Lake Towada is a caldera lake formed by volcanic activity that began approximately 200,000 years ago; at a depth of 327 meters, it is the third deepest lake in Japan. A caldera lake is a body of water formed when rainwater accumulates over a long period of time in a depression created by a volcanic eruption. You’ll be moved by the lake’s beauty—like a mirror reflecting the sky and surrounding mountains—and the expansive, open panorama that makes you want to take a deep breath. The Oirase Stream, which stretches approximately 14 km from Konokuchi on the shores of Lake Towada to Mt. Yakeyama, is also famous as a scenic spot. “Hatsuka Pass Observation Deck”—Lake Towada’s Finest View: As you drive through the broadleaf forest, the deep-blue surface of the lake suddenly spreads out before you. This is Hakka Pass, the terminus of the Jukai Line. The view from the observation deck, located at an elevation of 631 meters, is renowned as the best in Lake Towada. Directly ahead, you can see the outer rim of the caldera, with Kushigamine Peak in the Southern Hakkoda Mountains visible beyond it. On busy days, the area around the observation deck gets crowded with people and cars, and the parking lot fills up quickly; however, there is a spacious parking lot and restrooms located about 200 m away at the entrance to the Jukai Line. Related Page: Towada Hotel Related Page: Yama no Oshibai Towadako Nigi-yama-tei Related Page: “Mysterious Lake Towada GREEN” Lake Cruise with HOBIE Cruising Related Page: Lake Towada SUP & Kayaking Experiences Related Page: Lake Towada Hime-masu (Arctic Char) Related Events: Lake Towada Water Festival Related Events: Lake Towada Winter Story

Mount Moriyoshi (1,454 m), which towers over the central-eastern part of Akita Prefecture, is a mountain formed by volcanic activity. It is famous as one of the “100 Famous Mountains for Flowers,” and wildflowers bloom profusely from early spring through late summer. Mount Moriyoshi is also known as a prime spot for autumn foliage, attracting many visitors in the fall. In winter, you can take the gondola to enjoy skiing and snowboarding! The gondola ride to the summit takes 15 minutes, making it easy for anyone to enjoy the beauty of Mount Moriyoshi. Winter Exclusive! Mount Moriyoshi’s Rime Ice Mt. Moriyoshi is home to one of Japan’s Three Great Rime Ice Formations. There are several conditions required for rime ice to form, and locations that meet all of them are rare even on a global scale. Be sure to take the gondola to enjoy the breathtaking view of the massive rime ice formations spreading across the vast expanse of Mt. Moriyoshi. Official Website: https://www.aniski.jp/mtmoriyoshi/   To get there, the Mt. Moriyoshi Shuttle—which runs from JR Takano Station, Odate-Noshiro Airport, and Ani-ai Station on the Akita Inland Line—is a convenient option. Mt. Moriyoshi Shuttle: https://campaign.nearme.jp/mtmoriyoshi

Currently, some hiking trails are closed. The accessible trail takes about 15 minutes on foot to reach Kobusugi. Since this area is deep in the mountains, please come prepared with appropriate gear for trekking and to handle encounters with wildlife. About a 5-minute drive from the Obayashi hamlet, amidst a vast forest, stand natural Akita cedar trees over 250 years old. Amidst a grove of some 700 giant trees stands the “Kobu Cedar,” a tree with a particularly peculiar shape that seems to gaze up at the sky and down at the earth. This giant tree was selected in Heisei 12 for the Forestry Agency’s “Top 100 Giants of the Forest” list. It is carefully preserved as a symbol of the village and as a mysterious space woven by nature.

