Yurihonjō - Wikivoyage, the free collaborative travel and tourism guide - Yurihonjō — Wikivoyage, le guide de voyage et de tourisme collaboratif gratuit

Yurihonjō ​((ja)由 利 本 荘)
View of Mount Chōkai
Information
Country	Japan
Region	Tohoku
Area	1 209,60 km²
Population	79 302 hab. (2016)
Density	65,56 inhab./km²
Postal code	015-xxxx, 018-06xx, 018-12xx
Spindle	UTC 09:00
Location
39 ° 16 ′ 12 ″ N 140 ° 8 ′ 24 ″ E
Official site
Touristic site
edit

Yurihonjō is a small town in the Akita prefecture, in the north of the island of Honshū, the largest of Japan.

Understand

Yurihonjō was formed by the amalgamation of several small towns, these towns still remaining largely self-centered. Since Yuhihonjō is geographically very large, people living in the southeast may not know anything about people living in the northwest, for example. Honjo (本 荘) is west of Yurihonjō. South of Honjō is Nishime (西 目). North of Honjō are Matsugasaki (松 ヶ 崎), Kameda (亀 田) and Iwaki (岩 ). Ōuchi (大 内) is northeast of Honjō. Higashi Yuri (東 由 利) is east of Honjō. To the south-east are Yuri (由 利), Yashima (矢 島) and Chōkai (海 海). The latter is made up of three villages: Kawauchi (川 内), Hitane, (直根) and Jinego (笹 子).

Story

Honjō, located in the heart of Yurihonjō, is a town surrounded by hills ("Dewa-kyūryō "), plates ("Yuri-hara And the sea. The area of ​​Honjō would have been under the sea about 1 million years ago and these uppermost parts would have started to gradually emerge 500,000 years ago. Around -3000, some large villages were formed at the foot of Dewa-kyūryō.

The name "Yuri "First appeared in the"Azumakagami », A book written around 1200. The Yuri clan was a powerful family ruling Nikaho, Yashima, Koyoshi and other neighboring districts. Their territories were however confiscated by the government in 1213 and during the 400 years which followed the authority of this region was shared by up to 12 clans. Towards the beginning of XVII^e century, the area was disputed by the government and local clans. It eventually became the property of Ibaraki's Rokugō clan in 1623 and remained so for about 250 years.

There was once a castle in Honjō, located on the site of what is now Honjō Park. In fact, the old way of writing "Honjō", "本  ", Means" main castle ". However, this castle is no longer visible because it was burnt down in 1868 by the members of the Rokugō clan themselves at the end of their reign.

1^er April 1889, the district officially took the name of "city of Honjō". On March 31, 1954, the city merged with the villages of Koyoshi, Otomo, Ishizawa, Minami-utetsu, Kita-utetsu and Matsugazaki. Then, on March 22, 2005, the city of Honjō merged with 7 other surrounding small towns to become the city of Yurihonjō.

Weather

July is the rainy season with frequent afternoon showers. Spring and summer before and after this season are less rainy and therefore more conducive to outdoor activities. In November, cold weather thunderstorms are said to mark the end of fall and the start of the summer season.hatahata (a local fish). In winter, the coastal areas of Yurihonjō receive little snow and the inland receives a lot which is good for skiing and snowboarding.

To go

Depending on where you are going, the car is probably the best choice.

By car

Within Akita, cars are the most convenient way to get around.

• 37.921555555556139.046805555561 Route 7  – Connects Honjō to Akita to the north through Iwaki, to Nikaho to the south through Nishime. (last update June 2016)
• 39.386380555556140.032036111112 Route 105  – Connects Honjō to Daisen in the northeast via Ōuchi. (last update June 2016)
• 39.091497222222141.706186111113 Route 107  – Connects Honjō to Ugo and Yokote to the east via Higashi Yuri. (last update June 2016)
• 38.442952777778141.285802777784 Route 108  – Connects Honjō to Yuzawa to the southeast through Yuri, Yashima and Chōkai. (last update June 2016)

There are several small roads through the mountains, but some are seasonal or closed for long term rehabilitations, so ask the locals and check. In winter, the roads can be snowy and icy; mountainous areas like Chōkai receive large amounts of snow.

