Akita Prefecture, which is surrounded by great nature, has recently been offering a growing number of activities that can be enjoyed in the midst of nature. At 423.4 m deep, Lake Tazawa is the deepest lake in Japan. Sightseeing boats depart from the Haruyama district on the lakeside, and visitors can enjoy seasonal activities such as canoeing, SUP, and Komagatake trekking in summer, as well as snow trekking and backcountry skiing in winter.
There are various hot springs in Akita Prefecture. Among them, Nyuto Onsenkyo, which consistently ranks high in travel magazine rankings of hot springs to visit, has been famous since ancient times for its seven natural hot springs that still retain the atmosphere of their therapeutic properties. These hot springs are located at the foot of Mt. Nyuto in Towada-Hachimantai National Park. Each has its own unique source and quality of spring water, and you can bathe in all seven if you purchase a yumeguri-cho (hot spring tour book). It is said that visiting the seven hot springs is a cure for all illnesses.
Akita dogs, designated as a national natural treasure, are so popular that they have fans all over the world. In Akita Prefecture, visitors can observe and experience petting Akita dogs at various facilities, including the Akita Dog Station in Akita City. Akita dogs have a large body, pointed ears, and a large, fluffy tail that curls up. Interacting with Akita dogs will surely comfort and heal your body and soul.
Kakunodate is known as one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in the Tohoku region, and visitors can enjoy the contrast of weeping cherry trees against the background of black samurai residence walls and the spectacular view of Someiyoshino cherry trees that create a 2-km long cherry blossom tunnel on the nearby Hinokinai Riverbank.
The hydrangeas, carefully nurtured for 15 years by the temple’s vice priest, are at their best from early June to early July. You can enjoy the spectacular view that was ranked No. 1 in The Best Spectacular Views in Japan in 2017 by the official website of Breathtaking Sights in the World I Want to See before I Die.
This is one of the three major festivals in the Tohoku region. Participants compete in the skillful manipulation of a giant Kanto (a bamboo pole with lots of lanterns), which stands 12 meters tall and weighs 50 kilograms, by placing it on their hands, foreheads, shoulders, and hips. The light of the Kanto, which resembles ears of rice, adds color and splendor to the summer in Akita.
The best pyrotechnicians selected from all over Japan compete with each other to be crowned the champion fireworks maker in Japan. Visitors can enjoy the powerful sound and the art of light that brilliantly colors the night sky.
Akita Nairiku Jukan Tetsudo is a 94.2 km long local railway line that runs through the inland area of Akita. Paddy field art along the line is a seasonal event held from early summer to early fall. Designs of Akita dogs and local festivals are created in the paddy fields at several locations and can best be seen from July to early September.
Dakigaeri Valley is famous for its autumn foliage and is also called the “Yabakei of Tohoku.” Visitors can enjoy a casual stroll through the valley. The view from God’s Rock Bridge is spectacular, and many events take place during the festival.
A winter tourist event combining the Shinto ritual Sedo Festival and the folk custom of Namahage demon-like beings. The mystical sight of Namahage dancing heroically under the bush lanterns lit in the precincts of Mayama Shrine is spectacular.
The god of water is enshrined in a snow chamber called “kamakura,” and visitors are served baked rice cakes and amazake (sweet sake) around a brazier inside the snow chamber. The sight of the kamakura looming in the night’s darkness is fantastical.