At the “Kosaka Railway Rail Park” in Kosaka Town, visitors can enjoy the unique experience of actually staying overnight in the passenger cars of the “Akebono,” a sleeper limited express train that was beloved for connecting Ueno with Akita and Aomori. The “Akebono” was a sleeper express train that connected Ueno Station and Aomori Station. As a “Blue Train” that supportedlong-distance travel, it was beloved by many people. Although it is no longer in service, these valuable railcars have been preserved and repurposed as lodging facilities. The greatest appeal of staying at the Blue Train Akebono is the chance to spend the night in an authentic train car. You can enjoy the actual sleeper beds that were once in use, the retro interior, and the unique experience of staying overnight while the train remains parked on the station platform. Be sure to also explore the Kosaka Railway Rail Park, where the “Akebono” is on display. 小坂鉄道レールパーク

Since its opening in 1939, this hotel has continued to witness the changing times and is characterized by its wooden architecture, which makes lavish use of natural Akita cedar. With approximately 80 master carpenters competing to showcase their skills, the building—crafted with meticulous attention to every detail—is truly a “work of art you can stay in.” The main building, with its intricate craftsmanship and design, is designated as a National Registered Tangible Cultural Property. Furthermore, all guest rooms offer views of Lake Towada, a feature that has captivated the hearts of many visitors over the years. You can take in the panoramic view of Lake Towada not only from your guest room but also from the “Panoramic Open-Air Bath” and the “Forest Library,” allowing you to spend your time in complete relaxation. We invite you to visit our hotel, which preserves history and tradition while offering both elegance and warmth. 2026 Operating Period: Thursday, April 16, 2026 – Mid-November

The spring water is a sodium sulfate spring (bōshō-sen) with a pH of 8.8. It is characterized by its smooth, silky texture and long-lasting warmth, making it a highly beneficial hot spring that is excellent for both bathing and drinking. Located about a 7-minute drive from JR Odate Station and within walking distance of the Nipro Hachiko Dome (Odate Jukai Dome) and Takumi Arena (Jukai Gymnasium), we are the closest lodging option, making us a convenient choice for sports tournaments and other events. We welcome you with our signature kiritanpo hot pot and original dishes made with water straight from the source.We strive to provide a homey atmosphere and family-style hospitality. At Furusawa Onsen, “Haru” and “Hana”—a mother-and-child pair of Akita dogs—welcome guests every day as part of our hospitality staff. Since these two started working here, we’ve heard that more and more guests are visiting just to meet these two beautiful Akita dogs. We invite you to come and be soothed by our hot springs and by Haru-chan and Hana-chan.

Located in Kasuda, Odate City—a region blessed with abundant nature and a unique culture—”Sakekoshimai” is a farmstay brimming with humor, run by the married couple Toshitaka and Toshiko Yamauchi.Guests can immerse themselves deeply in the rural culture of Akita, Japan, while enjoying a variety of seasonal activities such as farming, foraging for wild vegetables, chopping firewood, making pickles, straw crafts, calligraphy, and snowshoe excursions. Upon arrival, the “Sakekoshi Mai” style calls for the Yamauchi couple and guests to decide together how to spend their time. Choose your own unique way to enjoy your stay from a wide variety of experience plans. For dinner, you’ll work together to prepare authentic kiritanpo nabe and miso-tsuketanpo. After thoroughly enjoying these delicious local dishes packed with regional ingredients, it’s time for the hugely popular performance. The Yamauchis will showcase traditional folk dances passed down in the region, as well as musical performances featuring the guitar and shinobue flute.The lively atmosphere created when guests join in has garnered widespread attention on social media overseas, attracting many visitors from around the world, including Taiwan and Europe. The stone wall is lined with drawings and messages left by past guests. Be sure to leave a memento of your stay as a keepsake. <Examples of Activities> ★Spring…Rice planting / Foraging for wild vegetables / Thinning grapevines / Tilling and creating ridges in vegetable fields / Instruction on how to use a hoe ★Summer…Vegetable harvesting & cooking (watermelon, tomatoes, eggplant, etc.) / Tractor driving experience in the rice paddies ★Fall…Grape Harvest / Rice Harvest / Vegetable Harvest / Making Pickled Daikon / Straw Crafting ★Winter…Grape Pruning / Chopping Firewood / Snowshoe Experience