There is a spot on Mount Moriyoshi where you can admire “ice-covered trees,” a phenomenon that appears only from early January through early March. Frost-covered trees are a natural phenomenon that occurs only under specific conditions; they form when the branches and needles of the Aomori fir—a type of conifer—freeze on the surface due to wind and snow, and snow then accumulates on them. Because they resemble snow monsters, they are known as “Snow Monsters” even to visitors from overseas. The tree ice on Mount Moriyoshi is counted among the “Three Great Tree Ice Sites of Japan,” alongside Zao (Yamagata and Miyagi) and Hakkoda (Aomori). While tree ice typically forms only at high altitudes, Mount Moriyoshi is easily accessible for viewing via the gondola at Ani Ski Resort. Please check the official website for gondola operating hours. Ani Ski Resort Official Website: https://www.aniski.jp/ Another great perk during the winter season is that you can rent boots, snowshoes, and poles for free at the gondola’s summit station. You can also rent skis, snowboards, and other snow gear for a fee, allowing you to enjoy backcountry skiing through the ice-covered trees. Additionally, on the night tour—which uses a snow groomer equipped with a cabin—you can admire the white ice-covered trees floating in the darkness of the night, a sight not usually visible. (Available for a limited time) [How to Get to Ani Ski Resort] In recent years, the resort has seen an increase in visitors, which can lead to congestion in parking lots and on roads. Therefore, we recommend that guests arriving by car use the “Free Frosted Trees Viewing Shuttle Bus,” which also offers a discount on round-trip gondola fares. ⇩For details⇩ 2026年森吉山樹氷鑑賞スタート！オススメのアクセス方法をお知らせします！ In addition to the rime ice, the resort is open all four seasons. Don’t miss the beautiful flowers in spring, the lush greenery in summer, and the vibrant autumn foliage. Please see this article for more details. ゴンドラで行く森吉山

A 94.2-kilometer local line that runs through the inland region of Akita Prefecture from Kakunodate to Takano. The area is blessed with abundant natural beauty, including the historic town of Kakunodate—known for its beautiful blackboard-style fences—and the birthplace of the Matagi hunting culture at the foot of Mount Moriyoshi. The scenery visible from the train window is truly a quintessential Japanese landscape.Please enjoy the “Mountain Resort Train,” where you can experience the “good old days” of Japan. [Event Trains Are Also Recommended!] In addition to the hugely popular “Gottsuo Tamatebako Train,” where you can savor seasonal dishes prepared by local farmers’ wives right on board, we host numerous events that let you enjoy Akita’s four seasons, such as the “Sake Tasting Train,” “A Satoyama Stroll with the President,” and the “Bread Train” featuring rice paddy art.Enjoy a special journey as the train gently sways through breathtaking scenery. Click here for details and reservations for the Akita Inland Line’s “Smile Rail” event train >> [Cycle Train “Bicycle Transport Service” / Bike Rentals] 秋田内陸線サイクルトレイン「自転車輸送サービス」/レンタサイクル開始のお知らせ [“Crayon Shin-chan” Wrapped Train in Service] 「クレヨンしんちゃん」ラッピング車両運行＆オリジナル観光案内放送のお知らせ！ [Collaboration “Tetsu-in” Stamps Featuring the President and the Akita Dog “Mutsu” Now Available!] 【秋田内陸縦貫鉄道】社長×秋田犬陸奥コラボ鉄印発売決定！

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.

Along the route of the former Kosaka Railway—which once connected Odate City and Kosaka Town and supported the local community—lies the “Hydrangea Railroad,” a spot where colorful hydrangeas bloom in full splendor, gently welcoming visitors. These hydrangeas were planted as part of the “Hydrangea Railroad Project” led by local residents. With the goal of having approximately 3,000 hydrangeas blooming on both sides of the tracks, planting has been progressing gradually; currently, about 2,400 plants have taken root, creating a beautiful landscape. The “Former Kosaka Railway Line Hydrangea Festival,” held during the peak blooming season, offers not only hydrangea viewing but also tree-planting experiences and unique local events. Attractions include a tree-planting festival where you can name the hydrangea you plant yourself, sales of railway merchandise, and rail bike rides—activities that appeal to people of all ages. In 2026, the “Kosaka Mine Railway Pot” will make its debut, offering visitors the chance to enjoy “Sopa de Ajo,” a traditional Spanish dish made with locally sourced ingredients.   The former Kosaka Railway was once a vital line that supported the transport of mining supplies and the daily lives of the local people, but it was decommissioned in 2009 due to changing times. Today, it draws on its history to create new value as a tourist attraction. The scenery created by the tracks and hydrangeas evokes a sense of nostalgia and offers a special, soothing atmosphere. It’s also a popular spot for photography, where you can enjoy unique views found only here—a fusion of railway heritage and nature. If you visit the Okuaquita area in early summer, be sure to stop by the “Former Kosaka Railway Line Hydrangea Festival” and experience the floral scenery filled with the spirit of the local community.

