Hello everyone, my name is Kamada, and I’m a staff working at Akita Station! Akita Station is one of the major stations in North Tohoku, about 3 hours away from Tokyo.
Have you ever travelled to Akita in winter? Akita receives one of the highest snowfall in Japan!
In our previous article, my colleagues and I shared about some new year activities such as “hatsumode” that you can experience in Akita.
Today, I will introduce you to must-visit spots in Akita during the winter season, as well as local delicacies and famous onsen spot! Let’s go!
Snow Monsters at Mount Moriyoshi
Mount Moriyoshi’s juhyō (樹氷), also known as snow monsters, is known as one of the three major tree ice formations in Japan, including the snow monsters of Zao.
Juhyo are trees completely covered in snow, formed by strong winds that freeze the leaves and branches, allowing them to collect layers of ice and snow in sub-zero temperatures.
This process transforms the trees into ‘monstrous’ shapes.
The best time to see the snow monsters is from mid-January to early March every year. During this period, you will be overwhelmed by the spectacular snow monsters spreading out before your eyes. It is a winter wonderland here at Mount Moriyoshi!
Mount Miroyoshi (森吉山)
Address: Kitaakita, Akita 018-4743
Access: 25 minutes by taxi from Aniai Station (阿仁合駅) on the Akita Nairiku Line (秋田内陸線).
*”Moriyoshiyama Shuttle” services also available (Reservation required)
Akita’s Hidden Hot Spring Village: Nyuto Onsen
Nyuto Onsen (乳頭温泉) is a hidden hot spring village in the quiet mountains of Akita Prefecture. It is the perfect place to escape the busy city life. This village is famous for its simple charm and healing hot springs, making it a must-visit for relaxation.
Nyuto Onsen has several ryokan (旅館) or Japanese traditional inns, each with own unique hot spring baths. The mineral-rich waters help soothe tired bodies and improve overall health.
In winter, you can enjoy the hot springs while looking at the beautiful snowy scenery. This is a special experience that only Akita can offer.
Nyuto Onsen (乳頭温泉)
Address: Tazawako Obonai, Semboku, Akita 014-1201
Access: About 30 minutes by car or 50 minutes by bus from JR Tazawako Station (田沢湖駅) on the Akita Shinkansen (秋田新幹線)
Winter Festivals Galore: Namahage Ogres and Snow Huts
There are many winter festivals in Akita, each with its own uniqueness! But I will introduce two that I think are must-sees!
The first is the Namahage Sedo Festival (なまはげ紫灯祭り). This year, the festival will be held on 7–9 February, from Friday to Sunday.
Every year in the Oga Region (男鹿) of northwest Akita, this traditional shinto festival takes place at Shinzan Shrine (真山神社). Local young men from each village in Oga wear ogre-like masks and transform into the “Namahage”, which are messenger incarnations of the mountain deity, visiting homes in the area. This unique tradition, along with similar folklore events, was added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2018.
The festival features various activities, including the “Namahage Dedication” (なまはげ奉納) and traditional rituals with drumming and dancing. The highlight is the Namahage descending from snowy mountains with torches, creating a breathtaking spectacle. The festival is a ticketed event and pre-registrations are required, but once registered, visitors from all around the world are welcome to join and experience this captivating cultural event. Please come and see the powerful Namahage dance.
The second is the Yokote Snow Festival or the Yokote Kamakura Festival (横手の雪まつり). This is a traditional New Year’s event with a history of about 450 years, held in Yokote City (横手).
During the festival, numerous “kamakura” or snow igloos are built throughout the city. These igloos or houses are made by hollowing out large mounds of compacted snow, creating cosy shelters to fit as many as 6 people! Inside each kamakura, a small altar honours the water god.
The festival also features snow sculptures, illuminations, and traditional cultural performances. The highlight is the enchanting sight of hundreds of glowing kamakura at night, creating a magical winter wonderland!
Keep warm with Kiritanpo Nabe & Akita Sake
“Kiritanpo nabe” (きりたんぽ鍋) is a local Akita Traditional cuisine. It is a one-pot dish made of the local Akita rice dish kiritanpo, burdock, seri (Japanese parsley), and local Akita hinai-jidori chicken. Kiritanpo is cooked rice that has been grilled on a skewer made of cedarーsomething like mochi on a stick!
Let’s warm our bodies up with this local hot pot in the cold winter!
And of course, let’s not forget about sake! Akita is renowned for numerous sake breweries and exceptional sake, thanks to the region’s good rice quality.
Be sure to indulge in the diverse varieties of sake available. It’s the perfect complement to the local cuisine and a must-try experience in Akita!
Rail travel made fun with Resort Shirakami
Now that we have shared all about the magic of winter in Akita, here is one for those who enjoy travelling by train! Have you heard of the sightseeing train Resort Shirakami (リゾートしらかみ)?
The Resort Shirakami is a Joyful Train (a series of sightseeing trains by JR East) that runs along the Gono Line (五能線), connecting the prefectures of Akita and Aomori. It offers beautiful views of the Sea of Japan (日本海) and the Shirakami Mountains (白神山地), a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. This sightseeing train makes leisurely stops along the way, and has local activities onboard!
There are three distinct train sets—Buna (ブナ), Aoike (青池), and Kumagera (くまげら)—each providing a unique experience, representing the different motifs found in its surroundings.
For instance, the “Buna” train is designed to reflect the natural beauty of the beech forests of Shirakami, and its interior features local Akita and Aomori wood. The “Aoike” train boasts a vibrant blue exterior and interior, reminiscent of the clear blue waters of the Aoike Pond at Juniko, which you can visit along the way! And lastly, the “Kumagera” train set is inspired by the black woodpecker, a rare bird found in the Shirakami Mountains.
The Three Shirakami Brothers
Did you know? These three train sets make up the “Three Shirakami Brothers” (しらかみ三兄弟)! Don’t miss the delightful tune of “Three Shirakami Brothers” playing at Higashi Noshiro Station (東能代駅), one of the stops that the Resort Shirakami train makes along the way!
Created and debuted by the JR Akita Branch Brass Band, this song is also available for purchase on CD at the self-service kiosks on the Resort Shirakami train. The song symbolises the deep brotherly connection between the three train sets and the natural beauty along the Gono Line. The lyrics describe “Aoike Blue” as the eldest brother representing the clear Sea of Japan, “Buna Green” as the second brother symbolising the lush Shirakami beech forests, and “Kumagera Red” as the youngest brother capturing the fiery sunset.
Despite facing strong winds and powerful waves, these three brothers never give up. They embody the spirit of resilience and joy, enjoying festivals and savoring local foods. Be sure to listen to this rhythmic and uplifting song during your visit!
For more information on Resort Shirakami, read these other articles on JAPAN RAIL CLUB:
- Sensational Shirakami: Travelling Around Akita and Aomori on the Resort Shirakami
- The Pioneer Joyful Train: Resort Shirakami | JAPAN RAIL CLUB
In the meantime, enjoy Akita snacks with JAPAN RAIL CLUB!
We hope that you learnt a bit more about Akita’s winter magic in this article! If you are a fan of Japanese snacks, why not try New Year-themed snacks and snacks from Akita with JAPAN RAIL CLUB’s Omiyage Snack Box? It features Akita flavours like the iburigakko-flavoured potato chips, and squishy Akita inu paw-shaped gummies!
Subscribe to the 6-month or 12-month Omiyage Snack Box Subscription Plans by January 31 and not only receive this exciting box, but also enjoy savings with the promo code ‘20FOR2025‘ at checkout. See you in Akita!
