2 Best Sights in Tohoku, Japan

Guarded by deep moats, over which a red wooden bridge crosses in a picturesque curve, Hirosaki-jo is atop a high stone base. The original castle, completed in 1611, was set ablaze 16 years later by a lightning bolt. The present one, of a smaller scale, dates back to 1810. In spring the more than 5,000 somei-yoshino cherry trees blossom, while in fall the changing maples are also gorgeous. A snow-lantern festival with illuminated ice sculptures is held in early February. The castle is a 30-minute walk from JR Hirosaki Station. Take the ¥100 bus from the bus pool and get off at the Shiyakusho-mae stop.

Sendai Castle (or more accurately the ruins of Sendai Castle) offers views of the city. A restored guardhouse is all that remains of what was the residence of the Date dynasty for three centuries. Sadly, it was all pulled down during the Meiji Restoration. The Aobajo Museum, located on the grounds, displays armor and weapons used by Masamune Date, as well as a CG reconstruction of the castle in its heyday. Nearby Gokoku Jinja (Gokoku Shrine) is now the area's main attraction. To get here by bus, take the Sendai Loople and get off at the Sendai-jo Ato/Site of Sendai Castle.