NORTH TOHOKU

Mt. Hakodate

The famous night view from the top of 334m high Mount Hakodate is like jewels shining in the night.  It’s a 3 minute ride to the top of the mountain by Mount Hakodate Ropeway.

Access:
15 minutes by bus to the ropeway station from Hakodate Bus Terminal stop #3.    If you take the streetcar, it’s a 12 minute walk up a slope to the ropeway station from Jujigai streetcar stop.

Between mid Apr. and Oct. there are bus services available that will take you all the way to the top of the mountain from Hakodate Bus Terminal #4 stop.

Goryokaku Park

This historical fort was built in 1864 during the Edo period and was the last battle ground for the civil war that ended the samurai period.  It is now a park famous for over 1500 cherry trees which blossoms at the end of April.

Access:  Take bus number 5 to Goryokaku Tower from Hakodate Bus Terminal stop #4 (15 minutes).  Or take a streetcar to Goryokaku Koen Mae and walk 15 minutes.

Motomachi (Old Town)

You can enjoy walking the slopes at the foot of Mount Hakodate where you will find historical buildings, including Russian Orthodox Church in this picture, Former British Consulate, The Old Public Hall of Hakodate, The Old Souma Family House to name a few.  The Mount Hakodate Ropeway station is in this area as well.

Access:  Number 3 bus from Hakodate Bus Terminal stop#4, or take a streetcar #2 to Jujigai, or #5 to Suehirocho.

Red Brick Warehouse

In the waterfront area, you will discover old Red Brick Warehouses converted to shops and restaurants.  During the Christmas Fantasy festival in December, a giant Christmas tree sent from our sister city Halifax in Nova Scotia, Canada is adorned with thousands of lights.

Access:  Number 3 bus from Hakodate Bus Terminal stop #4, or take a streetcar to Jujigai.

Monkey Onsen

At the Botanical Garden in the Yunokawa area in the east end you can watch Japanese macacs (monkeys) enjoying onsen between Dec. & Apr.

Access:  Take city bus 95 or 96 from Hakodate Bus Terminal stop #3 to Nettai Shokubutsuen Mae (approx. 20 minutes).   Or take any tram to Yunokawa Onsen tram stop and walk 15 minutes.

Tanesashi Coast

Tanesashi Coast is surrounded by breathtaking natural landscapes, such as the Ashigezaki Observatory, where visitors have a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean, the Osuka Coast, a beach known for its whistling sand, the “Yodo-no-Matsubara,” a forest of 100-year-old pine trees, and the grassy area near the shore called the “Natural Lawn.” It’s also a habitat to wild beach and alpine plants, and a variety of other flora and fauna.

Address:

14-167 Tanakubo, Same-machi, Hachinohe City, 0310811

Access:
By car: 30 minutes from JR Hachinohe Station, 15 minutes from downtown Hachinohe
By train: 5-minute walk from JR Hachinohe Line Tanesashi-Kaigan Station
By bus: Umineko Loop Bus – “Tanesashi-Kaigan Information Center” Bus Stop

Korekawa Jomon Museum

Korekawa Jomon Museum houses several priceless artifacts dating back to Japan’s Jomon Period including the Gassho Dogu, the clay figurine made during the late Jomon Period (approx. 3,500 years ago). This figurine with its knees raised and palms pressed together in prayer is designated as a national treasure.  Among popular exhibits are the ancient lacquerwares and other clay figurines. This facility is located in the midst of the World Heritage Site, Korekawa Old Stone Age Site, registered officially as such in 2021.

Address:

1 Yokoyama, Korekawa, Hachinohe City, 0310023

Access:

By car: 20 minutes from Hachinohe Station
By bus: Nanbu Bus – 20 minutes from Hachinohe Chushingai Terminal “Chuo-dori”  Bus Stop

(Shuttle bus from Hachinohe Sta. is available on weekend.)

Hours:

9:00a.m.-5:00p.m. (Last entry 4:30p.m.)

Closed:

Mondays (excluding the first Monday of every month, holidays and substitute holidays), days following holidays and substitute holidays (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays), and the New Year’s Holiday Period

Kushihiki Hachiman Shrine

Kushihiki Hachiman Shrine has been a place of worship since the Kamakura Period (1185-1333) and was the patron shrine of the Nanbu Clan. It houses many cultural assets, including unique architectural features and two national treasures, Akaito-Odoshi Yoroi and Shiroito-Odoshi Tsumadori Yoroi (Armors and Helmets).

