Major city · Japan
Yurihonjo由利本荘市
Go only with a car and one clear target: Mt. Chokai hikes, Hottai Falls or the onsen circuit. Without wheels, skip it.
Yurihonjo is a merged, spread-out city in southern Akita: a coastal Honjo core plus mountain towns toward Chokai. Sights sit 20–50 km apart and buses run a few times a day, so a rental car decides whether the trip works. Most travellers come for one or two nights of hiking, waterfalls and hot springs, not for a city break.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- JPY
- Best months
- May–Jun, Sep–Oct
- avoid Jul (rainy season), Jan–Feb (heavy inland snow, closed mountain roads)
- Airports
- AXT · NRT · SDJ
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 5
- East Asia ↗Every border in East Asia is a full international border, Hong Kong and Macau included: an entry permission for one never covers the next.
- East Asia ↗Ferries between Korea, Japan and China cancel in rough seas and typhoons; keep a flight or a spare day behind every sea leg.
- Japan ↗IC cards (ICOCA/Suica) are topped up with cash at station machines.
- Japan ↗Smoking while walking is banned in most city centres; use designated areas.
- Japan ↗Shinkansen bags 160–250 cm (L+W+H) need a seat reserved with the oversized-baggage area.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Yurihonjo110 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Yurihonjo, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Cities are increasingly cashless; temples, small restaurants and some lodging taxes still want cash.Japan-wide
- SIM or eSIMData-only eSIMs are the easy route: buy before you fly; voice SIMs need a residence card.Japan-wide
- Tap waterSafe from the tap everywhere; stations and parks have fountains.Japan-wide
- TippingRestaurants and bars: No tip; staff will chase you to return money left on the table.Japan-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 100 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Japan-wide
- SafetyLow crime, high exposure: the real risks are mountain weather, unplowed winter roads and long gaps between buses.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree, clean public toilets in stations, parks and konbini; paper goes in the toilet.Japan-wide
- Emergency numbers110 police · 119 fire and ambulance (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMuseums close on Mondays (Tuesday when Monday is a holiday); many family restaurants close one weekday, often Tuesday or Wednesday…Japan-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckAXT Akita Airport (About 1 h 15 min by car to Honjo via Route 7; check bus connections).
- Getting aroundA car is the realistic way to move between Honjo, Iwaki, Yashima and Chokai; parking is rarely a problem.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee¥400–700 (≈ US$3–5)
- Street or quick mealNoodle soup (ramen or soba)¥800–1,300 (≈ US$6–9)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)5 km (3.1 mi) taxi3.1 mi (5 km) taxiOutlying runs cost far more.¥2,000–2,600 (≈ US$14–18)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week¥2,000–4,000 (≈ US$14–30)
- Museum or sight ticketOnsen entry (local bath house)Towel rental extra at some.¥300–500 (≈ US$3–4)
- Budget bedHostel or guesthouse bed, a night, per person¥3,500 (≈ US$25)
- Mid-range bedBusiness-hotel double room, a night, per room¥13,000 (≈ US$90)
- High-end bedBusiness-hotel double room, a night, per room¥25,000 (≈ US$170)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget ¥6,000 (≈ US$45) · Mid ¥11,000 (≈ US$75) · High ¥20,000 (≈ US$140)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- AXT Akita Airport (About 1 h 15 min by car to Honjo via Route 7; check bus connections) · NRT Tokyo Narita (Night bus 'Chokai Dream' runs Tokyo–Honjo; check the operator timetable) · SDJ Sendai (Longer rail/road approach via Yamagata; check connections)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
Feb
Avoid
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
Mar
not flagged
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Apr
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
May
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Jun
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Jul
Avoid
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Aug
not flagged
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Sep
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Oct
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Nov
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Dec
not flagged
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Best: May–Jun, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jan–Feb, Jul. Month by month →
Warmest Aug (29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)), coolest Jan (−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C) low), wettest Dec (21 rain days), driest May (13). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Yurihonjo: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
20 rd
Feb
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
17 rd
Mar
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
17 rd
Apr
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
14 rd
May
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
13 rd
Jun
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
13 rd
Jul
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
16 rd
Aug
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
15 rd
Sep
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
15 rd
Oct
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
16 rd
Nov
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
19 rd
Dec
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
21 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
A car is the realistic way to move between Honjo, Iwaki, Yashima and Chokai; parking is rarely a problem. The Yuri Kogen Railway links Ugohonjo to Yashima via Yuri, roughly hourly. Local buses reach Higashi-Yuri and Chokai a few times a day; taxis get expensive fast for outlying towns.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Akita
goDoor to door: About 1–1.5 h
JR lines north from Ugohonjo, or Route 7 by car via Iwaki
Bigger city base with shinkansen access; useful as a rail link, not a day out.
