Ogata: A Tour of the 99 Islands and Sacred Springs of Mount Chokai

This one-day journey through Nikaho City's spectacular water scenery begins at the memorial hall of Shirasei Nobu, Japan's first Antarctic explorer, and continues through the Mototaki Falls (元滝伏流水), where Mount Chokai's meltwater cascades from moss-covered rocks, and Naso Shirataki Falls (奈曽の白滝), a designated National Scenic Spot. At Kanmanji Temple (蚶満寺), visited by Basho in his "Narrow Road to the Deep North," you'll see the enchanting landscape of the 99 Islands with small islets dotting the paddies. The day concludes at the observation tower of Michi-no-Eki Ogata Nemu no Oka (道の駅象潟 ねむの丘), where you can take in a panorama of the Japan Sea, Mount Chokai, and the sunset. This course is centered on driving with minimal walking, making it easy for multi-generational families including grandparents to enjoy.