Utto Onsen sits at the base of Mt. Moriyoshi in Ani Village, an area famous for the local Matagi hunter culture. The onsen is popular as both a day trip destination and a place to stay the night while enjoying the hot spring and local food. The all natural hot spring is fed directly from the source. The restaurant serves traditional Matagi hunter cuisine including “Jango” cooking, bear stew, rabbit stew, and kiritanpo-nabe stew. Utto onsen was the first place in Akita recieve permission to brew the traditional “doburoku” rice liquor which has is now available for purchase. Guests can enjoy Mt. Moriyoshi, Yas no Taki waterfall, and other sightseeing spots in the area.

Popular hot springs fed directly from the source with both men’s and women’s sides featuring an outdoor tub, sauna, and heated relaxation rooms. The perfect place to unwind after a busy day of travel or business. The restuarant offers a large menu that focuses on incorporating fresh, local ingredients. Single, double, twin, and suite western-style rooms and Japanese style rooms are available.

Feel at home at this pleasant hotel surrounded by nature with a maximum capacity of 20 guests. Only 1 minute away by car from the Ani Ski Resort gondola, it is perfect for those looking to ski, snowboard, and see the snow monsters in the winter months, and hike in the warmer months. Free pick-up and drop-off to the Ani Ski resort and Aniai Station.

Hotel Yagi is conveniently located across from Takanosu Station. Local trains, taxis, and buses are just a few steps from the front desk. Odate Noshiro Airport is 10 minutes away by bus. Guests can look forward to the morning when they are treated to Hote Yagi’s famous breakfast fare.

妖精の森コテージラウルは、秋田県森吉山麓に位置します。 北欧風コテージをはじめ、山荘、キャンプ場などの皆様のスタイルに合わせた宿泊施設の他、春、夏、秋シーズンを通して遊べるアウトドアスポーツをご用意しております。 グループでファミリーで楽しめる施設となっております。

The Matobi Festical is held during the week of the sping equinox to held guide the visiting spirits of ancestors back to the other world. Rice straw fires are light in 15 hamlets of the village at staggered times and a free shuttle bus follows the schedule so visitors can see all of the displays. A fireworks show is held at the Roadside Station once all of the fires are lit and there are food and drink stalls for visitors.

The Aniai region of Kitaaktia is known for heavy snowfall in winter. To make the best of the huge snow drifts, the villagers come together and craft small igloos called kamakura and decorate them with candles. The lighting begins at 17:45 and a fireworks show is held starting from 18:50. There are food and drink stalls set up in the plaza.

Kitaakita has a rich tradition of producing mochi, Japanese rice cakes. A huge selection of handmande mochi and pickled vegetables are available for purchase at this festival including the very populare butter mochi unique to the region.  

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.

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!