"Cycle Ball" is a participatory cycling event in which participants use a dedicated cycling app to complete a circuit of renowned "one-lap" courses set up throughout Japan within a specified time frame. One of these stages is the "Akita Ichi Stage," located in northern Akita Prefecture. The “Akita Ichi Stage” takes place in the area encompassing Odate City, Kitaakita City, Kazuno City, and Kosaka Town in northern Akita Prefecture. With “Akita Inu no Sato” serving as the starting and finishing point, the route offers a wealth of attractions, including “Roadside Station Takanosu Odaiko no Yakata,” where you can see the world’s largest taiko drum; “Korakukan,” a Meiji-era theater; and “Roadside Station Kosaka Nanataki,” where you can experience the healing effects of negative ions.Another major attraction is experiencing the rural scenery of Akita—a major rice-producing region—and the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains along the course. Multiple course options are available, ranging from a short course of approximately 25 km to a long course exceeding 100 km, allowing everyone from beginners to advanced riders to find a challenge suited to their level. The courses feature not only flat sections but also moderate ups and downs, offering a thoroughly satisfying ride. Enjoy the scenery of the four seasons and local cuisine while savoring the “leisurely pace” that is so characteristic of Akita. The approximately 100-km loop course offers a well-balanced experience of both nature and the city, allowing you to enjoy a deeply fulfilling ride. “Cycle Ball Akita Ichistage” lets you discover new charms of the region through cycling. Why not give it a try as a special experience that lets you enjoy Akita’s nature, culture, and cuisine all at once? [What is Cycle Ball?] A time-limited cycling event where you collect “Cycle Balls” scattered throughout Japan. When you complete one of Japan’s renowned loop courses using the dedicated app, you’ll receive a “Cycle Ball” as proof of your achievement. As you collect these Cycle Balls, the goddess of cycling will grant your wishes based on the number of balls you’ve collected. Participation is free, and since you can join at any time during the event period, you can take on the challenge at your own pace—another appealing feature. 【Akita City Special Day】 On Sunday, June 21, 2026, a “Special Day” will be held where participants can ride together. There will be opportunities for first-time participants to join with confidence. Registration is open until Sunday, June 14. ⇩For more details⇩ https://note.com/tour_de_nippon/n/n9431a172b477
The Moriyoshi Dam, known as “Moriyoshi Shikibi Lake,” is a scenic spot where the surrounding mountains create beautiful views throughout the four seasons. This is a beginner-friendly kayaking and SUP experience where you can relax and enjoy yourself on the calm waters of the lake. Not only can you relax and enjoy the scenery with family, friends, or even your pet, but you can also paddle under the large bridge spanning the lake and explore waterfalls that can’t be seen from the road or observation decks. Since motorized watercraft (such as motorboats and jet skis) are prohibited, you can enjoy the experience with peace of mind. Before or after your experience, we highly recommend trying the “Moriyoshiyama Dam Curry,” a signature dish at “Café Nemorida” inside the “Moriyoshiyama Dam Information Center,” which serves as the meeting and dismissal point. (*Not included in the experience package.)
An event train running on the “Akita Nairiku Line Smile Rail,” a 94.2-kilometer local line that runs north-south through the inland region of Akita Prefecture from Kakunodate to Takano. In addition to the hugely popular “Gottsuo Tamatebako Train,” where you can savor seasonal dishes prepared by local farmers’ wives along the route, we host numerous monthly events that appeal to both adults and children, such as the “Sake Tasting Train,” “A Stroll Through the Satoyama with the President,” and “Social Studies Field Trip for Adults.” The scenery visible from the train windows is truly a glimpse of traditional Japan. Enjoy a special journey through Akita’s four seasons as you ride the “Mountain Resort Train” and experience the charm of old-fashioned Japan.
Lake Taihei is an artificial lake created by the completion of the Moriyoshi Dam, with a circumference of 30 km, an area of 195 ha, and a depth of 58 m. Starting with the opening of the lake season, the “Lake Taihei Komata Gorge Lake Shuttle Taxi” will operate, taking passengers to the secluded Komata Gorge from the fresh greenery of spring through the autumn foliage season in October. The landslide on the Komata Gorge hiking trail and the collapse of the Hana-no-Sawa footbridge—both confirmed in May 2025—have been resolved, and the Lake Taihei–Komata Gorge Lake Shuttle Taxi service will resume operations on August 9. The Moriyoshi-san Shuttle is the most convenient way to get there! Bookings are currently suspended for the “Ani-Maeda Onsen Station – Lake Taihei/Komata Gorge” route and the “Moriyoshi-san Onsen Chiisana Mori no Yu – Lake Taihei/Komata Gorge” route. ⇩For more details⇩ https://campaign.nearme.jp/mtmoriyoshi
We’ll be offering snowmobile rides in the garden at Mori no Terrace again this year. Anyone with a driver’s license can drive. Even if you’ve never driven a snowmobile before, the controls are simple, so please feel free to ask a staff member for assistance. You’ll explore the Mori no Terrace grounds on a snowmobile, heading toward the Dragonfly House. Depending on snow conditions, you may even be able to ride across the rice paddies, allowing you to fully enjoy the vast snow-covered plains. The snowmobiles can reach higher speeds than you might expect, so please hold the handlebars firmly and drive with caution. Reservations are required, so please call or email us to book a time and specify the number of participants before visiting. Please note that this activity may be canceled depending on snow conditions and weather. Check-in is at the Steak House; please ask for Yamada. TEL: 0186-67-6295 EMAIL: info@morino-terrace.com
This year, we’ve put up holiday lights in the Piano Room at Mori no Terrace. The interior is decorated mainly in pink, and the trees outside are also lit up so you can enjoy them. The room is open to the public, so please feel free to come take a look. Please be careful of the snow hanging overhead and when walking on the deck.
Take the shared shuttle for a cost-effective, smart, and smooth ride! Travel easily and comfortably from Ani-Aji Station to the Moriyoshi-yama Ani Ski Resort! Mount Moriyoshi, affectionately known as one of the “100 Famous Flower Mountains,” offers a variety of experiences: from spring through summer, enjoy the vibrant blooms of alpine flowers; in fall, admire the colorful autumn foliage of broadleaf trees like beech and maple, along with the vivid hues of the surrounding mountains visible from the summit; and in winter, explore a world of silver-white peaks adorned with rime ice. Why not take this opportunity to make a great-value reservation and experience the breathtaking natural scenery of each season? To help as many people as possible enjoy this beautiful natural setting, we are operating the Mt. Moriyoshi Rimei Shuttle, which connects to the Akita Inland Line.
The “Matagi” are an ethnic group that has practiced communal hunting since ancient times, primarily in northern Akita Prefecture. This is a rare opportunity to hear stories about their hunting experiences directly from active Matagi—these mysterious “Mountain Samurai” who have lived in harmony with the mountains while adhering to strict codes of conduct. At the “Matagi Zashiki,” a Matagi will share stories about their hunting experiences, bear ecology, and Matagi tools and customs. The adjacent “Matagi Museum” features a large collection of Matagi attire and hunting tools on display, and we’ll guide you through the museum while providing explanations. Matagi hunters love to talk. Please feel free to ask questions or strike up a conversation with them.