Hello everyone, My name is Nanami, from JR East’s Akita Station(秋田駅)!
Akita may not be one of Japan’s most famous tourist destinations, but it is a place where nature, culture, and everyday life can quietly leave a lasting impression. If your next plan to travel East Japan is to be by train, I hope you will consider stopping by and discovering Akita for yourself.
In this article, I would like to introduce the appeal of Akita on a deeper level—through its lakes and hot springs, historic towns, sacred mountains, pure spring water, spectacular fireworks, and local flavours.
1. Tamagawa Onsen
Lake Shusen
Have you heard of the submerged forest at Lake Shusen(秋扇湖)? This breathtaking view can only be seen for about one month, from May to Mid-June. In May, snowmelt water is released downstream by the dam, causing the water level to rise and creating the submerged forest. From above, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the lake shimmering in emerald green.
There are also guided tours where you can paddle a kayak through the submerged trees. It’s an extraordinary experience to explore this unique natural setting.
Please note: tours require advance reservation. Contact the Semboku City Tazawako Tourist Information Center for more information.
Lake Shusen (秋扇湖)
Address: Tazawa-aza Yoroihata, Tazawako, Semboku City
Access: Approximately 20-minute drive from Tazawako Station
Tamagawa Onsen(玉川温泉) has Japan’s strongest acidic spring, with hydrochloric acid as its main component. This strong acidity provides powerful antibacterial properties and is believed to help with skin conditions and chronic fatigue. However, since the ingredients are very strong, you need to be careful not to let them touch areas with thin skin or the eyes.
Walking through the source area of Tamagawa Onsen is an impressive experience. White steam rises from the hot spring, creating a striking scene. You can also visit the main source, called “Obuki,” which boasts an incredible discharge of about 9,000 litres per minute. It’s a spot where you can feel the intensity of volcanic activity up close.
Tamagawa Onsen(玉川温泉)
Address: Shibukurosawa, Tazawako, Semboku City, Akita Prefecture
Access: Approximately 75 minutes by Ugo Kotsu Bus “Tamagawa Line” from Tazawako Station
*Closed during winter
At Shin-Tamagawa Onsen(新玉川温泉), located next to Tamagawa Onsen, you can enjoy the same water quality as Tamagawa Onsen. You can enjoy 15 unique baths, each featuring a different natural hot spring concentration of the source water.
Recommended bathing methods are provided, so even first-time visitors can enjoy the hot spring safely according to their physical condition. It also offers comfortable guest rooms and buffet-style dining, making it a great choice for overnight stays!
Shin-Tamagawa Onsen(新玉川温泉)
Address: Tamagawa, Tazawako, Semboku City, Akita Prefecture
Access: Approximately 60 minutes by Ugo Kotsu Bus “Shin-Tamagawa Line” from Tazawako Station
2. Kakunodate
In spring, Kakunodate is not just a place to see cherry blossoms. The blossoms blend naturally into the quiet streets of the former samurai town, making a simple walk feel special.
Along the samurai mansions street, black wooden fences line the road, and soft weeping cherry trees gently frame the historic houses. As you walk, the streets are covered in light shades of pink.
This beautiful cherry blossom view, enjoyed together with the flowing river, is one of Kakunodate’s most memorable sights. With history and nature in gentle balance, Kakunodate is a place where you can truly feel the arrival of spring in Akita.
If you’re looking for an authentic place to stay while in Akita, wanoi is a hotel in Kakunodate that has been created by renovating historical buildings scattered throughout the town.
These historical buildings were built over 100 years ago, and their historic charm has been carefully preserved. The hotel offers modern comforts such as floor heating and Wi-Fi,
so guests can enjoy a comfortable stay. Blending naturally into the historic townscape, wanoi Kakunodate is highly recommended as a base for exploring Kakunodate on foot.
Curious to find out more? We have a comprehensive interview with the manager of the hotel on what to expect during a stay at wanoi Kakunodate in our other article here!
wanoi Kakunodate
Address: 11-1 Kamicho, Kakunodate-machida-machi, Senboku City, Akita Prefecture
Access: Approximately 10 minutes on foot from Kakunodate Station
*Travel time may vary depending on the storehouse. Shuttle service available upon request
3. Mount Chokai
Mount Chokai(鳥海山) is a 2,236-meter-high mountain located on the border of Akita and Yamagata prefectures. Its beautiful shape, with snow on the summit, looks like Mount Fuji.
