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.
3. Mogami River boat ride
Station: Furukuchi
Somewhat like the Mekong River of the Yamagata Prefecture, the Mogami River is the third fastest-flowing river in Japan. The people of Yamagata hold immense pride and affection for the river; on this ride, the guide treated us to a heartfelt serenade of three traditional river songs.
In this humble wooden boat, tuck your feet beneath the heated kotatsu (blanketed table) and listen to the tales of samurai and floods that Mogami has seen. Remember to grab a packet of boiled konyaku jelly skewers and a hot drink at the harbour for the hour-long cruise.
999-6401 86-1 Oaza Furukuchi, Tozawa-mura, Mogami-gun, Yamagata Prefecture, Japan.
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