Mind Detoxifying Places in Tohoku

Posted on 11/02/2021 Last updated on 12/21/2021

Top Image: AG2016 on Pixabay

Detoxification is needed to wash out harmful toxins that damage our body. With all the negativity that we experience in our daily lives, we also need mind detoxification from time to time. Detoxifying is not just a physical improvement; it can also balance and fortify our thinking.

There are many ways to detoxify our minds. First, deep breathing to reduce tension that builds up from emotional difficulties. Second, taking a walk to lighten our mood. Next, running to boost our confidence, as well as screaming to “flush out” our repressed emotions. We can exercises to release “happy hormones” that reduce mental pain, and also cycle to refresh our mood.

One thing these all share in common: they involve getting out of the house and connecting with nature. If you really feel stressed out from school or work, go on a break and have a mind detoxification trip. My recommendation is to do it in the Tohoku Region. Tohoku is located in northeaster Japan above the Kanto region and consists of six wonderful prefectures: Fukushima, Miyagi, Iwate, Aomori, Akita, and Yamagata.

Rich in history and nature, any one of these are an excellent destination for your mind detoxification experience. A little more about each one:

Fukushima

Fukushima is the third-largest prefecture in Japan and located along the eastern coast. In the 10 years since the 2011 Earthquake and Tsunami, it has steadily recovered. Now, it’s more than worth your time to visit.

My recommendations are the coastal city of Iwaki (where you can get some excellent sea food and walk along the beach.) There’s also the city of Aizuwakamatsu. It is famous for many things, my favorite being Ouchi-juku seen above. You’ll enjoy walking around the traditional Edo townscape as your mind relaxes.

Miyagi

North of Fukushima, Miyagi is home to the major city of Sendai. But our destination today is a place called Matsushima. It’s an archipelago consisting of 260 tiny islands. These pine-covered islands are considered one the Three Most Scenic Views in Japan.

There are four renowned viewing spots from which to view the islands: Enchanting View, Grand View, Magnificent View and Beautiful View. As you go around to each one, enjoy the cool breeze and fresh air of the ocean, and let it cleanse your mind.

(Editor’s Recommendation: Afterwards, take some time to head east to the city of Ishinomaki. It’s worth the trip!)

Iwate

Iwate is famous for many national parks, with 5% of its total area dedicated to them. You can go on cycling and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the forest. If you like quiet, contemplative healing, you can go to Chuson-ji, a famous temple in the town of Hiraizumi.

If you like to scream and get wet, go to Jodogahama Beach. It has crystal clear water and gentle waves. It’s a great beach for swimming, walking or just lounging. Iwate is the second largest prefecture in Japan (after Hokkaido) and also has the second-lowest population density (again, after Hokkaido). If you’re looking to get away from the massive crowds of Japan’s big cities, this is the place to visit!

Aomori

Aomori is the most northern part of Japan’s main island of Honshu. Surrounded by the sea on three sides, it is famous for “Oma Tuna.” First, you can enjoy a brisk jog along the coastline. Later, there’s volcanic hot springs in Towada-Hachimantai National Park, skiing at Mount Hakkōda, and much more.

It’s the perfect place to escape to during the hot days of August. Its location makes it a cooler spot than others in Japan, and you can enjoy the Nebuta Festival in the capital city of Aomori.

Akita

West of Iwate and south of Aomori, Akita is a mountainous area and the origin of the famous dog breed of the same name. There’s plenty to do here. First, the great Lake Tazawa has many hot springs. Next, Kakunodate town has a historic district of wooden samurai mansions.

You can walk around and explore them (some have become museums) and reminisce about old times. Lastly, you can visit the coastal capital city Akita, famous for the Kanto Matsuri. Whatever the case, there are plenty of places to relax your mind and body in Akita.

Yamagata

Finally, there is Yamagata in the southwest. You can go to the five story pagoda of Mount Haguro, one of the National Treasures of Japan. It’s a quiet place and great for meditation. There’s also the capital city of Yamagata. It is home to the hillside Yamadera Buddhist complex, centered on the 9th-century Risshaku-ji Temple. You can also see snow-covered conifer trees in the Mt. Zao ski resort area. Nearby are yet more hot springs and hiking trails as well as the color-shifting Okama Crater Lake.

All in all, the Tohoku region is a great place to explore and do some mind detoxification. Whether you visit one prefecture or all six, you can enjoy the aesthetic beauty of nature while also feeling refreshed and mentally renewed. In these often difficult times, taking care of your mind as well as your body is essential. Start thinking about where to take your mind detoxification trip today!

Photo Credits:

Top Image: AG2016 on Pixabay

Additional images provided by the author, used with permission