Oga

The boys and I got up early and managed to once again make just a few minutes before the train departed towards Oga. It was a peaceful ride on a 2-car train, the cloudy skies made me a bit nervous on how the day was going to turn out but after more than an hour cruising through the country side, we finally arrived at the Oga Peninsula, where we were going to go on a biking adventure.

First stop was breakfast at the nearby convenience store before stopping by the rental shop where I had already made the necessary preparations. No sooner, we found ourselves already strapped on our bikes and testing them out on open roads. The cloudy skies had parted for sun and the weather suddenly became amazing, boosting our own moods as we felt the speed on our e-bikes along with the cool breeze, surrounded by cherry blossoms.

We were heading out to the seaside and stopped by the first spot, Unosaki Beach where it really dawned on us that we were in for a hell of a day. The whole bike route was going to be beautiful views from here on out. But first, a little side quest to a farm just above a hill where we got to meet some adorable animals and interact with the local farmers who showed us their sheep, goats, and horses.

Afterwards, we stopped by the shoreline of the famous Godzilla Rock (there was also a King Kong Rock too). There was also a giant Namahage statue on the way to our next side quest: Akagami Shrine Goshado. We had to do a short hike above some 999 steps to see a unique row of 5 shrines. The mountain path was said to have been made by the Namahage themselves!

Other highlights included the Daisanbashi Observatory where we were enamoured by the lone benches and the secret Kankane Cave tucked away behind a small fishing village. We passed by the Oga Aquarium and went straight to have a much-needed late lunch in the form of Kaisen-don, a first for the two as well. Having replenished our energy and water, the kind lady advised us about the slopes awaiting us as we made our way to the most northern point of the peninsula: Cape Nyudo. The slopes were indeed hard but at one point, the path cleared out to even more beautiful seascapes. We had this empty road all to ourselves that we couldn't resist not taking photos of us on our bikes.

Just a few minutes beyond that was Cape Nyudo, I thought it was just a pretty spot but I was gravely mistaken after seeing the rugged and dramatic landscapes. The jagged rocks towering above the sea stirred up quite the emotions, it seemed like the whole world was in tune with it and the clear skies suddenly turned overcast, shrouding everything in its moody embrace.

From there, we started to bike back the other way now. It was going to be a really long way and it wasn't even our last stop yet. We stopped by a tiny shrine that was hiding another secret, 12,000 Jizo statues on its walls and ceilings was quite an impressive site. But no, the last stop was the Namahage museum because what better way to get to know Oga than by learning more about its local residents. The museum was fascinating and the highlight was the room filled with a hundred different Namahage costumes. Though my personal highlight would be the ice cream we got at the end.

A visit to the nearby Shinzan shrine became an immersive sensory experience as I caught the familiar scent of hinoki. I was glad that Arvin and Roy were also able to catch a whiff. But now we truly had to be getting back as we had to return these bikes by 18:00. A long journey back with a last brief stop at a nearby temple got us exactly back at the rental store by 17:59. Another clutch as we always have done.

We decided to eat at a nearby family restaurant while waiting for the train back to Akita. After a while, we were so engrossed in our conversation that we didn't even realize that we were already back! Getting back to our apartment was always a great feeling and the bath was the first stop for me, always.Read more