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[Akita] Enjoy nature! 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 experience the grandeur of nature at Osanbashi Pier, an arched arch formed by waves eroding the rocks, and the natural coastal cave of Peacock Cave, or play with marine life at Oga Aquarium GAO.
At Nyudozaki, at the tip of the Oga Peninsula, you can look up at the distinctive black and white striped lighthouse and lie down on the fresh green grass to refresh yourself after a long drive. It's also a popular spot for watching 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 four seasons

Mount Chokai, which straddles Akita and Yamagata prefectures, has an elevation of 2,236m. On the Yamagata side, the course is a gently winding one that passes through the forest. On the Akita side, the course is a steep, winding one that climbs all the way up to 1,100m. The panoramic view of the entire Sea of ​​Japan from near the summit is spectacular, and on the way down you can feel as if you're diving your car into the Sea of ​​Japan.
Although it is closed in winter, it is an attractive driving course that changes appearance with the seasons, with snow-walled corridors in spring, refreshing new greenery in summer, and red and yellow autumn leaves in autumn.

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 at the highest point, Mikaeri Pass. The
best time to visit is in late April in the spring. The highlight is undoubtedly the snow wall corridor. Because of the high latitude and altitude, you can see snow walls that are even higher than Mt. Chokai.

The temperature at the summit is around 20°C even in midsummer, making it a good summer escape. The autumn leaves are also spectacular. Enjoy the changing appearance of the mountain as the seasons and altitude change.
As it is in a volcanic zone, there are also many long-established hot springs. It is also nice to enjoy the great outdoors while soaking in an open-air bath.

The vibrantly colorful Nanohana Road in Ogata Village

Akita Prefecture once housed Lake Hachirogata, Japan's second largest lake after Lake Biwa. After 20 years of reclaiming the land, Ogata Village was established in 1964.
As it is reclaimed land, there are no mountains, and the countryside is so flat you can see the horizon. The roads are almost straight, giving the illusion of being in Hokkaido or the Netherlands.

Photo by taxdn – Nanohana Road / Size-adapted.

If you visit between late April and early May when the cherry blossoms are in bloom, the road will be lined with cherry blossoms and rape blossoms. The contrast between 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 find yourself pulling over to the side of the road and admiring the magnificent view.
If you're staying overnight, we recommend Sun Rural Ogata in the village. Located 25 meters above ground, this luxurious hot spring offers a panoramic view of Ogata Village, the surrounding mountains, and the sunset over the Sea of ​​Japan.

There is still much to see in Akita.
Akita Prefecture is rapidly becoming depopulated, and public transportation is not very convenient, meaning that people have to rely on cars. However, I hope to convey that there are ways to enjoy Akita that are unique to this car-oriented society.

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