Tohoku: A Japan destination for all seasons cnn.com

But the northern region of Tohoku remains surprisingly undertraveled in comparison, making it a fantastic destination any time of year.
Zao Onsen, where snow monsters roarAs winter storms rush though Japan's Zao Mountain Range, trees are transformed into incredible "snow monsters."
But the real reason to visit is to see Japan's famed snow monsters -- or "juhyo" in Japanese.
Aizu HankoWhen it comes to traditional arts, Tohoku is where you'll find some of the country's most impressive ancient crafts -- still being produced by skilled artists to this day.
Related content Head north to Tohoku for Japan's best traditional souvenirsBut the most popular Tohoku souvenir of them all has to be kokeshi -- traditional wooden dolls.