The Chokai Blue Line, which connects Akita and Yamagata prefectures had been closed due to snow, but was reopened on the 26th, allowing tourists to enjoy the view of the snowy corridor.
The Chokai Blue Line is a prefectural road with a total length of 34.9 km that connects Nikaho City, Akita Prefecture, and Yuza Town, Yamagata Prefecture, passing through the 5th station of Mt. Chokai.
It had been closed since November last year due to snow, but snow removal work was completed and it was reopened on the 26th.
On the Nikaho City side, about 30 cars of tourists and others were waiting before the road opened, and when the road opened at 10 a.m., they departed for the Yamagata Prefecture side, being seen off by local officials and children.
According to the Nikaho City Tourism Association, due to the lack of snow this year and the continued high temperatures in April, the snow walls on the sides of the roads are up to 5 meters high, about half the height of normal years.
In addition, tourists were enjoying their time in the parking lot near the 5th station while looking out at the surrounding mountains.
A man in his 40s who came from Yamagata Prefecture on a motorbike said, “I think the climate is warm and easy for touring.It’s a shame that there’s not much snow, but I still want to enjoy riding my bike.”
Due to the risk of freezing overnight, the Chokai Blue Line will be closed from 5pm to 8am the next morning for the time being.
Tags: Chokai Blue Line opens #26th enjoy snowy corridor NHK Akita Prefecture News
