About Akita
Akita Prefecture is where I live and it’s one of the best places to go for traditional, rural Japan. Akita is rich in history and it’s filled with things you can’t experience anywhere else. Within the prefecture, there are multiple cities that have their own unique aspects. If you enjoy nature, hiking, and onsens (hot springs), then Akita is the place for you. Spring and fall are especially beautiful here. There are a lot of different places to see changing leaves and blooming blossoms against mountains and breathtaking scenery. Mount Chokai is a mountain here that can be seen from most places on a clear day. Due to roughly the same shape and massive size of Mount Fuji, Chokai is known as “Akita Fuji” or “The Fuji of the North.” Akita is also known for its rice production, which in turn contributes to the prefecture being known for high quality sake.
I have had some incredible experiences living in Akita, and I listed some of my favorite places here. To those who are reading my blog, I hope I can convince you to visit this wonderful prefecture, or at least add it to your bucket list!
Lake Tazawa
Located in Semboku, Lake Tazawa is the deepest lake in Japan. The views are breathtaking in every season and there are lots of fun activities to do around the lake. It’s one of my favorite places in Akita, and where I bring family and friends when they visit!
Natsuse Onsen
Yet another amazing place in Semboku! This was one of my very first experiences using an onsen in Japan. Natsuse is an onsen hotel located in a moutain. The open baths here were private, so I was able to get a feel for onsens without the nervousness of being naked in front of strangers. I was really surprised by the service here, I really felt pampered during my stay!
Oga Peninsula
Driving along the Oga Peninsula makes for a fun day trip. There are plenty of stops to make during the drive and a lot of scenic views. Oga is also home of the Namahage, which is a demon in Japanese folklore. I love seeing the Namahage statues here. Oga is my go to place to buy Akita themed souvenirs, too!
Unshoji Temple
Also located in Oga is a temple called Unshoji, which is especially popular in summer. Thousands of hydrangea bloom at this temple and it’s really an amazing thing to see. Blankets of blue surround the temple and frame views of the Japan Sea. It’s a picturesque place that I try to visit every summer!
Kawarage Jigoku
This is a hidden gem located in the small city of Yuzawa. Due to poisonous gases that surround this land, some areas are bleached completely white. It can sometimes be dangerous to pass through, but the views on the other side are totally worth it. I had a blast hiking through here, especially in fall when the colors seemed so striking against the bleached landscape.
Samurai District
The Samurai District in Kakunodate is one of the top attractions in Akita. It’s beautiful in every season, but the most popular time to visit is in spring. Old Samurai houses line the main street here, and some of them are open for tours. There’s also a museum that takes a couple hours to go through with so much information about samurai and the families that lived here. A bunch of food unique to Akita is sold in the Samurai District, too. This is one place that everyone should see when visiting Akita!
Oyasukyo Daifunto
Daifunto is a mystical gorge located in Yuzawa. This was one of the first places I visited in Akita and where I discovered my love for the fall season. Walking through geothermal steam on a crisp fall day is a vivid memory I will always keep close to my heart.