Tohoku, Sakata City, Yamagata Prefecture
Chōkai-no-Mori A bite of melon, a ribbon of sunset on the river
One July evening, I drove up to Chōkai-no-Mori to take in the Shōnai scenery. I enjoyed a slice of the melon I’d brought while taking in the sunset over the river and plain.
Summer brings Shōnai Sand Dune Melon, too. I want to look out over the plain at sunset and follow every bend in the river.
SummerJuly evening
A slice of melon and sunset on the Mogami River
At the end of my drive through Shōnai, I made my way up to Chōkai-no-Mori. I hoped I’d make it in time for sunset, but the sun was still up. When I got out and looked toward the plain, I could see the Mogami River making a great sweeping bend. I’d just been driving across that same plain, and now I could see how the river tied it all together.
I stepped outside in my pink short-sleeved blouse; the breeze felt much nicer than it had at midday. Square fields and a small town. The river ran between them and disappeared into the distance. My friend, who’d joined me for the drive, stood beside me and said, “You can see all the way to the sea.” I slowly followed one of the river’s bends with my eyes.
I’d planned to have some Shōnai Sand Dune Melon for today’s break. When I picked up a small slice, the melon’s netted rind brushed my fingertips. I took a little bite from the edge; cool juice filled my mouth, and the sweetness made me so happy. I feel like I’ll remember the whole scene here in Shōnai in July, along with the melon.
The light reflecting off the river changed while I ate. The broad bend glowed brighter, as though a line of light were tracing the river on a map. Beside me, my friend was taking photos, and I lowered the hand holding my melon a little. After that sweet bite, I wanted to stay with the view a while longer.
I hear Shōnai Sand Dune Melons are grown in coastal parts of Shōnai, including Sakata, Tsuruoka, and Yuza. I’m up in the hills now, but this melon came from the coast. I love how it all feels connected—the plain in front of me, the river, the sea in the distance, even the food I’m eating. The view felt closer than it had a moment ago.
Even after I’d finished the melon, my friend and I kept watching the evening sky. I want to remember the light on the river, not just where the sun was. When I look back at today’s photos, I think I’ll remember that sweet bite, too. After one last look across the plain, we set off on the drive back.
The story sections are fiction inspired by this location. For accurate information, please consult official tourism and information websites.
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Tohoku, Sakata City, Yamagata Prefecture · Summer river and sunset
Local specialty
Shōnai Sand Dune Melon
A netted melon grown in the coastal Shōnai region, including Sakata, Tsuruoka, and Yuza. I’d bring one along for a summer drive and enjoy a slice during a break with a view of the sunset.
Highlights
The Mogami River winding across the plain
From above, you can see how the river winds through the plain and town. The shape of its bends is something I want to take home with me.
Sunset reflected on the river
Chōkai-no-Mori is also recommended as a sunset spot. I want to watch the changing light on the river as well as the sky.
Getting to Chōkai-no-Mori
Shōnai Plain → Chōkai-no-Mori
- By car from Amarume Station
- About 15 minutes
- By car from Sakata IC
- About 35 minutes
After driving across the plain, I’d make a detour for views of the Shōnai Plain, the Mogami River and the Sea of Japan, timing my visit for sunset.
These are the driving times listed in Yamagata Prefecture’s travel guide. You can plan a sunset stop whether you’re coming from the station or from Sakata IC.
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