In-depth tour of Akita Prefecture | Japan's Tohoku secret land with beautiful scenery in all four seasons
🐯 Impression of Akita: A poetic place where nature and humanity interweave
Akita Prefecture is located in the northern part of Honshu Island, Japan. It is famous for its magnificent Sea of Japan scenery, thousand-year-old hot spring resorts, rice field art and Akita dog culture. This place has both the passionate youthfulness of the prototype location of "Drunken Master" and the literary and artistic atmosphere of the movie "Looking Back at Him Again". It is an ideal destination for travelers who are looking for an in-depth experience.
---
Recommended Seasons
🍁1. Autumn (September-November)|Red leaves and harvest feast
- Kakunodate Samurai Street: Take a stroll through the Edo-style "Mutsu Little Kyoto", where black-walled old houses and red weeping cherry blossoms are intertwined. Rent a kimono and take photos in seconds.
- Baofan Valley: Hiking in the secret valley, the blue-green water of the stream sets off the red leaves, as if you have entered a mini version of Jiuzhaigou.
- Cycling around Lake Tazawa: Cycling around Japan's deepest lake, the Tatsuko statue by the lake and the lapis lazuli-colored waters form a stunning view.
- Food exclusive: Taste Akita Hinaiji chicken and grilled rice stick hot pot, paired with Shinsei sake, and experience the "autumn of appetite".
2. Winter (December-February) | Frozen and hot spring therapy
[Skier] - Mt. Moriyoshi: Take a cable car to see the "ice monster" spectacle and experience the powder snow slide at Ani Ski Resort.
♨ - Nyuto Onsen Village: Soak in the secret hot spring "Tsuru no Yu", and heal your body and mind in the open-air bath in the snow and the wooden thatched cottage.
[Circus] - Yokote Snow House Festival: Go into a snow house, drink sweet sake, and participate in Japan's cutest winter festival.
3. Spring (March-May)|Cherry Blossom and Art Tour
🏞 - Senaki Park: One of the top 100 cherry blossom spots in Akita City, the night cherry blossoms are lit up like a dream.
🚞- Inland Railway: Take a retro train through the cherry blossom tunnel and interact with the waving residents along the way.
🌹- Hydrangea at Unchangji Temple: The blue-purple sea of flowers on the Oga Peninsula is like a fairyland when lit up at night (flower viewing is extended in June).
4. Summer (June-August)|Mountain and Sea Carnival and Local Experience
- Kanto Festival: Watch the brave men carry 12-meter-high lanterns on their heads and experience Japan's important intangible folk culture.
- Oga Namahage Festival: Interact with the "Exorcist" and experience unique folk customs.
- Tazawako SUP: Explore the lake and mountains on a paddle board and camp in a starry sky tent.
---
Transportation and itinerary planning
- Recommended route: Tokyo → Kakunodate (Inland Railway) → Lake Tazawa → Nyuto Onsen → Akita City → Oga Peninsula, 5-7 days of in-depth tour.
- Transportation tips: The Tohoku JR Pass covers major attractions; renting a bicycle or chartering a car in the city is more flexible.
- Ctrip Private Tour: You can choose a 6-day chartered itinerary including Meguro River Cherry Blossoms + Kakunodate Weeping Cherry Blossoms, special car pick-up + hot spring hotel + free dining.
---
Local cultural experience
1. Interact with Akita Dogs: Go to Odate City, the “hometown of Akita Dogs,” and take photos with the cute, licensed dogs.
2. Handcraft workshop: Experience southern iron casting and fig dessert making.
3. Rice Field Art: In the summer, take a train to overlook the huge paintings of farmland.
---
Accommodation recommendations
🏨- Mori no Kaze Tazawako Hotel: A hot spring hotel with lake views, enjoy a Japanese breakfast in the morning mist.
🐮- Hoshinoya Aomori-ya: Immersive folk experience, enjoy beef Akihabara for dinner.
- High cost-effectiveness in the city: Most hotels near Akita Station are equipped with large public baths, and the average price per person is 300 yuan per night.
---
Useful tips
🎁- Best souvenirs: Inaniwa Udon, cypress crafts, fig chocolate.
📷- Camera positions: Nikaho Bridge at sunset, Kakunodate Samurai Residence Street, and the silhouette of the Tatsuko statue at Lake Tazawa.
📚- Language: There are English signs at major attractions. It is recommended to download the "Transfer Guide" APP to check the train schedule.
---
🏀The beauty of Akita Prefecture lies in the natural gifts of the four distinct seasons and the simplicity that has not been overdeveloped. Whether you are chasing the sentiments of "A Man Should Drink a Bottle" or looking for the healing effects of hot springs and delicious food, this place can satisfy all your imaginations of an in-depth tour of Japan. Search for "Akita Private Tour" on Ctrip now to get customized routes and exclusive offers!
Ethan Rodriguez37 Serene1