明けましておめでとうございます！
Hello everyone, and happy 2025! This is Kamata (鎌田), Numata (沼田), and Kato (加藤) from Akita Station (秋田駅)!
Have you been to Akita Prefecture (秋田県)? It is located at the northern part of the Tohoku Region, less than 4 hours away by shinkansen from Tokyo.
This January, let us introduce you to the wonders of winter in Akita, especially during oshōgatsu (正月), the New Year! Akita receives a lot of snowfall during this time of the year, with winter lasting from early December to early March. So if you’re looking to welcome the New Year with snow aplenty, look no further than Akita!
Namahage: The lurking ogres
When it comes to New Year in Akita, Namahage comes to mind! In our video message on JAPAN RAIL CLUB’s Facebook & Instagram, you will see two Namahage making an appearance!
Namahage may look scary, but they are actually visiting deities that lurk in the New Year to scold lazy people and ward off bad luck! Namahage is unique to Akita during the New Year, and the Namahage Sedo Festival is a must-visit in early February. This festival is a ticketed event and advanced applications are required, so be sure to plan ahead to experience it in your next winter visit.
Gozanoishi Shrine, Lake Tazawa: Recommended Hatsumode spot
During the New Year, Japanese people visit a shrine or temple. This tradition is known as “Hatsumode” (初詣), which means “the first shrine visit of the year”.
If you are looking to visit Akita during the New Year to experience “hatsumode”, we recommend Gozanoishi Shrine (御座石神社) in Senboku City (仙北市).
Located by the shores of Lake Tazawa (田沢湖), Japan’s deepest lake, Gozanoishi Shrine is striking with its vermilion colour, and it looks especially beautiful against the snowy backdrop.
The shrine is dedicated to Tatsuko-hime, the dragon guardian of the lake, which is also the Goddess of Beauty. As such, this shrine is also a well-known power spot for beauty.
This is the shrine’s big torii gate, which faces Lake Tazawa. As you can see, the combination of the snowy landscape and the red torii gate is truly breathtaking.
The snowier it gets, the more beautiful the scenery becomes!
Why not visit Gozanoishi Shrine during the New Year for “”hatsumode”” with your family, friends, and loved ones? It will be a pleasant start to the New Year!
Statue of Tatsuko: Icon of Lake Tazawa
Just a 10-minute drive or bus ride away from Gozanoishi Shrine is the iconic Statue of Tatsuko (たつこ像), floating in Lake Tazawa!
The Statue of Tatsuko is based on a famous local legend.
Tatsuko prayed continuously to Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy, longing for eternal beauty and youth. Following Kannon’s instructions, Tatsuko drank water from a sacred spring and transformed into a dragon, becoming the guardian of the lake.
The 2.3-m bronze statue, adorned with gold leaf, stands as a testament to her youthful beauty. Perched on the western shore, it adds an air of mystique to Lake Tazawa.
Getting to Lake Tazawa
Both Gozanoishi Shrine and the Statue of Tatsuko in Lake Tazawa are accessible from Tazawako Station (田沢湖駅), a convenient shinkansen stop on the Akita Shinkansen Line.
From Tokyo Station, take the Akita Shinkansen and alight at Tazawako Station. It should take about 2 hours 45 minutes.
If you are coming from Akita Station, it takes less than 1 hour to reach Tazawako Station with the Akita Shinkansen.
Travelling around Akita and East Japan? We’ve got you covered!
The JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area) is a 5-day economical railway pass that covers your rides on JR Lines and shinkansen lines in the designated area! Find out more here.
Find out more about Northern Tohoku here.
Enjoy Akita snacks with JAPAN RAIL CLUB!
This January, enjoy Akita snacks in JAPAN RAIL CLUB’s “New Year Delights” Omiyage Snack Box! Apart from snacks to ring in the new year, you can have a taste of Akita flavours with the Hachiko Okaki Crackers and Iburigakko Senbei~
See you in Akita in winter!