A 5-minute walk from Shirasawa Station on the JR Ou Main Line. “Tosho Komorebi” is located in a spot surrounded by lush nature yet offering excellent transportation access. The living room on the first floor is lined with books and is usually open to the public as a “community living room,” serving as a hub for local residents to gather. Guests are also welcome to use this as a shared space, where they can relax and enjoy some personal time in a comfortable, sun-drenched environment. With high-speed Wi-Fi available, the property is well-suited for workations and other medium- to long-term stays. Plus, our adorable Akita dogs, “Otonomizu” and “Kanro Kanro,” are waiting to welcome you. Please feel free to fully enjoy the leisurely pace of life in this peaceful, nature-filled setting.

Yamafuji Onsen (Kamikoani Village Community Center) is the only hot spring facility in the village. The colorless, clear water is gentle on the skin and keeps you warm for a long time, earning a reputation for warming you right down to your core.With just one indoor bath each for men and women, it is a cozy, homey hot spring beloved by many villagers. It also attracts visitors from far away seeking treatment for skin conditions and joint pain. Located in the Gotanzawa district, about 6 km from the village center—where the town hall and the Kamikoani Roadside Station are situated—it boasts a secluded setting reminiscent of a hidden hot spring deep in the mountains. Since there is no cell phone reception in the immediate vicinity of the facility, visitors can relax and unwind away from the hustle and bustle of daily life (*Wi-Fi available).The surrounding area features open spaces with gazebos for day camping and barbecues, as well as a beautiful mountain stream, making it a great spot for forest bathing and summer retreats. On the way to the facility, you can also admire the spectacular Gotanzawa Great Waterfall. In addition to the bathing facilities, there is a large Japanese-style room that can accommodate about 30 people, which is also used for local events and meetings. You can use it as a rest area after bathing for 200 yen (*free for village residents). Why not spend a relaxing moment surrounded by lush nature and the soothing sound of a babbling stream?

Located in Kami-Koani Village, Okuakita Hyakuwarai is a farmstay run by Takaaki and Taiki Suzuki—father and son—who operate “Tajuro Farm,” which cultivates Kami-Koani’s specialty crop, edible ground cherries.It is the village’s only lodging facility (as of October 2024) and is widely used for a variety of purposes, including long-term stays for workation, agricultural experience tours, and accommodations for travelers. The farm primarily grows edible ground cherries, as well as sweet potatoes and zucchini, and guests can participate in agricultural experiences upon request.In particular, the edible ground cherries—which Mr. Suzuki has dedicated many years to cultivating without pesticides, chemical fertilizers, or herbicides—are a rare fruit even on a national scale. The golden-colored, sweet-and-sour fruit is a true delicacy that you simply must try at least once. With Akita City and Odate City about an hour away by car, and Odate-Noshiro Airport about 30 minutes away, transportation access to nearby areas is excellent. During your stay, Mr. Suzuki may even show you around local attractions. Why not spend some relaxing time in Kamikoani Village, surrounded by nature?   [Comment from Mr. Suzuki] “Why not refresh your mind and body in Kamikoani Village, rich in natural beauty? Enjoy unique experiences such as ‘half-farming, half-X’ agricultural activities, sightseeing in nearby remote towns and villages, and fun activities at food trucks, farm-stay direct sales stands, and roadside stations—including shaved ice,roasted sweet potatoes, and vegetables; firewood splitting and wood-burning stove experiences; mochi pounding using the ancestral zelkova “Uskine” mallet; kiritanpo making; sauna (planned); barrel baths; Goemon-style baths; cold water baths… There’s plenty of fun to be had with all these activities!”

Located in the Ani-ko-sama settlement in Kitaakita City, “Ryogetsusha Farm INN&ACTIVITY” is a farmstay where guests can gain a deep understanding of life in the mountains, nature, and the Matagi culture through hands-on experiences.It was founded by Nozomu Kimura—who moved to Ani inspired by the Matagi culture and now runs the farm while working as a Matagi—together with his wife, Liang Liang Zhang. The focus is not just on lodging but on allowing guests to experience the region’s charm. They offer a variety of activities, including hands-on farming experiences at the farm managed by Mr. Kimura, SUP and kayaking on Lake Shikibi (Moriyoshi Dam), and tent saunas in the great outdoors.Guests can also take the time to listen to stories unique to an active Matagi hunter—covering Matagi culture, wildlife, and hunting. The building is a renovated 120-year-old traditional farmhouse. In addition to a newly built shower room, the hosts will also guide you to nearby hot spring facilities. Located in a quiet rural area surrounded by rice paddies and rivers, this spot is highly recommended for those who want to fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the satoyama landscape, with the murmur of the mountain stream serving as the perfect background music.

