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

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High-Tabi

No.14Spring 2020.03

Map　BackNumber

Feature
- A ﬁeld of yellow ﬂowers - "The rape blossoms of Yokohama Town”
- Mysterious beauty - “The Sashimaki Wetland Skunk Cabbages”
- Colorful “The Azaleas of Mt. Murone”
Journey to Northern Tohoku
- “Dango dumplings over flowers” is also fun,
  spring in Aomori - 2 day-trip plans
- Spring is a great time!　Akita a 2-day overnight trip
- The flowers of spring in full bloom, it’s all smiles in this trip
  to see the flowers in Iwate over 2 days and 1 night
Highway Gourmet Advice
- Gold soft serve ice cream
- Yokote Yakisoba Set
- Japanese-style Toriten Chuka

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

No.14Northern Tohoku

Mizusawa Onsenkyo Komagatake Onsen

2020.03.30

Mizusawa Onsenkyo Komagatake Onsen
Experience

Komagatake Onsen is a hidden gem of an inn located in the lush natural environment near Lake Tazawa. Tucked between two mountain streams with stunning views, the outdoor bath along the river is out of this world.

Approx. 70 minutes from Iida IC on Omagari-nishi Road

Address

80-68 Shimotakano, Obonai, Tazawako, Semboku, Akita MAP

Telephone

0187-46-2688

Parking

Available

WEB

http://www.komagatake.com/
No.14Northern Tohoku

Field of rape blossoms

2020.03.30

Field of rape blossoms
Experience

The rape blossoms of Yokohama Town are the largest field in all of Honshu. Every year around mid-May, the bright yellow flowers color the spring , and arethus nicknamed“ spring maple.” On May 16th and 17th, the Rape Blossom Festival is held.

It takes approximately 20 minutes from the Yokohama-Fukkoshi IC on the Shimokita Expressway

Address

98-64 Mamede, Yokohama Town, Kamikita, Aomori (near the Shizen Taiken Land Jinenen)MAP

Telephone

0175-78-2111 (Secretariat of the Rape Blossom Festival Executive Committee)

Date

Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17. *Rape blossoms will be in bloom from early to late May.

Parking

Available

WEB

http://www.town.yokohama.lg.jp/index.cfm/7,2255,19,html
No.13Southern Tohoku

Akiunosato Banjiya

2019.12.26

Akiunosato Banjiya
Experience

This charming inn is both spacious and warm. From the open air bath you can hear the flow of the Natori River and the scenery is stunning throughout all the seasons. Every day coffee and mochi rice cakes are given out for free to daytime guests in the order that they arrive until they run out.

About 20 minutes from the Sendai-Miyagi IC on the Tohoku Expressway

Hours

Bathing-only guests 10:00 a.m. ‒ 3:00 p.m.
(Mondays: 11:30 a.m. ‒ 3:00 p.m.)

Closed

Open all year

Admission

Adults: 500 yen, junior high school students: 400 yen,
elementary school students: 200 yen
(Special lounge available for 300 yen)

Address

40-2 Yakushi, Yumoto, Akiumachi, Taihaku, Sendai, Miyagi MAP

Telephone

022-397-3156

Parking

Space for 40 vehicles

WEB

https://sendai-banji.com/
No.13Southern Tohoku

Mushroom Stand Funagata

2019.12.26

Mushroom Stand Funagata
Lunch

This restaurant is run by a mushroom farm. You get all-you-can-eat sliced mushrooms when you order a pizza, burger, pasta, etc. Enjoy the delicious flavor of fresh-picked mushrooms to your heart’s content.

About 5 minutes from the Funagata IC on the Obanazawa-Shinjo Road

Hours

9:00 a.m. ‒ 6:00 p.m.(Lunch is 11:00 a.m. ‒ 2:00 p.m.)

Closed

Wednesdays

Address

In the Wakayu Farm, 2791-1 Mukaiyama, Funagata, Mogami, Yamagata MAP

Telephone

0233-32-0733

Parking

Space for 10 vehicles

WEB

https://ja-jp.facebook.com/MUSHROOMSTAND.FUNAGATA/
No.12Northern Tohoku

Hakkoda Ropeway

2019.10.10

Hakkoda Ropeway
Experience

Enjoy a 10 minute ride through the air from the base of Mt. Hakkoda to the summit on the ropeway. The mountains are a riot of colors in the autumn from late September through late O ctob er, of fering a 360 degree panorama of stunning landscape that draws many tourists every year.

