Akita Prefecture
Akita offers many fascinating experiences. Please enjoy Japan's traditional culture.
Highlights
- POINT1
Meet the World's Most Loyal Dog
Meet the world-famous Akita Inu in its beautiful homeland. Known for their incredible loyalty, courage, and fluffy coats, these majestic dogs are a national treasure of Japan. You can visit museums dedicated to the breed, learn the legendary story of Hachiko, and interact with these gentle giants for a heartwarming and truly memorable experience.
- POINT2
Encounter the Legendary Namahage Deities
Experience a thrilling local tradition on the Oga Peninsula as the fearsome Namahage descend from the mountains. These ogre-like deities, clad in straw capes and wielding wooden knives, visit homes on New Year's Eve in a dramatic ritual to ward off evil and ensure good fortune. This powerful, UNESCO-recognized folk performance is both startling and unforgettable.
- POINT3
A Secret Paradise of Milky Hot Springs
Escape to Nyuto Onsenkyo, a secluded collection of traditional, rustic inns hidden deep in the mountains. Here you can bathe in the famous milky-white, restorative waters of outdoor hot springs (rotenburo) surrounded by a pristine beech forest. Especially magical when snow blankets the landscape, this is the ultimate authentic onsen experience.
Products
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[AKITA-008] <Private> Zen Meditation Experience
You may be thinking, "Samurai and Zen?" However, many warlords took refuge in Buddhism, including Zen Buddhists, and countless Zen priests who worked with warlords as military strategists and educators. It is no exaggeration to say that the spirit of samurai bushido aims to reach the state of Zen. The Soto denomination of Buddhism, the temple where this experience is held, places particular emphasis on Zen meditation among the various denominations of Buddhism. It has been the spiritual center of the community for 350 years. It is an extremely valuable experience to learn some of the spirit of Zen that has been passed down from generation to generation and in which Samurai also used to incline
Days of week: Mon,Tue,Wed,Thu,Fri,Sat
JPY 40,000
[AKITA-007] <Private> Sword martial art experience
In this workshop, you will experience the touch of Iaido, which has developed in Kakunodate with the root of Samurai culture, with a master instructor. Participants will change into hakama (Japanese traditional martial art clothing), hold imitation swords, and learn about Samurai culture, the Samurai spirit, and train their mind, body, and spirit through actual iaido kata and test cutting.
Days of week: Mon,Wed,Fri
JPY 40,000
[AKITA-019] <Private> Walking tours with Akita Dog
The Akita dog, or Akita Inu is a large and powerful breed that originated in the mountainous, snowy regions of Akita Prefecture in northern Japan. It is one of Japan's most famous and beloved dog breeds, holding a significant place in the country's culture and history. Enjoy a relaxing experience while immersed in the charming natural scenery of Mitane Town, accompanied by a friendly Akita dog. This certification program, introduced in Japan, ensures that participating tourism providers and facilities meet certain standards and offer high-quality services that promote health and well-being.
Days of week: Sun,Mon,Tue,Wed,Thu,Fri,Sat
JPY 7,000
[AKITA-018] <Combined> Shirakami Sawa Aruki (River Trekking)
Shirakami Sanchi is a large, mountainous region located in the northern Tōhoku region of Japan, straddling the borders of Aomori and Akita Prefectures. It is most famous for its vast, pristine forest of Siebold's beech trees, a cool-temperate forest that once covered much of northern Japan. This is a special experience to walk through a beautiful clear stream flowing from the vast beech forest of the World Heritage site. There will be a guide accompanying you for a beginner-friendly experience.
Days of week: Sun,Mon,Tue,Wed,Thu,Fri,Sat
JPY 67,500
[AKITA-017] <Private> Shirakami Sanchi Hiking Tour
Shirakami Sanchi is a large, mountainous region located in the northern Tōhoku region of Japan, straddling the borders of Aomori and Akita Prefectures. It is most famous for its vast, pristine forest of Siebold's beech trees, a cool-temperate forest that once covered much of northern Japan. Enjoy a safe and guided hike through the pristine Shirakami Sanchi, the hiking route is mostly flat, making it accessible even for those with less confidence in their physical fitness.
