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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

The Akita Dog Visitor Center is modeled after the 1920’s Shibuya Station in Tokyo where Hachiko waited patiently for his master. Real Akita dogs are on staff to greet visitors to Odate and there are lots of Akita dog themed souvenirs and gifts. The center is also home to a Tourist Information Center that can help visitors to the area make the best of their time in Odate. There’s so much to see and do!

The museum displays a range of artifacts and materials relating to the history of Akita dogs. It was built to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Akita Dog Preservation Society and is the only musuem in the world dedicated to Japanese dogs. A stature of Hachiko, an Akita who gained fame through loyalty to his master, stands outstide the museuem. The statue faces Hachiko’s birthplace in southern Odate.

One of the most popular family-friendly activites in the area! Specially designed bicycles allow guetsts to ride on the decommissioned Kosaka Railway tracks. Along the way, riders can enjoy breathtaking views while crossing the Nagaki River. Perfect for the whole family!