Checking out and Moving on!
We checked out of Hotel Metropolitan Akita at 10:00 AM. Our destination for today is Seiko Grand Hotel on the Oga Peninsula.
Hotel Metropolitan Akita
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When sightseeing around the Oga Peninsula, most people either rent a car or take the “Namahage Shuttle” bus from JR Oga Station.
Heavy snow had been stopping the Ou Main Line for days, so I worried the Oga Line might stall too. Uncertain if we’d even reach Oga Station, I skipped booking the Namahage Shuttle. I debated renting a car until the very last minute, but decided to keep it as a backup plan in case the trains failed.
The red line shows the JR Oga Line, and the blue line represents the local bus. Since both run very infrequently, I made sure to check the connection times well in advance.
As it turned out, the Oga Line stayed running, and we managed to travel from Oga Station by local bus. Now, I’ll take you through our local journey from Akita Station to the Oga Aquarium, highlighting some key tips for traveling with kids!
The location of Oga Aquarium in a map.
From Akita Station to Oga
Traveling via the JR Oga Line (The “Oga Namahage Line”)
First, we headed from Akita Station to Oga Station. This local line is affectionately known by its nickname, the “Oga Namahage Line.” The two-car train is designed after the red and blue Namahage—it is absolutely adorable!
Red!
In the background, you can also see the Limited Express Tsugaru. By the way, if you look closely from the Hotel Metropolitan, you can actually spot the red train waiting at the platform!
Blue
Believe it or not, even though there are only two cars, the blue train actually has a restroom! While it doesn’t have a diaper-changing table, it’s a huge relief to have one available for emergencies.
It takes about an hour to get from Akita to Oga. I thought, “We’re used to train rides this long, we’ll be fine!” But… I fell right into an unexpected trap.
Due to the heavy snow and the temperature gap, the windows fogged up completely, and we could barely see outside (lol). Without the view to distract them, the kids started getting cranky much sooner than I expected…
Desperate to find a way for them to enjoy the ride, we headed to the front of the train and discovered a perfect view of the driver’s cabin and the snowy tracks! Since the windows were too high for the kids to see on their own, I held them up in my arms so we could take in the winter wonderland together.
Just past Izumi-Sotoasahikawa Station, there’s a spot lined with freight trains. Shortly after, near the Akita General Rolling Stock Center before Tsuchizaki Station, you can see various trains parked outside—a real treat for train lovers! After passing through wooded areas, you’ll spot giant Namahage statues near Tenno Station, and on the other side, the train crosses a bridge over the vast tidal flats. The flat, open landscape there was a beautiful, endless snowy white. Whether it’s clear or snowy, the view is stunning, and for the adults, there was a simple joy in just staring out into the distance.
Thankfully, the Oga Line didn’t stop during our trip (I actually learned it’s incredibly tough against snow!). However, since trains only run once an hour at most, we still faced delays. Because other connecting lines were late due to the snow, we spent quite a bit of time just waiting at stations. Even if the schedule says one hour, keep in mind it might take longer in winter. Be sure to give yourself plenty of buffer time!
Under a heavy sky and falling snow, we arrived at Oga Station to a beautiful world of whites and grays. The platform was completely buried under a thick blanket of fresh snow.
The Namahage illustrations on the side of the train, which looked so vibrant and clean when we started, were completely frozen over by the time we pulled into Oga Station.
The lighting in the photo makes it look like a summer day, but here we are—we’ve finally arrived at Oga Station!
Lunch at Oga Station
Oga Restaurant on the Finest Coastline in the Orient
Just a few minutes’ walk from Oga Station, you’ll find “Michi-no-Eki Oga (Oga-re),” a popular roadside rest area. Inside is a restaurant with a catchy name: “The Restaurant of Oga, Located on the Orient’s Finest Coastline.” It’s right there, incredibly close!
Stepping out of the station, my eldest son was so thrilled by the blanket of snow that he immediately started diving right into it.
Even the statue nearby—likely a Namahage, the local guardian deity—was capped with a heavy layer of snow.
During the snow-free seasons, this area turns into a lush lawn where kids can enjoy the playground and dogs can run free. But for now, my son was simply captivated by the pristine snow, relishing the joy of being the first to leave footprints.
He climbed up what he thought was a big mountain of snow, only to discover it was actually a “Snowman’s House.” It was such a whimsical moment to see him exploring his little snowy discovery.
We finally arrived at Michi-no-Eki Oga-re. On our way, I spotted a sign for salt ramen that looked so tempting I almost changed my mind, but between the timing of our next bus and my husband’s curiosity, we decided to stick with this place.