Days of week: Sun,Mon,Tue,Wed,Thu,Fri,Sat
JPY 54,000
[AKITA-016] <Combined> Shirakami mountain veggies foraging and cooking experience
Shirakami Sanchi is a large, mountainous region located in the northern Tōhoku region of Japan, straddling the borders of Aomori and Akita Prefectures. It is most famous for its vast, pristine forest of Siebold's beech trees, a cool-temperate forest that once covered much of northern Japan. This is an easygoing experience to live like a local in Shirakami Sanchi and feel the ancient way of coexisting with nature.
Days of week: Sun,Mon,Tue,Wed,Thu,Fri,Sat
JPY 27,000
[AKITA-015] <Private> Soba Making Experience
Learn how to make soba from locals in Akita! Soba noodles are made of buckwheat flour produced in Japan, and are a common staple for locals. Here at the experience, you will have the chance to create soba from scratch, of which only professional soba makers know. The guides will provide you with an apron, bowls to mix the buckwheat flour, and other utensils needed to make soba.
Days of week: Mon,Tue,Wed,Thu,Fri,Sat
JPY 5,500
[AKITA-013] <Private> River fishing tour
Experience stream fishing in Kakunodate, Akita—famous for its samurai residences—and feel the blessings of the clear waters! Target cherry trout and Japanese char in the upper reaches and streams of the locally renowned Hinokinaigawa River. Fish stocking by the Kakunodate Fisheries Cooperative makes it easy for beginners to catch fish, and you may also catch wild fish! Our guides will accompany you, with all fishing gear provided, so you can join hands-free and hassle-free. No worries if you're uncomfortable handling bait, as staff will fully support you. While catch-and-release is the basic policy, you can also take your catch home. You can compete with your friends over who gets the biggest catch, or simply relax and unwind in nature, maybe even pick wild vegetables when you've had enough... The possibilities are endless. Immerse yourself in Kakunodate's rich natural surroundings and enjoy your own unique fishing experience.
Days of week: Mon,Tue,Wed,Thu,Fri,Sat
JPY 16,200
[AKITA-012] <Private> Rice Ball Making Experience
Have the experience of creating rice balls with locals in Akita! Did you know that Akita Prefecture’s rice is famous for being one of the best rice in Japan? The branded Akita Komachi is a must try for anyone visiting Akita, and the locals will be using rice that they produce themselves. Using freshly cooked rice, the locals will provide you with several ingredients that you can put inside the rice ball. You will have the chance to create your one of a kind rice ball using ingredients that are locally sourced. Some locals say only adding salt creates the best flavor... See for yourself through this rice ball making experience!
Days of week: Mon,Tue,Wed,Thu,Fri,Sat
JPY 5,000
[AKITA-011] <Private> Miso Kiritanpo Making Experience
Have the experience of creating kiritanpo with locals in Akita! Kiritanpo is a traditional local cuisine only available in Akita. Made from freshly cooked rice, which is then pounded, the rice is wrapped around a wooden skewer and grilled. The recipe gets its name from it being cut into shorter pieces “tanpo” to be served inside soups. The kiritanpo that will be made in the experience will be glazed with sweet miso which goes particularly well with rice. In the northern region of Akita, people make kiritanpo nabe, which are hot pots with kiritanpo pieces served with local hinai chicken broth and local vegetables.
Days of week: Mon,Tue,Wed,Thu,Fri,Sat
JPY 8,000
[AKITA-010] <Private> Lake Tazawa SUP Experience
Experience Stand Up Paddle (SUP) at the deepest lake in Japan, Lake Tazawa. 423.4 meters deep, this lake offers cobalt blue waters that locals call “Tazawako Blue.” Surrounded by mountains all around, Lake Tazawa has a scenic view that changes with the season. Have the chance to canoe in this tranquil lake and see how far deep you can see into its crystal clear blue water. The lake is the perfect place to SUP even for beginners, as there is no disturbance from water flows.
Days of week: Sun,Mon,Tue,Wed,Thu,Fri,Sat
JPY 13,000
[AKITA-009] <Private> Lake Tazawa Kayaking Experience
Experience kayaking in the deepest lake in Japan, Lake Tazawa. 423.4 meters deep, this lake offers cobalt blue waters that locals call “Tazawako Blue.” Surrounded by mountains all around, Lake Tazawa has a scenic view that changes with the season. Have the chance to canoe in this tranquil lake and see how far deep you can see into its crystal clear blue water. The lake is the perfect place to kayak even for beginners, as there is no disturbance from water flows.
Days of week: Sun,Mon,Tue,Wed,Thu,Fri,Sat
JPY 13,000