By train

From the Ugo-Honjō station to Honjō, the night train Akebono comes directly from Tokyo, and the night train Nihonkai comes directly from Kyoto. The nearest Shinkansen stations are those of the Shinkansen Komachi in Akita and Omagari, and those of the Shinkansen Tsubasa at Shinjo in the north of the prefecture of Yamagata. These two Shinkansen lines go to Tokyo. There are several daily trains going north and south from Honjō. There is also a private line from Ugo-Honjō station to Yashima via Yuri.

• 39.386591140.057235 Ugo-Honjō Station (羽 後 本 荘 駅 ugo-honjō-eki) Nishibonten 85-1,   81 184-22-0221 – The main train station in Yurihonjō. (last update June 2016)

• 39.230356140.1388586 Yashima Station (矢 島 駅 yashima-eki) Hazaka, Nanokamachi, Yashima (two blocks southwest of the Yashima poilce post and well signposted),   81 184 56-2036  5 h 30 and21 h 10. – The terminus of the Chōkai Sanroku line of the Yuri Kōgen company. This station has a large lounge and a computer with free internet access. (last update Feb. 2018)

• Chōkai Sanroku Yuri Kogen Railway Line (鳥 海山 ろ く 線 chōkai sanroku-sen) Hazaka 21-2, Nanokamachi, Yashima,   81 184 56-2736, fax : 81 184 56-2850, e-mail : [email protected] – This line from the company Yurikōgen Tetsudō 由 利 高原 鉄 道 goes from Ugo-honjō station to Yashima station via Yuri. Trains depart once an hour (hours). (last update Feb. 2018)

By bus

Night buses go from Tokyo to Yurihonjo. Several bus companies offer this service. Check the websites or ask at the bus station for more information.

• 39.391313140.0412637 Ugokōtsū Bus Station (羽 後 交通) Sakanamachi 45 (Half a block west of Hotel Iris.),   81 184 24-2440, e-mail : [email protected] – Night bus connecting to Tokyo. Also offers other routes to various places in the prefecture. (last update Feb. 2018)

• JR Bus Tohoku (ジ ェ ア ー ル バ ス 東北) ,   81 184 24-2440 (Ugokōtsū Station), 81 24-534-2011 (JR Bus Tōhoku office) – This line connecting Honjō and Tokyo is called "Chōkai Dream". Passengers can board at Ugo-honjō Station, Ugokōtsū Bus Station, and other places in the area. (last update Feb. 2018)

• Orion Bus (オ リ オ ン バ ス) ,   81 570 00-2020 – Has night buses between Honjō and Tokyo. (last update Feb. 2018)

Circulate

In Honjō itself, cycling and walking are possible. There are a few buses every day connecting to the outlying towns. From Honjō, Iwaki, Nishime, Yuri and Yashima can be reached by train. There are taxis but they are very expensive to go to the outside areas. Driving is convenient and parking is rarely a problem.

By bus

There are several daily buses connecting Honjō to Higashi-Yuri. Buses also run from Honjō to Yashima several times a day, continuing to Kawauchi and Jinego in Chōkai. Even though there are several buses going from Honjō to Iwaki and Nikaho, the train is probably more convenient. The station has local bus timetables.

• Yurihonjō public transportation (由 利 本 荘 市 公共 交通 情報)  – List of buses to Yurihonjō. (last update Feb. 2018)