Located in the Serizawa hamlet of Kitaakita City, “Serisawaya” is a bed-and-breakfast where guests can fully experience the charm of a rural area rich in nature. The surrounding area is surrounded by rice paddies and mountains, and the air is crystal clear and very quiet.There are also nearby spots where fireflies gather. The garden plot is planted with a variety of vegetables, including eggplant, cucumbers, edamame, and potatoes, and guests can even harvest them if they wish. It’s highly recommended for those who want to relax and lose track of time, as well as for anyone looking to get a taste of rural life. It offers excellent access to the surrounding areas, being just over an hour’s drive from Akita City and about 40 minutes by car from Noshiro City and Odate City. You can use it as a base for a variety of trips—whether touring Tohoku’s summer festivals in the summer or visiting the Ani Ski Resort in the winter.During your stay, you’ll have free use of two adjoining Japanese-style rooms (8 tatami mats each), as well as access to shared spaces such as the bathroom and kitchen (*shared with the host family). It’s ideal for guests traveling with a lot of luggage. Although the house is about 50 years old, the bathrooms and kitchen have been renovated, ensuring a comfortable stay. The host is Dai Takaya, who is involved in projects to revitalize vacant homes. He operates this property as a vacation rental in his family home, where his parents and other family members still live. When guests are staying, Mr. Takaya himself will be on-site to provide support. “Having worked in the local community for many years, I can guide you to a wide range of spots not only in Kitaakita City but throughout the prefecture.“Please feel free to consult with me even if you haven’t finalized your sightseeing plans yet. I can also assist you in English,” says Mr. Takaya. If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the inn.

Spanning approximately 5 hectares, this open-site campground lets you freely enjoy nature. In addition to camping, you can spend your time however you like—whether it’s barbecuing, relaxing in a chair, picnicking, forest bathing, visiting the dog park, playing sports, or enjoying a tent sauna. Vehicles are permitted on the grounds, so car camping and sleeping in your car are both allowed.We also offer seasonal activities such as bracken picking, apple picking, and river trekking. In the “Babbling Brook Area,” a favorite among campers, you can fully savor the slow passage of time while surrounded by the soothing sound of a babbling brook. You can view a spectacular waterfall up close or splash around in the shallow waters.We also recommend looking down at the river from the hilltop to forget the hustle and bustle of daily life and simply relax. Temporary restrooms are available on-site. The owner couple—former teachers—spent many years gradually restoring this abandoned farmland, which had become overgrown. The site opened as a free camping area in September 2023.From solo campers to families, everyone is sure to find their own way to enjoy the site. *Please check Instagram for the latest information. >> Click here for the 2024 bracken-picking experience report

Facilities include “Hinai Beniyama-so,” an accommodation with natural hot springs; the “Otsuzura Gold Mine Hometown Museum,” which displays materials related to the Otsuzura Gold Mine; “cottages” that can accommodate up to six people; and a campground. Of the six cottages, two allow pets. In addition, the park is fully equipped with large multi-purpose play structures—including slides, sky ropes, and swings—that even young children can enjoy, as well as an adventure playground, a multipurpose plaza, a stage, a campground, a kitchen building, a fire circle, and restrooms, ensuring a comfortable and worry-free stay.  

Fairy Forest Cottage Raul is located at the foot of Mount Moriyoshi in Akita Prefecture. In addition to Nordic-style cottages, mountain lodges, and campgrounds—accommodations designed to suit every guest’s preferences—we offer outdoor sports activities that can be enjoyed throughout the spring, summer, and fall seasons. Our facilities are perfect for both groups and families.

Located upstream from the lodge, it’s a convenient spot for exploring the Iwase River stream, taking a break during a hike up Mt. Tashiro, or staying overnight. It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy quiet, leisurely moments with family or friends.

