The Mystery and the Power of Nature Route (3D2N)

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A large Michi-no-Eki  that not only serves as a sightseeing spot by selling products and souvenirs, collecting tourist information, and serving meals, but also for enjoying leisure activities such as hot springs and an observation tower. It has an excellent view of Mt. Chokai, the Sea of Japan, and the Oga Peninsula, and the sunset is especially beautiful, with the sun setting over the orange-colored sea. The foot bath, where you can soak just below the knees in natural hot spring water, is also free and easy to enjoy.

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Motodaki Waterfall is a 5-meter high spring waterfall that flows down through the lava rocks of Mt. Chokai. The white water flowing down through the mossy rock surface with mist in the atmosphere around it resembles a beautiful curtain. River fishes such as chars, trouts (yamame), and salamanders inhabit the area around the waterfall, providing a cool and soothing feeling. In winter, only those accompanied by a guide may enter the mountain. The waterfall is about 10 minutes on foot from the parking lot.

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One of the largest deformed beech trees in Japan, estimated to be over 300 years old. With a trunk circumference of 7.62 meters and a height of about 25 meters, this gigantic tree gives off the presence of a great king (Daio). It is said that the Chokai Recreational Forest where this tree lives had been repeatedly logged from above the snow for making charcoals in the winter, and after the cut ends healed, they became bumpy, resulting in the deformity. The forest of deformed beech trees is a mysterious sight. The forest is about 45 minutes on foot from the parking lot.

A highland ranch where dairy cows, including Jerseys, are raised. You can enjoy the charm of the farm by interacting with the adorable cows, dairy products made from freshly squeezed milk, and more. You can also spend your private time in a cottage by the lake with a beautiful view, or try your hand at making butter and ice cream in the milk workshop. At the nearby Kodomo no Kuni (Children’s Country), you can enjoy go-karting, park golf, and other fun activities in the open plateau.

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Hotel Foresta Chokai, located at the foot of Mt. Chokai, is a popular natural resort surrounded by lush greenery. The hotel has a large bathhouse with an open-air bath, a restaurant, and a banquet hall. The hotel has a great location with all guest rooms overlooking Mt. Chokai. At night, the restaurant has a romantic atmosphere as the beech trees are lit up. The hot spring is characterized by its smoothness. It warms the body and is said to be good for beautiful skin. You may also use the hot spring without staying at the hotel.

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Inaniwa udon noodles, one of Akita’s famous gourmet foods, originated about 350 years ago during the samurai era when local wheat was used to make dried noodles. The smooth texture of the udon is exquisite and highly valued, and it is still widely known as one of Japan’s most popular udon. At Sato Yosuke Shoten Flagship Store, you can learn about the production process of Inaniwa udon, which has been preserved for a long time, by visiting the factory and experiencing the production and cooking process.

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There are no sidewalks and the road passes near houses. Be careful not to drive too fast.

A canyon formed by the erosion of river rapids over a long period of time. The V-shaped valley, with a height difference of 60 meters, is filled with the white steam of hot spring water. As you descend the stairs, a promenade leads you to a place where you can feel the characteristic “big hot spring fountain” up close. The roar of the hot water and steam erupting from the hot spring makes it look as if the earth is breathing. The beautiful scenery of the mountains changes seasonally, with fresh greenery in spring, autumn foliage in autumn, and snowy scenery in winter. Eleven hot spring inns line up along the ravine. The hot spring has a history dating back 400 years, and legend has it that the hot spring was discovered when a crane with an injured leg used the water to heal its wound. Enjoy the view of the great nature of Oyasukyo Gorge from your room and relax in the hot spring.

Prefectural Route 51 from Oyasukyo to Kawarage Oyutaki Falls may be closed in winter, so please check the latest information beforehand.

A rare waterfall in Japan where hot spring water flows down dynamically from a height of about 20 meters. The hot spring water that gushes out and the water from the stream combine upstream, and the basin and mountain stream are all natural open-air baths. From early July to mid-September, the best season for bathing, a simple changing room is set up for bathers to change into their swimsuits.
・The waterfall is about 15 minutes on foot from the parking lot.
・The road is closed from early November to early May.

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Akinomiya Hot Spring Village is the oldest hot spring resort in Akita Prefecture, believed to have been discovered around 1,200 years ago. It is a luxurious area where each of the seven inns in the hot spring village has its own hot spring source. Surrounded by a tranquil and serene atmosphere, the hot springs have been loved by many famous Japanese historical writers. Surrounded by beautiful mountains, the open-air bath while listening to the murmuring of the Arayu River is very soothing.

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This is a combined facility themed in water and sake renovated from the former [Kuni no Homare] (national fame) sake brewery built in 1897. As the tourism base in Misato-cho, it offers restaurants, shops, multi-purpose halls and museums. Here it is convenient for taking a rest while enjoying a walk to one of the more than ten temples in the Rokugo area and having a tour at the [Rokugo Spring Water Group], which is selected as one of the top 100 springs in Japan. At the[ Suibunkan Water Study Hall] inside the museum, you can freely observe the freshwater fish ninespine stickleback, a survivor of the Ice Age who lives in clean spring water with a year-round water temperature of around 15 degrees Celsius. At [Misato-ya], you can buy agricultural products, souvenirs and local specialties. Especially Niteko Cider made with delicious water, soy pulp donuts, and a wide variety of original gelato ice-cream are very popular.

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Lake Tazawa is the deepest lake in Japan, with a depth of 423.4 meters. Because of its depth, the lake does not freeze over even in the coldest winters, and its beautiful deep blue water is a mystical scenic spot. You can take a sightseeing boat on the lake, and there are also many facilities around the lake. You can spend your time at various facilities such as the Tazawako Kunimasu Miraikan which introduces the endemic fish of Lake Tazawako, the Omoide no Katabunko which is an abandoned school building opened to the public, rest houses, etc. The lake also has an area with shallow water and high transparency, and a swimming area with beautiful white sand is open in the summer.

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A famous place for fresh greenery and autumn foliage, the valley is beautiful with primeval forests on both sides, waterfalls on the banks, and a unique blue mountain stream. Along the river, there is a 30-minute-one-way promenade where you can see strange rocks, rushing water, and waterfalls of various sizes. The view of the iconic red suspension bridge is a must-see. The Mikaeri Falls at the end of the trail is a beautiful waterfall also worth seeing. The best time to visit is from mid-June to late August for fresh greenery, and from early October to early November for autumn foliage. During the autumn foliage season, the area is lively with festivals and performances.

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The Kakunodate samurai residence, known as “Little Kyoto,” samurai residences line the street, and the whole area is protected as a cultural asset. There are points along the street where you can feel the four seasons, such as weeping cherry blossoms and autumn foliage, and you will be overwhelmed by the historical landscape of Japan. Kakunodate is a compact area with a radius of about 2km, where many old buildings still exist, such as the Aoyagike, a samurai residence, and the Hirafuku Memorial Museum of Art, where an art museum and a samurai residence blend together.

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Akita Airport, the last destination of the journey, has a wide variety of souvenir stores and restaurants. You can enjoy Akita’s noodle, Inaniwa Udon  noodles; Akita’s snack, Morokoshi; and go shopping for Namahage goods. Check the shop again before you leave so you don’t forget to buy anything. Free Wi-Fi is available at the airport, so make the best use of it to find out your next destination and the information you are interested in.

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