TOHOKU

While it's estimated there are 600,000 festivals in Japan, some are decidedly weirder than others!

Mars may be the one called the Red Planet, but this shot shows part of Earth turning a beautiful crimson.

Playing the drums like a pro is not that easy, but add on a bulky mascot costume as well and you have the makings of a star!

Places in Tohoku can be quite spread out, so if you're traveling through a number of spots in the area, a train pass or bus pass is your best bet.

Asamushi Onsen, right outside Aomori City, is well known by Aomori locals and residents of the Tohoku region for its wide array of bathhouses, all conveniently located in one small town.

Come with us on a journey to Akita Prefecture to see an incredible wooden theater, the oldest one in existence in Japan.

Are you a cat or a dog? Japan has several ways to describe a person's personalities based on animalistic behaviors. You might even be a penguin!

Check out these three adorable destinations just for animal lovers!