• Odate
• Events and Festivals

Odate Cherry Blossom Festival

Keijo Park is the sight of the former Odate Castle which was owned by the western Satake clan. Athough the castle was razed in 1868, there are still remnants to be found in the park including a section of the moat. Every year the town celebrates the blossoming of the 140 yoshino cherry trees in the park by holding performances on the stage and enjoying the surrounding food stalls. The park is illuminated at night so the park can be enjoyed even when the sun sets. The Akita Dog Preservation Society holds their annual dog show in the park on every May 3rd.

• Odate
• Gourmet Food

Hinai Chicken Oyakodon

Free-range, slow raised Hinai chicken is counted as a delicacy throughout Japan. Hinai chicken oyakodon makes the most of the tender, juicy meat by pairing it with creamy Hinai chicken eggs and sweet sauce on a bed perfectly steamed rice. Striving for simplicity, the sauce is 100% free of artificial seasonings like MSG.

• Kosaka
• Gourmet Food

Aka Renge Club

Aka Renge Club opened in 2015 inside a former early twentieth century power transfer station. The building was moved to its present location from its original location near the Kosaka Mine and features a unique wooden framework and brick construction. Patrons can enjoy fresh baked bread, cakes, and waffles in the spacious, chic interior, or while enjoying the weather on the outdoor patio. Booster seats are provided for children, making it the perfect choice for lunch during family trips. Be sure to try the coffee and soft-serve ice cream topped with local organic acacia honey!

• Kamikoani
• Souvenirs & Specialty Products
• Gourmet Food
• Roadside Stations and Direct Sales

Chinese Lantern Jam

Most people are familiar with the ornamental red variety of Chinese lantern, but Kamikonai grows a special edible orange variety. The sweet and sour flavor has been described as a cross between a tomato and a plum. It is affectionately called the “love thief” variety for its ability to make instant fans out of those who try it. Rich in vitamin C, the “love thief” Chinese lanterns are also a nutritional spread for breads and cakes.

• Kosaka
• Souvenirs & Specialty Products
• Gourmet Food
• Roadside Stations and Direct Sales

Acacia honey

Kosaka was a prosperous mining town around the turn of 20th century, but the smoke from the factories had a devastated the surrounding plant life. In 1909, the townspeople decided to reforest the surrounding landscape by planting imported acacia trees. Now, every June the town bursts with the color and fragrance from over 3 million blooming acacia trees, the largest grove in Japan. ​Local honey bees flock to gather the pollen from the flowers which create exceptionally thick, sweet, and pure honey.

• Kitaakita
• Souvenirs & Specialty Products
• Gourmet Food
• Roadside Stations and Direct Sales

Matagi Sake (Doburoku)

The doburoku, or traditional raw sake, crafted and sold at Utto Hot Springs is made from fresh, local Akita rice and crystal clear Mt. Moriyoshi water. Guests can order unpasteurized “raw” (still fermenting) doburoku that at the hot springs restaurant and pasteurized, bottled doburoku at the gift store. The bottle doburoku has a smooth, velvety finish.

• Kitaakita
• Souvenirs & Specialty Products
• Gourmet Food
• Roadside Stations and Direct Sales

Butter Mochi

When it comes to sweets in Kitaakita, butter mochi reigns supreme. Thirteen sweet shops in the city offer their own twist on the sweet made from kneaded rice, butter, sugar, and eggs. The flavor, texture, aroma, and color varies from store to store as each prepares the sweet by hand using slightly different techniques and ingredients. However, all exhibit a light cream color and smooth, buttery flavor. popular.

• Odate
• Nature and Scenery
• Souvenirs & Specialty Products
• Roadside Stations and Direct Sales

Odate Magewappa

Magewappa is said to have began with lumberjacks bending pieces of cedar into useful shapes while working in the forest. Nowadays, a magewappa piece begins selecting a strong and flexible strip of Akita cedar with a beautiful grain. Then the strip is bathed in hot water and bent into the desired shape. Lastly, cherry tree bark is then woven through the overlapping cear to secure shape and finish the process. ​Sleek, simple, and natural, magewappa handicrafts have garnered fans from around the globe.

• Kosaka
• Souvenirs & Specialty Products
• Gourmet Food
• Roadside Stations and Direct Sales

Kosaka Wine

• Kitaakita
• Gourmet Food

Bear Stew

The Matagi culture is deeply connected to bears. At the Shikari restaurant, guests can try authentic Matagi dishes featuring local bear meat. Bear meat is nutritious and high in dietary fiber, vitamins, and collagen. During the colder months it warms the body through and through. In China, it is believed the meat has a beautifying effect and is considered a delicacy. No reservations are necessary to try bear stew at the Shikari restaurant, but due to limited supply ingredients may run out.