Nikaho
goDoor to door: About 30–45 min
Route 7 south by car via Nishime, or JR south from Ugohonjo
Coastal and Mt. Chokai south-side access; easiest with a car.
Yuzawa, Akita
cautionDoor to door: About 1–1.5 h
Route 108 by car via Yuri, Yashima and Chokai
Mountain road; check winter closures before setting out.
Daisen, Akita
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Route 105 by car via Ouchi
Straightforward drive; pairs with the Ouchi rest area and Akata Giant Buddha.
Yokote
cautionDoor to door: About 1.5 h
Route 107 by car via Higashi-Yuri
Better as a rail trip from Akita; the mountain road is slow.
Oga
overnightDoor to door: About 2 h
Car north along the coast via Akita
Too far for a comfortable return day; sleep on the peninsula.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Honjo (Ugohonjo Station area)
The practical base: station, bus terminal, shops and central onsen within walking distance.
Nishime
Route 7 rest-area cluster with a 24-hour bath house; handy for a late arrival by car.
Chokai / Yashima
Mountain-side inns and onsen near trailheads; book ahead in hiking season, few English options.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- ¥6,000–10,000 (≈ US$45–70) excl. bed
- Mid
- ¥10,000–16,000 (≈ US$70–110) excl. bed
- High
- ¥16,000 (≈ US$110)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Business-hotel double room1 × 2 nights × ¥13,000 | ¥26,000 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × ¥11,000 | ¥44,000 |
| Rental car, one day (compact, with insurance)1 × ¥8,000 | ¥8,000 |
| Fuel, about 100 km1 × ¥1,500 | ¥1,500 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × ¥2,500 | ¥5,000 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | ¥8,450 |
| Trip total≈ ¥23,240 per person per day, bed included | ¥92,950≈ US$650 |
2026 estimate in yen; flights and rail passes excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | ¥400–700 (≈ US$3–5) |
| Noodle soup (ramen or soba) | ¥800–1,300 (≈ US$6–9) |
| Onsen entry (local bath house)Towel rental extra at some. | ¥300–500 (≈ US$3–4) |
| Rental car, one dayWinter tyres may cost more. | ¥7,000–12,000 (≈ US$50–85) |
| 5 km taxiOutlying runs cost far more. | ¥2,000–2,600 (≈ US$14–18) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | ¥2,000–4,000 (≈ US$14–30) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Mountain roads close seasonally or for repairs: ask locally and check before driving.
- Winter brings snow and ice on roads; inland Chokai gets heavy snow.
- Hottai Falls facilities close in winter and the last road section is not plowed.
- Buses to outlying towns run only a few times a day: plan the return or you are stranded.
- Little English is spoken outside the station and main hotels.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 110
- Fire and ambulance
- 119
Pocket card
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Yurihonjo由利本荘市
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
ここまでお願いしますTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police110
- Fire and ambulance119
Embassy
No embassies here; the US consulate-general is in Sapporo and embassies are in Tokyo. Check your own country's nearest office.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Yuri Kogen Railway, Ugohonjo → Yashima: about ¥600–900 (≈ US$5–7), about 40 min (check)
- Night bus Tokyo → Honjo: about ¥8,000–12,000 (≈ US$55–85) one way (check)
- Taxi Ugohonjo Station → central Honjo: ¥800–1,200 (≈ US$6–9)
Say or show
- すみません — Excuse me / Sorry (sumimasen)
- ありがとうございます — Thank you (arigatō gozaimasu)
- これをください — This one, please (kore o kudasai)
- いくらですか？ — How much is it? (ikura desu ka)
- カードで払えますか？ — Can I pay by card? (kādo de haraemasu ka)
- トイレはどこですか？ — Where is the toilet? (toire wa doko desu ka)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Yurihonjo. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Jun, Sep–Oct · avoid Jul (rainy season), Jan–Feb (heavy inland snow, closed mountain roads) · month by month →
- 3 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for AXT: field-checked transfer times, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Four driving clusters with rescue anchors: Honjo, Nishime, Iwaki/Ouchi, Yashima/Chokai.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Hottai Falls, Iwaki Local History Museum, Chokai trailheads) and onsen pages with closing days.
- Winter and hostile-weather fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialYurihonjo City official site
- officialYurihonjo Tourism Association
- officialYuri Kogen Railway
- officialUgokotsu Bus
- secondaryWikivoyage: Yurihonjo, revision 5237602 (CC BY-SA 4.0)