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Local DirectionsTravel information and directions to local spots

Culture & Attractionsmuseums, experiences, events, etc.

Food & Shoppingrestaurants, shopping, centers, etc.

Nature & Wellnessparks, nature, outdoors, onsen, etc.

1

Kaneyu

Kaneyu is a historical restaurant that served the elite back in the day. During the heyday of Noshiro City’s lumber industry, it was a popular place for important business meetings.

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  • Via rental car / taxi

    Higashi-Noshiro Station

    20 min.

    Kaneyu

  • Via train

    Higashi-Noshiro Station

    5 min.

    • Take the JR GONO LINE to NOSHIRO STATION

    Noshiro Station

    10 min.
    ~
    15 min.

    Kaneyu

2

Noshiro Basketball Library and Museum

A dream spot for basketball fans. The museum has memorabilia from the local high school that is nationally renowned for its basketball team and is said to have been the model for the popular manga & anime “Slam Dunk”. There are also basketball themed interactive experiences.

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Route details
  • Via rental car / taxi

    Higashi-Noshiro Station

    10 min.

    Noshiro Basketball Library and Museum

    Noshiro Basketball Library and Museum

  • Via train

    Higashi-Noshiro Station

    5 min.

    • Take the JR GONO LINE to NOSHIRO STATION

    Noshiro Station

    10
    ~
    15 min.

    • Option 1: Taxi (10 min)

      Take a taxi from Noshiro Station to Noshiro Basketball Museum

    • Option 2: Walk

      It's about a 15 min. walk from Noshiro Station to Noshiro Basketball Library and Museum

    Noshiro Basketball Library and Museum

3

Tenku no Fuyajo Festival

A modern festival inspired by ancient tradition. Come see the Japan’s tallest castle-shaped lantern float, towering at 24.1 meters being paraded in Noshiro City every year in early August.

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4

Akita Dog Center “Noshiro Kojuso”

Akita dogs are one of Japan’s most iconic breeds. Here, visitors can interact with them and even take them for a walk. Don’t forget to make a reservation with the owner in advance through Instagram!

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  • Via rental car

    Higashi-Noshiro Station

    20 min.

    • It is about a 20 minute drive to Akita Dog Center "Noshiro Kojuso".

    Akita Dog Center “Noshiro Kojuso”

  • Via taxi

    Higashi-Noshiro Station

    20 min.

    • A taxi from the station to the Akita Dog Center "Noshiro Kojuso" takes about 20 minutes.

    Akita Dog Center “Noshiro Kojuso”

5

Kimimachizaka Park

This park holds a romantic history. From the eternal love bell to the Koibumi Shrine where visitors can pray for romance, the theme of love is present throughout. The park is also known for its beautiful cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant autumn foliage. There’s a small café and short walking trails to enjoy as well.

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Route details
  • Via rental car / taxi

    Higashi-Noshiro Station

    30 min.

    Kimimachizaka Park

  • Via train

    Higashi-Noshiro Station

    5 min.

    • Take the JR OU MAIN LINE to FUTATSUI STATION

    Futatsui Station

    20 min.
    ~
    50 min.

    • Option 1: Taxi

      Take a taxi from Futatsui Station to Kimimachizaka Park.

    • Option 2: Walk

      It's about a 50 min. walk from Futatsui Station to Kimimachizaka Park.

    Kimimachizaka Park

6

Roadside Station Kotooka

The rest stop has a unique appearance inspired by ancient earthenware. At the three buildings here you can enjoy many local specialties from junsai to drinks made from locally harvested plums.

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Route details
  • Via rental car / taxi

    Higashi-Noshiro Station

    30 min.

    Roadside Station Kotooka

  • Via train

    Higashi-Noshiro Station

    21 min.

    • Take the JR OU MAIN LINE to KADO STATION

    Kado Station

    10 min.
    ~
    40 min.

    • Option 1: Taxi

      Take a taxi from Kado Station to Roadside Station Kotooka.

    • Option 2: Walk

      It's about a 40 min. walk from Kado Station to Roadside Station Kotooka.

    Roadside Station Kotooka

7

Kotooka Central Park

This scenic trail is open year-round, featuring seasonal wildflowers, gentle slopes for a light workout, and great views of Shirakami Sanchi and Lake Hachiro from the observatory. You might even spot small wildlife along the way.

