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 […]
Tamagawa Onsen – Japan’s Best Onsen Town for Recuperation Read More »
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
The Ultimate Guide to Hachikō’s Hometown – Ōdate City Read More »
After exploring Hirosaki, you might feel like you haven’t experienced enough of the Tsugaru region’s hospitality. You decide to hop on a train and are on your way to the sister-like city, Kuroishi. During the 50-minute train ride, you might look out the window and think, “I wonder whether there is anything interesting to see along this
The Ultimate Guide to the Attractions in Hirakawa City Read More »
When we first saw a picture of the rice field art (or rice paddy art), we thought, “Ah, who destroyed the rice field by putting paint on those poor plants…”. And then, when we were told the drawings were formed by planting various types of rice to create different colors at different spots of the
A Guide to the Amazing Inakadate Village Rice Field Art Read More »
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
Senshū Park – An Unusual Castle Park in Akita City Read More »
Hachimantai (八幡平) in Towada-Hachimantai National Park (十和田八幡平国立公園) is a magnificent patch of nature on the prefectural border between Iwate (岩手) and Akita (秋田). While the fall foliage scenery is better on the Akita side of Hachimantai, the summit of Mt. Hachimantai and many of the natural wonders are located in Iwate prefecture.
Hachimantai – The Dragon Eye and the Amazing Natural Wonders Read More »
If you like hot springs, instead of the Hahcimantai Aspite Line, take the Hachimantai Jukai Line (八幡平樹海ライン) to the summit of Mt. Hachimantai. As the name of the highway suggests, this highway passes through Hachimantai’s virgin forest. Along the road, you are accompanied by the magnificent view of Mt. Iwate. The scenery along this drive
Hachimantai Jukai Line: The Stunning Motorway and the Onsen Read More »
If you plan to rent a car and explore Iwate Prefecture‘s nature, consider putting Hachimantai (八幡平) on your itinerary. The mountainous area in Towada-Hachimantai National Park (十和田八幡平国立公園) offers breathtaking scenery and is a perfect destination for hiking and trekking. One of the ways to get to the summit is Hachimantai Aspite Line (八幡平アスピーテライン). In fact,
Hachimantai Aspite Line: The Most Scenic Drive in Iwate Read More »
If you have heard about or have been to the Kumano Shrine in Wakayama Prefecture, you might wonder if Naniwa Kuamno Shrine (なにわ熊野神社) is related to the renowned Kumano Shrine. And your guess is correct! So, if you don’t have time to complete the pilgrimage, start your journey from Naniwa Kumano Shrine and get blessings
Naniwa Kumano Shrine and Its Gorgeous Plum Blossoms Read More »
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
The Best Guide to Mt. Akita-Komagatake and the Moomin Valley Read More »