To see

• 39.428091140.1030511 Chōkoku-ji (長 谷 寺) Uwadaomote 115, Akata (on Route 69, several kilometers south of the Ouchi rest area.) free. – With a big buddha statue (赤 田 大 仏akata daibutsu). (last update Feb. 2018)
• 39.384766140.047522 Honjō Park (本 荘 公園 honjō kōen) Honjo – Good place for a picnic. In April and May, you can admire the flowering of cherry trees. (last update Feb. 2018)
• 39.108138140.1560843 Hottai fall (法 体 の 滝 hottai no taki) Momoyake, Chōkai (follow road signs from Yashima or Kawauchi.) – A large waterfall with a picnic and camping area and a restaurant in Momoyake (Hitane, Chōkai). There is also a hiking trail of 2 km. The facilities are closed in winter and the road is not cleared of snow. On the other hand, the road is cleared of snow in Momoyake until the last 2 kilometers, and therefore you can easily walk on snowshoes. (last update Feb. 2018)
• 39.500522140.0838914 Iwaki Local History Museum (岩 子 歴 史 民俗 資料 館 iwaki rekishi minzoku shiryōkan) Tamachi 41, Kamedamachi, Kameda, Iwaki (from Honjō, go several kilometers north, then turn east towards Kameda. There is a tall tower visible from afar) adults: 400 JPY (~3,06 € - course of 04/27/2021) (~ 3.38 Fr. - price of 04/27/2021) (~ C $ 4.58 - class on 04/27/2021) (~ $ 3.69 - class on 04/27/2021) (~ 2,006.1 F CFA - price of 04/27/2021). – This reconstructed village includes a few museum buildings with old clothes, weapons and scrolls and, strangely, biological research. There are also reconstructed buildings and ancient looms and blacksmith's tools. After the reconstructed village is a large tower surrounded by a small moat. There is a restaurant and a gift shop on the ground floor. The top has a nice view of Kameda. English is not spoken but the counter has an English brochure describing each of the buildings. If employees have the time, they can show how some of the tools are used. (last update Feb. 2018)
• 39.46367140.096235 The thousand Jizō (千 体 地 蔵 felt jizō) (From the Ouchi rest area, take Route 107 east for a few hundred meters, then turn north on Route 69 and follow it for several kilometers. There are two parking lots and a small store on the side of the road. The statues are right up on the hill) – A thousand statuettes on a path near the road. (last update Feb. 2018)

Do

Chōkai (海 海)

• 39.180768140.1972951 Chōkai Baseball Stadium (鳥 海 球場chōkai kyū-jō) Nishino 108, Kami-Kawauchi (Coming from Honjō, take Route 108. Continue past Yashima and 10 km there will be a traffic light and a pedestrian crossing. About 100 m after that, turn right. The stadium will be on the right after 50 m.) – Hosts youth and adult matches. (last update Feb. 2018)
• 39.238669140.0681952 Chōkai Snowmobile Land (鳥 海 高原 南 由 利 原 ス ノ ー モ ー ビ ル ラ ン ド chōkai kōgen minami yurihara sonōmōbiru rando) (On the Chokai Plateau.)  Dec.-March, sea.- Sun. : 10 h - 16 h. – Snowmobile lessons and a recreation area. Instructors can teach beginners, even children. Reservation required. (last update Feb. 2018)
• 39.174333140.1178563 Foresta Chōkai Hotel (フ ォ レ ス タ 鳥 海) Okuyamamae 8-45, Sarukura (follow the signs from Yashima or Kawauchi.)  400 JPY (~3,06 € - course of 04/27/2021) (~ 3.38 Fr. - price of 04/27/2021) (~ C $ 4.58 - class on 04/27/2021) (~ $ 3.69 - class on 04/27/2021) (~ 2,006.1 F CFA - price of 04/27/2021). – Onsen and hotel at the foot of Mount Chōkai with indoor and outdoor baths. Bring your own towel for swimming. (last update Feb. 2018)
• 39.131248140.0692034 Mount Chōkai (鳥 海山 chōkai-san) (follow the road signs in Japanese from Yashima.) Free hike. Night at the summit refuge (paying and by reservation). – Begin its ascent with the trail starting at Haraikawa near Yashima. Reach the summit (at 2 236 m) takes approximately 4 h (8 h for the round trip). (last update Feb. 2018)
• 39.031969140.2196865 Mount Hinoto (丁岳 hinoto-dake) (take route 108 to Jinego (上 笹 子) in Chōkai. At the traffic light, turn west. Follow the road on 11 km to the start of the trail, a few kilometers not being paved. Signs in Japanese.) road closed in winter. free. – The loop of this hike goes through the summit (at 1 145 m) and takes about 5 h. (last update Feb. 2018)
• 39.0937140.2566 Noyake Onsen (野 宅 温泉) Noyake 14, Kami-Jinego (take route 70 southeast from Jinego rest area on route 108. It is north of the road after 4 km.) (last update Feb. 2018)

