Hidden Japan: Tourist Spot Guide – Tohoku Akita Edition
Japan is home to many well-known tourist destinations, but hidden among them are lesser-known gems waiting to be discovered. In this blog series, we will introduce hidden tourist spots across Japan. This time, we are featuring Akita Prefecture, known for its rich nature and culture. Let’s explore the hidden charms of Akita together.
https://thegate12.com/jp/article/375 ☚This photo is from this site
Table of Contents
- Introduction to Akita Prefecture
- Hidden Scenic Spots
- 2.1. Ogata Village “Sakura & Canola Flower Road
- 2.2. Oga Peninsula “Unsho-Temple Hydrangeas”
- 2.3.Kakunodate “Samurai Residences and Cherry Blossoms”
- Local Cuisine
- 3.1. Kiritanpo
- 3.2. Horse Meat Hamburgers
- Hot Spring Village
・4.1.Towada “Nyuto Onsenkyo “ - UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage “Namahage”
- The “National Fireworks Competition” in Omagari
- Next Preview – Tohoku, Aomori Edition
1.Introduction to Akita Prefecture
Akita Prefecture is located in the Tohoku region and is characterized by its beautiful nature and rich cultural heritage. This area, with its mountains, lakes, and historic towns, has many hidden tourist spots worth visiting. For nature lovers and history enthusiasts, Akita is a treasure trove.
2.Hidden Scenic Spots
2.1. Ogata Village “Sakura & Canola Flower
The “Sakura and Canola Flower Road” in Ogata Village, Akita Prefecture, is a beautiful path lined with cherry blossoms and canola flowers stretching for 11 kilometers. This endless flower road offers a breathtaking landscape that can be said to be the best in Japan.
2.2. Oga Peninsula “Unsho-Temple Hydrangeas”
Unsho-ji Temple, located in Kitaura, Oga City, is renowned for its hydrangeas, which have been meticulously cultivated over 15 years by Deputy Chief Priest Furunaka. With over 1,500 hydrangea plants blooming throughout the temple grounds, visitors are treated to a spectacular display. The hydrangeas, especially when illuminated at night, create a fantastical and breathtakingly beautiful scene. (Please note that the light-up event will not take place in 2024.) However, the hydrangeas during the day are also incredibly beautiful, their vivid blue hues reminiscent of the sea in Oga City, offering a soothing experience to all who visit.
https://oganavi.com/ajisai☚ Here is the website for Unsho-ji Temple.
The adorable Jizo statues are also waiting to welcome everyone who visits.
2.3.Kakunodate “Samurai Residences”
Kakunodate, known as “Little Kyoto of Michinoku,” is a castle town that flourished during the Edo period, with many historical buildings still standing. In the surrounding area, you can find kimono rental shops and rickshaw stands, giving you the feeling of having traveled back in time to the Edo period. Kakunodate’s charm lies in its ever-changing scenery throughout the four seasons, ensuring that visitors are never bored no matter when they come.
3.Local Cuisine
3.1. Kiritanpo
Akita’s specialty “Kiritanpo” is a local dish made from delicious rice grown in Akita. It is often eaten in a hot pot, but the stick-shaped “Miso Tanpo” can be easily enjoyed as a snack. Kiritanpo is made by mashing rice, shaping it into a cylindrical form, and grilling it. The grilled kiritanpo is coated with a savory-sweet miso sauce, making it so delicious that you can easily eat several of them.
The home of Kiritanpo is in Odate City, where the “Odate Kiritanpo Festival” is held every October. This large festival brings together a wide variety of stalls offering Akita’s famous Kiritanpo, as well as ramen, steak, and many other delicious foods. With so many tasty options available, you won’t get bored even if you spend the whole day there. If you’re interested, we highly recommend visiting Akita during this time to enjoy the festival.
This is the flyer for the 2023 festival event “Kiritanpo Grand Prix.” It is a participatory competition where visitors vote to determine the number one Kiritanpo shop.
3.2. Horse Meat Hamburgers
Many people might be surprised to hear about horse meat. However, horse meat is delicious and not at all gamey. It is high in protein, low in calories, and rich in iron and calcium, making it highly nutritious. It’s a great option for the elderly and women. There’s a restaurant I want to introduce this time. It’s a horse meat cuisine restaurant called “Sakuratei” in Mitane Town.
http://sakura.baniku.net/menu/#baniku
4.Hot Spring Village
Nyuto Onsenkyo, located in Semboku City, is a hot spring village with a history of over 350 years. It is so popular in Japan that it is often referred to as a dream onsen. Nyuto Onsenkyo features seven different hot spring facilities, each offering unique benefits and views. The best way to enjoy this hot spring village is to go on a tour and experience the variety of hot springs.
