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[Akita] Enjoy nature to the fullest! 4 recommended driving courses!

A tour of the Oga Peninsula where you can fully enjoy the Sea of ​​Japan

Akita Prefecture is shaped like a rectangle stretching from north to south. The Oga Peninsula, the birthplace of Namahage, juts out from the west side of the prefecture

The coastal driving route "Oga Shiokaze Kaido" is an endless winding road that weaves between sheer cliffs with the magnificent Sea of ​​Japan as a backdrop. It's a bit thrilling, but it's also a very popular driving course with bikers

Along the way, you can appreciate the grandeur of nature at places like the "Osanbashi Pier," an arch formed by the erosion of rocks by the waves, and "Kujaku no Iwaya," a natural coastal cave, or you can interact with marine life at the Oga Aquarium GAO.
At Nyudozaki, the tip of the Oga Peninsula, you can lie down on the lush green grass and refresh your mind after a long drive while gazing up at the lighthouse with its distinctive black and white stripes. It is also a popular spot to enjoy the magnificent sunset over the Sea of ​​Japan.

Photo by yy – RIMG0174(2008) / Size-adapted.

The Chokai Blue Line, with the Sea of ​​Japan as a backdrop and colored by the seasons

Mount Chokai, straddling Akita and Yamagata prefectures, stands at an elevation of 2236m. The Yamagata side features a gently sloping winding course through the forest, while the Akita side is a steep, switchback course that climbs rapidly to 1100m. The panoramic view of the entire Sea of ​​Japan from near the summit is spectacular, and on the descent, you'll feel as if you're diving into the Sea of ​​Japan with your car. The road
is closed in winter, but in spring you can enjoy a corridor of snow walls, in summer the refreshing new greenery, and in autumn the vibrant red and yellow foliage, making it a fascinating driving course that changes its appearance with each season.

Experience the grandeur of nature on the Hachimantai Aspite Line

This mountain pass road crosses Hachimantai, part of the Ou Mountain Range, which separates Akita and Iwate prefectures. Although it is a mountain pass road, it is a tourist road and is wide, so you can drive safely. "Aspite" is the name of a type of volcano, meaning a shield volcano. The Aspite Line is the only road in Tohoku where you can drive at an altitude of 1,500 meters

If you're lucky, you might be able to see a magnificent sea of ​​clouds from the highest point, Mikaeri Pass. The
best time to visit is in late April in spring. The main attraction is undoubtedly the corridor of snow walls. Due to the high latitude and altitude, you can witness snow walls that are even higher than those on Mount Chokai.

The temperature at the summit is around 20℃ even in the middle of summer, making it a great summer retreat. In autumn, the autumn foliage is truly magnificent. Enjoy the ever-changing scenery of the mountain as the seasons and altitudes change.
As it is a volcanic area, there are also many long-established hot springs. Soaking in an open-air bath while enjoying the great outdoors is also a wonderful experience.

The vibrantly colorful Nanohana Road in Ogata Village

Akita Prefecture once had Lake Hachirogata, the second largest lake in Japan after Lake Biwa. It took 20 years to reclaim the land from this lake, and in 1964, Ogata Village was established.
Because it is reclaimed land, there are no mountains, and the landscape is flat and well-maintained, with the horizon visible. The roads are almost perfectly straight, giving you the illusion of being in Hokkaido or the Netherlands.

Photo by taxdn – Nanohana Road / Size-adapted.

If you visit in late April or early May when the cherry blossoms are in bloom, the road will be lined with cherry trees and rape blossoms. The contrast of the four colors—the blue of the sky, the green of the plants, the pink of the cherry blossoms, and the yellow of the rape blossoms—is so beautiful that you'll want to pull over and admire the magnificent scenery.
If you're looking for an overnight stay, we recommend "Sun Rural Ogata" in the same village. The hot spring, located 25 meters above ground, offers a luxurious experience with panoramic views of Ogata Village, the surrounding mountains, and the sunset over the Sea of ​​Japan.

There are still many sights to see in Akita.
Although Akita Prefecture is experiencing increasing depopulation and public transportation is not very convenient, making it an environment where one must rely on cars, I would like to share with you that there are also ways to enjoy Akita, a car-dependent society.

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