Akita

During your trip to Kakunodate, Akita, enjoy viewing cherry blossoms and the townscape of Kakunodate Samurai Residences area. Kakunodate was built around 400 years ago and it prospered as a fortress city. The Kakunodate Samurai Residences, where Shidarezakura, a rare type of sakura, blooms in spring are lined with the former residences of samurais. A perfect harmony between the black fences of the residences and the colors of the cherry blossoms in spring or autumn foliage of the maples...

Nyuto Onsen Village is accessible from the Lake Tazawa area in Senboku City, Akita Prefecture. This hot spring village, tucked away in a secluded location, is one of the most famous hot springs in Japan, and offers baths of differing spring water quality depending on the accommodation. Here, we offer helpful information on trying the different hot spring baths.

Lake Tazawa, surrounded by abundant nature, is located close to the center of Akita Prefecture. It is Japan's deepest lake and is 20 kilometers in circumference. The beautiful azure lake water exudes a mysterious atmosphere, and the lake is famous for the legend of Tatsuko, a maiden of legendary beauty. Visitors have many options for enjoying this beautiful area, including driving, cycling, riding the ferry, skiing and visiting the many tourist attractions and historic sites.

A summer tradition to pray for a bountiful harvest, the Kanto Festival has been held since about 270 years ago and is one of the three major festivals in the Tohoku region. Performers called Sashite parade the streets while forcefully holding up Kanto poles, which are long bamboo poles with 46 hanging lanterns and weighing 50 kilograms altogether. Around 260 Kanto poles are held up by the Sashites by their palms, foreheads, shoulders and lower backs with amazing skills. The stunning festival...

Every year between late May to mid-June, Kagami Pond located on Mount Hachimantai in Senboku City, Miyagi Prefecture, creates a rare natural phenomenon that takes on the appearance of a dragon eye. As a great amount of snow melting in spring pours into the pond, its center rises by buoyancy, which then starts to thaw in such a way as to resemble an eye of a dragon. You may be lucky enough to witness this mysterious vista only seen during this time.