Tohoku Motorcycle Tour: Akita & Oga Peninsula – 6 Days

Namahage Traditions, Sea of Japan Ports, and Sacred Mountain Shrines

This motorcycle tour explores the cultural heart of northern Tohoku, combining rural landscapes, coastal roads along the Sea of Japan, and some of Japan’s most spiritually significant sites.
Highlights include the Oga Peninsula, famous for the Namahage tradition, the historic port town of Sakata, and a pilgrimage to the sacred shrines of Dewa Sanzan in Yamagata.

This route offers a perfect balance of relaxed riding, mountain winding roads, hot springs, and deep cultural experiences unique to northern Japan.

Motorcycle Tours in Tohoku, Japan

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 – Sendai → Naruko Onsen

Pick up the rental motorcycle in Sendai and begin the journey with a gentle ride through Miyagi’s expansive rice-growing countryside. Continue to Naruko Onsen, one of Tohoku’s most famous hot spring areas. Enjoy a relaxing evening soaking in natural hot springs.

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Day 2 – Naruko Onsen → Kakunodate

Ride from Naruko Onsen through scenic mountain winding roads before entering Akita Prefecture, where wide agricultural plains stretch to the horizon. Overnight stay in Kakunodate, a historic samurai town known for its well-preserved streets and traditional atmosphere.

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Day 3 – Kakunodate → Oga Peninsula

Head west toward the Sea of Japan and ride along the coast to the Oga Peninsula. Enjoy dramatic coastal scenery, quiet roads, and views of the open sea as you explore one of Akita’s most distinctive regions.

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Day 4 – Oga Peninsula → Oga Peninsula

Spend a full day exploring the Oga Peninsula at a relaxed pace. Visit local shrines associated with the famous Namahage folklore, a traditional ritual symbolizing discipline and protection. For those interested, there is also the opportunity to hike sections of ancient Shugendō mountain paths once used by ascetic mountain monks (yamabushi).

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Day 5 – Oga Peninsula → Sakata

Ride south along the Sea of Japan coast, enjoying scenic seaside routes and the winding mountain roads around Mount Chōkai. Continue to Sakata, a historic port town that flourished during the Edo period as a key hub of maritime trade.

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Day 6 – Sakata → Sendai

Leave Sakata and ride inland toward Yamagata, visiting the sacred shrines of Dewa Sanzan, an important pilgrimage destination representing rebirth and spiritual renewal. Continue on to Sendai, return the rental motorcycle, and conclude the tour.

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Tour Highlights

• Oga Peninsula and the Namahage cultural tradition
• Coastal riding along the Sea of Japan
• Mountain winding roads near Mount Chōkai
• Historic port town of Sakata
• Sacred pilgrimage sites of Dewa Sanzan
• Hot spring stay in Naruko Onsen

Seasonal Notes (Important)

Japan has several peak travel periods when availability is limited and prices are higher, especially:

• Golden Week (late April – early May)
• Obon holidays (mid-August)
• Autumn long weekends (September–October)

During these periods:

• Accommodations can sell out quickly
• Accommodation and transport costs are higher than usual
• Early planning is strongly recommended

We can still arrange tours during peak seasons, but flexible dates and route options help ensure availability.

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