Check out Akita, an hour by train to the north.
Within the prefecture, Lake Tazawa and the Oga Peninsula are both two hours' drive from Honjo.
Take a day trip to Tsuruoka in NW Yamagata Prefecture.
There is nice day hiking at Dewa Sanzan, 2 hours from Honjo.
Yamagata Prefecture is accessible by train or car.
Visit nearby areas — Yuzawa, Yokote, Nikaho, or Ugo.
