Misaki Park

Overview

Located on the border of Akita and Yamagata prefectures, Misaki Park takes its name from the three capes—Kannon-zaki, Daishi-zaki, and Fudo-zaki—that jut out into the Sea of Japan. The entire park area is also known as "Misakiyama," a landscape formed by a Mount Chokai volcanic eruption approximately 3,000 years ago. The oddly shaped rocks eroded by the rough waves of the Sea of Japan are a sight to behold. It's also a fantastic viewpoint to watch the sunset over the Sea of Japan and Tobi Island simultaneously. Historically known as one of the most difficult passes along the Sea of Japan coastal road, it's associated with the legend of the long-armed, long-legged being of the "Uyamuyu no Seki" (Uyamuyu Pass), and many historical sites such as five-storied pagodas and one-ri milestones remain. During the Edo period, the haiku master Matsuo Basho and Ino Tadataka, who surveyed Japan's map, passed through this area. Basho's journey on the "Oku no Hosomichi" (The Narrow Road to the Deep North) is designated as the "Misakiyama Old Road" and is a historical site of Akita Prefecture. In the late Edo period, it became a fierce battleground during the Boshin War. A memorial tower still stands to commemorate the soldiers who perished here. Located at the southernmost tip of Akita Prefecture, this area experiences the earliest cherry blossoms in the prefecture, and the cherry blossom corridor connecting National Route 7 to Misaki Park delights drivers. With well-maintained walking paths and a campground, the park offers diverse experiences encompassing nature, history, and leisure.