OnTrip JAL 's pick of 11 tourist spots in Akita. Introducing travel destinations for all seasons

*Depending on the spread of COVID-19, opening days and business hours of each spot may change. Please check with each spot for details.

1. [Introduction] Reviewing basic information about Akita

About an hour by plane from Haneda Airport, Akita Prefecture is located in the northeastern part of Japan and is the sixth largest prefecture in terms of area.

Among the intangible folk cultural properties that people have created and passed down in their daily lives, such as food, clothing, shelter, and annual events, there are more Important Intangible Folk Cultural Properties designated as particularly important properties than any other place in Japan, and you can experience the unique culture and specialties of this place.

Each area of Akita Prefecture has its own unique characteristics.

■ Shirakami, Noshiro, Yamamoto
It is famous for its World Heritage Sites and nationally registered tangible cultural properties, such as the Shirakami Mountains.

■ Oga and Lake Hachirogata
There are many spots where you can experience the culture, such as the Namahage Museum and Oga Aquarium GAO.

■Akita City
It is the capital of Akita Prefecture and boasts the second largest population in the Tohoku region after Sendai.

■ Yurihonjo and Chokai
It is home to the largest city in the prefecture and is blessed with both mountains and the sea.

■ Odate, Ani, Moriyoshi
The area is rich in charming mountains, including Mount Moriyoshi, known as one of the 100 famous flower mountains.

■ Towada and Hachimantai
The area is surrounded by magnificent mountains and has many ski resorts.

■ Daisen, Lake Tazawa, and Kakunodate
There are many tourist spots that represent Akita, such as Nyuto Onsenkyo and Lake Tazawa.

■Yokote, Yuzawa, and Kurikoma
Yokote City is famous for its "kamakura" snow huts and its many attractive events.

Akita Prefecture is not only home to delicious gourmet food, but also many famous hot springs, making it a popular travel destination for those looking to refresh themselves.

2. [Temperature and Climate in Akita] The temperature is generally low. Bring a jacket all year round.

Compared to Tokyo, temperatures in Akita Prefecture, located in the Tohoku region, are generally lower throughout the year. If you are planning a trip there between autumn and early spring, be sure to bring a thick outer layer. From June, the number of days when you can wear short sleeves gradually increases, and there are many sunny days in the summer that are pleasant to spend, but there are also days when the temperature drops in the evenings and at night, so we recommend carrying a cardigan just in case.

3. [Transportation in Akita] Trains are OK for basic travel! We also recommend using express buses.

For basic transportation, you can use JR

A total of seven JR lines run through Akita Prefecture, including the JR Ou Main Line and the JR Hanawa Line. Many tourist spots are close to JR lines, so even those who can't drive will have no trouble getting around.

Don't miss the local train lines unique to Akita

If you've come all the way to Akita Prefecture, be sure to take a ride on one of the local trains. Akita has two train lines: the Akita Inland Longitudinal Railway, which runs north to south through the inland area of the prefecture, and the Yuri Kogen Railway, which connects Ugo-Honjo Station and Yajima Station in Yurihonjo City. The Akita Inland Longitudinal Railway in particular is a popular tourist spot, allowing you to enjoy the scenery throughout the four seasons. Let yourself be carried away by the gentle swaying of the train, and enjoy the nature of Akita as you travel.

If you want to save on transportation costs, you can choose the express bus.

If you're heading to Yokote or Yuzawa from Akita Station, it's convenient to use the express bus operated by Akita Chuo Kotsu. It takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Akita Station to Yokote Station, and about 2 hours to Yuzawa Station. What's particularly attractive about using the express bus is that the fare is quite reasonable, at around 1,000 yen. It's a recommended means of transportation for those who want to keep travel costs as low as possible while sightseeing.

4. [Spring] Cherry blossom viewing spots to enjoy in the warm weather

A scenic journey on local trains

The Akita Nairiku Line is known as a local railway with spectacular views. The scenery you can see from the train window is like a kaleidoscope, with the unspoiled Japanese landscape of rural areas and beautiful mountain valleys. This is a two-day trip using the Akita Nairiku Line to visit spectacular views of various regions.

