Journey into the “Great North” of Japan on the Akita Nairiku Line (秋田内陸線), a scenic railway that unlocks access to some of the country’s most pristine wilderness. This historic line serves as the gateway to the breathtaking Yasu-no-Taki, Japan’s second-highest waterfall, and the elegant, secluded curves of Todo Falls. Beyond the rails, travelers can discover […]
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Rising majestically in the heart of Akita Prefecture, Mt. Moriyoshi (森吉山) is among the top three locations in Japan for finding the “Snow Monsters” (Juhyo) that form as a result of the unique weather phenomenon. While Zao (蔵王山) is well-known, Mt. Moriyoshi offers a more tranquil, off-the-beaten-path experience for viewing these frozen volcanic trees. Accessible
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There are plenty of “joyful trains” in Japan, but have you ever boarded one with live performances? Resort Shirakami (リゾートしらかみ) is the only joyful train in Japan with live performances, including shamisen (Japanese guitar), puppet plays, and Japanese folk tales told in the Tsugaru dialect (津軽弁)! The beautifully designed joyful train runs from Aomori to
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Akita Prefecture (秋田県) is one of the six prefectures in Northeastern Japan. It is a heaven for those who enjoy nature, with lush mountain landscapes and pristine beaches. The prefecture has abundant natural resources, including several national parks and a long coastline. But let’s talk about Akita City (秋田市) first. Whether you are only transiting
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Tamagawa Onsen (玉川温泉) in Akita Prefecture is a special hot spring resort. It consists of two ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) nestled in the mountains of Towada-Hachimantai National Park. Why is it special? Because it is ranked number one for both the acidity of the spring at pH1.2 and the amount of spring water gushing out
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Anyone who has been to or even heard of Shibuya Station (渋谷駅) knows there is a Hachikō statue there. Hachikō wasn’t just another Akita around the corner. Due to his fierce loyalty to his first owner, he gained the deepest respect from the community that even a statue of him was made and then placed
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Ōdate City (大館市) in Akita Prefecture is where loyal Hachikō came from. Although most of his life was spent in Tokyo, you can find Hachikō’s statues all over the city! So, one of the reasons that people visit his hometown is to see the Akitas. It is hard to resist to not love those cute,
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Just minutes from JR Akita Station, Senshū Park (千秋公園) isn’t just another park you can find in Japan. In the park, you will find a castle, a tea ceremony tea house, three shrines, a museum, an art gallery, and even a library! What is even more awesome is that the castle has been recognized as one
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For anyone out there who wants to be at the summit of a mountain the lazy way but doesn’t want to splurge on some fancy transportation mode (i.e., a gondola lift), check out Mt. Akita-Komagatake (秋田駒ヶ岳) in Akita Prefecture! Although you have to hike a bit longer than Mt. Iwaki in Aomori Prefecture, it only
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Nyūtō Onsen (乳頭温泉郷) is a rural hot spring resort in Akita Prefecture (秋田県) that consists of six ryokans and one hotel, each having its history, style, and spring quality. Listed as one of the 100 Japan Hidden Scenic Spots (日本の秘境100選), the resort is quietly nestled deep in the mountain at the base of Mt. Nyūtō.
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