3 Best Sights in Tohoku, Japan

A visit to this miso and soy sauce business, still located in the historic home of the Ando merchant family, is a treat for both the eyes and the taste buds. Beautiful seasonal flower arrangements and artifacts decorate the tatami rooms, while the unusual redbrick storehouse houses some fine painted screens. And don't miss the inner storehouse, where you can find free miso soup and pickles.

If you're interested in pottery, go to this pottery village on the outskirts of Yamagata. It's a bit out of the way but definitely worth a visit if you are spending time in Yamagata. This small enclave of traditional buildings and farmhouses is a step back in time. About six pottery families each specialize in a particular style. You can take pottery lessons and have your handiwork fired, glazed, and, two to four weeks later, mailed back home. The potteries are generally open daily, but the actual hours can be erratic, so definitely check ahead with the tourist information office at JR Yamagata Station before heading out.

The six casters here create the fine ironwork, and their products are as authentic and beautiful as Nanbu-tekki can be. Depending on the time of day, you can peer into the workshop to watch them at work. Attractive teakettles come in all sizes and prices. If you want to place a special order, you'll have to be patient: your piece will be produced and shipped to you in up to two years for the kettles and two or three months for other items.