"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
"HOBIE BASE OKUTOWADA," where visitors can enjoy "HOBIE"—the first water activity of its kind in the Tohoku region and Akita Prefecture—will open on April 29, 2025. Originating in the United States, “HOBIE” is a new type of water activity that keeps you dry and is highly stable, making it unlike anything seen before. The fin-type foot-propulsion system, designed based on research into the wing movements of swimming penguins, is easy for anyone to operate—from young children to seniors. Another key feature is that it uses no fuel whatsoever, making it environmentally friendly. Why not come explore the breathtaking scenery that can only be enjoyed from the water—such as the clusters of aquatic plants on the crystal-clear lake bottom, the emerald-green thread-tailed dragonflies that shine from summer through fall, the large schools of carp hiding among the plants, and the fantastical green tuff (green tuff) rock formations? Book your reservation here https://www.asoview.com/base/161163/ About HOBIE HOBIE was founded in 1950 in California, USA, as a surf brand. Amuse Co., Ltd., a company engaged in comprehensive entertainment businesses, is working to popularize new water activities utilizing HOBIE. It is equipped with the “MIRAGE DRIVE,” a special foot-powered propulsion system that holds an international patent. With a hull design that virtually eliminates the risk of capsizing, you simply sit in the seat and move your feet back and forth to propel the craft. This makes it easy for even beginners to operate while maintaining stability. Additionally, the seat is designed to be high off the water, so there’s little risk of getting wet, allowing you to enjoy the experience in your everyday clothes. HOBIE JAPAN Official Website: https://hobiejapan.com/
A secret known only to those in the know!! We use a rich, additive-free clear broth—known as “A Drop of Beniyama”—carefully crafted over time from the bones of local Hinai-jidori chickens We use only plump female Hinai-jidori chickens, and we never use frozen meat! We were named the first-ever champion (2015) at the authentic Odate Kiritanpo Festival Grand Prix, and has since won the Grand Prix three times (2016 and 2023)! You can now experience making your own Beniyama kiritanpo—it’s sure to be exquisite! Please don’t miss this opportunity to sign up!!
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.)
Held every year around July, when sweet-and-tart blueberries are in season, this blueberry picking experience is fun for both adults and children. There’s no time limit, and you can eat as many freshly picked blueberries from the farm as you like. It’s a very casual and enjoyable activity, perfect for quality time between parents and children. No advance reservation is required. You can also take home the blueberries you pick for an additional fee. Pets are welcome, so please come visit with your whole family. For more details, please check the Etsuri Farm website or social media. *Open daily (may be closed during heavy rain or other adverse weather conditions)
Lake Towada is a mysterious lake that straddles Akita and Aomori Prefectures. The “Towada Furusato Center” (Kosaka Town), located on the western shore of the lake, offers casual summer activities such as stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) and kayaking. With flexible plans tailored to each individual—from young children to seniors—anyone can enjoy these activities with ease. No special equipment is required. We highly recommend this for those who say, “I’m not sure about my stamina, but I’d like to relax on the lake,” or “I want to play in the water to my heart’s content with my kids!” The staff will guide and support you based on the experience you’d like to try. Why not come and enjoy Lake Towada to the fullest this summer with your family and friends?
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.
The “Kosaka Mine Office,” a Renaissance-style Western-style building, is an Important Cultural Property of Japan that was built during the Meiji era. At the Modern Costume Room inside the building, you can rent elegant dresses. There are over 100 wedding dresses and evening gowns available for rent at the Modern Costume Room! In addition to women’s attire, we also carry outfits for men and children, as well as accessories such as corsages and hats. Once you’ve changed into your favorite outfit, you can start taking photos at the photo spots inside the building. Popular photo spots include the spiral staircase with its gentle, curved lines and the balcony with its exotic design. You can also take photogenic pictures in various other locations throughout the building, such as the lattice windows that evoke a sense of historical era and elegance, and the tables and chairs in the Tourist Salon, arranged to resemble a four-leaf clover. Why not create memories that will stay with you—and in your photos—through this special experience that feels just like stepping back in time to the Meiji era?
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
Come interact with Akita dogs and enjoy hot spring coffee brewed with water straight from the source!