Oga, Akita Prefecture
Hachibodai Lookout Finish your ice cream, then climb up to take in the sea and lakes
That summer afternoon at Hachibodai stayed with me: the ice cream before the climb, and the view waiting at the top. I’d come to see the sea and hadn’t expected the lakes to come into view, too.
A story from a sunny summer afternoon: I ate the ice cream I’d brought along, then climbed the wooden lookout. I’ll also take you up for views of Toga Bay and the two lakes.
SummerA sunny summer afternoon
Ice cream first, then up to the sea and lakes
When I reached the wooden lookout, I could see the sea beyond it. The breeze against my short sleeves felt lovely on a summer day at Hachibodai. I wanted to climb the stairs straight away, but first, a spoonful from the cup of ice cream I’d brought along. The hem of my pink top fluttered in the breeze, and I finally felt as if I’d stepped out of the car for a proper break.
The ice cream in the cup was arranged like a rose. I almost didn’t want to break into it with my spoon. But the first bite was so cold it made me squint. Eating it with the sea in view made the ice cream I’d been looking forward to since before setting off feel even more special.
My driving friend called from the stairs, “Don’t forget the lookout!” “I’ll be right up once I’ve finished,” I called back. Laughing, my friend pointed towards the sea. Once I’d finished the ice cream, I headed for the wooden stairs. I was so curious about the view beyond the handrail that my heart leapt with every step.
From the lookout, I could see Toga Bay and Lakes Ichino-megata and Nino-megata. Not just the sea—the lakes, too! I looked out to sea, then back at the lakes, and it was like discovering a different landscape from the exact same spot. A moment ago, I’d been talking about ice cream; now I was completely caught up in the vast view before me.
Prince Takamatsu gave Hachibodai its name. I could really feel how vast the view was once I’d climbed up; I hadn’t imagined it from the name alone. Even when my friend asked, “Ready to go?”, I found myself saying, “Just a little longer.” I wanted to linger over this view of the sea and lakes.
As I walked back down the stairs, I took one more look towards the sea. Before I arrived, I’d been looking forward to my cup of ice cream; by the time I left, I loved the view of Toga Bay and the two lakes just as much. If you’re driving around Oga in summer, make time to get out of the car at Hachibodai, too. Next time, I’m going to give myself even longer at the lookout.
The story sections are fiction inspired by this location. For accurate information, please consult official tourism and information websites.
A taste of the trip
Akita rose-shaped cup ice cream
Kodama Reika’s rose-shaped cup ice cream is arranged like a blooming rose. It’s a cup version of the rose-shaped ice cream made by vendors along Akita’s roadsides. I enjoyed the cup I’d brought along before climbing to the lookout. Take a moment to admire its lovely shape before that first spoonful.
What to enjoy here
Toga Bay and two lakes in one view
From the lookout, you can see Toga Bay and Lakes Ichino-megata and Nino-megata. After looking out over the sea, I turned towards the lakes and was surprised that the same spot offered such different views. Take your time comparing them from the top of the stairs.
Named by Prince Takamatsu
Prince Takamatsu gave Hachibodai its name. When I remembered that as I looked out across the wide view, the name seemed to fit the landscape, and Hachibodai felt a little more familiar. It’s also a lovely spot to watch the sun sink beyond the sea.
On the road
Along Prefectural Route 121 | Hachibodai Lookout
A scenic stop for sea and lake views while driving around the Oga Peninsula. I ate the ice cream I’d brought along at the car park, then climbed to the lookout to take in Toga Bay and the two lakes. I’d make time for a proper break out of the car, too.
From JR Oga Station, follow the Namahage Line past the Namahage Museum and the auto campground, then turn left at the intersection; the drive takes about 20 minutes. From Oga Aquarium GAO, it’s about 10 minutes towards Nyudozaki. On a coastal trip, I’d want to set aside time to pause at the lookout and take in the view.
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