High-Tabi : Journey in Tohoku on Expressways [NEXCO EAST]

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High-Tabi

No.9Winter 2019.03

Map　BackNumber

Feature
- Aomori's well-loved local favourite:‘Miso Curry Milk Ramen’
- Roots in a Chinese street-food vendor:‘Jumonji-Chuka Soba’
- Japanese-style Ramen created by a Soba shop ‘Tori-Chuka’
Journey to Northern Tohoku
- Day-trip enjoying the best of winter in Aomori and Akita
- Make the most of the deep snow in Aomori and Akita
- Relaxing Winter Break in the Japan-Sea side of Akita and Yamagata
Highway Gourmet Advice
- Kinshuko Hamburger Set
- 'Hippari-udon'(winter season only: December-February)
- 'Hanakou’ Dumplings（10 pack）

I will introduce the recommended drive course of North Northeast and South Northeast using highway

No.9Southern Tohoku

SHONAI HOTEL SUIDEN TERRASSE

2019.03.15

SHONAI HOTEL SUIDEN TERRASSE
Experience

Opened in September 2018, this is Japan's largest wooden hotel. Inside the building which almost appears to float in the rice fields you will find a library, restaurants and shops. Next door is the 'Kids Dome Sorai' play space for children 0-12, with discounted entry offered to staying guests.

Around a 10 minute drive from the Tsuruoka IC on the Yamagata Expressway

Address

23-1Shimotorinosu, Kitakyoden, Tsuruoka City, Yamagata PrefectureMAP

Phone

050-1745-9721

Parking

150 spaces

WEB

https://suiden-terrasse.yamagata-design.com/
No.9Northern Tohoku

Aomori Prefecture Asamushi Aquarium

2019.03.15

Aomori Prefecture Asamushi Aquarium
See

An aquarium at the northern-most tip of Honshu (Japan's main island) housing 10,000 marine creatures of over 300 varieties, mostly local to Aomori Prefecture. The main feature is a 15 metre long tunnel-tank, 'The Ocean of Mutsu Bay'. There are also daily dolphin performances.

Around a 15 minute drive from the Aomori-higashi IC on the Aomori Expressway

Hours

09:00~17:00 (last entry 16:30)

Closed

No scheduled closed days

Entry

Adults 1020 yen, Primar y/Junior Highschool students 510 yen

Address

1-25 Babayama, Asamushi, Aomori City, Aomori PrefectureMAP

Phone

017-752-3377

Parking

402 spaces (Large vehicles 16 spaces)

WEB

http://asamushi-aqua.com
No.8Southern Tohoku

Coffee Shop Pretty

2018.10.17

Coffee Shop Pretty
Lunch

The “ham”in Hamspa Lunch stands for hamburger. The hamburger and tomato sauce spaghetti with rice and salad makes for such an impressive volume that even finishing it is a challenge! Fill your belly and ease your mind to jazz numbers in the relaxed retro atmosphere.

Approximately 10 minutes by car from Aizubange IC on the Ban-Etsu Expressway

Business hours

11:00am - 5:00pm

Closed

Sundays

Address

651-2 Joguchi, Aizubange-machi,Kawanuma-gun, Fukushima PrefectureMAP

Phone

0242-83-0468

Parking

6 spaces
No.8Northern Tohoku

Kowakubi Hot Springs Shohoen

2018.10.17

Kowakubi Hot Springs Shohoen
Inn

This w ealthy f armer’s l odging s tands t all a mid Japanese firs formed by wind and snow, and is rich with the captivating atmosphere of the Taisho period. Designated a Registered Tangible Cultural Property, the place is popular for its genial atmosphere and open air baths overflowing with natural rural beauty. Let the salty hot spring water warm your heart and body, and you’ll likely become a fan too!

About 10 minutes by car from Nishisemboku Smart IC on the Akita Expressway

Address

268 Kowakubi, Kowakubi, Daisen City, Akita PrefectureMAP

Phone

0187-77-2116

Parking

20 spaces

WEB

http://www.syohoen.net/
No.7Southern Tohoku

Sankyo Soko

2018.08.08

Sankyo Soko
See

Sankyo Soko, built as a rice storehouse in 1893, is a symbol of rice growing in the region. Now a section of the building is used as a museum and sightseeing center.

Approximately 15 minutes by car from Sakata IC on the Nihonkai Tohoku Expressway

Address

1-1-20 Sankyo-machi, Sakata City, Yamagata PrefectureMAP

Phone

0234-24-2233 (Sakata Tourism Association)

Parking

27 spaces

WEB

http://www.pref.yamagata.jp/ou/shokokanko/110001/him/him_05.html
No.7Northern Tohoku

Appi Kogen Onsen Hotel

2018.08.08

Appi Kogen Onsen Hotel
Inn

This is an official hotel of one of Japan’s few all-season resorts, Appi Kogen. Its three buildings are centered around the hot spring water and beautiful entrance g arden, and visitors can enjoy bathing, dining and shopping.

