On a hill and surrounded by lush flora sits the remains of Sannohe Castle, built as a fortification for the Nanbu around the turn of the 17th century. The fairy-tale natural scenery is a huge draw; fiery autumn hues merge into snowscapes; melting frosts reveal the budding blooms of 1,600 cherry blossom trees. Forget Kyoto; come here for sakura season sans crowds. After gawping at the scenery, nip across to the Sannohe Museum of Local History and Culture which is packed full of interesting artifacts about the area.

Aside from being rich in archaeological sites, Sannohe has another famous legacy. Once home to Japan’s most famous children’s author, Noboru Baba, who penned the much-loved Eleven Hungry Cats, the town pays homage to its literary legacy by painting cat murals on the sides of shops, homes and alleyways. You’ll find this unofficial mascot at every turn.

You’ve feasted on Hachinohe’s array of local delicacies, now it’s time to try your hand at crafting your own. Offering a snapshot of how farmers live in this thriving agricultural area, Tapukopu Village is made up of five refurbished farmhouses each offering a range of workshops. Make nanbu senbei (wheat crackers), roll soba noodles or learn how to cook Konnyaku, a type of yam cake made from a tuber called konjac.

A sign of recovery and resilience, the Michinoku Shiokaze trail was designed after Tohoku’s Pacific Ocean coast was severely damaged in the 2011 earthquake and tsunami disaster. Instead of walking the whole 1,000km, we suggest tackling the coastal course that runs along the length of Sanriku Fukkō National Park. It’s here you’ll pass through wildflower corridors known as “Hana no Nagisa” (the shore of flowers). Expect long, sandy stretches, dense pine forests and to stumble upon hidden lookout spots. Worked up an appetite? Sample a bowl of ichigo-ni in Hashikami, a small fishing town. The rich soup is brimming with sea urchins and abalone.