Honjō (本 荘)

• 39.391048140.0486877 Honjō Cultural Hall (本 荘 文化 会館 honjō bunkakaikan) Mikuramachi 30, Honjo (one block west of Max Valu and one southwest of the large pink hospital) – This building is the only large auditorium in Yurihonjō. It hosts many kinds of shows like dancing, concerts and karaoke competitions. (last update Feb. 2018)
• 39.390706140.0484248 Honjō Library (由 利 本 荘 市立 本 荘 図 書館) Mikuramachi 30 (2 blocks southwest of Daiichi Hospital, right next to Honjō Kōminkan and Honjō Bunkakaikan.),   81 184 22-4900  Mon.- Fri. : 9 h - 18 hsat.- Sun. : 9 h - 17 h, closed on 3^e Sunday of the month, closed on the last day of the month (or the previous Friday). – The largest in Yurihonjō. Has a few books in English, but most are in a back storage room so ask for help. (last update Feb. 2018)
• 39.383162140.0430469 Kōfūen sumo ring (光 風 園 相撲 場 kōfū-en sumō-jō) (southwest of Honjō Park at the top of the hill),   81 184 24-6287  200 JPY (~1,53 € - course of 04/27/2021) (~ 1.69 Fr. - price of 04/27/2021) (~ C $ 2.29 - class on 04/27/2021) (~ $ 1.85 - class on 04/27/2021) (~ 1 003.05 F CFA - price of 04/27/2021) per hour. – An outdoor sumo training ring, accessible to all. Contact the Board of Education (number below) for more information. (last update Feb. 2018)
• 39.375699140.06335610 Kōryū Gakushu Sentā (交流 学習 セ ン タ ー, litt. collaborative learning center; in the old days 広 域 交流 セ ン タ ー kōiki kōryū sentā) Kami-Ōno 16 (in front of Pachinko 21.),   81 184 24-4344 – This public facility has a small library, gymnasium and kitchen. Private groups often reserve the gym or kitchen for various events. (last update Feb. 2018)
• 39.403147140.02544511 Pine Spa Onsen (ぱ い ん す ぱ 新 山) Tajiri 30-12, Ishiwaki (just south of Yuri Technical School),   81 184 28-1661  9 h - 21 h, closed on 2^e and 4^e Tuesday of each month and the 27th and 28th Dec.. adults: 400 JPY (~3,06 € - course of 04/27/2021) (~ 3.38 Fr. - price of 04/27/2021) (~ C $ 4.58 - class on 04/27/2021) (~ $ 3.69 - class on 04/27/2021) (~ 2,006.1 F CFA - price of 04/27/2021), 300 JPY (~2,29 € - course of 04/27/2021) (~ 2.54 Fr. - course on 04/27/2021) (~ C $ 3.44 - class on 04/27/2021) (~ $ 2.77 - class on 04/27/2021) (~ 1 504.57 F CFA - price of 04/27/2021) after 6 h. – An onsen opened in 2005. (last update Feb. 2018)
• 39.38596140.04575612 Tsurumai Kaikan (鶴 舞 会館) Kawarayachi 1 (To 200 m west of the swimming pool near the town hall),   81 184 24-2911 – This community center has large and small rooms that can be reserved for various community events. (last update Feb. 2018)
• 39.381852140.04708813 Tsurumai Onsen (鶴 舞 温泉) Nishikobitomachi 23-1 (south of the Lawson near Honjō Park.),   81 184 23-7227  8 h - 21 h 30, closed on 1^e and 3^e Friday of the month and the 29th and 30th Dec..  300-500 JPY (~3,82 € - course of 04/27/2021) (~ 4.23 Fr. - price of 04/27/2021) (~ C $ 5.73 - class on 04/27/2021) (~ $ 4.62 - class on 04/27/2021) (~ 2,507.62 F CFA - price of 04/27/2021). – A popular onsen in central Honjō in a scenic location near a pond. (last update Feb. 2018)
• 39.3544140.073714 Yurihonjō Softball Field (ソ フ ト ボ ー ル 場 sofutobōru-jō) (To 3 km south of honjō freeway access ramp),   81 184 24-3966 – This softball field hosts youth and adult tournaments. (last update Feb. 2018)