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Travel on the Akita Inland Line and enjoy the food and culture of Akita and Aomori! A very satisfying two-day trip

The Akita Nairiku Line is known as a local railway with spectacular views. The scenery seen from the train window is like a kaleidoscope, with the original Japanese landscape of satoyama and rural areas, and the beautiful valleys in the mountains. A unique culture has been cultivated along the Akita Nairiku Line, and on the first day we will visit Kakunodate, famous for its samurai residences, and Ani, famous for its Matagi hunters. On the second day, we will visit Hirosaki, which is home to some of the most popular tourist spots in Aomori Prefecture. We will introduce you to a very satisfying two-day trip full of local gourmet food and experiences.

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5. [Summer] Enjoy nature and head to cool, scenic spots

A trip to Shirakami to heal your body and mind with the power of nature

Shirakami-Sanchi was the first place in Japan to be registered as a World Natural Heritage Site. Outside the designated heritage area, the beech forest has been developed so that the general public can stroll through it, and there are spots where you can feel the history and richness of nature. We will introduce a travel plan where you can reset your mind and body while surrounded by nature, with commentary from Saito Eisakumi of the Akita Shirakami Guide Association.

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Relax in the forests of the Shirakami Mountains, a World Heritage Site. A trip around Akita's nature - Fujisato, northern part of the prefecture -

In 1993, Shirakami-Sanchi, along with Yakushima, was the first in Japan to be designated a World Heritage Site. In this ancient forest, where virgin forests remain untouched by human hands, you can feel the natural richness of nature with your whole body. Embracing the majestic nature, reset your mind and body and begin your journey through the nature of northern Akita Prefecture.

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A trip to Yuzawa to experience the energy of the magnificent mountains

Yuzawa, Akita Prefecture, is home to Kawarage Jigoku, one of Japan's three most sacred places. This area is home to many volcanoes, and is dotted with spots where you can feel the vitality of nature. A guide from Yuzawa Geopark will explain the charms of the mountains, which have mysterious landscapes that seem like they are not of this world.

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The breathtaking scenery created by volcanoes. A trip around Akita's nature - Southern Akita/Yuzawa Edition

Yuzawa City, located in the south of Akita Prefecture, has many volcanic attractions. One of these is the many hot springs that boast an abundant supply of water blessed by the volcano. Steam rises from the beautiful valley where the hot spring flows, and nearby you can see the majestic volcano covered in volcanic rock. This is a quiet, secluded place where you can feel the vitality of nature. We went on a trip to fill our bodies with energy from nature.

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A trip to enjoy the charms of the Sea of Japan

The Oga area, which faces the Sea of Japan, has many spots where you can enjoy the spectacular ocean views, including a coast that has been selected as one of the "100 Best Beaches in Japan" and cliffs that are used as locations for TV dramas. The seafood is also fresh because the sea is nearby. We will introduce recommended spots that are delicious to both the eyes and the mouth.

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Enjoy the open view of the Sea of Japan. A trip around Akita's nature - Oga, the center of the prefecture -

The Oga Peninsula, jutting out into the Sea of Japan, is a treasure trove of spectacular ocean views. From the top of the mountains you can enjoy an unobstructed panorama, and along the coast you can enjoy beautiful beaches and rocky outcrops tinted with the setting sun. The pleasant sea breeze that blows through Oga lightens the mind of all who visit. The open view of the Sea of Japan will free your soul. Relax and let your shoulders go. We set off on a journey through the nature of the Oga Peninsula.

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A trip to experience nature and the good old days of Japan

Yokote City is located in the center of Akita Prefecture and is famous as a representative tourist area of Akita. We will introduce a three-day, two-night model itinerary for a trip to experience the "good old days" of Japan, including the "kamakura" snow huts that can be experienced all year round and the "Masuda Townscape" built by merchants from the Meiji to early Showa periods.

[Article here]

[Special feature on Akita] ~ Take a rest! ~ A trip to visit ancient townscapes and nostalgic landscapes

The shops, breweries, and homes all have a history that dates back more than 100 years. Come experience the good old days of Japanese life that you may have almost forgotten.

