Akita Prefecture

A prefecture on the Sea of Japan side of Tohoku, where Kakunodate's samurai district, Lake Tazawa, and Nyuto Onsen-kyo show a simple snow-country charm.

Akita Prefecture is in the northwest of the Tohoku region, facing the Sea of Japan, and gets deep snow in winter. Kakunodate preserves Edo-period samurai residences and is especially famous for its weeping cherry blossoms in spring; Lake Tazawa is Japan's deepest lake, and nearby Nyuto Onsen-kyo has a hidden-hot-spring atmosphere. The Oga Peninsula is known for the Namahage folk custom, the Akita Kanto Festival in August is one of Tohoku's signature festivals, and the Akita dog and kiritanpo hot pot are also local symbols. Cherry blossoms in spring, autumn foliage, and winter hot springs are all appealing. The Akita Shinkansen links Tokyo with Kakunodate and Akita, and there is also Akita Airport.

Destinations

• Kakunodate & Lake Tazawa
• Akita & Oga Peninsula
• Morioka

Itineraries

• Grand Tohoku Six-Prefecture Rail Loop – Depart from Tokyo and loop through all six prefectures of Tohoku, exploring both the Pacific and Sea of Japan coasts.
• Classic Tohoku Rail Traverse – Head north from Sendai along the Shinkansen line, connecting Matsushima, Hiraizumi, Morioka, Kakunodate, Hirosaki, and…
• North Tohoku Lakes, Gorges & Onsen Road Trip – A scenic drive from Aomori through Hakkoda, Oirase, Lake Towada, and Hachimantai to Lake Tazawa and Morioka.
• Akita & Aomori Sea of Japan Coastal Drive – Drive from Akita to the Oga Peninsula, then follow the scenic Gonosen coast through Juniko and Hirosaki to Aomori.
• Tohoku Winter Snow, Juhyo & Onsen Rail Journey – A winter rail journey connecting Ginzan's snowy nights, Zao's snow monsters, Nyuto's rustic hot springs, and Hirosaki's…