A farm where you can enjoy strawberry picking every year from May to June. You can enjoy an all-you-can-eat 30-minute session of “Harumi”—a strawberry variety native to Akita—until you’re full. “Harumi” is a variety developed by Akita Prefectural University to grow deliciously in cold climates. It’s a delicious strawberry with a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. Since it’s rarely found on the market, it’s sometimes called the “phantom strawberry.” When you pop a freshly picked one into your mouth, its juicy, sweet-and-tart flavor spreads throughout your palate. At Hinai Watanabe Farm, we cultivate dozens of varieties of vegetables, wild mountain vegetables, and flowers using carefully selected fertilizer aged in our own composting facility and pure groundwater drawn directly from the ground. During your strawberry picking visit, you may also be able to purchase freshly harvested vegetables, such as snap peas, as souvenirs (*subject to harvest conditions).Enjoy a casual strawberry picking experience on a vast farm surrounded by nature. It’s highly recommended not only for families with children but also for couples and group trips. *Reservations are required. >> Click here for the 2024 strawberry picking experience report

Discovered in 1919 (Taisho 8) by Yuzaburo Kinoshita in Kami-Koani Village, this perennial orchid was named “Koani-chidori” by botanist Dr. Tomitaro Makino. The name derives from its discovery in the Koani River basin; it has been designated as the official flower of Kami-Koani Village and is cherished as a symbol of the region. It is a small plant, growing to a height of about 10 to 20 cm, and from early summer through summer (around June to July), it produces several delicate white or pale pink flowers. Although the flowers are only a few millimeters in size, a closer look reveals their delicate shape and beautiful patterns, making them resemble tiny butterflies fluttering through the forest. It grows primarily on moist rocky areas and alpine grasslands, and can only be found in limited environments. Because it is sensitive to heat, its distribution is concentrated mainly in northern Japan; however, its population is extremely small, and it is a precious plant designated as “Endangered (Category II)” on the Ministry of the Environment’s Red List. You may encounter this Koanichidori in the rich natural environment, but to preserve its beauty for future generations, it is important to avoid picking the flowers or trampling the area, and to admire them quietly. When visiting Deep Akita in early summer, please take a moment to notice these tiny lives blooming quietly in the forest.An encounter with the Koanichidori will be a special experience with nature that can only be enjoyed here. Additionally, at the Kamikoani Roadside Station, you can purchase Koanichidori that have been carefully cultivated by hand. They are available for sale from around late May—before the flowers bloom—through mid-June.

[Notice and Request Regarding the Condition of the Flowers in Fiscal Year 2026] Due to the disaster-level heavy snowfall that occurred in January 2026, approximately half of the wisteria branches were broken, among other damages. As a result, this year’s blooms may not be as spectacular as in previous years. Despite these circumstances, Mr. Tsushima, the manager of Tonosé Fuji no Sato, and the staff are working hard to prepare for welcoming many visitors again this year. We kindly ask for your support as we carry out restoration and maintenance work at Tonosé Fuji no Sato. Please see below for details. AID for 十ノ瀬藤の郷 “Tonose Fuji no Sato” is a wisteria garden located in the Tashiro area of Odate City, at the foot of Mount Tonose. Approximately 80 wisteria trees stand on a site of about 20 ares, blooming with vibrant flowers for just a few days every May.The white, purple, and pink blossoms create a beautiful contrast against the fresh greenery of the surrounding mountains, and when the garden is in full bloom, it is filled with a sweet fragrance. The enchanting sight of the wisteria garden reflected in the surrounding rice paddies is also very popular. Most of the trees that adorn the garden are grown as single-trunk trees rather than on trellises.Yoshihiro Tsushima, who inherited the wisteria garden from his late father, prunes each tree by hand throughout the year. Each tree has its own unique characteristics, and among them are rare specimens that bloom in two colors thanks to grafting. A photo contest has been held since 2023. The winning entries are featured in the following year’s photo book. As the grounds are privately owned, admission is permitted only during the garden’s open season. Please check the official website for opening information before visiting. Additionally, for visitors arriving by car, parking spaces are limited, so please be sure to make a reservation before arriving. Official Website: https://tonose-fujinosato.com 2026 Opening Period: May 16 (Sat) – May 24 (Sun), 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM Admission Fee: 1,000 yen per person (free for junior high school students and younger) *Proof of age must be presented.