Nishime (西 目)

• 39.36317140.01418615 Hamanasu Family Bowling (は ま な す フ ァ ミ リ ー ボ ウ ル) Shinmichishita 1112-1, Numata (Next to the Nishime Rest Area),   81 184 33-4710 open until late. – A bowling alley with 14 lanes. (last update Feb. 2018)

• 39.347864140.01522416 Nishime Kominkan Seagull (西 目 公民 館 シ ー ガ ル) Shinmichishita 2-533, Numata (from Nishime station, go one block north and one block west),   81 184 33-2315 – This community center has a medium sized auditorium. It often hosts community events like dance, recitals and art exhibitions. (last update Feb. 2018)

• 39.363066140.01418617 Nishime Yukkoland (に し め 湯 っ 娘 ラ ン ド) Shinmichishita 1112-1, Numata (on route 7, just behind the Nishime rest area, near the Max Valu),   81 184 33-4422  24 h/24.  3 h at the baths: 500 JPY (~3,82 € - course of 04/27/2021) (~ 4.23 Fr. - price of 04/27/2021) (~ C $ 5.73 - class on 04/27/2021) (~ $ 4.62 - class on 04/27/2021) (~ 2,507.62 F CFA - price of 04/27/2021). – This bathhouse is part of a hotel. It is one of the only open ones 24 h/ 24 in Yurihonjō. The building is unremarkable, but it is clean and the bath is large. There is a large bath, a small mineral bath, a sauna and an outdoor seating area. Massages available. (last update Feb. 2018)

Ōuchi (大 内)

• 39.441913140.08784418 Yurihonjō Sōgō Gymnasium (由 利 本 荘 市 総 合 体育館 yurihonjō sōgō taiikukan) Nishigoe 62, Iwaya (in front of Ōuchi's rest area),   81 184 62-0501 viewing most events is free; visit to the weight room a few hundred yen. – A large public gymnasium hosting various sports tournaments. There is also a weight room with treadmills. (last update Feb. 2018)

• 39.454288140.17664219 Nagasaka Ski Resort (長坂 ス キ ー 場 nagasaka sukī-jō) 長坂 大 霜 ３８－３ (just off route 105 near Ōuchi college),   81 184 66-2526 open for day and night skiing. – A small ski resort with a ski lift and a slope. (last update Feb. 2018)

Yashima (矢 島)

• 39.237738140.06836720 Yamayuri Cycling Terminal (サ イ ク リ ン グ タ ー ミ ナ ル や ま ゆ り saikuringu tāminaru yamayuri) Minami Yurihara 360, Nishisawa (take route 32 for the Yuri plateau. The building is just east of the intersection with route 287),   81 184 53-3055 closed in winter. – This building has a tourist office, a small gift shop, a small restaurant, public toilets, vending machines and cards. There could also be bicycles for rent. The Chōkai Marathon starts and ends here every year. (last update Feb. 2018)

• 39.211042140.0936621 Hanadate Milsey Workshop (花 立 牧場 工房 ミ ル ジ ー hanadate bokujō kōbō milsey) Hanadate 60, Jōnai (on Route 32 in the Hanadate area of ​​the Chōkai Plateau),   81 184 55-2605  Apr.-Nov.10 h - 17 h 30. – This dairy has tasty milk and ice cream. Offers interactive tours. (last update Feb. 2018)

