Tohoku in November

Tohoku's seasons hit harder than the rest of Japan. Spring arrives late but spectacular — cherry blossoms peak in Hirosaki around May 1st, weeks after Tokyo's petals have fallen. Summer brings festivals like Sendai's Tanabata in August, when the whole city decorates with colorful streamers. But autumn steals the show. October and November paint the mountains in reds and golds that rival New England. The downside? Winter lasts from December through March with heavy snow that shuts down mountain roads and buries some hot springs completely. Hotels in ski areas like Zao stay busy, but many rural ryokan close until spring. If you're chasing powder, February offers the deepest snow. For hiking and hot springs without crowds, late April through May gives you the best of both worlds — snow-capped peaks and valleys just starting to turn green.