The Torigata Estate was once the residence of the Torigata family, which has a history spanning over 300 years. The Torigata family, whose members have served as village leaders (Kanjin) of Hanaoka Village for generations, has produced many notable figures, including the internationally renowned acrobat “Torigata Kosankichi,” “Torigata Ryuzo,” who contributed to the advancement of surgical medicine, and “Torigata Uichi,” the inventor of the wireless telephone. Highlights on the grounds include a charming Kyoto-style strolling garden featuring Kurama stone throughout, as well as a thatched-roof tea house. Inside the hall, hundreds of valuable artifacts are on display. The garden offers a different view with each season, ensuring visitors will never grow bored. In spring, a riot of azaleas; in summer, the vigorous chorus of cicadas; in autumn, blazing autumn foliage; and in winter, a silvery-white world—all await you. Here, you’ll find a peaceful space where you can take a moment to relax. March 22, 2011: The building was designated a Tangible Cultural Property of Akita Prefecture, and the garden was designated a Scenic Spot (Monument) of Akita Prefecture. October 11, 2024: The garden was designated a National Scenic Spot. Related Event: Torigata Kaikan’s Hina Doll Exhibition

Spanning an area of approximately 2,300 square meters, the Ishida Rose Garden features a dazzling display of about 500 varieties of roses, with one plant of each variety as the basic principle.Originally the private garden of the late Hirohide Ishida, Odate City’s first honorary citizen, the roses were donated to the city by his family in 1995 and are now managed by the city. Every June and October, the “Odate Rose Festival” is held, captivating visitors with its colorful roses and the elegant fragrance that fills the garden. Odate Rose Festival Page

Sakurayagikan was the private residence of Bunzo Sakuraba, who served as the last mayor of Odate before it became a city. It is a valuable example of an authentic early Showa-period wooden structure—one of the few remaining in the city center—that miraculously survived despite the old town of Odate being struck by repeated major fires. The name “Sakura Yagura-kan” combines “Sakura” (cherry blossom), derived from the Sakuraba family name and the fact that Katsura Castle Park—the site of the former Odate Castle—is a famous cherry blossom spot, with “Yagura” (watchtower), referring to the observation deck that protrudes from the second-floor roof. A key architectural feature is the observation deck on the second floor, which protrudes from the roof and is surrounded on all four sides by glass windows. The building’s fine joinery, which reflects meticulous attention to detail throughout, has also earned high praise. While the building has been used for rentals and tourist tours in the past, starting in fiscal year 2024, an initiative has begun to add new value and promote further utilization as an “Open Tangible Cultural Property.”As part of this initiative, the Sakura Yagura-kan Café opened its doors. It features a coffee stand serving carefully selected single-origin coffee and a drink bar where visitors can relax while studying or working, making it a casual gathering place for local residents. It has also garnered attention as a model of renovation that effectively utilizes a government facility through private-sector ideas, and regularly hosts events such as workshops throughout the year. If you are interested in helping to run Sakura Yagura-kan or building a community there, please feel free to join us.

Located at the foot of Mt. Kunimi in the northern part of Odate City, this wind cave—which emits cool breezes ranging from 0 to 5°C even in the height of summer—is enjoyed as a “natural air conditioner.” Around the wind cave, at elevations ranging from 170 to 240 meters, plants typically found in subalpine zones at around 1,000 meters grow in clusters. This area has been designated as a National Natural Monument under the name “Nagashiro Wind Cave Alpine Plant Community.” In February 2026, it marked the 100th anniversary of its designation as a National Natural Monument. The Nagashiro Wind Cave Museum features an exhibit area with panels explaining the cave’s mechanisms and a mini-theater that explains why alpine plants grow there. Visitors can also enter Warehouse No. 1, located near the museum entrance, to experience the cave firsthand. *During the summer, the cool air from the wind cave is used to cool the museum.

A facility where you can fully immerse yourself in the great outdoors along the western shore of Lake Towada. The SUP and kayaking experiences for beginners are designed so that anyone—regardless of age or gender—can enjoy them at their own pace with the staff’s support. At the center’s “WEST SHORE’S GREEN CAFE,” the “Lake Towada Burger”—made with an abundance of ingredients from Kosaka Town—is a popular choice. The juicy patty made from the premium “Momo-butan” pork, paired with a sauce featuring Kosaka wine and acacia honey, is simply exquisite. The “Big Burger,” with a 30-cm diameter and designed to evoke the feeling of circling the majestic Lake Towada, makes a huge impression! (*Advance reservation required). Just a 2-minute walk from the center, you’ll find a pier where you can relax while gazing out at the majestic expanse of Lake Towada. The area is also surrounded by healing spots, including a lush walking path and a park with expansive lawns. It’s an environment perfect for picnics, day camping, fishing, and forest bathing. There are also many observation decks along the route from the center of Kosaka Town, allowing you to enjoy views of Lake Towada from various angles as you make your way there. Starting April 29, 2025, HOBIE BASE OKUTOWADA AKITA will open on the premises, where you can enjoy “HOBIE,” a water activity originating in the United States! For information on HOBIE experiences, click here: https://visitakita.com/reservation/hobie-base-okutowada/ For information on SUP and kayaking experiences, click here: 十和田湖SUP・カヤック体験

