Akita is famous for its abundance of nature, legendary snow festivals, and hot springs. However, this itinerary is specifically designed for a summer adventure. If you’re visiting Tohoku in August, the Kanto Matsuri in Akita and Nebuta Matsuri in Aomori are absolute must-see events. Since the Kanto Matsuri highlights begin in the evening, here is how to discover this majestic part of Japan during the day using public transport.
Kakunodate
Kakunodate is one of Japan’s most well-preserved samurai towns. It features beautiful old buildings called bukeyashiki—historic residences where samurai and merchants once lived. Built around 300 years ago, these structures offer a rare glimpse into the old social structure of Japan.
Six of the houses are open to the public and you can see how the samurai lived. You can also see clothing and armor on display. It takes about 2-3 hours and its best to grab lunch while you are here. Easy access from the JR Kakunodate Station by bullet train. Check the Official Website for more details.
Akita Museum of Art
Hop on the train and head to Akita Station. About a ten-minute walk from Akita Station, enjoy this chic, clean structure designed by Tadao Ando. Other than the art exhibits, you can relax and enjoy the view across the water feature from the cafe on the second floor.
Official Website: http://www.akita-museum-of-art.jp/index.htm
Spend the evening at the Kanto Matsuri
One of the top three festivals in the Tohoku region along with the Nebuta Matsuri and Sendai Tanabata Matsuri, you don’t want to miss this amazing spectacle. Hundreds of kanto, a bamboo pole with 46 lanterns, are raised into the sky to pray for a good harvest! Find out about the origin and more about the Kanto Matsuri. You will probably be tired after joining in the festivities, so it’s best to stay in Akita for the night. Held annually from August 3 – 6 Official Website: http://www.kantou.gr.jp/index.htm The following day, you can either visit Hiraizumi, a Sake Brewery, or head to Shirakami Sanchi, a UNESCO world heritage.
Hiraizumi Shuzo: for sake lovers (飛良泉酒造)
If you love nihonshu, more commonly known as sake, you must visit Hiraizumi Brewery, the third oldest in Japan in production since 1487. You can get a free tour of the brewery; for English, please make sure to reserve in advance. Of the many sake tours I’ve participated in, this one seemed the most comprehensive.
At the end of the tour, you get to taste all the varieties of sake available. Since the tour is free, visitors often buy a few bottles out of good will. The starting price is around 1300 yen. Official Website: http://www.hiraizumi.co.jp/ Access: 4-min walk from Nikaho station
Shirakami Sanchi: for nature lovers
This site stretches across Akita and Aomori. The Gono train line runs along the coast with the Sea of Japan for company. Here, you can soak in the green of a world-class beech forest which has had very little human influence. Scholastically precious animals and plants such as black woodpecker and golden eagle which are designated as national natural monuments can be found here.
In a pristine condition, you can also hike through various walking trails, so if you’re up for it how about getting lost in the beauty of nature. Access: Take the JR line from Akita station up to Higashi Noshiro and change to the JR Gono line; get off at Shirakamidake-Tozanguchi Station From here, you can head to Hirosaki on the Gono Line and visit the Rice Field Art or head to Aomori for the Nebuta Matsuri or return to Akita/Tokyo. Other popular spots in Akita include Nyuto Onsen, known for its milky water, Lake Tazawa and the Oga Peninsula. How about spending some time in the beautiful Tohoku region of Japan?