Address:

3 Hachiman-cho, Yawata, Hachinohe

Access:

By car: Approx. 10 minutes from Hachinohe Expressway Hachinohe IC

Hours:

National Treasure Hall: 9:00a.m.-5:00p.m.

Hirosaki Park (Hirosaki Castle)

The construction of Hirosaki Castle was begun in 1603 by the first Tsugaru lord, Tamenobu, and completed by 1611 by the second lord, Nobuhira. The 49.2 ha site, which is 10 times larger than the Tokyo Dome, is surrounded by triple moats earthworks and consists of 6 quarters.
The current three-storied structure was rebuilt in 1811 and is open to the public as the Hirosaki Castle Museum.
Due to the reconstruction of the stone walls, the castle was moved to the center of Honmaru in 2015 and in order to move the castle back into the original position, it will take at least 5 years.
2,600 cherry trees in bloom Hirosaki Park is full of great places to view cherry blossoms in spring and you would see abundance of beautiful Chrysanthemum at the botanical garden along with colorful foliage in autumn.
Roughly, 300 snow lanterns and snow statues made in the park beckon visitors into this fantasy winter world.

Address：
〒036-8356　1 Shimoshirogane-cho, Hirosaki City

Access：
100-yen Dotemachi Loop Bus from Hirosaki Station：about 15 mins
Get off at Shiyakusho-mae (in front of city hall)

Hirosaki Apple Park

Hirosaki is the center of apple production in Japan. Apple Park is located near Mt. Iwaki, and if it is clear you can get a spectacular view of it.
Visitors can enjoy Apple flowers in spring and Apple Picking from summer to autumn. There is a souvenir shop which has 1,200 apple related products and a restaurant which serves dishes related with apple.
This park features 1,500 trees and 80 varieties of apples. You can learn about apple cultivation, marketing and nutrition as well as the history of apple production.
There is Hirosaki Cidre Brewhouse and you can taste Apple Cidre (Apple Sparkling Wine) under the apple tree. Visitors can tour the factory.
Throughout the year, there are various events to enjoy and it has something to offer to every member of the family!

Address：
〒036-8262　125 Shimizu-tomita, Terasawa, Hirosaki City

Access：

• ①Tamenobu Bus from Hirosaki Station：about 40 mins get off at Ringo Koen(apple park)
• ②Get on the bus for「Imori-tai」「Tashiro」「Soma」：about 20 mins
  Get off at Tokiwazaka Iriguchi(entrance of Tokiwazaka) from the bus stop, it’ll take about 7 mins on foot.

Nebuta Museum WA RASSE

The Nebuta Museum WA RASSE is a facility that introduces the history and charms of the Aomori Nebuta Festival.
At the museum you can experience every aspect of the festival.
On displays are 4 full-sized floats that participated in the festival in August, and Nebuta Faces that show the individuality of their respective creators.

Address：
〒030-0803 1-1-1 Yasukata, Aomori City, Aomori
Access：
Approximately 1-minute on foot from Aomori Station

Hakkoda Mountains

The natural splendour of the famous Hakkoda mountain range changes with the seasons. Hiking is popular in spring and summer. The brightly-coloured autumn foliage is also a must-see. In winter the mountains are covered with powder snow, ideal for skiing. The unusual frost-coverd trees are reminiscent of snow-monsters.

Address:
〒030-0188 1-12 Kansuizawa, Arakawa, Aomori City, Aomori (Hakkoda Ropeway)
Access:
Approximately 80 minutes by JR Bus from Aomori Station

Gappo Park

In spring(late Apr.),the beautiful cherry blossom trees in this park come into bloom.

Gappo Park is a bustling sea-side park with a sandy beach.The park is popular for flower viewing in spring and sea awimming in the summer.

Address:

〒 030-0902　2-17-50 Gappo Aomori-City,Aomori

Access:

Approximately 15 minutes via Aomori City Bus,　Gappo Koen-mae bus stop.

OSOREZAN(Mt.OSORE)

The sacred  place that connects this world and the other world.　OSOREZAN is known as the entrance to the afterlife, because it features geographical elements similar to descriptions of Buddhist hell and paradise.

It is said that in the year 862,Jikakudaishi En-nin, a high Buddhist build a temple here for worshipping the Jizo bodhisattva.

