world's largest remaining virgin beech forest.

Tennen-Gas / CC BY-SA 3.0

K

Ōuchi-juku

Ōuchi-juku was a small post station in Japan's Edo period and part of the Aizu Nishi Kaidō.

Tennen-Gas / CC BY-SA 3.0

L

Ōuchi-juku

Ōuchi-juku was a small post station in Japan's Edo period and part of the Aizu Nishi Kaidō.

M

十八鳴浜

A rare "singing sand" beach where the high quartz content causes the sand to make a squeaking sound when walked upon. It is designated as a national natural monument.

N

宮田宝篋印塔

A traditional stone Buddhist pagoda in Kunohe, serving as a significant local religious and historical monument.

O

出ル町のイチョウ

A massive, ancient ginkgo tree designated as a natural monument for its exceptional size and historical presence in the region.

P

中里城跡

The site of a medieval fortification in Aomori Prefecture, showcasing traditional Japanese defensive earthworks and castle layouts.

Q

中里城跡史跡公園

A public park preserving the archaeological remains of Nakasato Castle, featuring reconstructed embankments and historical markers.

R

高坂一里塚

Traditional distance markers used during the Edo period to indicate one 'ri' (approximately 3.9 km) along historical travel routes.

S

源氏盛平家盛

Mounds and archaeological markers associated with the legendary conflict between the Minamoto (Genji) and Taira (Heike) clans.

T

浦尻貝塚

A Jomon-period archaeological site containing shell deposits, pottery fragments, and tools that provide insight into prehistoric coastal life in Fukushima.

U

北緯40°のモニュメント

A monument on the Oga Peninsula marking the exact line of the 40th parallel north latitude.

V

北緯40°のモニュメント

A geographical marker indicating the 40th parallel north, part of a series of monuments in the Oga region.

W

北緯40°のモニュメント

A stone monument signifying the 40th parallel north latitude.

X

北緯40°のモニュメント

A historical marker at the 40th parallel north, highlighting the region's geographical significance.

Y

北緯40°のモニュメント

One of several monuments in Akita Prefecture marking the 40th parallel north latitude.

Z

北緯40°のモニュメント

A geographical monument located at the 40th parallel north.

本州最東端の碑

A stone marker at Cape Todo marking the easternmost geographical point of Japan's main island, Honshu.

Other Lists

Tōhoku's Essential Journey Tohoku Viewpoints and Peaks Tohoku Castles Tohoku's Sacred Sites Tohoku Parks and Nature