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.

Mt. Moriyoshi (1,454m) stand prominently in central-easter Akita. Formed by volcanic activity, the surrounding area encompasses a 3km caldera. Famous as one of Japan’s “Flower Mountains”, fields of wild flowers bloom from early spring to late summer. In the Autumn, visitors come from all over to marvel at the changing foliage that the mountain offers. Anyone can enjoy the splendor of Mt. Moriyoshi with the short, 15-minute gondola ride from base to summit!