It’s also a popular spot in Mitane Town for walking with an Akita dog—a unique experience you can book through ACTIVITY JAPAN.

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Route details
  • Via rental car / taxi

    Higashi-Noshiro Station

    30 min.

    Kotooka Central Park

  • Via train

    Higashi-Noshiro Station

    21 min.

    • Take the JR OU MAIN LINE to KADO STATION

    Kado Station

    10 min.
    ~
    30 min.

    • Option 1: Taxi

      Take a taxi from Kado Station to Kotooka Central Park.

    • Option 2: Walk

      It's about a 40 min. walk from Kado Station to Kotooka Central Park.

    Kotooka Central Park

8

Moritake Onsen Neighborhood

Moritake Onsen Village offers hot springs and foot baths. The mineral-rich waters, originally discovered during oil drilling, are known for their long-lasting warmth and skin-smoothing effects. It’s also famous for being one of Japan’s rare saline hot springs—a truly unique experience.

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Route details
  • Via rental car / taxi

    Higashi-Noshiro Station

    25 min.

    Moritake Onsen Neighborhood

  • Via train

    Higashi-Noshiro Station

    15 min.

    • Take the JR OU MAIN LINE to MORITAKE STATION

    Moritake Station

    10 min.
    ~
    40 min.

    • Option 1: Taxi

      Take a taxi from Moritake Station to Moritake Onsen Neighborhood.

    • Option 2: Walk

      It's about a 40 min. walk from Moritake Station to Moritake Onsen Neighborhood.

    Moritake Onsen Neighborhood

9

Hachimori Isaribi Onsen Hatahata-Kan

A unique open-air bath inspired by local fishing boats awaits you here. From the spacious public bath on the first floor, you can soak while taking in a stunning view of the Sea of Japan.

In addition to day-use hot springs, the facility also offers delicious seafood meals and overnight stays—making it a rare and valuable lodging spot along the Gono Line.

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Route details
  • Via rental car / taxi

    Higashi-Noshiro Station

    35 min.

    • Option 1: Rental Car

      It is about a 35 minute drive to Hachimori Isaribi Onsen Hatahata-Kan.

    • Option 2: Taxi

      Take a taxi from Higashi-Noshiro Station to Hachimori Isaribi Onsen Hatahata-Kan.

    Hachimori Isaribi Onsen Hatahata-Kan

  • Via train

    Higashi-Noshiro Station

    40 min.

    • Take the JR GONO LINE to AKITASHIRAKAMI STATION

    Akitashirakami Station

    3 min.

    • It's about a 3 min. walk from Akitashirakami Station to Hachimori Isaribi Onsen Hatahata-Kan.

    Hachimori Isaribi Onsen Hatahata-Kan

10

Kanoura Observatory

Kanoura Observatory, located along Route 101, is a scenic viewpoint with a few snack shops nearby—making it an ideal rest stop for road trippers.

It’s especially recommended to visit in the evening or during winter when the snow-covered landscape creates a stunning contrast with the Sea of Japan.

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  • Via rental car / taxi

    Higashi-Noshiro Station

    2 hrs.

    Kanoura Observatory

11

Ponpoko Yama Park

This seaside park, nestled within a coastal pine forest, is a beloved spot for relaxation. In summer, the blooming lavender adds a touch of vibrant beauty.

The park also features a campsite, making it a great place to enjoy the outdoors and experience camping.

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  • Via rental car / taxi

    Higashi-Noshiro Station

    20 min.

    Ponpoko Yama Park

  • Via train

    Higashi-Noshiro Station

    20 min.

    • Take the JR GONO LINE to KITANOSHIRO STATION

    Kitanoshiro Station

    3 min.

    • It's about a 20 min. walk from Kitanoshiro Station to Ponpoko Yama Park.

    Ponpoko Yama Park

12

Dakedai Nature Education Forest

If you’re curious about Shirakami Sanchi but not ready for a full hike, the Taketai Nature Observation Forest is an easy way to explore its beech forests—just wear comfortable shoes.

The 12-hectare trail is well-maintained and surrounded by moss-covered trees and rocks, offering a peaceful forest bathing experience.

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  • Via rental car

    Higashi-Noshiro Station

    1.5 hrs

    • It is about a 1.5 hour drive to Dakedai Nature Education Forest.