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A comprehensive summary of the spectacular views that can only be seen in Akita in the summer

This book features the scenic spots you should visit if you come to Akita in the summer. In addition, a local writer who knows Akita inside and out will introduce you to the sightseeing and gourmet spots you can stop by in the surrounding area. We will navigate you through a summer trip from north to south, enjoying the spectacular views and the whole of Akita Prefecture.

[Article here]

Summer is the most beautiful season. A trip around Akita's stunning summer spots [2021 Edition]

This time, we will feature the spectacular spots you should visit if you come to Akita in the summer. In addition, a local writer who knows Akita inside and out will introduce you to the sightseeing and gourmet spots you can stop by in the surrounding area. We will navigate you through a summer trip from north to south, enjoying the spectacular views and the whole of Akita Prefecture.

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6. [Autumn] Enjoy the autumn atmosphere at historical spots and autumn leaves

A deep journey through history and nationally designated scenic spots

Daisen City has many nationally designated scenic spots. We will introduce a two-day, one-night model itinerary that will take you to many tourist spots that history buffs will love, such as the former Ikeda family garden, the Hotta branch garden, and the remains of Hotta Fortress.

[Article here]

A relaxing trip to experience the atmosphere of Daisen

This is a two-day, one-night trip that lets you experience the whole of Daisen, including a stroll through the nationally designated Japanese gardens "Former Ikeda Family Garden" and "Former Ikeda Family Garden Hotta Branch Garden," as well as the historic site of the former Heian period government office, "Hotta Saku Ruins."

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7. [Winter] Experience the snowy scenery and unique Akita culture

A winter trip to experience Namahage culture

Akita is famous for its Namahage. The Namahage Sedo Festival is held on the Oga Peninsula every year on the second Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of February. This festival is full of attractions, including dancing, drumming, and sake. We will introduce the charm of winter in Oga with vivid photos.

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Get up close and personal with the annual major snow festival. How to enjoy the Oga Peninsula "Namahage Sedo Festival"

"Any crying children? Any sad children?" On the night of New Year's Eve, these cries echo across the Oga Peninsula in Akita Prefecture. Namahage go from house to house, praying for good health, good harvests, and good catches. In 2018, it was registered as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, and has now become a world-famous traditional event. You can witness this heroic display at the Namahage Sedo Festival, which is held for three days on the second Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of every February.

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A relaxing trip to a snowy country that will warm your body and mind

In winter, Akita feels like it's standing tall in the cold, silent air. However, the city is filled with warmth in everything from its people and deeply rooted culture to its mouth-watering cuisine. Take a trip to Akita to explore the relaxing charms that stand out in the cold season.

[Article here]

Warm your body and soul in the snowy country. A relaxing winter trip to Akita

In the winter in Akita, where snow piles up steadily, the cold, silent air will make you feel like you're standing up straight. However, the town is filled with warmth in everything from its people and deeply rooted culture to its mouth-watering cuisine. The best season for snowy foods is in the winter. Take a trip to Akita to explore the relaxing charms that stand out in the cold season.

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A journey to discover the spectacular scenery of Akita that can only be seen in winter

Akita, where traditional culture remains strong, is full of surprises that fascinate travelers. The snowy season is especially attractive. Events and beautiful scenery unique to a snowy country await you. Come and join us for some wonderful discoveries, where surprises mix with the white breath.

[Article here]

I was surprised by the food and the spectacular scenery of the snowy country! A surprising trip to Akita in winter

Akita, where traditional culture remains strong, is full of surprises that fascinate travelers. Perhaps the snowy season is the most attractive. Events and beautiful scenery unique to a snowy country await you. Come and join us for some wonderful discoveries, where surprises mix with your white breath.

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8. How to use Google My Maps

You can check the sightseeing spots in Akita Prefecture introduced on OnTrip JAL on Google Maps, which was posted at the beginning of this article. You can also register the information in your own Google app, so please use it when you want to check the detailed information of a store or check the spots in each area.

How to check the spot details

1. Select the menu button in the top left.

2. Spots will be displayed in a list for each item.

3. When you select a spot name, the corresponding pin on the map on the right will be highlighted. Zoom in to check the details.

4. Select the zoom button in the upper right. This will launch your Google Maps app. Once you have registered the map in your Google Maps app, you can easily view it even when you are traveling, so please make use of it.