Lake Usori, located next to the temple.

When you walk around Lake Usori Lake while look by the  deep blue and emerald green colors ,you will feel at peace.

Access:

About 40minutes by Local bus from JR Shimokita Station.

Address:

3-2 Usoriyama tanabu , Mutsu city, Aomori Pref

Entrance fee:

500yen

Canola Blossoms

The canola blossoms all bloom at once at this field, which boasts one of the largest crop acreages in Japan, painting the town in vivid yellow. The best time to see them is usually mid to late May.

【Michi-no-Eki Yokohama Nanohana Plaza】

Address:

79-12, Hayashinowaki, Kamikita-gun, Yokohama Town

Access:

by car:30 minutes  from JR Mutsu -Yokohama Station

Hotokegaura

Picturesque scenery created by a stretch

of uniquely-shaped light green rocks

carved by the rough waves of the Tsugaru

Channel. We recommend viewing them from the ocean on a cruise from Sai Port.

Access:

JR Shimokita Station→Sai port :2 hours by bus

Sai port→Hotokegaura:30 minutes by cruise

【Sightseeing Cruise Reception Counter】

Tel:0175-38-4515

【Sai Village Tourism Association】

Address:

112 Osai, Sai, Sai Village

Oirase Stream

The Oirase Stream is a 14km mountain stream that flows from Nenokuchi to Yakeyama. The Oirase Stream is known as a great scenic route, offering dazzling views of awesome quays, trees that evoke an ancient atmosphere, numerous waterfalls, and moss-covered rocks.

Adress:

〒034-0301
Okuse Towada-shi, Aomori

Access:
By bus:
About 120minutes from Aomori Station by JR bus
About 90minutes from Hachinohe Station by JR bus

Lake Towada

Lake Towada is a double-caldera of some volkanic activities and 327m deep which is the 3rd deepest lake in all of Japan.
When Lake Towada is covered in ice and snow it reveals a natural beauty completely different from the lush green and bring fall colors.
Towada Shrine is a spiritual healing spot in a mysterious atmosphere.

Adress:

〒034-0301
486 Yasumiya, Towada-kohan, Okuse, Towada-shi

Access:
By car (if you use the Tohoku Expressway):
50minutes from Kosaka Interchange
90minutes from Shimoda-Momoishi Interchange
By Tohoku Hokkaido Shinkansen, Hayabusa: About 3 hours from Tokyo Station to Shichinohe-Towada Station
About 2 hours 53 minutes from Tokyo Station to Hchinohe Station
About 3 hours 23 minutes from Tokyo Station to Shin-Aomori Station

By bus:About 58 minutes from Shichinohe-Towada Station by Shuttle bus About 2 hours 15 minutes from Hachinoe Station by JR bus
About 2 hours 40 minutes from Shin-Aomori Station by JR bus

Morioka History and Culture Museum / Morioka Castle Site Park

Museum:Tourism information and an introduction to the traditional culture of Morioka are on the first floor and documents related to the lord of the Nambu clan of Morioka are on the second floor to immersing visitors in the attractions of Morioka.
Park : It is known as one of Japan’s top 100 Castles.

Address:
〒020-0023　1-50 Uchimaru, Morioka City, Iwate
Access:
Take a Morioka City Loop Bus (Dendenmushi).Get off at Moriokajouatokoen (in front of Morioka Castel Site Park)

500 Buddhist Disciples(Hoonji Temple)

These statues appear to have been carved over four years 1731-1735.Nine Kyoto artisans were commissined to create and lacquer these wooden sculptures.499 statues remain, including Marco Polo and Kublai Khan.

Address:
〒020-0016 31-5 Nasukawacho, Morioka City, Iwate
Access:
Take a Morioka City Loop Bus (Dendenmushi).Get off at Honchodori icchome and walk 10 minutes.

Jodogahama Beach

Jodogahama Beach, a center of Sanriku Reconstruction (Fukko) National Park, is a scenic spot representing Miyako City.
It was designated a national scenic spot in January 2012. The cave, with its sharp-edged white rhyolites, further accentuated by the contrast with the deep-blue ocean and green pines, shows us various seasonal faces.
One theory holds that the name of Jodogahama began when a seventh generation monk of Miyako-san Joanji Temple, Reikyo Ryuko (-1727) visited this remote place, and marveling at the beauty, composed a poem saying the beach seemed like a reappearance of Jodo (Pure Land).

