• Odate
• Events and Festivals

Goshikiko Festival

Every year the changing of the leaves is celebrated on the banks of Goshikiko Lake. There are games like bobbing for apples, bingo, and more. Visitors also get the chance to enter inside of the Yamase dam which is usually structly off limits.

• Kosaka
• Events and Festivals

Kosaka Railway Festival

To celebrate Railway Day (October 14th), The Koska Rail Park holds this weekend-long event to celebrate all things locomotive. Ride on specially made railbikes, take a trip on the sightseeing train, and even have a chance to ride in the cabin of a real deisel locomotive!

• Odate
• Events and Festivals

Kiritampo Festival

Kiritampo is the most famous food from Akita Prefecture. It is made by mashing newly harvest rice and grilling it on a wooden skwerer around a fire. Kiritampo can be enjoyed many ways, but most well-known is a stew call kiritampo-nabe that uses local vegetables and Hinai chicken. Every year Odate hosts the Kiritampo Festival after the autumn rice harvset, when the rice is the most delicioius. Restaurants gather from around the region to compete to see who makes the best kiritampo-nabe and serve new kiritampo recipes. Throughout the festival there are live musical performances, dance shows, and plenty of hands-on activities!

• Odate
• Events and Festivals

Rose Festival: Autumn Season

Of the over 500 rose varites at the Ishida Rose Garden, some only bloom in early autumn. These roses tend to be lighter in color and have a sublter fragrance than their spring-blooming counterparts. Swing by the festival to enjoy these elegant flowers.

• Odate
• Events and Festivals

Odate Shinmeisha Festival

The Odate Shinmeisha Festival is held in late summer to pray for an abundant harvest. Neighborhoods around the city pull large, decorated floats around the city which carry dancers and musicians. On the first night of the festival the floats converege on the center of town for a blessing by the shrine priest. On the second night, a purifying water fight is held in the center of town to the delight of spectators.

• Kitaakita
• Events and Festivals

Kitaakita Takanosu Drum Festival

The Tsuzureko drums in Kitaakita are recognized by the Guiness Book of World Records as the world’s largest. While they are usually on display in the museum, they brought out for performances during the festival and are accompanied by dancers. Visitors are allow to try their hand at playing these gigantic drums, so make sure to not miss this opportunity!

※Please take the shuttle bust from Takanosu Station as parking is extremely limited.

• Kitaakita
• Events and Festivals

Kitaakita Jomon Festival

The Jomon Festival began after the Isedotai Site was designated as a Historical Site. Children can learn all about Jomon (ancient Japan) through fun activites and crafts. A mini concert, necklace making, and clay figure making are jsut a few of the events planned. 200 bowls of special boar meat stew, Jomon-nabe, will be sold, but sell out quickly so be sure to get yours early!

• Odate
• Events and Festivals

Ayu Festival

Annual festival celebrating the plentiful ayu (sweetfish) in the Yosheshiro River. Ayu grilling, traditional dances, and a fireworks show at night are held along the riverside. Participants in the tradtional dance are automatically entered to receive a free prize!

• Kitaakita
• Events and Festivals

Ani Fireworks Show

• Kitaakita
• Events and Festivals

Nekko Bangaku

A form of yamabushi kagura (traditional dance) performed as part of the Bon festival August and said to have it’s origin in the defeat of the Heike clan. When the Heike clan in Kyoto was defeated by their enemies, they fled to northern Japan to escape capture. Local legend has it that some of them settle in Nekko village because of its secluded location tucked away in the mountains. With them they brought their traditional dances which the villagers carry on to this day. The public performances are held every August 14.