Food in Akita

Magewappa is a traditional wooden craft made by bending thin pieces of cedarwood. Magewappa lunch boxes are famous for their beautiful wood grain and wood aroma, which enhances the flavors of the food. You can experience making magewappa products by choosing your preferred “magewappa kit” and learning from the careful guidance of the instructor (craftsman). Also learn about traditional magewappa techniques, Akita cedar used in the craft, and how to handle magewappa products. (Reservation required.)

Restaurant Hanazen offers a set of freshly cooked torimeshi bento (box lunch), a famous ekiben in Japan. All of the tableware used for the torimeshi set is made by Odate magewappa craft.

The Akita Nairiku Line is a local railway that vertically connects the inland areas of Akita and operates from Takanosu to Kakunodate. The small train offers a view of the unspoilt landscape of rural Japan, which reveals a different beauty every season. The "butter mochi," a local specialty, is also recommended.

The gondola offers a magnificent 360-degree panorama view of the autumn foliage of Mt. Moriyoshi. The stunning view can still be enjoyed from the above after getting off at the summit.

Accommodation such as hotels and guest houses are available near the Samurai Residence. Wanoi Kakunodate is a hotel in which a warehouse was renovated, and you can rent out the whole building to enjoy your privacy. For dinner, you can take a walk around the Samurai Residence to choose from a variety of restaurants.

The community of Kakunodate Samurai Residences began developing in 1620 as a residential area for samurais, and it still remains today. Several samurai residences are open to the public on Kakunodate Bukeyashiki Street having thick black wooden-fence built along.

A walk through the district gives different pleasures depending on the season: cherry blossoms in spring, greenery in the summer, vibrant foliage in autumn, and snow in the winter. “Tatetsuya” in the Samurai Residence offers rentals and dressing of Japanese kimonos of various designs, from which you can choose your favorite (reservation required). A walk through the Samurai Residence in a beautiful kimono will be a special memory of your trip.

Shunsai Miso Chaya Kurawo is a café restaurant run by a koji (rice malt) shop and offers dishes that incorporate fermented ingredients using koji. Fermented products can also be purchased.

Masuda, the town of storehouses was once a merchant town that developed as a logistics hub. The town of Masuda still has many remnants of the traditional streets and storehouses that tell the story of its prosperous past.

Oyasukyo Hot Springs has a rich history of being used as a resort since the Edo period.
Free footbaths are available throughout the resort and many tourists visit during the autumn foliage season.

Oyasukyo Gorge
Oyasukyo is a V-shaped valley created by the fluvial erosion of the river banks. You can enjoy the view of fresh greenery in spring, vibrant foliage in autumn, and snowscape and huge icicles in winter. Go down the stairs of the canyon to see the “daifunto” spouting great jets of hot water and steam.

Kawarage Jigoku
Kawarage Jigoku is one of the Three Sacred Mountains in Japan, along with Mt. Osore in Aomori Prefecture and Mt. Tate in Toyama Prefecture. The strong smell of sulfur, jets of steam and volcanic gas burst everywhere, and the desolate landscape covered in gray lava is exactly like "Jigoku" (hell).

Kawarage Oyutaki
Kawarage Oyutaki is a rare hot spring in that the waterfall itself is a hot spring. The waterfall basin and mountain stream are all natural open-air baths, which can be enjoyed in the summer wearing a bathing suit.

Kawatsura lacquerware is a traditional craft with a history of over 800 years. You can purchase lacquerware or experience making one yourself.

Inaniwa Udon Noodles is one of the three major udon noodles in Japan and famous for its flat shape and smooth texture. You can make your own noodles at the long-established Sato Yosuke Flagship Store in Inaniwa by choosing the “udon-making course” or the “cooking course,” which includes udon-making and a meal. (Reservation required.)