    Dakedai Nature Education Forest

  • Via taxi

    Higashi-Noshiro Station

    1.5 hrs.

    • Take a taxi from Higashi-Noshiro Station to Dakedai Nature Education Forest.

    Dakedai Nature Education Forest

13

Shirakami Sanchi World Heritage Conservation Center

The Shirakami Sanchi World Heritage Center (Fujisato-kan), at the southern foothills of Shirakami, offers a fun and informative way to learn about this UNESCO site.
Since the forest’s value isn’t always obvious, be sure to hear the explanations from the natural advisors on site.

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Route details
  • Via rental car / taxi

    Higashi-Noshiro Station

    40 min.

    • Option 1: Rental Car

      It is about a 40 minute drive to Shirakami Sanchi World Heritage Conservation Center.

    • Option 2: Taxi

      Take a taxi from Higashi-Noshiro Station to Shirakami Sanchi World Heritage Conservation Center.

    Shirakami Sanchi World Heritage Conservation Center

  • Via train

    Higashi-Noshiro Station

    16 min.

    • Take the JR OU MAIN LINE to FUTATSUI STATION

    Futatsui Station

    30 min.

    • Take a taxi from Futatsui Station to Shirakami Sanchi World Heritage Conservation Center.

      The cost of a taxi is about 5800 yen one way (as of May 2025)

    Shirakami Sanchi World Heritage Conservation Center

14

Juniko Lakes

Juniko Twelve Lakes (meaning “12 lakes” in Japanese) is a group of 33 ponds and lakes. The area is stunning and perfect for walking and exploring.

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Route details
  • Via rental car

    Higashi-Noshiro Station

    1 hr.
    20 min.

    • It is about a 1 hour 20 minute drive to Juniko Lakes.

    Juniko Lakes

  • Via train

    Higashi-Noshiro Station

    1 hr.
    8 min.

    • Take the JR GONO LINE to JUNIKO STATION

    Juniko Station

    15 min.

    • Take the bus to Jiniko Lakes

    Juniko Lakes

15

Furofushi Onsen

Furofushi Onsen is a coastal inn at Koganezaki, near Shirakami Sanchi, with stunning sunset views over the Sea of Japan.

Its unique gourd-shaped open-air bath offers unbeatable scenery and a relaxing atmosphere.

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Route details
  • Via rental car

    Higashi-Noshiro Station

    1 hr.
    20 min.

    • It is about a 1 hour 20 minute drive to Furofushi Onsen.

    Furofushi Onsen

  • Via train

    Higashi-Noshiro Station

    1 hr.
    30 min.

    • Take the JR GONO LINE to HENASHI STATION

    Henashi Station

    15 min.

    • Walk for about 15 min. to Furofushi Onsen

    Furofushi Onsen

16

Hirosaki Park

Hirosaki Park is a famous spot known for its spectacular cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant autumn colors.

The park features a historic castle, scenic walking paths, and seasonal beauty that attracts visitors year-round.

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Route details
  • Via rental car

    Higashi-Noshiro Station

    2 hr.

    • It is about a 2 hour drive to Hirosaki Park.

    Hirosaki Park

  • Via train

    Higashi-Noshiro Station

    15 min.

    • Take the JR OU MAIN LINE to HIROSAKI STATION

    Hirosaki Station

    10 min.
    ~
    30 min.

    • Option 1: Bus

      Take the bus from Hirosaki Station to Hirosaki Park. The bus to Hirosaki Park runs about every 10 minutes.

    • Option 2: Walk

      It's about a 30 min. walk from Hirosaki Station to Hirosaki Park.

    Hirosaki Park

17

Akita Dog Visitor Center

The Center features the Akita Dog Museum and a souvenir corner, as well as the Akita Dog Exhibition Room where visitors can meet real Akita dogs.

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  • Via rental car

    Higashi-Noshiro Station

    1 hr.

    • It is about a 1 hour drive to the Akita Dog Visitor Center.

    Akita Dog Visitor Center

  • Via train

    Higashi-Noshiro Station

    50 min.

    • Take the JR OU MAIN LINE to ODATE STATION

    Odate Station

    5 min.

    • Walk about 5 min from the station to the Akita Dog Visitor Center

    Akita Dog Visitor Center