About 30 minutes from Aomori-chuo IC on the Aomori Expressway

Hours

9:00 a.m. ‒ 4:20 p.m. (Hours vary with the season.)

Closed

Open every day (Closed certain days due to weather conditions or for maintenance)

Fare

Adults: 1,250 yen, elementary school students, 450 yen (one way)
Adults: 2,000 yen, elementary school students 700 yen (round trip)

Address

1-12 Kansuizawa, Arakawa, Aomori, Aomori MAP

Telephone

017-738-0343

Parking

Available for 350 vehicles

WEB

http://www.hakkoda-ropeway.jp/
No.12Northern Tohoku

Fu-setsu-ka

2019.10.10

Fu-setsu-ka
Shopping

We recommend taking a break from driving and doing a bit of gift shopping at this tofu and raw tofu skin specialty shop. Their handmade tofu is made with Japanese soybeans and pristine water that really brings out the flavor and sweetness of the soybeans and gives it an excellent smooth texture. You could also try one of their sweet snacks! They serve soy milk donuts, soft serve tofu ice cream, and more!

About 10 minutes from the Ashiro IC on the Tohoku Expressway

Hours

10:00 a.m. ‒ 6:00 p.m.

Closed

Open every day

Address

236 Hotozaka, Hachimantai, Iwate MAP

Telephone

0195-72-8008

Parking

Available for 20 vehicles

WEB

http://fusetsuka.com/
No.11Southern Tohoku

Sunflower Hill

2019.07.09

Sunflower Hill
See

One of the largest sunflower fields in Japan, covering 6 hectares of land with 420,000 flowers blooming. From July 27 to August 15 during the sunflower festival, you can buy lots of sweets and goods made with sunflowers. Lots of people come to see them during the festival.

13 minutes from the Ohira IC on the Tohoku Expressway

Fee

Free

Address

37-27 Magishi Sanbongisaida, Osaki, Miyagi MAP

Telephone

0229-52-2111
(Sanbongi General government office regional promotion section)

Parking

250 vehicles (500 yen per vehicle)

WEB

https://www.himawaribatake.net/sanbongi.php
No.11Southern Tohoku

Boat ride on the Mogamigawa River Basho Line

2019.07.09

Boat ride on the Mogamigawa River Basho Line
Experience

Enjoy riding down the picturesque Mogamigawa River while listening to the boatman’s songs and witty narrative . Refresh your mind and body in a beautiful gorge with flowing water and lush green trees.

About 25 minutes from the Shinjo IC on the Obanazawa-shinjo road

Hours

8:30 a.m. ‒ 5:00 p.m.

Closed

Open 365 days a year

Fee

Adults 2,450 yen, elementary school students 1,670 yen

Address

86-1 Furukuchi, Tozawa, Mogami, Yamagata MAP

Phone

0233-72-2001

Parking

150 vehicles

WEB

http://www.blf.co.jp/html/enjoy.html
No.10Southern Tohoku

Zaimokuiwa Park

2019.06.25

Zaimokuiwa Park
See

A park where you can view the famous ‘Zaimokuiwa’ or ‘Timber Rock’, a designated national treasure. Between April 20 and May 12 visitors can enjoy the site of ‘Koi-nobori’ carp flags that are strung-up across the Shiroishi River.

Around 30 mins from Shiroishi IC on the Tohoku Expressway

Address

Kamidai, Shiobara, Shiroshi-shi, Miyagi MAP

Phone

0224-22-1325 (Shiroishi Urban Development Division)

Parking

79 spaces

WEB

http://www.city.shiroishi.miyagi.jp/site/kanko/1477.html
No.10Northern Tohoku

Kitakami Tenshochi Park

2019.06.25

Kitakami Tenshochi Park
See

This year’s cherry blossom festival will be held from April 15 to May 6. Cherry blossom trees line the banks of the Kitakami River, stretching almost two kilometres . The park itself boasts an incredible 10000 trees of over 150 varieties; just one reason why it has been named one of the top three cherry blossom destinations in Tohoku.

Around 25 mins drive from Kitakami-Esashi IC on the Tohoku Expressway

Address

10 Tachibana, Kitakami City, Iwate Prefecture MAP

Phone

0197-65-0300 (Kitakami Tourism Convention Association)

Parking

Available (500 yen)

WEB

http://sakura.kitakami-kanko.jp/
No.9Southern Tohoku

SHONAI HOTEL SUIDEN TERRASSE

2019.01.15

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

2019.01.15

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/