[Yamagata Prefecture] Recommended for driving: Spectacular power spot Sekiyama Otaki and warm oden | National Route 48 Series ①

National Route 48 (commonly known as Yonpachi), which connects Miyagi and Yamagata prefectures, is an important route indispensable for exchange and logistics between the two prefectures.

This time we will introduce Sekiyama Otaki and "Otaki Drive-in Izumiya" in Higashine City, the gateway to Yamagata Prefecture located on the prefectural border and famous for its cherries.

Access to Sekizan Otaki

Sekizan Otaki and Otaki Drive-in Izumiya are located adjacent to each other, and you will need to use Izumiya's parking lot when going to either spot.

(For long-term parking such as when playing in the river, use the parking lot across the road.) From the Sendai direction, take the Tohoku Chuo Expressway "Sendai Miyagi IC" and drive for about 50 minutes, and from the Yamagata direction, take the "Higashine IC". It is approximately 35 minutes by car.
If you are using public transportation, please take the Shinjo-Sendai Line "Limited Express 48 Liner" (Yamako Bus) and get off at "Otaki".

Kanzan Great Falls

Sekizan Otaki, which was visited by the ancient poet Noin Hoshi and the haiku poet Masaoka Shiki, is a scenic spot with a beautiful emerald green basin.

Head to Sekizan Otaki from the entrance behind Otaki Drive-in Izumiya.

Just walking along a path surrounded by trees can provide the soothing effects of forest bathing.

Emerald green valley beauty

The beautiful vermilion bridge "Otaki Promenade Bridge", which is one of the viewing spots, came into view. Cross this bridge and go down to the riverbank.

This is the view from the pedestrian bridge.

Sekizan Otaki is a large waterfall that is 10 meters high and 15 meters wide, and the impressive volume of water flowing into the waterfall basin is truly impressive. It is a popular power spot among locals.

Spectacular views that are picturesque at any time of the year, spring, summer, fall, and winter

Although Sekizan Otaki is located less than a 3-minute walk from the national highway, it is a spot where you can fully enjoy the beauty of nature.

From spring to summer you can see lush greenery, in autumn you can see red leaves, and in winter you can see snowy scenery. No matter what season you visit, you are sure to find breathtaking, picturesque scenery.

Playing in the river in summer

Look at the clarity of this river!

One of the characteristics of Sekizan Otaki is that the water is extremely clear. In the summer, you can see many people fishing and playing in the river. On a hot day, it feels good to just soak your feet in the water and cool off!

Reading on the riverbank is also recommended. The sound of falling waterfalls and the murmuring of a river will be the best background music.

Sekizan Otaki <Information>

• Name: Sekizan Otaki
• Address: Sekiyama Otaki, Higashine City, Yamagata Prefecture
• Phone number: 0237-41-1200 (Higashine City Tourism and Products Association)

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Otaki Drive-in Izumiya

After viewing Sekizan Otaki, we had a meal at Otaki Drive-in Izumiya.
Warm oden is the best on cold days in autumn and winter.
Inside the store, steam rises from the oden pot, stimulating your appetite.

Warm oden that permeates your cold body

In addition to Izumiya's three most popular oden ingredients, ``Tamakon'', ``Egg'', and ``Daikon'', we also ordered ``Tsukai'', which is secretly popular as an oden ingredient in Hokkaido and Tohoku.

All the ingredients are well-infused with flavor. The inside of the radish is also like this.

It was soy sauce-based and had a strong, nutritious flavor.

We also recommend the rockfish set meal and Yamagata's unique imoni and meat soba.

If you want to enjoy the view, we recommend a seat by the window!

The tatami seats are great for relaxing and stretching your legs, but for those who want to enjoy their meal while looking at the beautiful scenery, we recommend the seats by the window.

There was also an outdoor seat outside the shop where you could enjoy the spectacular view up close.

It is located at a perfect viewpoint where you can see the waterfall from directly above, and you can also hear the sound of the waterfall.
Eating meals while being bathed in negative ions has a great healing effect! It seems like your body and mind will be healthy.

National Route 48 is full of charm

This time, we introduced Sekizan Otaki Falls, which has a beautiful emerald green basin and clear water, and Otaki Drive-In Izumiya's Warm Oden, which is perfect for the cold season.

National Route 48 is an artery of exchange between Miyagi and Yamagata prefectures.
There are still many other attractive spots and gourmet foods! This is a recommended course for driving, so please give it a try.

Otaki Drive-in Izumiya <Information>

• Name: Otaki Drive-in Izumiya
• Address: 3166 Sekiyama, Higashine City, Yamagata Prefecture
• Phone number: 0237-44-2354
• Official URL: Otaki Drive-in Izumiya official website

Google Maps