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Tohoku Night View Guide by Campervan

A Journey Through Tohoku’s Night View Spots: Painting Trails of Light with Camping Cars

Touring Tohoku’s night view spots with a camping car offers a special journey filled with freedom and emotion. From the sparkling sea and city lights of Aomori Port, to the fantastical illuminations of Aquamarine Fukushima in Iwaki, the night cityscape viewed from Iwayama in Morioka, the curtain of lights enjoyed at Aobayama in Sendai, and the panoramic view of city lights spreading across Koriyama. With a camping car, you have the freedom to travel and stay overnight, allowing you to enjoy night views to your heart’s content. Today, we present an enchanting journey through Tohoku’s night view spots.


1. Aomori Prefecture・Aomori Port Bay Bridge Observatory

青森ベイブリッジのライトアップ写真
Aomori Bay Bridge Illumination

Night View Features:
A beautiful spot where the contrast between Aomori Port and city lights creates stunning views. The illuminated Bay Bridge particularly stands out in the night scenery.

Access Convenience:
Close to the city center with easy access from Route 4. Surrounding roads are wide, making it problem-free for camping cars.

Parking Points:
You can use the Aoi Umi Park parking lot (free and spacious). Night-time use is relatively safe.

Important Notes:
Port winds can be strong, so don’t forget cold weather protection when staying outside for extended periods.


2.Fukushima Prefecture・Iwaki City “Aquamarine Fukushima”

Night View Features:
Located at Onahama Port in Iwaki City, Aquamarine Fukushima (Aquamarine Park) offers exquisite beauty with port lights reflecting on the sea. The surrounding ferris wheel illumination adds to the photogenic atmosphere.

Access Convenience:
About 15 minutes by car from Iwaki Yumoto IC on the Joban Expressway. Surrounding roads are wide, allowing comfortable access even with camping cars.

Parking Points:
You can use the Aquamarine Fukushima aquarium parking lot. It’s spacious and night parking is available.

Important Notes:
There are commercial facilities nearby, so it may be crowded. For night views, visiting after closing hours is recommended for a quieter experience.


3. Iwate Prefecture・Morioka City “Iwayama Observatory”

盛岡市の夜景写真
Morioka City Night View

Night View Features:
A classic night view spot overlooking Morioka city. The city lights viewed from this elevated position show a completely different expression from daytime.

Access Convenience:
About 20 minutes by car from Morioka Station. While it’s a mountain road, it’s wide and well-maintained, making it easily accessible even with camping cars.

Parking Points:
Use the observatory parking lot (free, available for night use). The space is adequate.

Important Notes:
Since there are few people at night, visiting with multiple people is more reassuring. Bringing a flashlight is also recommended.


4. Miyagi Prefecture・Sendai City “Aobayama Park Observatory”

Night View Features:
Located in central Sendai, you can enjoy the city’s night view up close. The spectacular sight created by Sendai’s cityscape and mountain silhouettes is breathtaking.

Access Convenience:
About 15 minutes by car from Sendai-Miyagi IC on the Tohoku Expressway. Close to the city center and easy to visit casually.

Parking Points:
Aobayama Park parking lot is available (open at night). The space is adequate for camping cars to park easily.

Important Notes:
Many areas within the park are dark, so be careful with your footing when moving after viewing the night scenery.


5. Fukushima Prefecture・Koriyama City “Bandai Atami Onsen Observatory”

郡山市の夜景写真
Koriyama City Night View

Night View Features:
You can enjoy the quiet lights of Bandai Atami hot spring district and the night view of Koriyama city spreading in the distance. Relaxing in hot springs after night viewing is also recommended.

Access Convenience:
About 10 minutes by car from Bandai Atami IC on the Ban-etsu Expressway. Close to the hot spring district center with few slopes, ensuring safe access.

Parking Points:
Use the observatory parking lot (free). There are also scattered parking lots around the hot spring district, making it relatively convenient.

Important Notes:
There are many restaurants and hot spring facilities around the observatory, so parking lots may become crowded. Early visits are recommended.


Tips for Enjoying Night Views on Camping Car Trips

The Tohoku region has numerous night view spots with good access that can be easily visited even with camping cars. Keep the following points in mind for an even more comfortable journey.

  1. Check parking information in advance
     Some observatory parking lots may close at certain hours. Research roadside stations and large parking lots around night view spots for peace of mind.
  2. Prepare thoroughly for cold weather
     Especially during autumn and winter nights when it gets severely cold, prepare warm clothing and blankets.
  3. Drive with vehicle width awareness
     Since camping cars are large, be careful on narrow roads and sharp curves. Choosing wider roads is key.
  4. Enjoy quietly
     At night view spots, be mindful not to disturb others with engine noise or loud voices.

Conclusion: Experiencing Special Moments on Tohoku’s Night View Journey

Aomori Port, Aquamarine Fukushima in Iwaki, Iwayama in Morioka, Aobayama in Sendai, and Koriyama. The Tohoku landscapes experienced at each night view spot provide deeply memorable emotions that will be etched in your travel memories. By utilizing a camping car, the freedom of movement and accommodation is added, allowing you to spend luxurious time alongside beautiful night views. This journey’s charm lies in being able to fully enjoy both daytime sightseeing and nighttime scenery. Please use this article as reference and embark on a Tohoku night view journey with your camping car. Special memories will surely be born amidst the sparkling lights. When planning night view tours with camping cars, please also check out our articles on preparation and photography techniques.

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I have always wanted to travel in a campervan and have moved from staying in a minivan to buying a campervan. I am currently doing a lot of research for the purchase of a campervan. I am still a new guide, but I will use this opportunity to learn more and share this information with you.