Approximately 20 minutes by car from Matsuo-Hachimantai IC on the Tohoku Expressway

Address

Appi Kogen, Hachimantai City, Iwate Prefecture

Phone

0195-73-6511

Address

Appi Kogen, Hachimantai City, Iwate PrefectureMAP

Phone

0195-73-6511

WEB

https://www.appi.co.jp/stay/appi_grand_annex
No.6Southern Tohoku

Yanagawa Hope Forest Park

2018.04.26

Yanagawa Hope Forest Park
See

Billowing smoke as it passes through a path of nearly 2,000 cherry trees, the mini steam train is a popular attraction for adults and children alike. There are a variety of seasonal flowers to see throughout the year ‒ from cherry blossoms that bloom both in April and October to white skunk cabbages and azaleas. In April they hold a cherry blossom festival featuring stage shows and stalls selling local specialties.

Approximately 20 minutes by car from Kunimi IC on the Tohoku Expressway

Admission

Free (Mini steam train ride one-way - adults 300 yen, children 200 yen, running weekends and holidays only, running every day during the cherry blossom festival)

Address

1 Uchiyama, Yanagawa-machi, Date City, Fukushima PrefectureMAP

Phone

024-577-3175 (Date City Commerce and Tourism)

Parking

Available

WEB

http://www.date-shi.jp/2137
No.6Northern Tohoku

Kawayo Green Farm

2018.04.26

Kawayo Green Farm
Experience

In the wide farm grounds looking out over the Hakkoda mountain range visitors can enjoy animal interactions, going for a walk, and eating something from a restaurant or barbeque (reservation only), while the sheep feeding is a special treat for children. In early May they hold a spring farm festival.

Approximately 10 minutes by car from Shimoda-Momoishi IC on the Michinoku Toll Road Number 2

Businesshours

[Kiosk] 10:00am-4:30pm (April-November 9:00am-5:00pm)
[Restaurant] Lunch 11:30am-2:30pm, Dinner 5:00pm-9:00pm (Last order 8:30pm)

Closed

Monday (or Tuesday when Monday is a public holiday) *The kiosk is open every day from mid-April

Admission

Sheep feeding 100yen

Address

5-3331 Mukaiyama, Oirase-cho, Kamikita-gun, Aomori PrefectureMAP

Phone

0178-56-4111

Parking

60 spots

WEB

http://www.kawayo.com/
No.5Southern Tohoku

Ouchi-juku

2018.01.16

Ouchi-juku
See

This inn town retains the street style of the Edo p eriod. T he traditional s now festival that takes place at the beginning of February is simply magical.

Approximately 50 minutes by car from Aizuwakamatsu IC on the Ban-etsu Expressway

Business hours

9:00am - around 5:00pm (Depending on each shop)

Address

Oaza Ouchi Yamamoto, Shimogo-machi, Minamiaizu-gun, Fukushima PrefectureMAP

Phone

+81-0241-68-3611

WEB

http://ouchi-juku.com/
No.5Northern Tohoku

Oyasukyo Daifunto Hotspring

2018.01.16

Oyasukyo Daifunto Hotspring
See

In winter the ravine’s giant shigakko (icicles) are a sight to behold! At the Shigakko Festival held around the beginning of February there are illuminations and ice carvings for a truly magical atmosphere.

Approximately 50 minutes by car from Sukawa IC on the Yuzawa-Yokote Road

Address

Yumoto, Minase, Yuzawa City, Akita PrefectureMAP

Phone

+81-0183-55-8180（Yuzawa Tourism and Geopark Promotion Division）

WEB

http://www.oyasukyo.jp/kanko.html
No.4Southern Tohoku

Abukuma-do Cave

2017.09.11

Abukuma-do Cave
See

Abukuma-do Cave is a beautiful work of nature that was formed over 8 0 million years. Its dynamic stalactites give off a mysterious appearance when projected with multicolored light.

Approximately 15 minutes by car from Ono IC on the Ban-etsu Expressway

Business hours

8:30 am - 5:00 pm (Until 4:30 pm during winter)

Closed

Open all year round

Admission

Adults 1,200 yen, junior high school students 800 yen, elementary school students 600 yen

Address

1 Takine-machi Sugaya Aza Higashikamayama, Tamura City, Fukushima PrefectureMAP

Phone

+81-0247-78-2125

WEB

http://abukumado.com/
No.4Northern Tohoku

Esashi Fujiwara-no-Sato (Fujiwara Heritage Park)

2017.09.11

Esashi Fujiwara-no-Sato (Fujiwara Heritage Park)
See

This historical theme park is the birthplace of Kiyohira, the first lord of the Oshu-Fujiwara clan. More than 120 historical structures including government offices have been recreated , and you can experience the history and culture of Tohoku from ancient times through Japan's Middle Ages.

