- hakodate
- hachinohe
- morioka
- yamagata
A Journey Not to be Missed Through Eastern Japan's Breathtaking Views: Soul-cleansing Seas, Mountains, and a Vast Wilderness.
Exploring breathtaking sceneries could be one of the highlights of your travels. For those who want to capture the outstanding landscape of the places they visit and preserve them in memories and photographs, we recommend exploring a curated itinerary of the most scenic spots. Some of these locations offer seasonal or time-limited vistas, so be sure to check the best time of day and weather conditions before planning your visit.
Starting from Hakodate Station, transfer to the Hokkaido Shinkansen at Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto and head to Hachinohe Station. From there, take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Morioka Station, and transfer at Sendai Station to the local train bound for Yamagata Station. To reach each respective spot, it is recommended to use buses or taxis from the stations. Make sure to check the bus timetable in advance, especially for the return trip back to the station.
"The View from Mt. Hakodate (Misty Nightscapes and Sea of Clouds）" - Hakodate City Early Summer Delights! Expansive and Enchanting Misty Nightscapes.
Located at the southwestern edge of Hakodate City, Mt. Hakodate (pictured) offers a superb view that has been awarded three stars in the Michelin Guide. There are several ways to reach the mountaintop, such as using a ropeway, but some of them may be restricted depending on the season, so it is advisable to check before visiting. If you have time during the day, one recommended option is to go for a leisurely walk from the Hakodateyama Fureai Center to the summit observatory, which takes approximately one hour (via the former Tsutsujiyama Trail, free of charge). Throughout the year, you can enjoy the abundant nature of Mt. Hakodate, admire the cityscape and ocean views, and experience a hiking-like ascent.
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"The Samekado Lighthouse” - Hachinohe city One of Japan's Top 50 Lighthouses: The Beautiful Symbol of Pure White Standing on the Shores of Tanesashi Coast.
The Samekado Lighthouse (pictured), built in 1938 (Showa 13), stands as a prominent viewpoint overlooking the Pacific Ocean at the scenic Tanesashi Coast. The contrast between the pristine white lighthouse, the surrounding green meadows, and the expanse of the blue sea stretching beyond is truly captivating. It is a striking sight, further enhanced by the collaboration with the JR Hachinohe Line that runs below. This iconic landmark serves as the gateway to the northern region of Sanriku Fukko National Park and has been recognized with the Hachinohe City Landscape Award. The lighthouse is open to the public on weekends and holidays until October 22nd 2023. It is located approximately 35 minutes by car from Hachinohe Station.
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"Iwateyama Observatory" - Morioka city, "Japan Night View Heritage" and "Top 100 Night Views". A Panoramic View of the Cityscape and Surrounding Mountains.
The Iwateyama Observatory (pictured) is located within Iwateyama Park, a scenic park established in 1970 (Showa 45), and is situated to the east of the urban area. From the summit of Mt.Iwate with an elevation of 340.5 meters, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire city, the surrounding mountain ranges including Mt. Iwate itself, and the flowing waters of the Kitakami River. It is conveniently located at a 15-minute drive from Morioka Station and is popular as a nighttime spot offering a splendid view of Morioka cityscape. The observatory is open year-round and accessible at all times.
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"Hyakumannin Terrace" - Yamagata City Enjoy Beautiful Views from Beach Beds, Sofas, and Swings Set up in a Scenic Highland.
Located in the Zao Onsen area of Yamagata Prefecture, the Zao Ropeway offers a 360 view of views of the amazing natural scenery. It is a popular spot to observe the winter spectacle of “juhyo” (frost-covered trees a.k.a. Snow Monsters) up close. In June 2020, a new attraction called the "Hyakumannin Terrace" (pictured) was introduced. Located outside the Juhyo Kogen Station, the terrace offers the sensation of walking in the sky, with views from an elevation of 1,331 meters. To access the Zao Ropeway, take a bus from Yamagata Station to Zao-Sanroku Station, which takes about 45 minutes. The ropeway fares are 1,000 yen for one way and 1,800 yen for a round trip for junior high school students and above, and 500 yen for one way and 900 yen for a round trip for elementary school students.
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The View from the Observatory Feels like Taking a Stroll in the Sky♪ A Must-visit Scenic Spot that You'd Want to See at least Once Your Life.
This beautiful scenery will become one of the most cherished memories of your journey.
- All prices in the article include tax. Prices are subject to change without notice.
