Akita Hidden Gems
Rice country and cedar forests on the Sea of Japan, known for sake, hot springs buried in snow, and folk traditions kept alive in small towns.
8 spots
Climate & Best Season
Very heavy winter snow and grey Sea-of-Japan skies; short, warm summers. February for snow festivals, August for Kanto Matsuri.
Famous For (Food)
- Kiritanpo hotpot
- Inaniwa udon
- Sake
- Hinai-jidori chicken
Signature Sights
- Kakunodate samurai district
- Lake Tazawa
- Nyuto Onsen
- Namahage folk rituals
Akita Kanto Festival — Pole Lantern Balancing Spectacular
The Akita Kanto Festival (秋田竿燈まつり) is one of Tohoku's three great festivals, held annually August 3-6. The centerpiece i…
Kiritanpo — Pounded Rice Hot Pot & Grilled Sticks
Kiritanpo (きりたんぽ) is Akita's signature comfort food, originating from the mountainous Kazuno region where woodcutters an…
Senshu Park — Kubota Castle Ruins & Cherry Blossoms
Senshu Park (千秋公園) occupies the site of Kubota Castle (久保田城), the Edo-period stronghold of the Satake clan who ruled Aki…
Hinai-jidori Chicken — Akita's Premium Poultry
Hinai-jidori (比内地鶏) is one of Japan's three premier chicken breeds (alongside Nagoya Cochin and Satsuma chicken), native…
Akita Sake Breweries — Premium Rice Wine Tradition
Akita Prefecture is one of Japan's top sake-producing regions, with cold winters, pure mountain water, and high-quality…
Akita Museum of Art — Foujita's Akita Masterworks
The Akita Museum of Art (秋田県立美術館) is a striking triangular glass building designed by architect Tadao Ando, housing the…
Omoriyama Zoo — Winter Wildlife & Snow Adaptations
Akita City Omoriyama Zoo (秋田市大森山動物園) is one of Japan's few zoos emphasizing cold-climate species and winter adaptations.…
Inaniwa Udon — Japan's Silky Hand-Stretched Noodles
Inaniwa udon (稲庭うどん) is one of Japan's three most famous udon varieties (alongside Sanuki and Kishimen), distinguished b…