From Hakodate to Aomori and AkitaFrom Hakodate to Aomori and Akita

Recommended for those traveling to the Tohoku region, including Akita and Aomori!

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Course 6

A journey through the Sea of Japan and the majestic foothills of Mount Chokai.

This trip begins with a day in Oga where you can experience the Namahage culture. On the second and third days, you'll drive around the natural spots at the foot of Mount Chokai, fully experiencing the blessings of the mountain.

Itinerary/2 nights 3 days

map

itinerary

Day 1

Experience the culture of the Oga and Minami-Akita areas.

Roadside Station Oga (Oga City Multi-purpose Tourist Facility Ogare)

Roadside Station Oga (Oga City Multi-purpose Tourist Facility Ogare)

Oga City

Located about a 5-minute walk from Oga Station, Ogare offers a wide variety of local specialties. In addition, the direct sales corner for agricultural and marine products features inexpensive and delicious ingredients brought in daily by local fishermen and farmers. The restaurant and snack corner, which utilize local produce, are also popular. A 24-hour rest area is also available.

Mayama Shrine

Mayama Shrine

Oga City

The temple grounds, surrounded by cedar groves, are a place associated with the Namahage, and the "Namahage Sedo Festival" is held there every February. In the area that is now the front garden of the shrine stands a giant kaya tree, said to have been planted by Jikaku Daishi and estimated to be over 1,000 years old.

Namahage Museum / Oga Shinzan Folklore Museum

Namahage Museum and Oga Shinzan Folklore Museum (World Intangible Cultural Heritage)

Oga City

The exhibition features over 150 unique "Namahage masks," each representing a different region. Visitors can also experience a close-up reenactment of the Namahage ritual that takes place on New Year's Eve.

Roadside Station Tenno Greenland

Roadside Station Tenno Greenland

Katakami City

Centered around the 59.8-meter-tall "Sky Tower," the complex includes a direct-sale market for agricultural products, bathing facilities, and a barbecue area. It's a beloved and familiar place of relaxation for the local community.

Illustration

Second Day

Spend time in a relaxing space overlooking Mount Chokai.

Hotai Falls

Hotai Falls

Yurihonjo City

The abundant snowmelt and spring water from Mount Chokai creates a magnificent spectacle, cascading down in three stages with a drop of 57.4 meters. The waterfall is close enough to be seen from the parking lot, and a 2.5 km walking trail has been developed in the upper reaches of the Tamada Valley, making it an excellent hiking course. Guided geotours are also popular.

Sarukura Onsen

Sarukura Onsen

Yurihonjo City

Sarukura Onsen, located at the foot of Mount Chokai, is an ideal base for mountain recreation activities such as hiking and skiing. Its viscous spring water is known for its skin-beautifying properties and is said to be effective for skin diseases.

Moriko Omokimi Shrine

Moriko Omokimi Shrine

Yurihonjo City

The grounds of Moriko Omokimi Shrine are surrounded by Akita cedar trees, creating a dimly lit atmosphere even during the day, befitting a sacred site of Shugendo (mountain asceticism). From the first torii gate to the shrine building, there are approximately 300 steep stone steps, making it a noteworthy spot that has recently become popular for its resemblance to a shrine featured in a popular anime film.

Chokaisan Wooden Toy Museum

Mount Chokai Wooden Toy Museum

Yurihonjo City

This facility utilizes the former Ayukawa Elementary School, a wooden school building that is a nationally registered tangible cultural property. It's Adult with children because it offers safe toys made with plenty of wood. Adult can also enjoy themselves and rediscover their childlike wonder in this nostalgic wooden school building. A toy shop and cafe are also located on the premises.

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Third Day

Experience the blessings and culture of Mount Chokai

Mototaki underground water

Mototaki underground water

Nikaho City

From a moss-covered rock face approximately 5 meters high and 30 meters wide, groundwater from Mount Chokai gushes forth vigorously. Thanks to the cold spring water, the area is enveloped in crisp air even in summer. The contrast between the deep green moss and the white spray of water is beautiful, making it Adult photo spot.

NIKAHO OUTDOOR BASE

NIKAHO OUTDOOR BASE

Nikaho City

Nikaho City's outdoor hub, "NIKAHO OUTDOOR BASE," houses a visitor center offering information on outdoor activities and rentals of e-bikes, kayaks, and mountaineering equipment, as well as "Montbell Nikaho Store," which boasts one of the largest sales areas in the Tohoku region. Indoors, an 8-meter-high climbing pinnacle allows visitors to experience climbing year-round, regardless of the season or weather.

Roadside Station Kisakata "Nemunooka"

Roadside Station Kisakata "Nemunooka"

Nikaho City

This roadside station is a "travel destination" in itself, featuring a restaurant where you can enjoy the bounty of the mountains and sea, a souvenir shop offering local products, a 360° panoramic observation tower, and a hot spring bath on the 4th floor.

inquiry

Oga Station Tourist Information Center

TEL:0185-24-2100

Katagami City Commerce, Industry and Tourism Promotion Division

TEL: 018-853-5350

Akita City Tourism Promotion Division

TEL:018-888-5602

Yurihonjo City Tourism Promotion Division

TEL: 0184-24-6349

Nikaho City Tourism Association

TEL: 0184-43-6608

Pickup

We've picked out our top recommended gourmet foods and crafts from the Hakodate, Tsugaru, and Akita areas!

Bouquet Soft

Bouquet Soft

This ice cream is inspired by the city's official flower, the rose. It features vanilla soft serve and rose-flavored ice cream, topped with flavorful rose jam and a rose-shaped rice flour cookie (made with Akita Komachi rice). It pairs perfectly with the waffle cone. Available now at Blume Messe Akita.

Honjo Gotenmari

Honjo Gotenmari

Compared to other Gotenmari balls from around the country, this one is characterized by tassels hanging down on three sides. Each stitch is carefully made, and the craftsmanship is highly regarded.

Fig souvenir

Fig souvenir

The Otake district of Nikaho City is a fig-producing area, and a culture of cooking and preserving figs has been deeply rooted there for generations. Figs contain many nutrients that are good for beauty and health, and are said to be a fruit that promotes longevity.

  • *The information provided is current as of March 5, 2025. Please note that the content may change.
  • *The photos and route map are for illustrative purposes only. Actual layouts may differ.

Recommended for those traveling to the Tohoku region, including Akita and Aomori!

JR-EAST Train Reservation Opens in a new window