Tohoku Adventure Part 2: Deep Powder and a Taste of Japan Beyond the Slopes

May 15th, 2025
Pure joy on a powder day in Tohoku. Tohoku is Honshu’s most northern prefecture and one of the snowiest places in the world.

Sponsored Content

Mountainwatch | Travel

In part two of trip to Tohoku Prefecture we ski powder in Zao Onsen and savour the food and culture of the towns of Morioka and Sendai

A short drive from APPI Resort is Morioka, a lively city known for its amazing food and fun nightlife and in 2023 it was named by The New York Times one of the “52 Places to Go” that year. For food-lovers it offers a diverse range of local delights, including Wanko Soba. This is a unique and interactive culinary tradition in Morioka, offering a memorable and fun dining experience.

Clouds looming over Mount Iwate in the fading afternoon light in Morioka City.

Unlike the typical bowl of soba noodles, this dish consists of numerous small servings of soba that are served at a quick pace, each in tiny bowls. The beauty of Wanko Soba lies not just in the food itself, but in the lively atmosphere and the challenge it presents.

As soon as you sit down, the server swiftly delivers the bowls, refilling them one after another as soon as you finish. The goal? To keep eating as long as you can handle it. There’s no room to catch your breath, as the server’s speed matches your appetite—if you leave your bowl empty for too long, they’ll immediately refill it.

The noodles come with various toppings such as green onions, wasabi, and dipping broth, enhancing the flavours with every bite.

It’s all about the challenge and the lively atmosphere.

It’s all about the challenge of seeing how many bowls you can eat, and the atmosphere in the restaurant is bustling and competitive, as everyone is trying to eat more than the next person. The experience has a social, almost game-like aspect to it, where the speed and fun of the meal take centre stage.

When you finally can’t eat any more, simply cover your bowl with its lid to signal that you’re done. If you forget, the server will add a penalty serving as a cheeky reminder to finish what you’ve started.

The restaurant we visited had some friendly competition, with one of our guides managing to scarf down 80 bowls! The record at this particular spot was an unbelievable 753 bowls — a feat that leaves you wondering about the sheer appetite required to conquer it. After dinner the nightlife comes into play and there are plenty of local bars where you can enjoy a couple of post-dinner drinks.

Exploring the colourful streets of Sendai at night.

And if you’ve got time, visit Sendai the largest city in Tohoku with a population of over 1 million. Sendai is a vibrant city with where you can shop ’til you drop, explore EDO period castle ruins and samurai history.

Sendai is also renowned for its food, and the old narrow back streets are lined with a variety of bars and restaurants and the atmosphere is authentic Japan. The restaurants pride themselves on using local products and if you enjoy seafood you will not be disappointed, especially the oysters, local and fresh and the size of your hand!

Sendai’s history goes back to the EDO period.

Zao Onsen: Snow Monsters and Natural Onsens

Our final stop was Zao Onsen located in Yamagata prefecture, a classic Japanese ski town with a twist. Why’s it special? Because it’s home to the famous “snow monsters” — those eerie, frozen trees that look like something out of a movie.

Zao Onsen’s ‘snow monsters’ called Juhyo in Japan, attract thousands of tourists each winter.

The terrain at Zao Onsen is a bit more spread out and great for beginner to intermediate skiers, with some fun powder tucked away in the trees for those adventurous enough to look for it.

But let’s talk about the onsens. There are so many, you’ll probably want to try them all. And after a day of skiing there’s nothing better than soaking in a hot spring. The town has a laid-back vibe, and the food scene is just as delicious as the ski conditions.  Perfect for winding down before hopping back on the Shinkansen to Tokyo.

Photo: Jimmy Williams

Why Tohoku Should Be Your Next Ski Trip

In a nutshell, Tohoku is perfect for a road trip with endless resorts within a short drive. Whether you’re after family-friendly options (APPI Resort), secret powder stashes (Hakkoda), or a ski town experience with snow monsters (Zao Onsen), this region has it all. Plus, the powder here is dryer and lighter than a lot of Honshu resorts, making it ideal for those who want to experience the best of Japan’s legendary snow without the crowds.

Dry, smoky powder on a cold February day in Zao Onsen. Photo: Jimmy Williams

So, if you’re craving a Japanese adventure that’s off the radar of most tourists, Tohoku should be top of your list.   And trust us, booking your trip with Mountainwatch Travel will make your getaway effortless and unforgettable. Reach out today and let the Tohoku magic begin!

If you missed it, check out part one of our Ultimate Tohoku Adventure here.