#001
4 stunning spots that will make you want to take photos
Oga Peninsula is a classic tourist spot in Akita. Many people will remember it for its unique shape jutting out into the Sea of Japan. It is dotted with beautiful landscapes created by the climate and natural features, making it perfect for sightseeing. We will introduce some of the most popular photo spots.
POINT1
See and learn about the unique terrain here
When learning about the topography and climate of Oga, the first place you should visit is Mt. Kanpuzan. It is one of the highlights of the Oga Peninsula-Ogata Geopark, a park of the earth, and is a small volcano that formed about 20,000 years ago. The Kanpuzan Rotating Observatory is a spot where you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view, and in the surrounding area there are many places where you can learn about the formation of the earth, such as Ogre's Hidden Village and Himegatake.
POINT 2
I learned about Mt. Kanpu.
"The view from the observation park on the roof of the Kanpuzan Rotating Observatory is amazing!" says Kato of Oga City's Tourism Division. This time, he introduced us to a number of photo spots in Oga. "This place has an open, unobstructed view. You'll want to take photos without even thinking about it. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the famous mountain, Mt. Chokai, which is on the border with Yamagata Prefecture."
"The view from the observation park on the roof of the Kanpuzan Rotating Observatory is amazing!" says Kato of Oga City's Tourism Division. This time, he introduced us to a number of photo spots in Oga. "This place has an open, unobstructed view. You'll want to take photos without even thinking about it. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the famous mountain, Mt. Chokai, which is on the border with Yamagata Prefecture."
Paragliding allows you to experience the great outdoors of Oga with your whole body. Just watching the bird-like flight is exhilarating.
POINT3
The best way to enjoy the spectacular views is to enjoy them to the fullest!
Want to know more about the photo spots of Mt. Kanpu? We asked Director Minato, who has worked at the Mt. Kanpu Rotating Observatory for 22 years, about his "best spectacular view." "It's the rice field scenery in the direction of Ogata Village, which can only be seen for one or two weeks in May." The sight of the rice fields reflected in the water and dyed in the colors of the sunset is breathtakingly beautiful. We can't wait to see the deep green carpet spreading out as summer approaches.
The captivating seascape and the large rocks lining the coast combine to create a spectacular natural spectacle.
I had always wondered about the rumor, "If you can see Mt. Chokai from Mt. Kanpu, will it rain the next day?" When I asked Minato if it was true, he said, "It's true. It often rains within three days." I was wondering if I wanted to see Mt. Chokai, but at the same time, I didn't want to see it... It's also fun to learn some interesting facts and see the view.
On days with good visibility, Mt. Chokai will appear diagonally across the horizon. If you can't see it, just wait until next time.
In the 360-degree glass-walled revolving observation room (one rotation takes about 13 minutes), you can check out the view spots that interest you using a telescope (fee required).
POINT4
A world of blue as far as the eye can see
One photo spot that attracts attention year after year in Oga is Unshoji Temple. It is a popular summer spot where vibrant hydrangeas bloom. The hydrangeas that paint the temple grounds a carpet of blue have been cultivated by the deputy chief priest, Furunaka, for about 20 years, starting with just one plant. A special viewing period is set up from mid-June, when the hydrangeas bloom.
POINT5
Everywhere is a place you want to take pictures.
There are more than 1,500 hydrangeas and plenty to see within the temple grounds, so you'll want to take some photos. When I asked Kato from the tourism department about the best places to visit, he told me a myth that if you can find all seven heart-shaped paving stones, your wish will come true. The heart shape is a talismanic pattern called inome. It feels like happiness is coming your way.
POINT 6
There are many things to do at Unshoji Temple
When you visit Unshoji Temple, first pay your respects to the principal image of the deity. Charms and red seals are available at the reception desk. Take a photo and then take a break. During the special viewing period, the "Hydrangea Cafe" will also be open on the temple grounds. The popular butterfly pea tea, which resembles the color of hydrangea, is one of the pleasures of Unshoji Temple.
Kato says, "It's a lovely place even on rainy nights." The hydrangeas grown by Furunaka (pictured) look fantastic when lit up.
POINT7
Go on a sunset drive to find strange rock formations!
If you come to Oga, you can't miss Godzilla Rock, a photo spot you definitely can't miss. It is located on the southwestern tip of the Oga Peninsula, on a rocky shore called Shiosezaki in the Monzen district. The volcanic rocks formed by the eruption of Mt. Kanpu have been eroded by wind and waves over the years, transforming into strangely shaped rocks. This Godzilla Rock is surprisingly difficult to find... The perfect moment to capture Godzilla breathing fire into the Sea of Japan!
"At sunset, photographers and tourists flock to the spot to capture this view," says Kato.
Godzilla Rock isn't that scary during the day (lol). The rocks are quite rough, so be sure to watch your step while exploring to avoid falling.
POINT8
You might encounter a miraculous "mirror-like view"!
Finally, we will introduce "Uonosaki Coast," which stretches for about 1.5 km and is about a 10-minute drive from Godzilla Rock. The beautiful scenery of the sky reflected on the water's surface like a mirror has earned it the nickname "Akita's Uyuni Salt Flats," and it has become a popular photo spot on social media in recent years. At low tide, the shallows are so shallow that the rock surface of the seabed is exposed, and you can walk on the rocks up to about 200 meters offshore.
"I like this spot for the sunset," says Kato, and this view unfolds at dusk on calm days. Days this calm are rare, so you might be lucky if you can see it.
This place is also a geosite where you can see the mysterious circular Azuki Rock, which also contributes to the mysterious atmosphere.
Photos taken while experiencing the splendor of nature, such as enjoying the unique climate and history of the Oga Peninsula and admiring the seasonal flowers, will surely look even more attractive. Sharing the excitement with the people you meet there may be the best part of touring the photo spots. Let's go to Oga!