The scenery in Tohoku is breathtaking. The hitome senbonzakura (which translates to "a thousand sakura at a glance") at the Shiroishi River in Miyagi Prefecture, for example, are truly out of this world. Every year, thousands of people flock to the riverbanks to enjoy a stroll along the nearly 8-kilometer (5-mi) stretch of 1,200 cherry blossom trees.

None of this would be possible without the stalwart video crew kind enough to let me accompany them. Watching them work as they effortlessly capture the magic of Tohoku has been one of the trip’s many pleasures.

But viewing all of this gorgeous scenery sure works up an appetite! Fortunately for us, Tohoku is home to some of the juiciest fruit and freshest seafood in the country, not to mention the award-winning Japanese sake. Take these piping hot, right-off-the-grill oysters from Matsushima, in Miyagi Prefecture, for example.

Adding just a splash of ponzu (Japanese citrus soy sauce) really highlights the oyster's briny unctuousness. Believe me when I say I'm not trying to look as smugly satisfied as I do in these photos. It just happens naturally when eating the freshest seafood around.

As long as the blossoms keep blooming in Tohoku, we’ll keep showing them off. Follow All About Japan and JNTO on Facebook to get the latest updates, and stay tuned for some incredible video footage.

But if you don't want to take our word for it, start planning your trip to Tohoku today! Better act fast—cherry blossoms wait for no one!