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Chōkai Plateau and Mount Chōkai

Mount Chōkai is the second-highest peak in the Tohoku region, spanning both Akita and Yamagata Prefectures. It is also known as "Dewa Fuji." It is famous for the spectacular sight of the Kage Chōkai (Shadow Chōkai), where its shadow is cast upon the Sea of Japan, and for its rich variety of alpine plants. Besides mountain climbing, it is also known as a mecca for spring skiing and a popular trekking course.

Akita
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Spring
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Akita

Ōyu Stone Circles

The Ōyu Stone Circles are a large-scale archaeological site dating from the early to middle Late Jomon period (around $2000text{ BCE}$ to $1500text{ BCE}$), centered around two stone circles (Nonakadō Stone Circle and Manza Stone Circle). It was registered as a World Cultural Heritage site as part of the "Jomon Prehistoric Sites in Northern Japan."In both the Nonakadō and Manza stone circles, the remains of pillar-supported buildings, pit graves/storage pits, and artifact discard areas are arranged concentrically around each circle. Additionally, the "Sundial-shaped Stone Arrangement" is located on the northwest side from the center of each stone circle, situated between...

Akita
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Spring
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Akita

Kagaminuma

Kagaminuma (Mirror Pond), located in Hachimantai, offers a mysterious, dragon's eye-like view created by the snow covering the pond and the melting water. Kagaminuma is a crater lake formed when water accumulated in a crater created by an eruption. It was named "Mirror Pond" because its calm water surface reflects the surrounding beautiful scenery like a mirror.The "Dragon Eye," which "appears if you are lucky" from late May to early June, is attracting attention as a new scenic spot in Hachimantai.Note: Please do not descend into the pond, as there is a risk of the ice breaking and causing a...

Akita
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring

Akita

Kamioouchizawa Nature Park Observation and Education Forest

Within the Kamioouchizawa Nature Observation and Education Forest, where approximately $700text{ trees}$, including natural Akita cedars over $250text{ years}$ old, grow, stands a particularly strangely shaped giant tree. This symbol of Kami-Koani Village, which has also been selected as one of the "100 Giants of the Forest," allows visitors to fully appreciate the formative beauty of nature.

Akita
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Nature

Akita

Hanawa Bayashi Festival

The Hanawa Bayashi Festival is dedicated as a ritual performance for Yuki Inari Shrine, the local tutelary deity of Hanawa. It features splendid floats (yatai) parading through the town to the accompaniment of the bayashi (festival music). Said to originate in the late Heian period, it is counted as one of the "Three Great Bayashi Festivals of Japan." The "Ekimae Gyōji" (Station Front Event), where the floats from $10text{ districts}$ gather, is a must-see.This festival is designated as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage and a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property.

Akita
Sightseeing
Festivals & Events
Summer

Akita

Osarizawa Mine Historical Site

Visitors can enjoy hands-on activities such as pure gold panning and digging for natural stones, and also learn about the history and mining techniques of the mine by walking through the tunnels.This is one of the largest copper mine historical sites in Japan, discovered in 708 (Nara period), and has developed alongside Japanese history until its closure in 1978.

Akita
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Spring
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Akita

Kiritanpo Origin Festival

This event is held in Kazuno City, the purported birthplace of kiritanpo. It gathers famous kiritanpo nabe (hot pot) restaurants from Kazuno City, and also features the Yamago Nabe (Hunter's Hot Pot), a recreation of the original nabe from when kiritanpo was first created. You can also savor the rare pheasant-based hot pot!

Akita
Sightseeing
Festivals & Events
Autumn

Akita

Towada-Hachimantai National Park

South of Lake Towada, in the vast mountainous region of Hachimantai spanning Akita and Iwate Prefectures, visitors can enjoy natural forests consisting of beech and Aomori fir, volcanic landforms and phenomena, alpine plants such as Gankōran (Empetrum nigrum), Isotsutsuji (Rhododendron), and cranberries (Koke momo) growing in clusters at Mōsen Pass, and hot springs scattered along the Hachimantai Aspite Line (National Route 341).The South Hachimantai region at the park's southern end features colonies of alpine plants represented by Komakusa (Dicentra peregrina) and Ezo-tsutsuji (Rhododendron camtschaticum) (designated National Natural Monuments), as well as mountains like Mt. Komagatake, known for its beautiful views....

Akita
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Spring
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Akita

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
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Nature
Spring
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Akita

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
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Spring
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Akita

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
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Nature
Spring
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Winter

Akita

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
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Autumn
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Akita

Uttō Onsen Matagi no Yu

This is a natural hot spring featuring amber-colored, free-flowing source water that springs up at the foot of Mt. Moriyoshi. Fatigue from traveling melts away in the main bath and open-air bath while gazing at the rich nature of Ani.The cuisine is also rich, featuring authentic local bear dishes and Jango cuisine, which means "countryside" in the Akita dialect. Visitors can also listen to Matagi (traditional hunter) storytelling and participate in many activities that take advantage of the abundant natural environment. You can experience Matagi traditions like making Setchū Nabe (snow-pot cooking) or try snowshoeing in the snow.

Akita
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Spring
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Akita

Mt. Moriyoshi Ani Ski Resort

Mt. Moriyoshi is known as one of the "100 Famous Flower Mountains." From early summer to autumn, approximately $300text{ types}$ of alpine plants bloom in succession. In autumn, beautiful autumn foliage spreads across the mountain, and in winter, visitors can enjoy viewing the spectacular rime ice (Juhyō), one of the Three Great Rime Ice formations in Japan. The greatest charm of Mt. Moriyoshi is that you can reach the $8text{th}$ station via a gondola. Since the hiking trails beyond that point are also well-maintained, even beginners or those with limited physical confidence can easily visit.