Approximately 15 minutes by car from Mizusawa IC on the Tohoku Expressway

Business hours

9:00 am- 5:00 pm (March - October),
9:00 am- 4:00 pm (November ‒ February)

Closed

Open all year round

Price

Adults 800 yen, high school students 500 yen,
elementary, junior high school sudents 300 yen

Address

86-1 Iwayado-Konamaru, Esashi-ku, Oshu City Iwate PrefectureMAP

Phone

+81-0197-35-7791

WEB

http://www.fujiwaranosato.com/
No.3Southern Tohoku

Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium

2017.06.13

Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium
Experience

This aquarium has a variety of attractions including the large tank that replicates the diverse Sanriku sea, the dolphin and sea lion performance which is held in front of Tohoku’s largest grandstand, and the soothing experience of enjoying direct contact with certain animals.

Approximately 5 minutes by car from Sendai-ko port IC on the Sendai-Tobu Road

Opening hours

9:00am - 6:00pm (changes depends on the season)

Price

Adults 2,100yen, Junior high and high school students 1,600yen, Senior(over 65 years old) 1,600yen, Elementary school students 1,100yen, Children over 4 years old 600yen

Address

4-6 Nakano, Miyagino-ku, Sendai city, MiyagiMAP

Phone

+81-22-355-2222

WEB

http://www.uminomori.jp/umino/
No.3Northern Tohoku

Kintaichi Onsen Hotsprings

2017.06.13

Kintaichi Onsen Hotsprings
Inn

This hot spring has been called “Samurai-no-yu (Bath for the Samurai) due to its history as a hot-spring health resort for the Nambu clan in olden times. It has six hot spring sources, and the hypotonic alkaline simple hot spring water will warm the very core of your body.

Approximately 22 minutes by car from Ichinohe IC on the Hachinohe Expressway

Address

Kintaichi, Ninohe city, IwateMAP

Phone

+81-195-27-2540 (Kintaichi Onsen Association)

WEB

http://www.city.ninohe.lg.jp/forms/info/info.aspx?info_id=482
No.2Southern Tohoku

Hanamiyama Park

2017.03.31

Hanamiyama Park
See

Hanamiyama Park is a renowned place known for its beautiful flowers. It was mentioned by the late Mr.Shotaro Akiyama (photographer) as“ the utopia exists in Fukushima.” A number of beautiful flowers, such as plum, magnolia, Somei Yoshino, and peach, bloom inside the park.

Approximately 30 minutes by car from Fukushima Nishi IC on Tohoku Expressway
※Traffic control from April 1 ~ April 23. Visitors cannot come close to Hanamiyama on their vehicles during this period.

Open hours

open anytime
※Please refrain from entering early in the morning or after sunset.

Address

Watari, Fukushima city, Fukushima prefectureMAP

Phone

024-531-6428 (Fukushima City Sightseeing Information Center)

WEB

http://www.hanamiyamakoen.jp/
No.2Northern Tohoku

Ando Brewery Main Shop

2017.03.31

Ando Brewery Main Shop
Souvenir

Ando Brewery, which founded 160 years ago, is a manufacturer of additive-free, natural miso and soy sauce. Visitors can see the inside of their warehouse that was built with bricks in the Meiji period.

Approximately 35 minutes by car from Omagari IC on Akita Expressway

Open hours

8:30AM ~ 6:00PM

Closed days

none

Address

Shimoshinmachi 27, Kakunodate town, Senboku city, Akita prefectureMAP

Phone number

0187-53-2008

WEB

http://www.andojyozo.co.jp/
No.1Southern Tohoku

Miyagi Zao Fox Village

2017.02.10

Miyagi Zao Fox Village
SeeExperience

Miyagi Zao Fox Village is a fox paradise where over a hundred foxes of six kinds, such as red foxes, silver foxes, and arctic foxes, left at large. Visitors can observe the ecology of foxes and even interact with goats and rabbits !

Approximately 20 minutes by car from
Tohoku Expressway Shiroishi IC

Address

11-3 Fukuoka Yatsumiya Aza Kawarago, Shiroishi City, Miyagi PrefectureMAP

Phone Number

0224-24-8812

Opening hours

9AM to 4PM (From November 9 to March 19)

Closed on

Open throughout the year

Fee

Above junior high ¥1,000 Elementary and below ¥0

WEB

http://zao-fox-village.com/
No.1Northern Tohoku

Rice Paddy Art in Winter

2017.02.10

Rice Paddy Art in Winter
See

They hold a variety of events, such as snow art where you draw with snow, candle night, snow shoveling activity, and snow house making, all of which can be enjoyable to people of all age !

Approximately 5 minutes by car
from Tohoku Expressway Kuroishi IC

Address

10 Yahata Takahi, Inakadatemura, Aomori Prefecture
(nearby Yayoi-no-Sato Observation Deck, Inakadate Roadside Station)MAP

Phone number

0172-58-2111 (Inakadate Village Tourism Division)

Period

Thursday, February 9, 2017 ̃ Sunday, February 12

WEB

http://www.vill.inakadate.lg.jp/