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- Kitaakita
- Nature and Scenery
Kobei Falls (Ritsumata Gorge)
Kobei Falls is located in the Ritsumata Gorge on the western slopes of Mt. Buna (1,016m). Just a 10-minute walk from the parking lot is the 30m (98ft) Ichinotaki Falls, which features a pillar-like drop. 30 minutes from Ichinotaki Falls is the 20m Ninotaki Falls. Kobei Falls Lookout Point is a 20 minute climb from Ninotaki falls on the ridge of a beech forest. The largest waterfall in the gorge, the water cascades down 108m (354ft). The climb from Ninotaki to Kobei Falls has many steep switchbacks, but is worth the effort!
- Kitaakita
- Nature and Scenery
Yasu no Taki Falls
Yasu no Taki lies in the upper reaches of the 8km long Nakanomata Gorge in Okuani. Surrounded by steep cliffs, the two-tiered 90m (295 feet) drop will take visitor’s breath away any time of year; from the bright greens of spring, to the fiery colors of autumn. The falls are also the setting for the tragedy of Yasu and Kutaro, legendary star crossed lovers. It is said that on moonlit nights, one can make out the figure of Yasu combing her black hair, waiting for her lover. However, legend holds that visitors to the falls will be blessed with a happy love life.
- Odate
- Nature and Scenery
- Events and Festivals
Ishida Rose Garden
Prestigious resident Hirohide Ishida gifted his beloved rose garden to Odate City on July 1, 1995. Now every June, the Odate Rose Festival is held during the first blooming season of the year. The garden covers an area of 2,300 m2 and contains roughly 500 different varieties of flowers. They don’t bloom long, so make sure to see them when you can! The garden remains open throughout the year for walkers, etc.
- Kosaka
- Nature and Scenery
- Experiences and Tours
Former Kindergarten for local miners’ children
The Tenshikan was built in cooperation with the Kosaka mine in 1931 as a kindergarten for the children of local miners. An order of Christian nuns ran the kindergarten which influenced the western aesthetic of the building. Clapboard siding, vertical sliding windows, and roof decorations are just some of the features that put the Tenshikan on par with the Kosaka Mine office and Korakukan Theater. An educational display about the history of the Tenshikan and a multi-purpose room are open to visitors.
- Kosaka
- Nature and Scenery
- Souvenirs & Specialty Products
- Experiences and Tours
Kosaka Mine Office
The Kosaka mine office was built in 1905 during the boom years of the mine, at that time the most productive in Japan. The three-story renaissance style building is constructed of local Akita cedar and noted for the highly refined spiral staircase. Inside, educational exhibits showcase the history of the town and local sightseeing locations. On the first floor, a gift shop sells local products including the town specialty, acacia honey.
- Kosaka
- Nature and Scenery
- Souvenirs & Specialty Products
- Events and Festivals
- Experiences and Tours
Korakukan Theater
Constructed in 1910 for the enjoyment of local miners, the theater boasts a unique Western façade with a traditional Japanese interior. Shows are still held on a regular basis, over a century since the first curtain call. Guided tours before and after performances take guests backstage to see famous kabuki actor autographs and under-stage to view the rotating stage mechanism.
- Kitaakita
- Nature and Scenery
- Souvenirs & Specialty Products
- Experiences and Tours
Nishine Smithy
Knife “Ｍataginagasa” is the spirit of Matagi. Blacksmith Nagasa the third, Minoru Nishine, once was also a Matagi. His smithy is well preserved with high authenticity. Currently it is managed by Nishine’s wife, Makoto. She will personally explain the Mataginagasa, together with the Matagi culture and story of Nishine and blacksmith life. Before purchasing the Mataginagasa, let’s feel the spirit of Matagi and Makoto’s warm smile.
- Kitaakita
- Nature and Scenery
- Experiences and Tours
Hamabe Music Hall
The songs “Hamabe no Uta” and “Kanariya” still have the power to move listeners even after 50 years since their debut. The backstory of those songs and their composer, Tamezo Narita, are explored at the Hamabe Concert Hall. In the first floor listening room, visitors can enjoy a selection of Narita’s works and other representative Japanese pieces. On the second floor, an animatronic Narita plays his famous works on the piano.
- Kitaakita
- Nature and Scenery
Explore Ani’s History & Heritage
Exhibits at the museum include brass, galena, and pyrite ore samples extracted from the Ani, tools used in the mining process, and an original survey report written by the German engineer who helped modernize operations. Also on display are masks and costumes used in the Nekko Bangaku Festival, a Culture Heritage of Japan. Free guides are available upon request. Kamishibai, picture story shows, relating the history of the area are also available with advance reservation. For more information, please contact the museum.
- Kitaakita
- Nature and Scenery
- Experiences and Tours
- Hot Springs and Hotel
Matagi Museum
The Matagi culture dates back centuries. Living deep in the mountains, they sustained their villages through hunting bear and other practices. Modern Akita in Japan can trace their way of life back to the Ani region in Kitaakita where it first began. The Matagi Museum, conveniently located next to Utto Hot Springs, displays authentic Matagi articles including hunting tools and clothing. For those looking to understand the history and culture of the area, it is a must-see. An audio guide introducing this fascinating Matagi culture is readied in the museum. If you have a smartphone, you can listen to commentary in English or Chinese, as well as Japanese. In addition, since the recording can be displayed on the mobile phone screen, ensuring people with hearing impairments can also learn Matagi culture.