The Moriyoshi-yama Dam, a rock-fill dam boasting the longest dam body in the Tohoku region (786 m) The scenery at Lake Moriyoshi Shikibi, the reservoir of the Moriyoshi-yama Dam, is breathtaking. The dam was constructed with great care to minimize damage to the natural environment, so even today, visitors can enjoy the rich natural beauty of Mt. Moriyoshi. Dam tours are free. At “Nemorida,” the observation café located inside the Moriyoshi-yama Dam Information Center, the “Moriyoshi-yama Dam Curry” is served on weekends, limited to 20 servings per day. Be sure to enjoy this along with your visit to the dam. https://visitakita.com/tourist-guide/gourmet3/   Every September, the “Moriyoshi Shikibi Lake Festival” is held, where you can enjoy local cuisine, a band contest, water activities, and more. 森吉四季美湖まつり   [Event Information] ・Moriyoshiyama Dam Tanabata Light-Up Event Dates: July 3 (Fri) – 7 (Tue), 2026, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM Flyer: Tanabata Light-Up 2026 ・Moriyoshi Dam: Dam Exploration Date: Sunday, July 19, 2026 Advance Registration: By Thursday, July 16. See the flyer for details. Flyer: Dam Exploration 2026

The Nakano-mata Gorge is an 8-kilometer-long gorge that forms the deepest part of Oku-Ani, and “Yasu Falls” is located in the upper reaches of the Nakano-mata Gorge. With a drop of 90 meters, this stunning two-tiered waterfall is one of the most iconic in the Ani region. The white, curtain-like cascade hanging from the rugged cliffs contrasts beautifully with the surrounding fresh greenery and autumn foliage, leaving visitors deeply moved. A tragic love story involving a man named Yasu and a woman named Kyutaro is passed down in connection with “Yasu Falls.” The couple’s deep love for one another has been passed down through the generations, and it is said that visiting this waterfall will make one’s romantic wishes come true. Even today, on moonlit nights, it is said that you can sometimes see Yasu combing her black hair against the backdrop of this majestic scenery.

The “Kosaka Mine Office,” built in Meiji 38. Constructed as a symbol of Japan’s largest mine, its grand and magnificent architectural beauty testifies to the prosperity of the Kosaka Mine at that time. This three-story wooden building, constructed entirely of natural Akita cedar, is a Renaissance-style office building representative of the Meiji era. The spiral staircase in the entrance hall, which extends all the way up to the third floor, features stunning curves and is highly regarded for its architectural beauty. Inside the building, you’ll find exhibits of architectural records, introductions to Kosaka Town’s historical heritage, and information on nearby sightseeing spots. You can also purchase local specialties unique to Kosaka Town. We also recommend visiting the “Akashia-tei” restaurant on the second floor to experience a taste of the past.

Located along the Major Prefectural Road Odate-Lake Towada Route (commonly known as the Jukai Line), it serves as a stopover point between Lake Towada and the center of Kosaka Town. It was named “Nanataki” (Seven Falls) because the water cascades down in seven tiers over a 60-meter drop. Below the falls, Nanataki Shrine—dedicated to the Dragon God—and a waterwheel house create a charming atmosphere. Centered around “Taki no Chaya Magozaemon,” where visitors can enjoy meals and rest while gazing at the renowned “Nanataki” waterfall—listed among Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls—the area also features the “Heartland Market Farmers’ Market,”“Eco-Saka Rapeseed Oil Extraction Facility,” and “Manma Land—Lake Towada Highlands Momo-Buta Pork Processing and Direct Sales Shop” are all located nearby, making the area a bustling destination for many tourists.