Located about a 5-minute drive from JR Odate Station, the “Pokapoka Onsen Hotel” is a business hotel that offers affordable room rates. The hot spring, which soothes the fatigue of a long workday, is a naturally flowing, pure natural hot spring classified as a sodium-calcium sulfate-chloride spring. The hot water is particularly popular among locals.

Conveniently located just a 2-minute walk from Higashi-Odate Station on the JR Hanawa Line in the heart of the city’s entertainment district, the hotel features a free parking lot on the premises with space for 100 vehicles. In addition to the 8th-floor observation deck with natural hot springs (complete with a dry sauna), the hotel features a relaxation room equipped with massage chairs and a coin-operated laundry facility. Furthermore, the first-floor lobby offers a variety of pillows and amenities for your use. As an ideal business hotel serving as a hub for both business and leisure travelers, we are committed to ensuring your comfort.

Located directly across from Takano Station in Kitaakita City, it offers excellent transportation access. JR trains, buses, and taxis are all right outside the door. It’s also about a 10-minute ride to the airport by limousine bus.

Free breakfast is included. This hotel prides itself on its clean facilities and attentive service.

About a 7-minute drive from Odate Station on the JR Ou Main Line, and about a 10-minute drive from the Odate-Kita Interchange on the Akita Expressway. The hotel is located in the heart of the city’s entertainment and shopping district. Guests appreciate our comprehensive services, including a complimentary breakfast buffet, a large public bath with artificial hot spring water, Wi-Fi in all guest rooms, a welcome coffee service, and free surface parking.

Odate Yatate Heights is a hot spring inn that serves as the centerpiece of the “Yatate Pass” Roadside Station. The area is surrounded by Akita cedar forests—one of Japan’s Three Great Forests—and offers a variety of scenic views throughout the four seasons. The hot spring, which features an abundant flow of water directly from the source, is affectionately known as “Toge no Kane no Yu” (The Golden Hot Spring of the Pass). Enjoy your meals and the hot springs in a serene atmosphere, and be sure to soothe your daily fatigue.

It’s conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from “Korakukan,” Japan’s oldest theater and a National Important Cultural Property, and an 8-minute walk from “Kosaka Rail Park.”

Please use this hotel as a base for business and sightseeing. The 5th floor features a natural hot spring bath with a panoramic view of the city. In addition to restaurants, the hotel is fully equipped with meeting rooms and banquet halls, making it suitable for a wide range of purposes. The Royal Hotel Odate is home to two Akita dogs. They are a senior-junior duo: the handsome “Eito Nakamura,” with his sharp features, and the adorable “Hina Nakamura,” with her fluffy coat. Please come visit them. 《Notice》 Currently, Eito-kun and Hina-chan are not available for interaction with guests. Depending on their health, viewing-only visits may be possible, so please contact the Royal Hotel Odate in advance.

Located along the national highway in downtown Odate, the Grand Park Hotel Odate is a business hotel conveniently situated near the dining district, making it ideal for both business and leisure travelers. We look forward to welcoming you.

Surrounded by nature, this facility offers a homey atmosphere and can accommodate up to 20 guests in 6 guest rooms. Located about 1 km from the Ani Gondola Mountain Base Station and the Ani Ski Resort, it serves as a great base for skiing and viewing rime ice in the winter, as well as hiking and trekking from spring through fall. We offer a free shuttle service to the Aji Gondola Mountain Base Station, the ski resort, and the nearest train station, so please feel free to ask.

It’s the perfect base for exploring Lake Towada and the Oirase Stream. This inn prides itself on authentic irori-style cuisine. Enjoy Lake Towada’s sweetfish and other mountain and sea delicacies, grilled over charcoal to bring out their full flavor.

The drive takes you along the “Jukai Line,” where you can enjoy the beautiful surrounding scenery, trees, and mountains for a refreshing experience. The hot spring water flows directly from the source, and the open-air bath—which is very popular with day-trip visitors—also features a jacuzzi. Take a moment to relax and enjoy a soothing experience while gazing at the changing seasons.

This popular hot spring resort offers the luxury of soaking in natural, free-flowing hot spring water at a temperature of 52.7 degrees, and guests can relax in the rock sauna, regular sauna, and open-air bath. ​We offer a variety of guest rooms to suit your needs, including singles, twins, Japanese-style rooms, DX rooms, and special rooms (combining Japanese and Western styles). Our accommodations are well-received for their reasonable rates. Additionally, our restaurant serves seasonal dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.

