Kakunodate (角館) is a former castle town and samurai stronghold in today's Akita Prefecture. While Kakunodate Castle no longer remains, the town is famous for its samurai tradition and its hundreds of weeping cherry trees (shidarezakura). Apart from the loss of its castle, Kakunodate remains rema..
The Oga peninsular lies on the western coast of Akita prefecture, along the Sea of Japan. Whilst primarily known for the local Namahage legend—a traditional custom every winter—the region is blessed with nature and a long coastline. Namahage is the name given to the demonlike 'ogres&..
Akita City is famous for being home to the Kanto Matsuri, one of the three big summer festivals in Tohoku. Beautiful lanterns symbolising rice is carried along the streets and the raw tribal music feels the air. Being by the sea it enjoys great seafood in every season and it is also famous for &ldq..
Sato Yosuke is a chain of udon restaurants that originated in Akita, featuring a type of udon called inaniwa. The noodles are made on location at the main restaurant in Masuda district of Yokote. They have 6 other locations in Akita and two in Tokyo,..
One of Akita Prefecture’s local foods is Yakisoba. Just imagine fried thick, square chopped wheat noodles with cabbage and ground pork, garnished with pickled vegetables in soy sauce and topped with a half-fried egg. Mouth watering! If you&rsqu..
Orae is the place to go out for dinner at the resort town of Shirahama Beach at Tazawako Lake. Actually, it is the only place to go, as the other restaurants open for dinner are associated with their ryokan, hotel or hostel, and so only serve their i..
Metropolitan Akita is a three star hotel that towers over Akita Station, making it a recognisable landmark for those arriving in Akita. Famous for its natural beauty, regional food and traditional festivals, visits to Akita won't disappoint and t..
The Folkloro Hotel in Kakunodate has a perfect location, just a few steps from Kakunodate train station. You would never guess that this small hotel is owned by Japan Railways (JR). Its cozy atmosphere is more of a local hotel and it has everything y..
Tucked away between Akita Station and the Citizens Market, the Richmond Hotel is ideally placed if you are on the trail for some fine local handicrafts. Nearby there is a knife shop with hundreds of artisan blades with no a tourist in sight. After th..
The train trundles goes from one station to the next. Farmers and shopkeepers return home after a long day at work and young students talk quietly. The odd tourist looks distractedly out of the panoramic windows. Outside rice fields alternate with sm..
Anyone with an interest in the Japanese traditional arts knows that to see a geisha, let alone personally meet one, is an extremely luck-dependent and often costly affair. The same holds true for a maiko, which may be either an apprentice geisha, or ..
Soaking in a hot spring (onsen) has to be one of the greatest experiences when visiting Japan. Nyuto Onsen is a group of 7 Ryokans and several natural onsen located in the Hachinamtai National Park, in eastern Akita. It was voted best onsen destinati..