• 39.231594140.13939622 Yashima Nishinkan / Kominkan (日新 館 ・ 矢 島 公民 館) Hazaka 64-1, Nanokamachi (between the station and the Lawson mini-market),   81 184 56-2203  Mon.- Sun. : 9 h17 min, closed on 3^e Sunday of each month, closed from 29 Dec. to 3 Jan. – A community center with a library and a small auditorium. Free internet access at the library. (last update Feb. 2018)

• 39.191173140.09164623 Yashima Ski Resort (鳥 海 高原 矢 島 ス キ ー 場chōkai kōgen yashima suki-jō) Chōhoda 6, Arasawa (take route 108 to Yashima and follow the road signs),   81 184 56-2182  9 h21 min. 1 day adult pass: 2 600 JPY (~19,89 € - course of 04/27/2021) (~ 21.98 Fr. - price of 04/27/2021) (~ C $ 29.78 - class on 04/27/2021) (~ $ 24.01 - class on 04/27/2021) (~ 13,039.63 F CFA - price of 04/27/2021). – A ski resort in Yashima. Ski and snowboard rental, small equipment store. Two restaurants. Two ski lifts (4 and 2 people). (last update Feb. 2018)

To buy

The best place to shop in Yurihonjō is Honjō. If the latter doesn't have what you want, go to Akita. In the outlying areas, there are often interesting gifts at the shops in the rest areas.

Chōkai

• 39.108248140.2907861 A-Coop (Ａ コ ー プ 鳥 海) Sakaidai 109-1, Kami-Jinego (at the traffic light on route 108 in Jinego),   81 184 59-2861  9 h - 19 h. – Grocery store. Also sells local alcohol. (last update Feb. 2018)

• 39.131892140.2750782 Conbini Sato (コ ン ビ ニ 佐藤) Ichinotsubo 9-1, Shimo-Jinego (on route 108 in Jinego),   81 184 59-2211  6 h - 21 h. – Convenience store. Sells fresh fruit, local gifts and postcards. (last update Feb. 2018)

• 39.109561140.2915933 Hottoin Chōkai (ほ っ と い ん 直 売 所) Sakaidai 100, Kami-Jinego (at the Jinego rest area on route 108)  9 h - 17 h. – Sells fresh and canned vegetables and tourist gifts like postcards and t-shirts. (last update Feb. 2018)

• 39.18876140.188474 Sairando (菜 ら ん ど) Kubo 146-1, Fushimi (at the Kawauchi rest area on route 108),   81 184 57-3797 seasonal vegetables may be cheaper than local grocery stores. – Sells fresh and canned vegetables and tourist gifts like postcards and t-shirts. (last update Feb. 2018)

• 39.200311140.1900075 Daily Yamazaki (Ｙ シ ョ ッ プ ・ 鳥 海 store) Yamanoshita 166-1, Shimo-Kawauchi (on Route 108 in Kawauchi.),   81 184 57-2440 – The only mini market in Kawauchi. (last update Feb. 2018)

Honjo

• 39.387103140.05096 Mingei Saitō (Langja 民 芸 さ い と う) Uraozakimachi 1-21 (two traffic lights west of Ugo-honjō station),   81 184 22-1182 Hours168301830, Hours79301830, closed on 1^e and 3^e wednesday of the month. – Sells local crafts, food and drinks. For example, the store sells lacquerware made in Akita, as do local brands of sake and kiritanpo. (last update Feb. 2018)

• 39.381234140.0602827 Fugetsu season (セ ゾ ン ふ う げ つ 本 荘 store) Nakabonten 1-4 (between Bulldog and K's Denki on Route 105, several blocks north of the Route 108 interchange),   81 184-23-7288  9 h 30 - 19 h, closed on 1^e and 3^e Tuesday of the month. – Dessert store. Sells whole and sliced ​​cakes, cream puffs and other sweets. (last update Feb. 2018)

Nishime

• 39.362857140.0145328 Nishime rest area (道 の 駅 に し め) Shinmichishita 1112, Numata (on route 7 in the north of Nishime, at 10 min south of Honjō.),   81 184 33-4260 – This rest area has a restaurant, gift store, vending machines and a large parking area. The gift store has a wide selection of local and regional food, t-shirts and crafts. (last update Feb. 2018)

