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Isedōtai Site

The Isedōtai Site is primarily composed of four stone circles (ring-shaped stone arrangements), the largest being $45text{m}$ in diameter, with all four exceeding $30text{m}$ in diameter. It was registered as a World Cultural Heritage site in July $2021$ as part of the "Jomon Prehistoric Sites in Northern Japan." In addition to the stone circles, arrangement structures, remains of pillar-supported buildings, pit graves, storage pits, and ditch-like structures have been found. There is no other known example of four such stone circles confirmed to be adjacent to one another. From the edge of the terrace where the stone circles are concentrated,...

Akita
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Lake Towada

Lake Towada is a classic double caldera lake spanning both Akita and Aomori Prefectures, with a surface elevation of $400text{m}$ and a maximum depth of $327text{m}$ (the $3text{rd}$ deepest in Japan).Visitors are captivated by the seasonal beauty, from the mountain cherry blossoms in May and fresh greenery in June, to the bustling summer with lake festivals and campers, the autumn when the outer rim mountains are colored like a brocade painting, and the deep stillness of winter. The ability to enjoy different views along various walking routes is also a major attraction.The lake is also famous as a production area...

Akita
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Kouraku-kan Theatre

Kouraku-kan Theatre

Built in $1910$ (Meiji 43) as a welfare facility for the Kosaka Mine, the Kouraku-kan is one of the oldest wooden theaters in Japan. It features a unique blend of Japanese and Western styles, with a Western-style exterior and a typical Japanese-style theater interior. The hall is equipped with a human-powered revolving stage, a suppon (trap door), a hanamichi (flower path runway), and box seats (sajiki), and it still hosts performances today. Furthermore, outside of special performances, visitors can tour the dressing rooms and backstage areas (with a free guide).

Akita
Sightseeing
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Shirakami Sanchi

Shirakami Sanchi

Shirakami Sanchi is the general term for a vast mountainous region spanning approximately $130,000text{ hectares}$ across Akita and Aomori Prefectures. The $16,971text{ hectares}$ of Japan's largest primeval beech forest within this area were registered as a World Natural Heritage site in December $1993$.You can observe natural beech trees in the surrounding areas such as the Taragyō Gorge, Dakedai Nature Observation Education Forest, and Manase Valley. The Dakedai Nature Observation Education Forest offers visitors an experience of nature and ecosystems nearly identical to those found in the core zone of the World Heritage Shirakami Sanchi. Even beginners can easily enjoy trekking...

Akita
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn

Lake Tazawa

Surrounded by lush green mountains, Lake Tazawa is Japan’s deepest lake, reaching a depth of 423.4 meters and known for its striking sapphire-blue waters. Sightseeing boats operate from the Kohan Spring area, offering scenic cruises across the lake. Around the lakeshore, you’ll also find attractions such as the Jōmon-no-Mori Tazawako Auto Campground, Gozaishige Shrine, Heart Herb Garden, the legendary Statue of Tatsuko, and Ukigi Shrine (Kanza-gū).

Akita
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Akita Nairiku Jūkan Railway

Akita Nairiku Jūkan Railway

The Akita Nairiku Jūkan Railway (Akita Inland Line) is a local line running $94.2text{ km}$ between Kakunodate Station and Takanosu Station.The line passes through major tourist destinations in Semboku City, including Kakunodate, known as the "Little Kyoto of Michinoku," and the nearest station to Lake Tazawa, Japan's deepest lake. During the seasons of fresh greenery and autumn leaves, passengers can enjoy the beautiful, ever-changing scenery from the train window, such as mountain terraced rice fields and majestic mountains.The sightseeing train "Emi" (Smile) is also in operation, offering travelers a charming journey where they can enjoy heartwarming interactions with the local...

Akita
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Winter

Oyasu Gorge

At Oyasu Gorge, the “Great Boiling Spring” (Oyasu Daifunto) dramatically erupts with hot water and steam, as if the earth itself were breathing. At the bottom of the 60-meter-deep gorge, scalding water bursts out between steep rock walls with a roaring sound— a truly overwhelming natural spectacle. The scenery created by the gorge, surrounded by trees and rising steam, is breathtaking in every season: fresh greenery in spring, vibrant foliage in autumn, and huge icicles—called “shigakko”—hanging from the cliffs in winter. It is a photogenic spot all year round. This area features an extremely rare geological formation where cracks in...

Akita
Sightseeing
Nature
Winter

Akita Prefecture

Akita Prefecture

Akita Prefecture is blessed with rich nature and hot springs, including the mysterious Lake Tazawa and the secluded, atmospheric Nyūtō Onsen Village. Winter is synonymous with Iburigakko (smoked and pickled daikon radish) preserved and fermented in natural snow chambers, and Kiritanpo Nabe (hot pot) made with Hinai Jidori chicken. Known as a kingdom of fine sake, the local brews created from clear water are exceptional. Furthermore, historical traditions are still alive, such as the impressive Kantō Festival and Yokote no Kamakura, where people pray for good health inside snow huts.

Akita
Area Info
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Dakigaeri Keikoku Gorge

Dakigaeri Keikoku Gorge

Dakigaeri Keikoku Gorge, famous for its fresh green foliage and autumn leaves, is a 10-kilometer long gorge that follows the middle reaches of the Tamagawa River, which flows through Lake Tazawa and Kakunodate. It was named "Dakigaeri" (meaning "hugging and turning back") because the mountain path was once so narrow and steep that people had to pass each other by virtually hugging and turning back. The Mikaeri no Taki (Return-Gazing Waterfall), so beautiful it makes you want to turn back and look at it again and again, is the gorge's top attraction. You can walk along the gorge up to...

