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.
4 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
Namahage — Demon Folklore & New Year Rituals
Namahage are demon-gods from Oga Peninsula folklore, part of Akita's New Year traditions since the Edo period. They wear…
Oga Aquarium GAO — Polar Bears & Sea of Japan Life
Oga Aquarium GAO (男鹿水族館GAO) perches on a cliff overlooking the Sea of Japan, specializing in cold-water species native t…
Oga Peninsula — Dramatic Coastline & Godzilla Rock
Oga Peninsula (男鹿半島) juts 30 kilometers into the Sea of Japan from Akita's western coast, forming a rugged landscape of…
Shinzan Shrine — Namahage Costume Rituals
Shinzan Shrine (真山神社) in Oga Peninsula is the spiritual home of the Namahage tradition, where ritual demon costumes are…