Cherry Blossoms and Snow Walls: Chokai Blue Line Opens Early

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The Chokai Blue Line is a scenic mountain road stretching about 35 kilometers (22 miles) along Mount Chokai, linking the mountain’s fifth station with Nikaho City in Akita Prefecture and Yuza Town in Yamagata Prefecture. Following its winter closure, the Akita side partially reopened on April 17—about a week earlier than usual.

Snow removal was accelerated at the request of local groups, including the Nikaho Tourism Association, in hopes of attracting visitors during the brief period when cherry blossoms and towering snow corridors can be enjoyed at the same time.

Full Opening Set for April 24

Typically, both the Akita and Yamagata sides open simultaneously. This year, however, the remaining section beyond Hokodate Observatory on the Akita side, along with the entire Yamagata side, is scheduled to open on April 24.

At a reopening ceremony in Kisakata, cherry trees were in full bloom, with Somei Yoshino, weeping cherry, and wild mountain cherry all at or just past their peak. Higher up near the fifth station, snow walls reaching around 8 meters (26 feet) line the road.

*Weeping cherry blossoms in full bloom line the roadside, with snow lingering on Mount Chokai in the background—April 17, Nikaho City, Akita Prefecture. (©Sankei/Tomoaki Yatsunami)*

Visitors Welcome Early Access

A 76-year-old visitor from Yurihonjo City in southern Akita Prefecture was out with his camera, delighted to see the snow corridor made accessible by the early opening.

An official from the Akita Prefectural Yurihonjo Regional Development Bureau noted that temperatures near the fifth station can still drop low enough for snowfall at night as of April 17. Nighttime traffic restrictions will remain in place until around mid-May, as is typical each year.