Address:
〒027-0001　32 Hitachihama-cho, Miyako, Iwate
Access:
Take a bus for Oku-Jodogahama from Miyako train station.

Todogasaki Lighthouse

On the cape located on the easternmost part of Japan’s main island, at longtitude 142 degrees 4 minutes 21 seconds east, there is a pure-white Todogasaki Lighthouse watching over the safety of ships traveling the ocean. The lighthouse was built in March 1902 and rebuilt in June 1950 after being destroyed during the World War II.

Address:
〒027-0111　Ohira, Dai-9 Chiwari, Omoe, Miyako, Iwate
Access:
Go to Aneyoshi Campsite by car (bus service is very limited and not recommended) and walk about 60 minutes from there.

Hanamaki Onsen

In addition to being situated in an area surrounded by abundant natural scenery and having four hotels/ryokan, Hanamaki Onsen also has great cafes and one of the best rose gardens in Northern Japan. If you spend the night, you can enjoy the various baths available at three of the local hotels.

Address:

〒025-0304

1-125 Yumoto, Hanamaki, Iwate

Access:

【From JR Shin-Hanamaki Station】

by taxi:20minutes

free shuttle bus:20-30 minutes

【From JR Hanamaki Station】

by taxi: 15minutes

by bus:20 minutes

【From JR Hanamaki Airport】

by taxi: 10 minutes

Hayachine Kagura Dance

The important national cultural asset with more than 500 years of history.

Before “Noh”theater was perfected, the style and spirit of the Hayachine Kagura Dance was handed down from teacher to student.The two schools of Hayachine Kagura dance, Otsugunai, and Take, continue to delight audiences.

Schedule of the Hayachine Kagura
・Jan.2 at Kagura no yakata
・Jan.3 at Hayanchine shrine
・End of April at Kagura no yakata
・Jul.31 at Hayachine shrine
・Aug.1 at Hayachine shrine
・Middle of September at Kagura no yakata
・Dec.17 at Hayachine shrine
・Third Sunday in December at Kagura no yakata

Adress:

【Kagura no yakata】
〒028-3201  39-37-2, ohasamamachiuchikawame, Hanamaki city, Iwate

【Hayachine Shrine】
〒028-3201 1-1, ohasamamachiuchikawame, Hanamaki city, Iwate

Access:

【Kagura no yakata】
By car: 25minutes from Ishidoriya Station

【Hayachine Shrine】
By bus: 60minutes from Shin-Hanamaki Station
By car: 60minutes from Hanamaki IC

Sennin Pass

This spot is famous for its stunning views of new green leaves in spring and red leaves in autumn. The pass lies at an altitude of 887m, and is the source of the famous Sennin Hisui mineral water.

Adress:

〒026-0055
Ōhashi Kasshicho Kamaishi City, Iwate

Access:

by car:40 minutes from Kamaishi Station

Hashino Iron Mining and Smelting Site

Kamaishi was the first location in Japan to succeed in continuous production of steel using the first western-style blast furnace inJapan in 1858. Kamaishi was a leader in Japan’s modern steel industry from the end of the Edo period to the Meiji period and was once home to the largest steel manufacturing center in Japan, employing 1,000 workers and producing around 930 tons of steel every year. The remains of the iron ore mines, transportation roads, and blast furnace sites remain to this day.

These valuable remains were registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015 as part of the Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution : Iron and Steel, Shipbuilding and Coal Minig.

Adress:

〒026-0411

2-15 Hashinocho, Kamaishi City, Iwate

Access:

50minutes by car from Kamaishi Station

Chūson-ji Temple

Chūson-ji Temple was founded in 850 by Ennin (Jikaku Daishi), a high-ranking priest of Mount Hiei Enryaku-ji Temple. At the beginning of the 12th century, large-scale temple construction was carried out by Kiyohira, the founder of the Oshu Fujiwara clan.

Address:
〒029-4195　202 Koromonoseki, Hiraizumi, Iwate
Access:
1.6 km (25 minutes on foot) from JR Hiraizumi station

Mōtsū-ji Temple

Mōtsū-ji Temple was founded in 850 by Ennin (Jikaku Daishi), but most of the halls were built in the 12th century, during the period from Motohira, the second generation Fujiwara lord, to Hidehira, the third generation lord. With 40 temple buildings and 500 priests’ quarters, its size and splendor rivaled that of Chūson-ji Temple.

