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

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  • Last updated: 2024.06.28

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

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

Access to Sekiyama Falls

Sekiyama Otaki and Otaki Drive-In Izumiya are located next to each other, so if you're heading to either spot, you'll need to use the Izumiya parking lot. (For long-term parking, such as when playing in the river, use the parking lot across the road.)

From Sendai, it's about a 50-minute drive from Sendai-Miyagi IC on the Tohoku Chuo Expressway, and from Yamagata, it's about a 35-minute drive from Higashine IC.
If you're using public transportation, take the Shinjo-Sendai Line Express 48 Liner (Yamako Bus) and get off at Otaki.

Kanzan Great Falls

Sekiyama Falls, which was visited by the ancient poet Noin Hoshi and haiku poet Masaoka Shiki, is a scenic spot with a beautiful emerald green waterfall basin

To get to Sekiyama Falls, head to the entrance behind Otaki Drive-In Izumiya

Just walking along a path surrounded by trees seems to have the healing effect of forest bathing

The beauty of the emerald green valley

The beautiful vermilion bridge, Otaki Promenade Bridge, one of the best viewing spots, comes into view. Cross this bridge and head down to the riverbank

View from the footbridge

Sekiyama Falls in summer

Sekiyama Falls is a huge waterfall 10 meters high and 15 meters wide, with an impressive amount of water gushing into the basin. It is a popular power spot among locals

A picturesque view in any season

Sekiyama Falls in autumn

Sekiyama Falls is located less than a three-minute walk from the national highway, yet it is a spot where you can fully enjoy the beauty of nature

Lush greenery from spring to summer, autumn leaves in autumn, and snowy scenery in winter - no matter what season you visit, you're sure to encounter breathtaking, picturesque scenery

Enjoy river activities in summer

Look at how clear this river is!

One of the features of Sekiyama Falls is that the water is very clear. In the summer, you can see many people fishing and playing in the river. On hot days, it feels great to just dip your feet in the water to cool off!

We also recommend reading by the riverbank, where the sounds of the waterfall and the babbling brook make the perfect background music

Sekiyama Falls <Information>

  • Name: Sekiyama Falls
  • 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 the Sekiyama Falls, we went to Otaki Drive-In Izumiya for a meal.
On cold autumn and winter days, there's nothing better than a hot bowl of oden.
Inside the restaurant, steam rises from the oden pot, stimulating your appetite.

Warm oden to soothe your chilled body

In addition to the top three most popular ingredients in Izumiya's oden, "tamakon," "tamago," and "daikon," we also ordered "tsubugai," which is secretly a popular ingredient in oden in Hokkaido and Tohoku

All the ingredients are well seasoned, and even the daikon radish is cooked through

It was soy sauce based and had a rich, savory flavor with a strong dashi flavor

We also recommend the trout set meal, as well as Yamagata's unique imoni (simmered potatoes) and meat soba noodles

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

Tatami seating is nice, allowing you to stretch your legs and relax, but for those who want to dine while enjoying the beautiful scenery, we recommend a seat by the window

There was also outdoor seating outside the restaurant where you could get a close-up look at the spectacular view

It's located at a great viewpoint where you can see the waterfall from directly above and hear the sound of the waterfall.
Eating a meal while soaking up the negative ions has a great healing effect! It's sure to rejuvenate your body and mind.

National Route 48 is full of attractions

This time, we introduced Sekiyama Falls, with its beautiful emerald green waterfall basin and crystal clear water, and the warm oden at Otaki Drive-In Izumiya, perfect for the cold season

National Route 48 is the artery of communication between Miyagi and Yamagata prefectures. There are many other attractive spots and gourmet spots!
It's a recommended route for a drive, so be sure to check it out.

Otaki Drive-In Izumiya <Information>

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