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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.
The "Ugata Kaikan" with its beautiful Japanese garden, the "Red Drum Bridge" in Katsurajo Park, and the "Sakura Yagura-kan." Why not experience traditional Japanese culture, enjoy a cup of tea while dressed in a kimono, and take some elegant photos as a memento?
The Odate-Kosaka Railway Rail Bike is a unique, hands-on activity that utilizes the tracks of the former Kosaka Railway—which has since been decommissioned—and allows participants to ride by pedaling. The Kosaka Railway was once a vital freight line that supported the region’s industries, but it ceased operations in 2009. Today, these historic tracks are put to good use as a tourist attraction, enjoyed by visitors from both within and outside the region. Riders can enjoy a round-trip course of approximately 4 km by riding “rail bikes” or “trolley cars,” which travel along the railroad tracks much like bicycles. (The experience takes about 30–40 minutes.) With vehicles ranging from two-seaters to four-seaters—including some models with electric assist—even those who aren’t confident in their physical stamina or families with small children can enjoy the experience with peace of mind. Enjoy the rail bikes while taking in the scenery—from the fresh greenery of spring to the refreshing summer breeze and the autumn foliage. Occasionally, special courses and themed events are also held. We invite you to enjoy this unique experience that can only be found here.
Nakayama Soba, a dish passed down through generations in the Nakayama district. Made with buckwheat flour that’s rich in umami—a result of the region’s climate with its significant temperature fluctuations—and using Odate’s specialty mountain yam as a binding agent, this soba boasts a unique texture. The distinctive flavor, texture, and smoothness of Nakayama Soba are sure to impress even the most discerning connoisseurs. Local mothers will cheerfully and patiently teach you how to make soba. The taste of soba you make yourself is truly exceptional. Why not spend a warm and welcoming time with the local farmers’ wives over a meal of soba you’ve made yourselves? [Experience Details] Nakayama Soba-Making Experience Includes soba (hot or cold), tempura, and dessert!
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.
Choose your favorite “Experience Kit” and enjoy a hands-on workshop where you can experience the process of making Odate-style bentwood boxes. A traditional craftsman will provide careful, hands-on guidance every step of the way until your piece is complete! This experience allows you to enjoy the crafting process while learning about traditional techniques, Akita cedar, and how to care for your bentwood box. We display and sell a variety of bentwood box pieces in our store, so please feel free to experience the warmth of this traditional craft—which has been used for generations—and our Akita cedar products. While there are various types of bentwood crafts throughout Japan, only Odate bentwood boxes have been designated as a National Traditional Craft. The elegant texture and warmth of Akita cedar, combined with time-honored techniques passed down through generations, create masterpieces that are the pride of Japan. Choose from the following three kits, designed for modern convenience, and take home the piece you’ve enjoyed making the very same day!
Why not experience farm life by staying at a farmstay and participating in activities like making kiritanpo and farm work? We offer experiences and hospitality that will allow you to interact with the locals and leave you wanting to come back to Odate again! At our farmstay in Odate, you can experience making authentic kiritanpo alongside a local farmer’s wife and relax and rejuvenate at the nearby hot springs. Depending on your preferences and schedule, agricultural and farm-life experiences are also available. Come and enjoy your “second home”! [Experience Details] ・Farmstay accommodation (1 night, 2 meals, including access to a local open-air hot spring bath) ・For dinner, you can experience making “authentic kiritanpo”! Enjoy a sumptuous dinner packed with local ingredients, including grilled Hinai-jidori chicken and salt-grilled seasonal fish. ・Free rental of samue workwear ・Simple farming activities and local walks available between check-in (after 3:00 PM) and check-out (by 10:00 AM)
This is a hands-on activity where you can perform the local traditional “Kanayama Taiko” drumming amidst beautiful natural scenery. Why not let yourself be soothed by the drumbeats echoing through the rural landscape and mountains? Kanayama Taiko has been cherished and passed down locally to celebrate the prosperity of the Okuzo Kanayama gold mine, which flourished during the Nara period. Its defining feature is the sound of large drums resonating powerfully through the mountains. The echoing sound permeates your very being. We’ll take photos and videos of your experience using your smartphone or camera. With excellent access from nearby tourist spots such as Lake Towada, Appi, and Hachimantai, we hope you’ll come visit us!
Odate City in Akita Prefecture, the heart of Northern Tohoku, is home to a rich culinary culture. Why not visit the only public market in northern Akita Prefecture that handles both vegetables and fish—the very foundation of this culinary culture—and explore the seasonal ingredients on offer? There are plenty of attractions to enjoy, such as the thrilling auctions of locally grown vegetables and fresh fish caught in the waters off Akita. Get up a little early, visit the market as a form of morning exercise, enjoy a delicious breakfast, and experience all that Odate has to offer! *Please note that as this is a public market, shopping is not available to the general public. We appreciate your understanding.