Address:
〒029-4102　58 Osawa, Hiraizumi, Iwate
Access:
700m (10 minutes on foot) from JR Hiraizumi Station.

Geibikei Gorge Boat Cruise

Geibikei Gorge counted among of the 100 famous views of Japan and a National Place scenic beauty. The 2km Geibikei Gorge steep cliffs stretching over  100-meter-high tower. Deep and wonderland gorge. It’s a fantastic! Visitors have been coming here for over 100 years to absorb the beauty of every season. Boat rides here are a unique experience, as the boatman uses a pole to maneuver the motorless boat as you enjoy cruising up and down the river. Soak up the changing seasonal beauty of Japan with all of your senses.

Adress:

〒029-0302
467 machi Nagasaka Higashiyama-cho Ichinoseki-city Iwate Japan

Access:

Take JR Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Ichinoseki Station then at bus stop number 7  take a local bus to Geibikei(about 40 mins)or take a Ofunato line to Geibikei Station.

Genbikei Gorge

Genbikei Gorge, shaped by the erosion of the river, has an impressive scenery of rich diversity that goes on for about 2 kilometers. The valley has complex and interwoven rock faces, an emerald-green flowing river, and is colored by an accompanying grove of trees by the river banks. The beautiful scenery of the changing seasons has been designated
a national site of scenic beauty and a natural monument. Speaking about Genbikei Gorge, one thing cannot be left out is the Flying Dumplings.
Put money in the basket and knock on the board with a mallet; the basket will fly back over the river bringing dumplings to you.(Mid March~November)
Many people come to enjoy a relaxing walk around the Genbikei Gorge, it takes about 30 minutes to walk around.

Adress:

〒021-0101  Takinoue aza genbi-cho Icninoseki-city Iwate

Access:

Take JR Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Ichinoseki Station then at the bus stop number 9 take a local bus to Genbikei (about 20 mins).

Bukeyashiki (Samurai House)

In the 390-odd years since it was established, this town layout has remained essentially unchanged. In the Inner Town a district of samurai mansions remains side-by-side, their black fences draped with weeping cherry trees. The street with these mansions has been designated as a Historically Significant Traditional Buildings Preservation Area,  and they are protected as cultural artifacts.

Address:
Omotemachi～Higashikatsurakucho, Kakunodate-machi, Semboku City, Akita
Access:
About 15 minutes from Kakunodate Station on foot.

Tomachi (Merchant House District)

The town layout we know today was established in 1620 by the Ashina family. With a plaza known as “the firebreak” at its center, the town was divided into northern and southern sections. To the north, named the Uchimachi or Inner Town, the samurai built their houses. The Outer Town(Tomachi), in stark contrast to the stately elegance of the Inner Town, is a bustling merchant house district, but the sense of history remains. Many old buildings and storehouses remain to this day, and the townsfolk treasure these spaces even as they used them as shops and restaurants.

Address:
Kakunodate-machi, Semboku City, Akita
Access:
About 10 minutes from Kakunodate Station on foot.

Lake Tazawa (Tazawa-ko)

Lake Tazawa (Tazawa-ko), a crater lake situated almost in the center of the eastern part of Akita. Almost perfectly circular shaped, it is the deepest lake in Japan with the depth of 423 meters. The lake exudes a mysterious atmosphere, being filled with sapphire-blue water. The lake surface shines in a charming variety of colors depending on conditions, ranging from a bright jade green to a deep indigo color. It is a sure attraction for visitors at any time of the year.
Take a scenic bus trip around the lake and enjoy views of the lake from different angles. At the western end of the lake, there is a golden statue of a woman named Tatsuko, a legendary Tatsuko was a beautiful girl who prayed to retain her beauty and youth forever but was instead cursed and turned into a dragon and eventually sunk to the bottom of Lake Tazawa. On the northern shore, there is Goza-no-ishi Shrine, known for the strikingly beautiful red gate and the spiritual atmosphere. At the lake`s eastern and surrounding the bus stop area, visitors will find a few shops, restaurants, rental bicycles and the sightseeing boat pier. Sightseeing boats operate from late April to early November and travel to the Tatsuko Statue and back. The round trip takes 40 minutes and costs 1200 yen.
The lakeside is dotted with hotels and rest houses. In summer, the lake attracts swimmers and sunbathers to its beach area. It is filled with people who enjoy water sports, such as sail boarding. In the vicinity are many other leisure spots, including a ski resort and a camping site.