Around the time the snow begins to melt late in northern Akita, vibrant flowers quietly begin to bloom in the woods. Because they bloom a little earlier than most other flowers, they are also called “spring ephemerals” (spring fairies), and are known for sometimes growing in clusters. While the fields of dogtooth violets blooming in Yatsu, Daisen City, are famous, you can also see various flowers growing in clusters during easy hikes at the foot of Mt. Morishiro in Kita-Akita, as well as at Mt. Houou and the Iwakami Reservoir in Odate. They typically begin blooming in early April, and the best time to see them is right after the Golden Week holidays in May. Experience Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mC9V9FXdWv0

Mount Tashiro is a dormant volcano with an elevation of 1,178 meters, located in the Shirakami Mountains. Near the 9th station, a high-altitude marshland has formed, dotted with more than 120 small ponds (chitō), and because many alpine plants bloom there, it is known as the “Alaska Garden Above the Clouds” and is beloved by many hikers. Every year around the summer solstice in July, a “crop divination” ritual is held, in which the ponds are regarded as “God’s Fields.”

The Tatemata Gorge, home to Kōbei Falls, is a gorge with a 300-meter elevation drop that unfolds like a folding screen along the western foothills of Mount Kuri (elevation 1,016 m), where the Sado Wetlands serve as its headwaters. About a 10-minute walk from the parking lot, you’ll come upon Ichino-taki, a 38-meter waterfall cascading down a columnar jointed rock face. After walking around that waterfall for about 30 minutes, you’ll reach Nino-taki, a 20-meter waterfall. From there, continue climbing the beech forest slope for about 20 minutes to reach the observation deck for Kōbei Falls.There, you’ll catch your first glimpse of Kōbei Falls, the gorge’s largest waterfall with a drop of 108 meters. The path from Nino Falls to Kōbei Falls consists of a series of switchbacks and steep climbs, but the sight of Kōbei Falls waiting at the top will undoubtedly make all your fatigue disappear.

Suiun Park, where 2,500 hydrangeas of nine varieties bloom in all their glory, was established as a hydrangea park in Showa 63 through a volunteer-led planting initiative. In addition to the most commonly planted Western hydrangeas, nine varieties—including lacecap hydrangeas and Ezo hydrangeas—have been planted. Since the peak blooming period varies by variety, visitors can enjoy the flowers over a long period, right up until early August when the globe hydrangeas—which bloom the latest—are in full bloom. Since they begin blooming in mid-July, why not plan a visit to catch them at their peak?

It is said to have been founded during the Kanbun era by Konoike Zen’emon of Osaka. Known as the Seven-Faced Great Heavenly Maiden, it is revered by believers throughout the Tohoku region as a sacred site of the Nichiren Shu sect. From Ani-Kayakusa in Kitaakita City on National Route 105, enter the mountainous area and follow the narrow, winding road through the cedar forest to reach Kayakusa Shichimen-yama. As you cross the red bridge at the entrance, you’ll immediately be enveloped by a sacred atmosphere. As you climb the stairs and follow the pilgrimage route, it feels as if you’ve stepped into another world. Why not immerse yourself in this spiritual atmosphere, unlike anything you experience in daily life?  

It is said to have been founded by Kobo Daishi in the early Heian period. The main hall, Buddhist statues, and all other structures were buried in the great earthquake of the third year of Ten’an; the shrine was repeatedly rebuilt following several fires, and the current main hall was reconstructed during the late Edo period. Under the Meiji government’s policy of separating Shinto and Buddhism, the shrine was renovated in the Shinto style. Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto was designated as the principal deity, the name was changed to Matsumine Shrine, and it has remained so to this day. The approach is lined with towering trees, and the serene atmosphere makes it impossible not to feel the weight of history.

“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

Located in a corner of the Omachi Shopping District, this is a massive Akita dog sculpture measuring 4.6 meters in height and 4.8 meters in length. It was created by contemporary artist Yoshiaki Kurihara as an exhibit for the “Odate-Kitaakita Art Festival 2014: ‘Dogs in the Village, Bears in the Mountains,’” held in 2014.With the cooperation of local volunteers, the sculpture was completed in 2018. The sculpture is modeled after “Nono,” the Akita dog who served as the mascot for the Zerodate Art Center (now MARUWWA Nikome), which was located in the same shopping district at the time, during her puppy days.The main material used is “Super Sol,” a lightweight recycled material provided by Kitaaki Container in Odate City. Created with the hope that “it will become a place where new forms of communication arise, just as people meet and strike up conversations while walking their dogs,” the sculpture continues to attract tourists seeking a photo spot and local residents stopping by while walking their dogs. The sculpture is located in a spot that might make you exclaim, “Here of all places!?” Be sure to look for it while strolling through the good-old-fashioned Omachi Shopping Street, lined with long-established stores.