That is why it is also called “Dewa Fuji.”, “Dewa” being an old name for this area.
In early spring, snow remains on the summit, and the view of the mountain from the foothills is especially beautiful. In summer, hiking trails open, allowing visitors to enjoy trekking and mountain climbing from the trailheads to the summit, while taking in alpine flowers and wide, open landscapes. Walking through this vast natural setting and feeling the scale of the mountain is one of the unique attractions of Mount Chokai.
Mount Chokai(鳥海山)
Address: Fukiura, Yuza-machi, Akumi-gun, Yamagata Prefecture
Access: Approximately 40 minutes by car from Yuza Station to Fukiura Exit (Ohira), or 40 minutes from Sakata Station to Yunodai Exit
Mototaki Fukuryusui(元滝伏流水) is a waterfall formed by water that has slowly filtered through Mount Chokai over many years before flowing back out of the ground. Around 50,000 tons of fresh water spring out from the rock face each day, creating a beautiful scene where moss-covered rocks and gentle sprays of water come together.
Surrounded by a quiet forest, the area has a calm and almost magical atmosphere. It is a perfect place to relax and feel the blessings of nature.
Mototaki Fukuryusui(元滝伏流水)
Address: Asaharizeki Kisakatamachi Hongo, Nikaho, Akita 018-0152
Access: About 20 minutes by car from Kisakata Station on the JR Uetsu Main Line
4. Omagari Fireworks
Omagari Fireworks is one of Japan’s leading national fireworks competitions, where selected fireworks artists from across the country compete with their refined craft. Hanabi artists, blessed with Japan’s finest stage for sound and color, pour their souls into crafting each individual shell to the highest possible level. The fireworks are launched in time with music and carefully planned programs, creating displays that feel like works of art painted across the night sky.
Along the Omono River, visitors can watch the fireworks from very close. The sky fills with light, sound, and colour. The fireworks are powerful and beautiful, and many people remember them for a long time. This special night in Omagari offers a rare chance to experience the depth and beauty of Japanese fireworks culture.
The Omagari Fireworks are held three times a year, once each in spring, summer, and autumn. Please refer to the official website for the confirmed dates.
Omono Riverside Ryokuchi Athletic Park (Main viewing site of the fireworks)
Address: Omagarifunabacho, Daisen, Akita 014-0057
Access: 20-minute walk from JR Omagari Station(大曲駅)
5. Akita Sake ＆ Local Flavours
Don’t forget to try the sake in Akita! This region is home to many sake breweries and offers a wide variety of flavours. Sake pairs well with local cuisine and is a great way to enjoy Akita. Should you wish to learn more about the shops and breweries of Akita Prefecture, everything you need to know to get started can be found on the official website of the Akita Sake Brewers Association.
Try a scoop of Babahera icecream!
Another local favourite you may see around town is Babahera, a unique ice cream loved in Akita. The name comes from “baba,” meaning grandmother, and “hera,” the spatula used to scoop the ice cream.
Babahera ice cream is usually served in two flavours—strawberry and banana—and shaped like a rose. Its colourful appearance and simple taste make it a fun and memorable treat during your visit to Akita. This delightful treat can often be found at michinoeki (roadside stations), roadside stalls, and event venues throughout Akita from spring through autumn.
Enjoy a taste of Akita with JAPAN RAIL CLUB!
If you can’t wait until your next trip to come and enjoy the flavours of Akita, then maybe we can send some to you first! The JAPAN RAIL CLUB Omiyage Snack subscription box contains a curated selection of traditional and delicious Japanese snacks, and this March some of the snacks were selected from Akita!
Featuring flavours such as the Namahage Potato Sticks (Oga Sea Salt & Seaweed) & the Kiritanpo Cup Soup, a truly Akita experience awaits you if you sign up for our box this month.
Sign up for our 봄 방학 box today to bring the seasonal flavours of Akita—as well as the whimsical flavours of childhood— straight to your doorstep, no plane ticket required!