Address:
Sako, Kata-aza, Tazawako, Senboku city, Akita, 014-1204, Japan
Access:
Take a bus from Tazawako Station to Tazawa-kohan bus stop on the lake`s eastern shore(12 minutes, 360 yen one way), including buses in direction of Tazawako Isshu and Nyuto Onsen.

Nyuto Onsen-kyo

Nyuto Onsen-kyo is a collection of onsen ryokan (traditional Japanese Inn) in the mountains of eastern Akita. The area is known as one of the best hot spring villages of Japan.
Unlike typical onsen-Kyo in Japan where the hotels are sharing one headspring, Nyuto Onsen-kyo is blessed with countless headsprings throughout the area. This is why each Nyuto inn owns its own individual headsprings, which allows you to experience different healing properties in one location!
Nyuto`s attraction is not only the water: it is situated in an unspoiled deep forest of beech and birch trees that has been designated as Towada-Hachimantai National Park. The tradition of toji, a hot-spring sojourn for therapeutic benefit, had been practiced particularly by farmers. Still, many toji guests from all over Japan seeking for a get-away experience choose Nyuto for the first choice. Nyuto, being in the remote location and preserving secluded atmosphere, played a significant role in inspiring the recent boom of hitou.
All the hot spring baths in Nyuto Onsen belong to ryokan, and are not only available to staying guests, but also to day trippers during certain hours and have a smaller admission fee, 520 yen to 800 yen. Most of the ryokan feature mixed gender outdoor baths, and all have various gender segregated bathing as well.
For overnight guests in Nyuto, can purchase the “Yumeguri-cho” pass (Hot Spring Hopping pass) for 1800 yen at their ryokan that provides them with admission to the baths of all seven ryokans in Nyuto Onsen and free transportation provided to shuttle between the facilities (in a mini-van called Yumeguri-go). A Yumeguri Map (“light” version of the pass) is available for 600 yen and access to one bath of your choice.

Address:
Komagatake, Tazawako, Senboku City, Akita, 014-1201, Japan
Access:
Take a bus from Tazawako Station to Nyuto Onsen (47 minutes, 820 yen one way), which makes stops near most ryokan except for Tsurunoyu, Kuroyu and Magoroku Onsen.

Senshu Park

Senshu Park is the ruins of Kubota Castle, which was home to the Satake family, which ruled Akita.
Now it is a Japanese garden with beautiful nature.
You can enjoy not only the colorful flowers but also beautiful scenery throughout the year.
Cherry blossoms in spring, briliant lotus flowers in summer, changing colors in autumn and the snow landscape in winter.
In addition, Senshu Park has many historic sites such as Front Gate of Kubota Castle, Kubota Castle’s Osumiyagura Turret, Satake Historical Museum, Omonogashira Guard House and a tea ceremony house” Sen-an.”
Please feel for the seasons of Akita!

Address:
〒010-0876 Senshu Koen, Akita city
Access:
About 10-minute walk from Akita Station

Akita Folklore and Performing Arts Center (Neburi-Nagashi Kan)

The center presents materials and images of folklore and performing arts, such as Akita Kanto Festival(Pole Lantern Festival), Tsuchizaki Port Hikiyama Festival registered as one of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Events and Bonden Festival of Taiheizan Miyoshi Shrine, which have been passed down through the generations in Akita City.
In addition to trying Kanto yourself, you can see a Kanto performance every weekends and holidays between 1:30p.m. and 2:10p.m. from April to October. Next to the center is a traditional machiya house, the former residence of the Kaneko family, which exhibits the construction style of the Edo period.

Address:
〒010-0921 3-30, Omachi 1, Akita City
Access:
About 15-minute walk from Akita Station.

Godzilla Rock

This popular spot is named for the rock blown here by an erupting volcano about 30 million years ago and shaped by erosion and weathering into a unique from resembling Japan’s famous monster: Godzilla.

Namahage Museum

There are lot of different types of Namahage masks used in Oga city at Namahage museum. Oga city is famous for Namahage Festival, a traditional event held on New Year’s Eve in which groups of men dressed as ogre-like deities called “Namahage” with masks and straw raincoats visit houses at night. This event brings you happiness to people like good health, good harvest. Next to the museum you can see Japanese traditional house where Namahage visited in New Year’s Eve. On 2018, Namahage added to UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List.

