Autumn Foliage and Spectacular Views Route (3D2N)

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The journey will start from Michi-no-Eki located in the most southern part of Akita. The Michi-no-Eki Ogachi is located along the Japan National Route 13 that runs through central Akita. Besides local agricultural produce and souvenirs, there are also restaurants and cafe. The building is inspired by Ono-no-Komachi – one of the world’s three most beautiful women – for her relations to the land. In mid May to the early October the flower garden will be open for free, whereas in the end of June you can enjoy the Chinese peonies which are also a synonym for beautiful women, in the biggest scale in Tohoku. 

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Also known as Akanuma (red lake), Lake Sukawa is a beautiful lake surrounded by a beech forest. It is also a photogenic spot to enjoy boating activities and camping. Considered as a ‘highland lake’ due to its location above the sea level of 1,100m, during the fall, the vibrant red and yellow leaves that reflect upon the surface of the lake creates an amazing painting-like scenery. Near the lake, there are Kurikoma-Sanso where the overlook of the nature of Kurikoma can be enjoyed from its hot springs, and also Yacho-no- Mori where you can observe the habitants of the area such as wild birds, insects and plants and many more. 

The V-shaped valley that has an approximately 60m difference between its mountain tops and valley through is where the Minase River flows from, forming Oyasukyo Gorge with its loud sounds and hot water that reaches 98°C. The rare sight of the steam and hot water that are exposed from the racks of its geothermal reservoir is due to its topography that is considered quite rare. The place is also famous for its beautiful red leaves in Akita, and when the fall comes the trees on the two opposite banks of the river will become a nice vivid red and yellow. The red bridge that acts as an accent color to the view is also great.

An addition to Oyasukyo-Daifunto that is famous for its hot streams, this hot spring town is where you can enjoy the view of the beauty of the sheer cliff of the valley and many more attractions. Trailing the valley there are 11 hot spring inns. These historic springs have started about 400 years ago, accompanied by the legend of the place being discovered after a stork healed its injured foot in the hot water. It is recommended that you enjoy the view of the nature of Oyasukyo Gorge from your room and relax in the hot springs. There is a camping ground to enjoy athletic activities, as well as 6 spots for foot baths nearby.

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The Masuda area is where you can enjoy the retro atmosphere from the wooden town houses. This area had historically flourished as a commercial town, and many of its residential buildings that had luxurious warehouses which are known as “Kura (indoor warehouse)”,  gave the town its other name Town of Warehouses. At the Masuda Tourism and Product Center Kura-no-Eki, you can tour and learn about the existing warehouses, and also purchase local products and more. Not only that, in the building of the warehouses there are direct sales stores of Sato Yosuke Urushigura (lacquered warehouse) Museum where you can try the famous Inaniwa Udon noodles, the local Hinomaru-Sake-Brewery and other stores to enhance your experience in town.

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Dakigaeri Valley – a beautiful combination between the mountain streams and the primary forest – is a 10km valley that is a part of the midstream of Tama River that flows through Lake Tazawa and Kakunodate. Not only the way its streams flow through the strangely-shaped rocks and waterfalls of various sizes are a few of its specialties, its beautiful red leaves also attract many tourists. The mysterious bluish river due to the hot spring qualities and the vivid red leaves both form an amazing contrast.

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The 423.4m deep Lake Tazawa is not only one of the 100 Landscapes of Japan, it is also the deepest lake in Japan. It is a famous spot in Akita for the legend of Tatsuko, the girl who became a dragon after drinking the water of the lake. Although different but beautiful views can be seen depending on the season, the best season to visit is Autumn. During the red leaves season, the beech and maple leaves nearby dye the area into beautiful reds and yellows, adding in the dark blue surface of the lake, collaborating into a breathtaking scenery. It is also recommended that you drive or cycle to make a round of the lake as the lakeside road is 20km long.

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Kakunodate that has prospered as a castle town in the olden days is an area to enjoy its Japanese-like scenery. The picturesque townscape that has been the residences of samurais still remain till this day. When the fall comes, the trees that linger at the houses and streets will start to darken, changing the atmosphere of the town. During peak season, there are also light ups at night. Do enjoy the captivating and also dreamy view that is different from its day view. 

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The Michi-no-Eki Ani that is located in Kitaakita city is the home to Tohoku’s traditional winter hunters known as Matagi. Here you can rest, have meals, and also purchase fresh local vegetables, wild vegetables and local products. If you are lucky, you might be able to try wild game meat such as bear meat and venison. Besides that, if you park your car here, you can take a 4 minutes walk to the spot where photos of the Nairiku Line that runs above the railway bridge can be taken.

The small and adorable Akita Nairiku Line runs across the peaceful woodland that looks like the original Japanese landscape. This local Akita train line is widely loved by both train lovers and photographers, and not only the view from the window of the ride, the photo of the train itself moving is also considered as a must have. Along the train lines the most popular spot to take photos is the Omatagawa Bridge, while the photo of that certain scenery (of the running train) is the Kayakusa Bridge. Although there are no parking lots nearby, you can park your vehicle at the Akita Nairiku Line Kayakusa Station. If you would like to see the moving train this spot is recommended. The distance from Kayakusa Station to the Kayakusa Bridge is about 1km, which takes 14 minutes on foot. 

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Mt. Moriyoshi that stands 1,454m above sea level is known for its flowers and frost-covered trees. In June to October where the highland plants and autumn leaves are the most beautiful, you can take a gondola ride to top for about 20 minutes to enjoy the 360 degree panoramic view. In the autumn, you can enjoy the dazzling view of the carpet-like red leaves from the gondola while feeling soothed by the vast scenery and fresh air of the highlands. 

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Mori-No-Terrace is an open garden that is located in Akita’s satoyama (woodland close to a village) area, where everyone is welcome to enjoy the private garden. On its grounds there are forests, swamps, rice fields, farms – activities such as hands-on learning experiences are also available. Not only firefly viewings from the end of June to July, from August to the end of October you can enjoy a field of about 1,000 dahlia flowers. It is home to various living beings and a place to take a break.

A direct sales center for agricultural produce that is started by 100 female local farmers and more. The place has a broad line-up of products – from fresh vegetables to household dishes, local delicacies like Kiritampo and Iburigakko can also be purchased here. There is a cafeteria available so you can have a meal or take a rest, as well as try-experience-menus such as cooking Kiritampo, making soba noodles, and also fruit harvesting. Do enjoy the taste of Akita here. 

The Michi-no-Eki Kazuno was opened as a tourism attraction. Not only you can try out meals such as the local Kazuno beef steak, at the exhibition hall that features festivals, the Hanawabayashi – one of the three festival music of Japan – is lined up with absolutely gorgeous food stalls, explaining the liveliness of the festivals. At the handmade produce museum, you can experience making the local cuisine Kiritampo at the teachings of the local chefs. (reservations needed)

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The name Yuze comes from “hot spring pouring out from the river rapids” due to the high volumes of hot water flowing. The quality of the hot spring water here has beauty properties for the skin, and the water gathers among the quiet mountains along streams of the Yoneshirogawa River. Yuze Valley is established as a popular walking course where you can see attractions such as Tengubashi, Shishibuchi, the himekomatsu (Japanese white pine) that grows on the rock of a cliff and many more. 

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