Hydrangeas were first planted in Aikawa Suiun Park in 1988. Since then, over 2,500 bushes in nine different varietes have been planted. The earliest blooming variety begins to bloom in mid July and the latest blooming variety finishes in early August.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.