Located in the Ani region—a Matagi village at the foot of Mount Moriyoshi in the inland area of Akita Prefecture—this facility offers day-trip hot spring bathing, dining, and lodging. The hot spring, with a source temperature of 56.6 degrees, is a chloride spring that warms you thoroughly and keeps you warm for a long time. Please enjoy the natural hot spring with water flowing directly from the source. For meals, you can enjoy traditional Matagi cuisine known as “Jango cuisine,” as well as bear hot pot, rabbit hot pot, and kiritanpo hot pot. We also offer “Matagi no Yume,” a cloudy sake produced under Akita Prefecture’s first doburoku brewing permit (Doburoku Special Zone). Nearby sightseeing spots include Mt. Moriyoshi and Yasu Falls.

Since its discovery in Meiji 26, this secluded hot spring in Hikage has been beloved as a “medicinal bath effective for skin conditions.” Although it once closed to much regret, it has reopened following a renovation thanks to the dedicated efforts of local businesses. Dubbed the “Kusatsu of Tohoku,” its milky-white sulfur spring captivates many hot spring enthusiasts with its luxurious, unfiltered flow directly from the source. Due to its high therapeutic efficacy, it is known as the “Sacred Spring that Revitalizes You in Three Days.” The large public bath with an open-air bath, crafted from Aomori hiba cypress, is synonymous with Nikkei Onsen. Once you soak in the milky-white waters filled with the scent of sulfur, you’re sure to fall in love with Nikkei’s waters. In addition, you can enjoy a variety of hot spring experiences, including private baths where you can gaze at the mountains and waterfalls lined with Akita cedar, as well as special rooms featuring clear iron-rich hot springs. And don’t miss the dining experience at Kappo Kiraku. The restaurant is committed to sourcing the freshest, most delicious ingredients harvested that very day from local contract farmers who prioritize “organic” practices and “environmental consideration.” You can savor regional dishes made with locally sourced ingredients and Akita’s local sake, all prepared with the refined taste of a traditional Japanese restaurant. The tranquil atmosphere of the retro-modern library and lounge, the gentle murmur of the nearby stream, and the star-studded night sky—a sight unique to the mountains—all enhance the hot spring experience.The sophisticated design harmonizes beautifully with the natural scenery of Shirakami Yatate visible through the windows. Please enjoy a pleasant escape from the everyday in this space designed with the utmost focus on “guest comfort.”   [Jalan.net User Reviews: “Accommodations I’m Glad I Stayed At” (Overall) Ranking] (Data collected from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026) Tohoku Region Ryokan Category: 1st Place https://www.jalan.net/jalan/doc/ranking/total/02_index.html

“Nimata-so” is a 130-year-old traditional Japanese house located in the Nekko hamlet of the Ani region in Kitaakita City. After the passing of its former owner, the Ani no Mori Buna Hotel renovated the building and now operates it as an annex. Several times a year, events are held where guests can enjoy country-style cuisine in the spacious tatami-mat room. The Nekko hamlet is a hidden gem among hidden gems, home to legends of defeated samurai. This land, which has fostered a unique culture due to its geographical conditions, is known as the “birthplace of the Matagi.” Furthermore, the “Nekko Bangaku” performance, staged every year during the Obon festival, has been designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan. Experience a Traditional Farmhouse Through Cuisine and Relaxation In spring, you can enjoy dishes made with wild mountain vegetables, and in fall, dishes featuring mushrooms. Why not experience the laid-back rural lifestyle while listening to the babbling waters of the Nezo River? To make a reservation (for rest, meals, etc.), please contact the affiliated facility, “Ani no Mori Buna Hotel.”Please note that meal reservations are available only for groups of 10 or more. Also, due to preparation requirements, please make your reservation at least three days prior to your visit. [Ani no Mori Buna Hotel] [Postal Code] 018-4624 [Address] 206 Ani Kagi-no-Taki, Kitaakita City, Akita Prefecture [Phone] 0186-82-2400 [Fax] 0186-82-3630 [Email] ani_bunahotel@yahoo.co.jp