Kiritampo is the most famous food from Akita Prefecture. It is made by mashing newly harvest rice and grilling it on a wooden skwerer around a fire. Kiritampo can be enjoyed many ways, but most well-known is a stew call kiritampo-nabe that uses local vegetables and Hinai chicken. Every year Odate hosts the Kiritampo Festival after the autumn rice harvset, when the rice is the most delicioius. Restaurants gather from around the region to compete to see who makes the best kiritampo-nabe and serve new kiritampo recipes. Throughout the festival there are live musical performances, dance shows, and plenty of hands-on activities!

Of the over 500 rose varites at the Ishida Rose Garden, some only bloom in early autumn. These roses tend to be lighter in color and have a sublter fragrance than their spring-blooming counterparts. Swing by the festival to enjoy these elegant flowers.

The Odate Shinmeisha Festival is held in late summer to pray for an abundant harvest. Neighborhoods around the city pull large, decorated floats around the city which carry dancers and musicians. On the first night of the festival the floats converege on the center of town for a blessing by the shrine priest. On the second night, a purifying water fight is held in the center of town to the delight of spectators.

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!

Annual festival celebrating the plentiful ayu (sweetfish) in the Yosheshiro River. Ayu grilling, traditional dances, and a fireworks show at night are held along the riverside. Participants in the tradtional dance are automatically entered to receive a free prize!

A form of yamabushi kagura (traditional dance) performed as part of the Bon festival August and said to have it’s origin in the defeat of the Heike clan. When the Heike clan in Kyoto was defeated by their enemies, they fled to northern Japan to escape capture. Local legend has it that some of them settle in Nekko village because of its secluded location tucked away in the mountains. With them they brought their traditional dances which the villagers carry on to this day. The public performances are held every August 14.

The Daimonji Festival lasts all day with both daytime and evening events. Yukata-clad citizens, schools bands, and dance teams parade down Hachiko-dori (main street) during the afternoon. After sunset, a fireworks show is held on the banks of the Nagaki River in the center of town. At the same time, Japans largest daimonji (a series of fires arranged on a mountain form a Japanese character) is lit. This year paper lanters will be released down the Nagaki river to help guide the spirits of ancestor back to the afterlife. Many performances, food stalls, and games are held at the Nagaki Riverside park for visitors to enjoy while watching the show.

Kosaka was once home to a productive mine which brought in workers from all around the area. The Kosaka Tanabata Festival began in the late Meiji era with workers from neighboring Aomori recreating their famous Nebuta Festival floats. Originally the floats featured characters from local folklore and religion, but now they are decorated with a wide rage of motifs including popular cartoon characters. The highlight of the festival is on the evening of the second day when all of the neighborhoods floats gather in the center of town.