Recommended course
Drive along the shore of the Sea of Japan in Yamagata and Akita prefectures. Visit various notable sites and be dazzled by their autumn view.
This coastal route along the Sea of Japan is full of the autumn beauty found in Akita and Yamagata. The varied landscape includes rural scenes, a magnificent valley, and locations used for TV dramas. You can also stop off at spiritual “power spots” along the way.Recommended course
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Recommendation tourist attraction
Nikaho Heights is 500-m-high hilly terrain at the northern foot of Mt. Chokai. With pasture land and ponds of various sizes, the vast grassy slopes offer panoramic views of the Sea of Japan and Mt. Chokai.
The observatory is located at an altitude of 1,150 m on Mt. Chokai, at 2,236 m the second highest mountain in the Tohoku region. It commands sweeping views of the Sea of Japan, Oga Peninsula, and V-shaped Naso Gorge.
The Chokai Onsen is characterized by its dark brown hot spring water with outstanding moisturizing qualities. Stay at Yurari, highly reputed for its excellent seafood. Apon Nishihama, bathing facilities for day visitors, is also located adjacent to the hotel.
Tomekichi Aoyama who made his fortune from herring fishing in Hokkaido built his main residence in his hometown of Yuza. The residence building has numerous highlights including the luxurious structure with its abundance of Shunkei lacquerware. Aoyama’s art collections are also on display.
Built in 1893, the rice warehouses are still used today for low-temperature storage using the power of nature. Within the site there is a souvenir shop and the Shonai Rice Historical Museum, and is a popular tourist destination.
This seafood market is located right next to Sakata Port. The fish shop on the 1st floor has an array of fresh, delicious fish just caught in the Japan Sea. The restaurant on the 2nd floor affords a view of Sakata Port and serves popular dishes such as a set meal of fresh fish and seafood atop rice at reasonable prices.
A hot spring resort located at the foot of Mt. Chokai. It features several unique hot spring inns, all of which offer grand views of Mt. Chokai. The photo shows Hotel Foresta Chokai.
The 60-m-deep V-shaped ravine. With walking trails, the site is a popular tourist destination for them to enjoy a stroll. You can enjoy the flaming red and yellow leaves in autumn.
Time-honored manufacturer of Inaniwa udon noodles, ranked as one of the three best udon in Japan. You can relish on udon with a smooth, firm texture, and find good souvenirs as well.
The market sells fresh farm produce and homemade ready-to-eat dishes. There is a restaurant where you can savor specialty Hiyagake-Soba (cold kakesoba). It’s a nice place where you can explore some local food tastes such as gelato made with Ugo milk.