Yashima

• 39.228805140.1407069 Fugetsu season (風月 堂) Shimo-Yamadera 61, Nanokamachi,   81 184 56-2354 – Dessert store. Sells whole and sliced ​​cakes, cream puffs and other sweets. (last update Feb. 2018)

• 39.234405140.13953410 Lawson Station (ロ ー ソ ン ・ 由 利 本 荘 矢 島 store) Magaribuchi 181, Nanokamachi (southeast part of route 108),   81 184 27-5633  24 h/24. – A mini-market with cash dispenser. For late night shopping, people from Yashima and Chōkai go here because it is the only choice. (last update Feb. 2018)

Eat

Akita Prefecture is famous for the kiritanpo, a kind of toasted rice cake. In October and November, the fish hatahata local is very popular. While this food is unfortunately only served in a small number of restaurants across town, it can be purchased in many gift shops. Yurihonjō himself is known for several brands of sake, such as Dewanofuji (出 羽 の 富士) and Tenju Shuzō (天寿 酒 造, [1]). Bars serve sake and many mini markets and grocery stores sell it.

Have a drink / Go out

In Honjō there are many small snack bars. The outlying communities have few bars. There is no real nightclub in Yurihonjō - go to Akita to dance instead.

Housing

Honjō is the best place to find business hotels. You can find ryokans throughout Yurihonjō, but you may need to book or arrive early in the day. As a last resort, a car traveler can sleep in their vehicle at any of the rest areas, this is quite common in northern Japan. If you plan to sleep in your car after a night of drinking, be sure to be completely sober in the morning as the police might spot your car at night and look out for it in the morning. There are also a few love hotels, but normal hotels are about the same price so it's not a great choice.

Cheap

• 39.069818140.2301031 Chōkai Ohira Campground (鳥 海 大平 キ ャ ン プ 場) (From the Jinego rest area, take Route 70 south-east. At the T-junction, Route 70 turns north but do not follow it, continue straight. After about 5 km, the pavement becomes gravel and the campground is 3 km further away.) road and land closed in winter. free. – The terrain itself is not very scenic, but it is near the trailhead for Hinoto Dake (丁岳), a good day hike. It has a washroom building, a small area for washing dishes, a covered dining area and lighting. There is no resident caretaker. (last update Feb. 2018)
• 39.097574140.0486362 Chōkai-san Ōmonoimi Jinja (鳥 海山 大 物 忌 神社) (located at the top of Mount Chōkai. Accessible only after a hike of several hours.) hut open from early summer to early October.. – This summit hut is popular with hikers who spend the night there to view the sunrise from the top of the mountain. The overnight rate includes a bland dinner and breakfast, so many hikers bring little extra food. Reservation highly recommended. The website has relevant pricing and booking information during the opening period. (last update Feb. 2018)

Average price

Luxury

Communicate

Finding free wireless internet is a challenge. Aquapal, the Yashima station and the Yashima Nishinkan have computers with free internet access.

To make local calls, only the last six digits are needed. For example "81 184 53-2055" becomes "53-2055".

Manage the day-to-day

Around

• Akita (an hour by train north) (last update Feb. 2018)
• Lake Tazawa  (last update Feb. 2018)
• Within the prefecture, the Lake Tazawa and the Oga peninsula are both around 2 h car from Honjō.
• Tsuruoka (in the northwest of Yamagata prefecture) – Visible during the day. (last update Feb. 2018)
• Dewa Sanzan (To 2 h by Honjō) – A good day of hiking. (last update Feb. 2018)
• Yamagata Prefecture (accessible by train and car) (last update Feb. 2018)
• The areas around Yuzawa, Yokote, Nikaho and Ugo.

Routes via Yurihonjō

Akita ←	NOT  S	→ Tsuruoka → Niigata
Akita ←	NOT  S	→ Kisakata
Akita ←	NOT  S	→ Sakata → Niigata
END ←	O  E	→ Yokote → Hanamaki
END ←	NOT  O	→ Ugo → Yuzawa