Oirase Stream
Oirase Stream, a renowned tourist attraction awarded two stars in the Michelin Green Guide, stretches approximately 14 kilometers from the shores of Lake Towada at Nenokuchi to Yakeyama. It's a national Special Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument, celebrated for its waterfalls, clear streams, giant rocks, and steep cliffs.
Oirase Stream is packed with that fresh, woodsy air. Walking through it feels like the forest is giving you a gentle hug, and your mood instantly lifts.
Resort Shirakami
A sightseeing train that runs from Akita Station to Hirosaki Station and Aomori Station via the JR Gonō Line. From the windows, you can enjoy spectacular views of Shirakami-Sanchi, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, and the Sea of Japan. Since its debut in 1997, it has continued to captivate many visitors. Three train sets are in service: Buna, Aoike, and Kumagera. The green Buna train is inspired by the primeval beech forests of Shirakami-Sanchi.
I took the Aoike train today, and the scenery along the way was truly beautiful, with such a peaceful feel.
Lake Juniko (Aoike / Blue Pond)
In the west Part of Shirakami Sanchi (Mountain), a UNESCO World Heritage site, a group of 33 lakes are nestled in the beech forest. They are said to have been made by an avalanche due to a huge earthquake. The name came from the view from the top of the mountain which shows only 12 lakes / ponds.
Out of all the big and small ponds, Aoike is the most famous.
Walking through the forest, you feel a light breeze on your face, and even your breathing starts to feel easier. It’s such a peaceful, refreshing way to enjoy nature.
Oga Aquarium GAO
Along the west coast of Oga Peninsula, there is an aquarium where you can meet fish in the sea of Oga and other popular ocean creatures.
I fell in love with this aquarium the moment I saw that huge glass tank. All the different fish were so soothing to watch.
Oga Shinzan Folklore Museum・Namahage Museum
”Oga no Namahage" is a traditional event of the Oga Peninsula, designated as a nationally important intangible folk cultural property and registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. On the evening of New Year's Eve, people say, "Any lazy people out there? Any crybaby out there?" and walk from house to house to warn people of their misdeeds.
Between the exhibits inside and the Namahage stage performance, it was much easier to understand where it all comes from.
There were also craftsmen doing live carving, and you could really feel their dedication to keeping the tradition alive.
Oga Onsen Village
This hot spring village is located in the northern part of the Oga Peninsula. It is said that Sakagami Tamuramaro, a Seii Taishogun (Barbarian-subduing Generalissimo,) discovered the hot spring during his expedition to the east, and the feudal lord of Akita also visited this historic hot spring resort during the Edo period (1603-1868).
The Namahage performance is spooky but lively. It’s not just the visual impact and thundering drums—it also really shows how these traditions are being preserved and passed down.
Ani Gondola
Mt. Moriyoshi, also known locally as "Mt. Akita" and popular as a ski resort in winter. The Ani Gondola takes only 20 minutes to the 1,167-meter-high summit station, making it easy for anyone to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the mountain.
We originally planned to see the snow monsters, but because of the weather, only the bare branches were left.
It was a little disappointing, but on that cold, rainy, snowy day, a special cup of hot coffee really warmed me up.
It made the trip feel warm and sweet.
Akita Nairiku Jukan Tetsudo (Akita Inland Railway)
This railway literally goes across Akita’s inland, connecting almost 94.2km between Takanosu and Kakunodate Stations. The route is along Japan’s traditional local scenery and its beauty puts smiles on locals and tourists. Thus, the name “Smile Rail” for this popular railroad.
Hopping on the train with the Tamatebako bento service was such a joy!
At every stop, they bring you local ingredients—it feels like you’re tasting the care of the land the whole way.
That rich, home-cooked “farm mom” flavor isn’t just delicious; it feels like a series of connected stories, filling the ride with warmth and little surprises.
Hinokinai River Embankment
Along the Hinokinai River, which runs through the center of Kakunodate Town in Semboku City, Akita Prefecture, a row of Somei Yoshino cherry trees stretches for Approx. 2 kilometers. Planted in 1934 to commemorate the birth of the Emperor Emeritus, Approx. 400 trees color the riverbank in a landscape designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty. Together with Bukeyashiki Street, it is also one of Japan's 100 best cherry blossom spots.
It was my first time in many years seeing a whole riverbank covered in cherry blossoms in full bloom. It was so beautiful I was speechless (and kept taking photos).
When the wind blew, the petals drifted down like snow. It really felt like sakura snow.
Samurai Residences in Kakunodate
In Kakunodate, part of the city of Semboku in Akita Prefecture, exists rows of old houses first attributed to the Ashina family in the early Edo period (around year 1620), that later flourished under the castle town of the Satake-Kita family. This district has been designated as protected in an effort to conserve traditional buildings.
Because it was raining, we just did a quick photo stop and then took a little sightseeing loop around in the car.