Discover The Treasure Trove Of Tohoku By Train

With the JR EAST PASS, exploring eastern Japan by Shinkansen is now easier and more affordable. Our travel writer finds out how

Dashing through the snow, we rode through the magical landscape of eastern Japan. Only two hours away from sunny Tokyo, winter had already made a dramatic entrance in Tohoku, providing an entirely different view of the country. Snow-capped mountains rose in the distance, framed by pine trees, fields and homes donning pure-white coats.

This beautiful region of Japan has now opened up thanks to the JR EAST PASS (Tohoku Area) by the East Japan Railway Company, which covers the area of Tokyo all the way to Shin-Aomori on the edge of Hokkaido. Here are seven treasures we uncovered in the reaches of Tohoku.

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2. Ginzan Onsen

Station: Oishida

One of the most significant onsen (hot spring) resorts in Japan, the Ginzan Onsen village is a cosy alley stocked with homely little ryokan (inns), lined with vintage gaslights and bridges running across a trickling sulphur hot-spring creek.

Visiting in winter, one would feel like they’ve ventured into Santa Claus’ holiday home. Ginzan Onsen is known for being the setting of the Japanese drama “Oshin”.

Ginzan Onsen, 999-4333 Ginzanshinhata, Obanazawa City, Yamagata Prefecture, Japan.

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Perks of the JR EAST PASS (Tohoku Area)

- Unlimited travel within the Tohoku Area

- Unlimited travel on JR EAST trains, including the Shinkansen

- Valid for any 5 days (not necessarily consecutive) within 14 days from date of issue

- Sold overseas: 19,000 yen (adult) & 9,500 yen (child); sold in Japan: 20,000 yen & 10,000 yen

The JR EAST PASS (Tohoku Area) can be purchased at jreast.co.jp/e/eastpass_t. The pass can also be bought at JR EAST's newly opened JAPAN RAIL CAFE at 5 Wallich Street, #01-20 Tanjong Pagar Centre, Singapore.

Brought to you by the East Japan Railway Company.

A Chinese version of the article appeared here.