Akita
Sightseeing
Nature
Autumn

Semboku City

Semboku City in Akita Prefecture is appealing for its rich nature and historical scenery. Lake Tazawa, the deepest lake in Japan, is characterized by its mystical lapis lazuli water, and the legendary statue of Tatsuko stands on its shore. Furthermore, the secluded Nyuto Onsen Village deep in the mountains is known as a hidden hot spring area, with seven inns scattered throughout. The Kakunodate Samurai Residence Street, known as the "Little Kyoto of Michinoku," is a National Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, and is especially exceptional in the spring when the weeping cherry trees are in full...

Akita
Area Info
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Nyuto Onsen Village

Nyuto Onsen Village

Nyuto Onsen Village is a hot spring retreat in Semboku City, Akita Prefecture, with a history spanning over 350 years. This village is nestled at the foot of Mt. Nyuto, within the Towada-Hachimantai National Park, which straddles Akita, Iwate, and Aomori prefectures. Seven secluded inns are scattered throughout the area, seemingly protected by the primeval beech forest. A unique feature of this hot spring village, rarely seen nationwide, is that it possesses over 10 different types of natural spring sources, with each inn having its own unique source.

Akita
Area Info
Sightseeing
Accommodation
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Tsuru no Yu Onsen

Tsuru no Yu Onsen

This is the most historic hot spring in Nyuto Onsen Village, boasting an honorable legacy as a therapeutic bathing retreat for the feudal lord of the Akita Clan. The Honjin, a long, thatched-roof building that once housed the guarding samurai, remains preserved to this day.

Akita
Accommodation
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Tae no Yu Onsen

Tae no Yu Onsen

The outdoor bath is superb, allowing you to listen to the beautiful babbling stream of the Sendatsu River flowing right by the eaves! Its detailed service and elegant atmosphere are particularly popular among female guests.

Akita
Accommodation
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Kuroyu Onsen

The source of the hot spring is right next to the inn, allowing you to watch the water vigorously gush out. In addition to the open-air baths, the cascading utase-yu (waterfall massage bath) is highly recommended.

Akita
Accommodation
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Ganiba Onsen

It was named "Ganiba Onsen" (Crab Field Hot Spring) because many crabs inhabit the nearby stream. There is an open-air bath located about 50 meters away from the main building, nestled within the primeval forest, where you can enjoy the hot spring while feeling the changing seasons.

Akita
Accommodation
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Magoroku Onsen

This hot spring retains the rustic atmosphere of a traditional toji (therapeutic bathing) retreat and is known as the "Mountain's Medicinal Hot Water." The bathhouses are located separately from the main inn, situated down by the river. A large, women-only outdoor bath is available on the river side.

Akita
Accommodation
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Ogama Onsen

This unique inn was created by relocating and renovating a wooden school building. Consequently, the interior of the building is imbued with a nostalgic atmosphere. During the summer season, an oke (wooden tub) foot bath is also available.

Akita
Accommodation
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Kyukamura Nyuto Onsen

Kyukamura Nyuto Onsen

A tranquil inn surrounded by a beautiful beech forest. Recently renovated, it is the most modern facility among the accommodations in Nyuto Onsen Village.

Akita
Accommodation
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Natsuse Onsen Miyakowasure

Natsuse Onsen Miyakowasure

This secluded hot spring has been cherished as a medicinal bath since the Edo Period. It is an inn surrounded by nature, offering a modern Japanese space that fuses Japanese and Western aesthetics. Every guest room features its own open-air bath, and there are separate bathing areas for men and women in a detached building, along with a mixed-gender open-air bath.

Akita
Accommodation
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Oga City

The Oga Peninsula in Akita Prefecture is a place of tradition and magnificent scenery. The "Oga no Namahage" culture, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, is the most famous, and you can experience its intensity at the Namahage Museum and the Oga Shinzan Folklore Museum. Cape Nyudo, the northernmost point of the peninsula, is a spectacular viewing spot with a beautiful contrast between the black and white lighthouse and the green lawn. Furthermore, Mt. Kanpu, which is entirely covered in grass, offers a magnificent 360-degree panorama. The Godzilla Rock is popular at sunset, and the Oga Aquarium GAO is also a...

Akita
Area Info
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Namahage Taiko Drums

Namahage Taiko Drums

"Onga" is a Japanese drumming (Wadaiko) group, formed primarily by local young people in Oga City, Akita Prefecture. They are based and perform at the Oga Onsen Koryu Kaikan Gofu (Community Hall).

Akita
Sightseeing
Festivals & Events
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Namahage Sedo Festival

Namahage Sedo Festival

Namahage SEDO festival is famous for local snow festival which can meet real NAMAHAGE. We held this festival on every February.

Akita
Sightseeing
Festivals & Events
Winter

Oga Aquarium GAO

Oga Aquarium GAO

This aquarium stands in a superb location overlooking the Sea of Japan. The "Oga Sea Grand Tank" is truly spectacular. It exhibits 10,000 living creatures of 400 species, including polar bears, penguins, seals, and sea lions. They also offer year-round exhibits of Akita Prefecture's prefectural fish, the "Hatahata" (Sandfish), allowing visitors to carefully observe the ecology of species unique to Akita.

Akita
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Unsho-ji Temple’s Hydrangeas

Unsho-ji Temple’s Hydrangeas

When in full bloom, the hydrangeas completely dye the grounds blue, with the Sea of Oga stretching out beyond them. These hydrangeas, carefully cultivated over many years by the temple's vice chief priest, cover the temple grounds in a brilliant blue. Beyond the flowers, the deep blue sea peeks through, offering a sight unique to Oga.

Akita
Sightseeing
Summer