Tohoku

The aquarium isn't very big, but you can easily spend more than half a day there. You can feed the penguins for a fee, there are lots of adorable otters, and the dolphin and sea lion shows are great. Right now, there are even newborn dolphin babies appearing. You can also see penguins while dining at the restaurant... they're all super energetic.

Simply show the opened voucher to the staff, and they will handle the rest for you (don't slide it yourself yet, just in case 🙂‍↕️).

The atmosphere was amazing from the slope at the entrance, and there were various temples and sub-temples, each of which was amazing. The final Golden Hall was beautiful, with its decorations and the golden shine of the Buddha statues, making it well worth a visit.

In Zao Fox Village, many foxes roam freely around you. Afterwards, you'll be taken to Matsushima. The tour includes a voucher for trying Kamahō Honpo's hand-grilled fish cakes. You'll also receive a complimentary grilled oyster from Takejaku-an, which is quite delicious. There are many food trucks along the pier, creating a very chill atmosphere. The tour price also includes a ferry ticket for a coastal tour of Matsushima, one of Japan's three main islands. Overall, it's a wonderful trip where you can get up close to foxes and sample Matsushima's unique cuisine.

Thanks to our tour guide Diffany for reminding us of the importance of punctuality, which allowed everyone to have a smooth and enjoyable weekend.

I've always wanted to visit Yakurai Garden, and the amazing illuminations at night made for some great memories for my family! It was cold, but the air was clear and the lights were sparkling, making it the best experience. The only downside is that there's no internet connection.

The Mogami River, which runs through the Yamagata Line, has a wide drainage basin. Taking a flat-bottomed boat here, although the river current is fierce, feels very smooth.