4.1.Towada “Nyuto Onsenkyo “
http://www.nyuto-onsenkyo.com/
This is the official website of Nyuto Onsen. It provides detailed information about the hot springs, so please be sure to check it out!
Natural Beauty and Scenic Surroundings
Nyuto Onsen Village is surrounded by lush forests, pristine rivers, and majestic mountains, providing breathtaking views in every season. In spring and summer, the area is blanketed in vibrant greenery and colorful flowers. Autumn brings a stunning display of red and gold foliage, while winter transforms the village into a serene, snow-covered wonderland.
Traditional Japanese Experience
Visitors to Nyuto Onsen can immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of Japan. The village is home to several ryokan (traditional Japanese inns), each offering a unique experience with tatami-matted rooms, futon bedding, and exquisite kaiseki cuisine. The warm hospitality and timeless charm of these inns create a truly authentic Japanese experience.
Therapeutic Hot Springs
The hot springs of Nyuto Onsen are famed for their healing properties, with mineral-rich waters that are said to soothe ailments and promote overall well-being. Each onsen in the village has its own distinct character and water composition, allowing visitors to enjoy a variety of therapeutic baths. Whether you prefer outdoor baths with stunning natural views or cozy indoor baths, Nyuto Onsen offers a perfect retreat for mind and body.
Unforgettable Experiences
In addition to soaking in the rejuvenating hot springs, visitors can explore the surrounding nature trails, visit nearby attractions such as Lake Tazawa, and experience seasonal activities like snowshoeing in winter or hiking in the warmer months. The village’s peaceful atmosphere and scenic beauty make it an ideal destination for those seeking tranquility and a deep connection with nature.
５．UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage “Namahage”
When you think of Akita, nothing stands out more than the “Namahage,” which has been recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Namahage can only be seen in certain parts of Oga, making it difficult even for residents of Akita to see the real thing. However, there is a place where tourists can always see Namahage, and I would like to introduce it to you.
The Namahage Sedo Festival takes place at Shinzan Shrine in Kitaura, Oga City, over three days from Friday to Sunday, including the second Friday of February each year. This festival combines the sacred Shinto ritual “Sedo Festival” and the traditional folklore event “Namahage,” making it a winter tourist attraction. The powerful and dynamic dance of Namahage, performed under the blazing torches within the grounds of Shinzan Shrine, captivates all who witness it.
6・The “National Fireworks Competition” in Omagari
There is a fireworks festival in Akita Prefecture so famous that no Japanese person is unaware of it. The “National Fireworks Competition (Omagari Fireworks)” in Daisen City, Akita Prefecture, the “Tsukuba National Fireworks Competition” in Tsuchiura City, Ibaraki Prefecture, and the “Nagaoka Festival Grand Fireworks” in Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture are collectively known as the three major fireworks festivals in Japan.
The Omagari Fireworks Festival is a prestigious event that pyrotechnicians from all over Japan aspire to participate in, showcasing their masterpieces created specifically for this day. Not only can you witness the magnificent and powerful fireworks display, but the synchronization of fireworks with music is also a highlight.
https://daisenkankou.com/near/omagarinohanabi
On the day of the fireworks festival, it is crowded with many people every year, so we strongly recommend coming by train. We hope that those who have read this article have come to understand just how beautiful and attractive Akita is.
When planning your trip to Akita, be sure to check the access methods and event dates and times so that you don’t miss out. You will be able to fully enjoy Akita’s rich nature, beautiful scenery, and heartwarming events. Please make sure to experience all that Akita has to offer.
7. Next Preview – Tohoku, Aomori Edition
In the next installment of our “Hidden Japan” series, we will focus on the hidden charms of Aomori Prefecture. We will introduce Aomori’s lesser-known tourist spots, historical sites, natural wonders, and gourmet delights, delving deeper into the beauty of Japan.
Through this blog series, we aim to introduce readers to the hidden gems of the Tohoku region and convey the profound allure of Japan. Enjoy the attractions of Akita to the fullest, and look forward to the next installment featuring Aomori.
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