As I have been into Tohoku Region since I visited this area with my husband two years ago, we had a trip visiting the west side of Aomori to Akita, driving along the coast of Japan Sea this August.
Where do you think we visited the first as soon as we landed at Aomori Airport? Of course, we drove to Ajigazawa (west side of Aomori Prefecture) to have our lunch! My mouth had been ready for Sea urchin bowl which is the famous food of that area!
Yammy! Sea urchin melted in my mouth!
My husband chose Pickled flounder bowl which is another representative food of that area. He liked it so much!
We stayed at ryokan to enjoy hot spring which was attached in our room. We were able to enjoy onsen anytime we wanted.
My another favorite is scallops. We enjoyed the delicious dinner served at the ryokan. All of the seafood served there was so fresh!!
On our second day, we enjoyed driving along the coast of Japan Sea.
This is a tiny station faced Japan Sea!
Only about 10 trains stop at the station each day! How many passengers get off at this small station, and then, where do they go from this station?
Then, we drove to Oga Peninsula of Akita Prefecture. This area is famous for 'Namahage' (ogres in the Akita area. )(They visit each house to threaten children into listening to their parents. Namahage are dressed ogre's masks and costumes of straw capes and asks, 'Are there any crybabies around? ' or 'Are there any naughty kids around?')
We can experience meeting 'Namahage'.
(Master of the houses try to treat Namahage with Japanese sake and food.)
At the second night, we stayed at a hotel located in front of Akita Station.
Again, I enjoyed Sea urchin sushi!
On the third, last day, we drove to Kakunodate, which is famous as a well-preserved samurai town from the feudal period. We can see the inside of houses which have been kept from the samurai time.
I was surprised to find many people from abroad in the town. Many people have found the town and decided to visit the town from abroad!
Akita is known as the hometown of 'Akita-ken'(Akita dog).
In Tohoku Region, you can enjoy sightseeings, onsen, and delicious food, especially seafood. Why don't you visit the area on your next visit Japan? I'm sure you can have the wonderful holidays in Tohoku Region!
If you are interested in my other blogs about Tohoku Region, please read
''Morioka, a gem in Tohoku District, selected as 'one of the 52 places to visit in 2023' by NY Times''
and
''My private trip in Tohoku District'.
(Aug 2023)