Address:

〒010-0511
97, Aza-Mizukuisawa, Shinzan, Kitaura, Oga City, Akita

Access:
By train: 55minutes from Akita station by Oga line
By bus: 25minutes from Oga station by “Namahage Shuttle Bus”(Reservation needed)

Odate Hachiko Statue

The story of Hachiko has been told through countless films and books.  After being brought from Odate to Tokyo, he would wait for his master at the train station every day.  Even after his master passed away, he carried on his vigil for 10 years until his death.
The statue which now greets visitors to Odate Station depicts a younger Hachiko with perky ears. Behind that statue is another which depicts Hachiko surrounded by Akita puppies.  Both statues are popular tourist destinations.

Adress:

〒017-0044
1-3-1 Onaricho Ōdate City, Akita

Access:

Located in front of JR Odate Station

Odate-Kosaka Rail Bike

One of the most popular family-friendly activites in Akita! 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!

2-Person    ¥2,500 (souvenir picture included)
4-Person    ¥3,500 yen ( souvenir picture included)
Cart, Junior High+   ¥1200 per person (one souvenir picture per group included)

Season: April 22 to November 5
Hours: 9:00 to 16:00 (Starts on the hour every hour; every half hour depending on demand)
Closed: Tuesday, Wednesday

Adress:

〒017-0021
Yukisawa Otaki 3-2, Odate City, Akita Prefecture

Access:

From Odate Station: 20 min by bus, 15 min by car
From Odate Noshiro Airport: 65 min by bus (airport→Odate Station→Seifuso bus stop), 35 min by car

Omagari　Hanabi　National　Fireworks　Competition

With a proud history of over 100 years, this is one of Japan’s top fireworks displays. Its power, history and tradition draws over 700 thousand spectators yearly. Thematically original and very creative fireworks are freely combined as 18 thousand bursts of artistic light fill the night sky.The show also takes place in spring, fall and winter.

Date：Held yearly on last Saturday in August

（The Others are on early May, mid-October, late March）

Access：Daisen City, Akita (About a 25 minute walk from JR Omagari Station)

Karamatsu Shrine

Karamatsu Shrine is familiar as a deity of an easy childbirth and conception from ancient time.Sando street to the shrine with cedar trees aged over 300 years is very spectacular.Amenohinomiya in the grounds is said what Mononobe clan enshrined the deities of heaven and earth in Akita area.When you go down stairs in the grounds, it has a main hall ahead This is a rare structure nationwide.Mahorobakaramatsu that is reproduced a palace in the Middle Ages is located nearby and the only one Noh stage in Akita is in the grounds. Noh performances are regularly held on the Noh stage.

Address:
84 Shitadai, Kyowasakai, Daisen City, Akita

Access：
15 minutes walk from Ugosakai Station

YURI KOGEN RAILWAY（CHOKAI SANROKU LINE）

Chokai-Sanroku Line is a 23km long local railway runs from Ugo-honjo Station to Yashima Station. The highlight is Mount. Chokai which makes a perfect scenic view in four seasons. We also operate special  trains regularly, including “Magokoro (Sincerity) Train”– where the train attendants will wear the Kasuri (splashed patterned) kimono as Akita Obako (girls born and growned in Akita) in the morning for a round trip. Also, Chokai Kids Train (also called “Chokai Omocha (toy) Train”) which started operating in July 2018 has been a hit among children and adults for its wooden designs.

Address :

〒015-0404　21-2 AZA-HAZAKA NANOKA-MACHI,YASHIMA-MACHI,YURIHONJO CITY,AKITA PREF.

Access:

50 minutes by train from JR Akita Station（Up to Yuri Kogen Railway-UgoHonjo Station）

Chokaisan Wooden Toy Museum

The former Ayukawa Elementary School, which was built around 1945, and is now designated as a National Tangible Cultural Property. In utilizing this closed school building, a wooden art museum, full of warmth, has been brought to life. Featuring all kinds of exhibitations that convey the history of locally made wooden furniture, unique toys, and the local area. Anyone from kids to adults can have fun experiencing the charms of woodcrafting, and learning about local traditions and culture.

Address:

〒015-0363 65-1 AZA-NARUSEDAI MACHI-MURA,YURIHONJO CITY,AKITA PREF.（Former Ayukawa Elem. School）

Access:

5 minutes by free shuttle bus from Ayukawa Station of the Yuri Kogen Railway.