And there it was—we found the restaurant’s main sign!
By the way, Michi-no-Eki（道の駅） is commonly translated as “Roadside Station” in Japan. It is much more than a pit stop. It is a government-designated rest area that doubles as a cultural showcase for the local community.
Think of it as a hybrid between a high-end farmers’ market, a tourist information center, and a boutique shopping mall—all in one place. If you have a chance to visit Michi-no-Eki, you would get local souvenirs/Items.
- Rest: Free 24-hour parking and world-class, clean restrooms.
- Information: Road updates and local sightseeing tips.
- Community: A vibrant market selling regional specialties (Meibutsu) and crafts.
Our Orders
Soy Sauce Soft-Serve Ice Cream
It had a rich, sweet-and-savory flavor reminiscent of “Mitarashi” (sweet soy glaze), with a perfect balance of creaminess and sweetness. Although I didn’t try it with Oga’s local salt this time, I later realized how incredible that salt is—it was so good I even bought some as a souvenir! I’ll definitely add it to my ice cream next time.
Crab Pizza with Iburigakko
Topped with “Iburigakko” (Akita’s traditional smoked daikon pickles), this pizza was a delightful surprise. The smokiness of the pickles blended perfectly with the rich flavor of the crab. With every bite offering a new twist, it was a sophisticated, “grown-up” pizza that was truly delicious.
Sashimi Rice Bowl
Since we were right by the fishing port, the seafood was exceptionally fresh! They offer a great variety of bowls, and this time I went with the limited-edition Sea Bream (Tai) bowl. It was so incredibly fresh—simply a moment of pure bliss with every bite.
The menu offers a wide variety of dishes, including “Hatahata” (local sandfish) and Japanese curry. The restaurant is very spacious with large tables and plenty of seating, and they even provide cutlery for children—making it an incredibly helpful spot for families with kids.
I would have loved to stay longer and relax, but in this area, missing just one bus means a grueling 90-minute wait for the next one… Considering my son’s nap schedule and the timing, we reluctantly rushed out to catch the bus heading back toward our hotel.
I was wondering what was taking my husband so long, only to find out he had secretly pre-ordered something from a hot dog stand between Oga-re and the station! He had managed to pick it up just in time before we had to run.
He had picked up three kinds: Cheese, Spicy, and “Gibasa Fish” (a unique local seaweed-infused fish dog). They were all delicious and a huge hit with the kids! He also grabbed some fries on the side, which turned out to be the perfect snack for the children once they woke up from their nap to enjoy at the aquarium.
Heading to the Hotel by Bus… Or So We Thought!
The bus stop is located just north of the station. There are several platforms, but the local bus departs from Platform 1. If you’re feeling unsure, there’s a tourist information center right inside the station building—the staff there were incredibly kind and helpful in showing us the way.
The bus you’ll want is the “Oga Kita Line(男鹿北線).” You can find the latest timetable on the local municipality’s official website. Just a heads-up: some services don’t run on weekends or holidays, so it’s definitely worth checking the schedule in advance to avoid any surprises!
Here’s the bus—isn’t it just adorable? This is the kind of charming local bus that will pick you up.
The bus was surprisingly full that day, with almost every seat taken, including ours. However, most passengers hopped off along the way, and by the time we passed the hot spring area, we were the only ones left on board—it felt like our own private shuttle!
Keep in mind that there isn’t much space for large luggage on these local buses. If you’re traveling with bulky suitcases or a stroller, you’ll probably find it much easier to take a taxi or the “Namahage Shuttle” (a convenient shared taxi service specifically for sightseeing).
Off to Oga Aquarium GAO!
I was just about to head to the hotel and call it a day, but suddenly, the cloudy sky cleared up and now the weather is absolutely gorgeous!
To top it off, the bus we’re on is bound for the Oga Aquarium. My younger son is fast asleep, and my older son is cheering, “I want to go to the aquarium!” With everything lining up so perfectly, how could we say no?
So, we thought, “We just have to go!” We made a split-second decision to pass our hotel and head straight for the aquarium instead.
Right at the entrance to the hot spring village—where we originally planned to get off—two giant Namahage statues were standing tall. My son was wide awake by then and pointing at them in amazement!
The bus ride took about an hour. Unlike the train earlier, we had a fantastic view of the scenery passing by, which made the trip feel much more enjoyable and kept us all entertained!