Akita
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Nature
Spring
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Akita

Chigoki Cape Observation Deck

The Chigoki Cape Observation Deck (Chigoki Cape Lighthouse) is located along the coastline of Hachimori Town, Akita Prefecture, and is a spot where visitors can enjoy the spectacular view and sunset over the Sea of Japan. Situated slightly off the national road, the deck offers a view stretching from the Oga Peninsula all the way to Nyūdōzaki. The view from the lighthouse is particularly popular, combining the magnificent scenery of the Hachimori-Iwadate Coast.

Akita
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Nature
Spring
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Autumn
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Akita

Tomeyama

Tomeyama is a mountain where logging was "stopped" (tome) since the Edo period to secure water sources. Here, you can enjoy trekking through a natural broadleaf forest primarily composed of beech trees. The walking trails are well-maintained, making it an easy forest to explore.To enter the mountain, the accompaniment of a local "Happō Town Certified Guide" is required to prevent environmental degradation. Listening to the guide's explanations will undoubtedly provide a deep understanding of the plants, trees, and the history of how this forest has been preserved.

Akita
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Nature
Spring
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Akita

Odate Magewappa Workshop

Odate Magewappa is a national traditional craft made by bending thin plates of Akita cedar. Craftsmen provide careful support throughout the process until completion.

Akita
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Akita

Odate Amekko Ichi

This folk event has continued for approximately $400text{ years}$. It is said that eating candy on this day prevents colds, and Omachi Hachiko Street, lined with candy stalls, is bustling with shoppers. Highlights abound, including the "Shirohige Okami Junko" (White Beard Deity Procession), which recreates the legend of the mountain god coming down to buy candy.

Akita
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Festivals & Events
Winter

Akita

Akita Inu Hall

The museum on the $3text{rd}$ floor of the building features detailed materials on the history and ecology of the Akita dog. In front of the hall stands a bronze statue of Hachiko, the loyal dog born in Odate, named the "Hachiko Statue of Longing for Home." Furthermore, real Akita dogs are regularly present at the entrance and in the $1text{st}$ floor office.

Akita
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Spring
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Akita

Odate-Kosaka Railway Rail Bike

This spot allows you to ride a rail bike on the tracks of the former Kosaka Railway, surrounded by rich nature. It is a nationally rare facility featuring 11 types of rail bikes, including pedal-powered, electric-assisted, and trolley types, which can be enjoyed by both children and adults. The clattering sound and the vibrations transmitted to your body are just like a real train. The route also includes a thrilling iron bridge.

Akita
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Spring
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Akita

Gono Line Resort Shirakami

The Resort Shirakami runs along the Gono Line, a $147.2text{km}$ route connecting Higashi-Noshiro Station (Noshiro City, Akita Prefecture) and Kawabe Station (Inakadate Village, Aomori Prefecture). The panoramic views of magnificent nature through the train windows, changing with the seasons, are spectacular, earning it nationwide popularity as a local line travelers definitely want to ride. Furthermore, events such as "Fureai Hanbai" (Interaction Sales) are held, where local residents board the train at station stops to directly offer crafts and specialties unique to the Gono Line area, along with live performances of Tsugaru Shamisen and demonstrations by Tsugaru dialect "Kataribe" (storytellers).

Akita
Sightseeing
Spring
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Akita

Noshiro Port

The area around Noshiro Port in northern Akita Prefecture is a spot where visitors can enjoy a dynamic coastline and local culture.From the Hamanasu Observation Deck within the port green space, you can view the Sea of Japan, Japan's largest pine grove "Kaze no Matsubara," and the distant Shirakami Sanchi mountains. The "Hamanasu Gallery," featuring murals by citizens painted on the seawall, is also adjacent, allowing visitors to appreciate art amidst the sea breeze.Nearby is the Noshiro Energium Park, adjacent to the Noshiro Thermal Power Plant. It houses a tropical botanical garden utilizing waste heat and the Nebunagashi Kan (Nebunagashi...

Akita
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Nature
Spring
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Akita

Nibuna-Mizusawa Cedar Rare Population Protected Forest

This is one of the few remaining primeval forests of natural Akita cedar (Akita Sugi) in Akita Prefecture. The "Kimimachi Sugi" (Kimimachi Cedar), said to be the tallest natural Akita cedar in Japan, stands $58text{ meters}$ tall, has a diameter of $164text{ centimeters}$, and an estimated age of $250text{ years}$.The Nibuna-Mizusawa Cedar Rare Population Protected Forest, home to this tallest natural Akita cedar, covers an area of about $18text{ hectares}$, has an average tree age of $250text{ years}$, and contains approximately $3,000$ natural Akita cedars. Giant trees with a diameter of about $1text{ meter}$ and a height of about $50text{...

Akita
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
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Autumn

Akita

Kimimachi-zaka

Kimimachi-zaka is a Prefectural Natural Park located in Futatsui Town, Noshiro City, in the northern part of Akita Prefecture. The cherry blossoms in spring and the autumn foliage are especially worth seeing, and the park is crowded with visitors during the season. Because a romantic episode involving the Meiji Emperor and Empress, who once visited this location, remains here, the area is also popular as a "power spot for love."

Akita
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Autumn