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Futamataso House
Upon the passing of the former owner, the splendid Futamata-sō was refurbished as an annex of the Ani-no-Mori Buna Hotel. Every year local food tastings are held in the spacious traditional tatami rooms. According to legend, Nekko village was founded by defeated warriors fleeing from southern Japan. The isolated location of the village gave birth to unique customs. The Matagi hunting culture is said to have started in Nekko and the traditional village dances, performed in August, are designated Important Intangible Folk Cultural Properties of Japan.
- Kitaakita
- Nature and Scenery
- Experiences and Tours
Kumakuma Bear Park
Opened as the Ani Bear Ranch in 1990, it was reopened as Kumakuma Bear Park in 2014. Visitors can enjoy watching the Japanese black bears play on “Bear Mountain” and see the grizzly bears up close at their glass lined habitat. Visitors can feed the black bears specially prepared treats and participate in special events such as bear cub meet and greets.
- Kitaakita
- Nature and Scenery
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- Roadside Stations and Direct Sales
Taiko Museum
Have your breath taken away when first setting eyes on the massive drums at the Taiko Museum. The museum proudly displays six drums over two meters in diameter, the largest measuring 3.8m in diameter and weighing 3.5 metric tons. Additionally, there over 140 drums from forty countries around the world for visitors to take in. Every year for the past 700 years, the Tsudureko Taiko Festival has used large drums in the celebrations. Visitors can enjoy watching the large drums on display in the museum in action at the festival from July 14-15. An audio guide is installed to introduce the history of Taiko and other displays. If you have a smartphone, you can listen to commentary in English and Chinese as well as Japanese. In addition, the recording can be displayed in text. People with hearing impairments can also access the guide without trouble.
- Odate
- Nature and Scenery
Nishiki Shrine・Nishikido Shrine
Nishiki Shrine is dedicated to Fujiwara Yasuhira, the last leader of the northern Fujiwara Clan, and Nishikido Shrine to his wife. Yasuhira fled to Hinai while being purused by his former lord Minamoto no Yasuhira, but was eventually captured and executed. Believing her husband to still be alive, his wife followed him to Hinai. However, upon learning of his death she committed suicide. Taking pity of the fate of the husband and wife, the villagers gave them proper burials and have been tending their graves for over 800 years.
- Kitaakita
- Nature and Scenery
Isedotai Site
Jomon people, the ancestors of modern Japanese, built the Isedotai site approximately 4,000 ago. The site centers on large four large stone circles and includes burial sites and traces of buildings. It is thought that the stone circles were a place of prayer and worship. Nearly 200 clay figures have been excavated from the site over the years which archaeologists believe were smashed during ceremonies. Only one intact figure has been found to date. Visitors can view the excavated figures at the Isedotai Museum and also take a guided walk of the stone circles.
- Odate
- Nature and Scenery
- Experiences and Tours
Nagabashiri Wind Caves
Situated on the slope of Mt. Kunimi in northern Odate, the Wind Caves stay a cool 0~5℃ even in mid-summer. The unique geology of the area allows alpine flora to thrive at altitudes over 800m lower than their usual habitat. Inside the Nagabashiri Wind Cave Visitor Center, educational displays show the process through which the caves are cooled, and at a miniature theater guests can learn more about the surrounding habitat and fauna. Cellar #1 is open to visitors to enter and experience the unique natural phenomenon for themselves. *During the summer months, the visitor center is cooled natural by the wind caves.
- Odate
- Nature and Scenery
Old dog Shinto shrine
In the Kuzuwara region of Odate, the tragedy of Sadaroku and his dog Shiro has been passed down for generations. The Roken Shrine stands in their memory. Straying into the local lord’s territory while chasing game, Sadaroku was captured by local soldiers. He gave orders to Shiro to retrieve his hunting license which he had left at home that fateful day. Shiro ran between the castle and his master’s home many times through deep snow and dark night. When he finally found the license and brought it back, it was too late. His master had been executed. Soon after many disasters befell the area and were attributed to Shiro’s grudge. Accordingly, a shrine was built nearby to appease his soul. The hunting license Shiro worked so hard to retrieve is still on display in shrine today.
- Odate
- Nature and Scenery
Matsumine Shrine
Kobo-Daishi, also known as Kukai, is said to have founded the temple during the early Heian era. An 853 CE earthquake completely buried the main hall and Buddha statute. The temple was rebuilt, but then burnt down three more times until the present structure was constructed in the late Edo era. In accordance with Meiji policy, the shrine was converted to a Shinto shrine devoted to the god of the moon and renamed Matsumine Shrine. Walking the path lined with giant cedars that leads to the shrine, visitors are often overcome with an “otherworldly” feeling.
- Odate
- Nature and Scenery
- Experiences and Tours
Ourokan Estate
Having miraculously survivied the numerous fires that have ravaged central Odate in the past, the Ourokan Estate stands as a splendid example of pre-war Japanese architecture. Sakuraba Bunzo, the last mayor of Odate Town, built the structure as a private residence on the grounds of the former Odate Castle; Ouro means “cherry blossom tower” in Japanese. Among the several unique architectural finishes is the lookout tower jutting from the top of the building. The four-sided glass feature sports panoramic views of Odate including the famed Daimoji mountain.
- Odate
- Nature and Scenery
- Experiences and Tours
Torigata Estate
The Torigata Estate boasts stunning Kyoto-style architecture in the heart of northern Japan. You can enjoy walking around the garden and koi pond or relax at the thatched roof teahouse. Artifacts documenting the more than 300 year history of the estate are displayed inside. Winter, spring, summer, and fall all bring their unique touches to the garden that will delight guests in every season!