Trip to Akita

Akita's charm shines through with Akita Inus

Akita Inu Tourism actively promotes Akita's attractions such as hot springs, food, and experiences to the world, using the world-renowned Akita Inu as its hook. We aim to revitalize the local community.

Discover
Northern
Akita
Discover Northern Akita with its natural and cultural attractions

Odate City, Akita Prefecture is the origin of the Akita Inu. In addition to meetings with adorable Akita Inus, we at Akita Inu Tourism also promote the charms of other municipalities besides Odate: Kosaka, Kitaakita, and Kamikoani.
We offer you a unique journey, born from the richness of nature and culture.

See Tourist Guide

Experience
Reservation

Here are numerous activities to try out in the areas under Akita Inu Tourism's purview.
You can also book experiences you are interested in here.

Meet the Akita Inu

Lots of cute, fluffy Akita Inus. Come meet them.

Hot springs
& Hotel

We will provide you with information on accommodations and hot springs to relieve travel fatigue.

Cuisine

You will find authentic Odate kiritampo nabe (hot pot with pounded rice sticks, chicken, and vegetables), bear hot pot, and other meals and sweets that capture the region's charm.

Cuisine

You will find authentic Odate kiritampo nabe (hot pot with pounded rice sticks, chicken, and vegetables), bear hot pot, and other meals and sweets that capture the region's charm.

Shopping

Odate magewappa (circular bento box), a traditional handicraft with the distinctive properties of Akita cedar, and Kosaka wine made from mountain grapes are great souvenirs.

Shopping

Odate magewappa (circular bento box), a traditional handicraft with the distinctive properties of Akita cedar, and Kosaka wine made from mountain grapes are great souvenirs.

Event

Depending on the season, this area has various faces to show you.
Here are some recommended seasonal events.

Matobi Festival

The Matobi Festical is held during the week of the sping equinox to held guide the visiting spirits of ancestors back to the other world. Rice straw fires are light in 15 hamlets of the village at staggered times and a free shuttle bus follows the schedule so visitors can see all of the displays. A fireworks show is held at the Roadside Station once all of the fires are lit and there are food and drink stalls for visitors.

Snow Candle Street in Ani

The Aniai region of Kitaaktia is known for heavy snowfall in winter. To make the best of the huge snow drifts, the villagers come together and craft small igloos called kamakura and decorate them with candles. The lighting begins at 17:45 and a fireworks show is held starting from 18:50. There are food and drink stalls set up in the plaza.

Mochikko Ichi (Mochi Festival)

Kitaakita has a rich tradition of producing mochi, Japanese rice cakes. A huge selection of handmande mochi and pickled vegetables are available for purchase at this festival including the very populare butter mochi unique to the region.  

Amekko Ichi (Candy Festival)

Amekko Ichi dates back over 400 years and is steeped in legends. According to one such legend, fesitval goers who buy candy from one of the vendors will fend off colds for the remainder of winter. Candy stalls fill the main street and tree branches decorated with candy attached line the sidewalks.

Towada Winter Festival

The Lake Twowada Winter Festival treats visitors to winter wonderland of horse-drawn sleigh rides, fireworks, and igloo bars. Every evening a fireworks show illuminates the clear winter sky with dazzling color. Food stalls selling Akita and Aomori delicacies, hot wine, and more lend the event a traditional Japanese flair.

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Tour Plan

Tours, events, and workshops with private guides who know the local area well.

Odate

Experiences Route

Here is a special trip to Odate to experience its culture, such as making magewappa and kiritampo.

Kitaakita

A route to commune with Mother Nature

Enjoy a special time fully immersing yourself in Akita's natural beauty, which changes with the seasons.

Odate

A route to enjoy history and culture

We offer a unique and enriching experience of Akita's food, history, and culture that can only be experienced here.

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Access

Click here for directions to Northern Akita

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Instagram

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TikTok

The Akita Inu “Mutsu”, the signature dog of Akita Inu Tourism, shares with you his warm, fluffy life in Odate on TikTok.

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News

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About Us

Here is some information on the governing body.

Our Mission

The areas under Akita Inu Tourism's purview are a region of Akita Prefecture where social problems such as aging and a declining population have become particularly serious. In addition to the regional network, we will strengthen cooperation with companies and various organizations outside the region to attract visitors with the charm of Northern Akita and by creating value.

Disseminating tourist information

Akita Inu Tourism actively disseminates information through various media, including its website and various SNSs. We reach out to a wide range of users by linking online and real-life activities while promoting the attractions in our purview to improve their visibility.

Produce local products

Northern Akita is a thriving agricultural area, and is one of the nation's top producers of edamame (young soybeans) in particular. In order to promote quality local agricultural products and traditional food culture throughout Japan, Akita Inu Tourism works with local farmers and food manufacturers to produce specialty products, especially souvenirs.

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