As we hit the coastline, the beautiful sky and sea opened up before our eyes. The contrast between the clear sky and the distant snow clouds, paired with the glistening reflection of light on the water, was breathtakingly beautiful as far as the eye could see.
I’ll be sharing all the details about our time at the aquarium in a separate post, so stay tuned!
Traveling with Kids: Key Tips and Realities
The Great Wardrobe Battle
Outside it was freezing, but inside the vehicles, it was toasty warm. My oldest son, especially, loves to dive headfirst into the snow the moment he sees it, so I had him in a full ski suit. However, after running around like crazy and coming back inside, he would immediately start chanting, “It’s too hot! I’m melting!”
We were constantly putting on and taking off layers. It probably depends on the child, but I realized that choosing winter gear that is easy to slip on and off makes life so much easier for parents! Also, since winter clothes are so bulky, I found it incredibly useful to have a large, foldable bag to temporarily stash the layers we stripped off.
When Should You Rent a Car?
To be honest, I was torn until the very last minute about whether to rent a car for this trip. After experiencing the local bus firsthand, here is my take on who should definitely consider renting a car:
If You Want to Break Free from the Timetable
Public transportation isn’t exactly a dense network here; I got the impression that most locals park their cars at the station to get around. Both trains and buses are quite infrequent. On top of that, taxis aren’t always waiting at every station, and in some areas, they aren’t even stationed nearby, meaning you have to call for one.
Depending on the local dispatch situation, it can sometimes take up to an hour for a taxi to arrive. This makes it absolutely essential to plan your schedule well in advance (I’ll share more about this in my post about our second day!).
If You Need Frequent Breaks for Diapers and Beyond
While almost every station platform had a heated waiting room to escape the cold, very few were equipped with diaper-changing stations, even if they had toilets and seating. If your child is at an age where they need frequent changes, traveling by car might give you more peace of mind.
And honestly—waiting for the train is just plain cold! (lol). While Oga Station is a main hub and very modern and clean, other smaller stations often lacked heating in their waiting rooms and toilets. There are also no convenience stores right in front of the stations to pop into for warmth or supplies. If you need to stay in control of your situation and keep everyone comfortable, a rental car is definitely the way to go.
If You Want the Freedom to Go Wherever Your Heart Leads
I did quite a bit of digging, but it turns out that buses don’t run along the scenic coastline of the Oga Peninsula during the winter season. Even the “Namahage Shuttle” only covers the coastal routes during the summer.
Furthermore, getting to the Namahage Museum by bus requires transferring between different lines, and with some services suspended in winter, the timing was incredibly difficult to manage. If you have multiple spots on your bucket list, a rental car is definitely the more practical choice for a winter visit.
It looks like some taxi companies in Oga City offer plans where you can consult with them about your sightseeing route. If you want a bit of freedom in your itinerary, or if you’re dying to see the coastal scenery in winter but aren’t confident about driving on icy roads, it might be a great idea to reach out and consult with them!
At first, I thought we would have to rent a car all the way from Akita Station. However, I discovered there are rental car offices right near Oga Station too! Coming to Oga by train and renting a car just for one day of local sightseeing is a great way to keep your expenses down without having to backtrack to Akita.
Reference Sites for Transportation Information:
Magical Encounters: The Special Charm of Traveling “Local”
This trip involved a lot of travel by train and bus, but those rides led to so many wonderful encounters.
On the train, people would smile and say, “How cute!” to my kids. Since there are so few trains, we actually ran into the same person on both our outbound and return trips and ended up becoming friends! On the bus, after all the other passengers had gotten off, the driver called out to us, “Look! You can see the Namahage from here!”
I was so touched by the drivers’ kindness—they remembered where everyone was getting off and would say things like, “This is your stop, right? Take your time getting off!” Even the taxi driver was so sweet, helping my kids out of the car by picking them up and setting them down gently.
Everywhere we went, people were incredibly kind, friendly, and welcoming to our family. We fell in love with the area so much that my husband started seriously looking up vacant houses, joking that we should just move to Oga! (lol).
In Closing…
Looking back, I’m so glad we chose to travel “local” this time. It only happened because my husband worked so hard researching all the train and bus schedules (lol), but thanks to him, we were rewarded with so many “first-time” experiences and wonderful encounters.
My oldest son actually took this photo while we were waiting for the bus!
The wait times were freezing, but we were completely mesmerized by the snowy landscapes. As for my oldest son, he had the time of his life burying himself in the snow! It turned out to be such a joyful and memorable time for all of us.
I hope our experience helps you plan your own journey!
