Top attractions and experiences in Akita
Discover Akita, a prefecture in northern Japan known for its festivals, hot springs, and natural beauty. Visit Kakunodate, a former samurai district with preserved houses and lovely cherry blossoms in spring. Relax at Nyuto Onsen, a collection of rustic hot spring inns nestled in the mountains.
Enjoy Lake Tazawa, Japan’s deepest lake, famous for its clear blue water and surrounding scenery. In winter, see the Namahage Festival in Oga, where traditional folklore comes to life.
Top rated in Akita
Top rated in Akita
Places & attractions in Akita
Frequently Asked Questions
From Tokyo, the Akita Shinkansen takes about 3 hours and 40 minutes directly to Akita City. Flights are also available to Akita Airport from Tokyo, Osaka, and Sapporo. Within the prefecture, trains and buses connect major towns and attractions, though renting a car is recommended for rural areas.
Akita’s signature dish is kiritanpo, mashed rice formed into sticks and grilled, often served in hot pot. Other specialties include Hinai-jidori chicken, known for its flavor; fresh seafood from the Sea of Japan; and local sake brewed with Akita rice and pure mountain water. The prefecture is also famous for its apples.
Popular destinations include Kakunodate, a historic samurai district lined with preserved houses and cherry trees. Lake Tazawa, Japan’s deepest lake, is known for its clear blue water and scenic setting. Nyuto Onsen offers rustic hot spring inns hidden in the mountains, while the Oga Peninsula is famous for rugged coastlines and the folklore of the Namahage. In Akita City, the Senshu Park area and museums provide cultural highlights.
The Akita Kanto Festival in August is one of Japan’s major summer festivals, with performers balancing lantern poles as tall as 12 meters. The Namahage Sedo Festival in February on the Oga Peninsula brings the Namahage folklore to life. In April, Kakunodate hosts its Cherry Blossom Festival, where samurai houses are framed by hundreds of blooming cherry trees. Fireworks festivals in summer, such as the Yabase Fireworks in Akita City, are also well known.
Akita has cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers. Winter temperatures often hover around freezing, with heavy snowfall in the mountains and countryside. Summers reach around 25 to 30°C, while spring and autumn are mild and comfortable. The region experiences clear seasonal changes, making it attractive year-round.
Two to three days is enough to see the main highlights such as Kakunodate, Lake Tazawa, and Nyuto Onsen. If you want to explore the Oga Peninsula, hike in the Shirakami-Sanchi mountains, or visit multiple hot spring towns, then four to five days gives you more time to travel at a relaxed pace.
