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Kakunodate Samurai District
Here is a comprehensive guide to Akita Prefecture (秋田県), designed to help you explore this region of unspoiled beauty, deep snow, and rich tradition.
Known for its stunning natural landscapes, famous hot springs, and the loyal Akita dog, this prefecture offers a glimpse into authentic, rural Japan.
❄️ Why Visit Akita?
Located in the northern Tohoku region, Akita is famous for its harsh winters and bountiful agriculture. It is the perfect destination if you are looking for:
- “Deep” Japan: A move away from the crowded tourist trails of Tokyo and Kyoto.
- Onsen Culture: Some of the best secluded hot springs in the country.
- Samurai History: One of the best-preserved samurai districts in Japan.
- Nature: From the deepest lake in Japan to UNESCO World Heritage forests.
📍 Top Destinations
1. Kakunodate (The Little Kyoto of Tohoku)
This is a historic castle town famous for its Samurai District. The wide streets are lined with weeping cherry trees (shidare-zakura) and well-preserved samurai manors, some of which are open to the public.
- Highlight: Visit the Aoyagi House to see samurai armor and heirlooms.
- Best Time: Late April for cherry blossoms, or Autumn for foliage.
2. Nyuto Onsen Village (Nyuto Onsen-kyo)
Hidden deep in the mountains of Towada-Hachimantai National Park, this is a collection of seven rustic hot spring ryokan (inns).
- Highlight: Tsurunoyu Onsen, the oldest and most famous inn, features milky white waters and traditional thatched-roof buildings. It looks like a scene from a fairytale, especially in winter.
3. Lake Tazawa (Tazawako)
This is the deepest lake in Japan (423 meters). The water is an intense, shifting shade of sapphire blue that never freezes, even in Akita’s freezing winters.
- Photo Op: The golden statue of Tatsuko stands in the water against the backdrop of the mountains.
4. Oga Peninsula
Rugged and coastal, this area is famous for the Namahage tradition—fearsome deity-like figures who visit homes on New Year’s Eve to scare lazy children into behaving.
- Must Visit: The Namahage Museum to see the masks and watch a live reenactment of the ritual.
- Nature: Godzilla Rock, a rock formation that looks exactly like Godzilla looking out to sea at sunset.
5. Akita Dog Visitor Center
Located near Odate Station, this is the home of the famous Akita Inu (Akita Dog), the breed popularized by the story of Hachiko.
- Experience: You can meet real Akita dogs and learn about their history.
🍜 What to Eat (Gastronomy)
Akita is Japan’s “Rice Country,” meaning the sake and rice dishes are exceptional.
| Dish | Description |
| Kiritanpo | Freshly cooked rice is mashed, molded around cedar skewers, and toasted. It is often served in a hot pot (Nabe) with chicken and vegetables. |
| Inaniwa Udon | One of Japan’s top three udon types. These noodles are thin, hand-stretched, and incredibly smooth. |
| Hinai Jidori | A premium breed of chicken specific to Akita, known for its rich flavor and firm texture. |
| Iburigakko | Smoked daikon radish pickles. They taste like cheese and pair perfectly with Akita sake. |
| Babaheraa Ice | A rose-shaped strawberry and banana sorbet sold by elderly ladies under colorful umbrellas along the roadside in summer. |
📅 Major Festivals
Akita Kanto Matsuri (August 3–6)
One of the three great festivals of Tohoku. Performers balance massive bamboo poles strung with dozens of lit paper lanterns (weighing up to 50kg) on their foreheads, hips, and shoulders to pray for a good harvest.
Yokote Kamakura Festival (February 15–16)
Held in Yokote City, locals build hundreds of igloos (kamakura). Inside, children invite guests to enter and drink sweet fermented rice wine (amazake) and eat rice cakes. It is a magical, candle-lit winter scene.
🚄 Access
- By Train: Take the Akita Shinkansen (Komachi) from Tokyo Station directly to Akita Station. The trip takes approximately 4 hours.
- By Air: Flights are available from Tokyo (Haneda) to Akita Airport or Odate-Noshiro Airport.