Explore Akita: 15 Popular Sightseeing Spots

Lake Tazawa, a nearly circular lake with a circumference of about 20 kilometers, is Japan's deepest lake, reaching a depth of approximately 423 meters. The lake is steeped in the legend of Princess Tatsuko, who is said to have transformed into a dragon after drinking the lake's water to attain eternal youth and beauty. Surrounded by scenic spots, historical sites, and recreational facilities, this mystical lake offers a variety of attractions. One of the highlights is the sightseeing cruise, which provides a relaxing 40-minute journey around the lake, giving visitors a unique perspective of its beauty.

The Kakunodate Samurai District is a must-visit area known for its well-preserved samurai residences. While the Uchimachinami (Inner Town) Samurai Residences are the most famous, don’t miss Tamachi, where samurai who served as retainers to the Satake Clan, the feudal lords of Akita, once lived. Highlights include the Nishinomiya House, a grand samurai residence with five kura storehouses, the Shinchosha Literary Museum, commemorating the founder of the Shinchosha Publishing House, and the Western-style architecture of the Ota Family Residence. Whether it’s the cherry blossoms in spring or the vibrant autumn foliage, the area offers breathtaking views. Experience a journey through time from the Edo period to modern Japan.

Nyuuto Onsen Village is a collection of seven unique hot spring inns scattered across the base of Mt. Nyuuto within the Towada-Hachimantai National Park. Each inn has its own natural hot spring source, offering more than ten different types of therapeutic waters. These hot springs are believed to have healing properties for various ailments. Surrounded by pristine beech forests, visitors can enjoy fresh mountain air and savor local delicacies like wild vegetables and mushrooms, providing a truly authentic experience. You can also enjoy a day-trip bathing experience at any of the seven inns, each with its distinct mineral-rich hot springs.

The Namahage Museum offers a deep dive into the fascinating Namahage tradition, designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property in Japan. Held annually on New Year's Eve across the Oga Peninsula, the Namahage is a unique cultural practice with deep historical roots. The museum showcases an impressive collection of 110 Namahage masks and 40 additional artifacts, all of which were used in various neighborhoods and communities within Oga. Visitors can also enjoy a unique experience by trying on authentic Namahage costumes for commemorative photos. Extensive exhibits provide insights into the legend and traditions surrounding Namahage.

Designated as a Special Historic Site of Japan, the Oyu Stone Circles are large stone circle structures from the late Jomon period. The site features two main stone circles, Manza and Nonakado, each consisting of over 100 stone arrangements. Beneath the stones, burial pits have been discovered, adding to the site's mystery. Visitors can explore the history of the stone circles through exhibits and enjoy hands-on experiences, such as creating Jomon-style pottery and earrings, at the Oyu Stone Circle Museum. This ancient site is also considered a spiritual "power spot."

Senshu Park is a historic site that once housed Kubota Castle, the residence of the Satake clan who ruled the Akita Domain. Located in the heart of Akita City, the park boasts expansive grounds featuring a stunning Japanese garden and rows of cherry blossom trees, attracting many visitors during the spring cherry blossom season. From the observation deck, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the city. The park also offers attractions for families, including play equipment and open spaces for children. In summer, the lotus flowers blooming in the moat are beautifully illuminated, creating a magical evening atmosphere.

Dakigaeri Gorge is a stunning 10-kilometer-long valley along the middle reaches of the Tama River, offering breathtaking scenery in every season. Especially captivating are the vibrant greens of spring and the fiery colors of autumn. The gorge features crystal-clear streams that create a striking contrast with the surrounding cliffs and lush greenery. Visitors can enjoy well-maintained hiking trails suitable for all levels, from beginners to experienced trekkers. Highlights include waterfalls of various sizes, such as the iconic "Mikaeri no Taki" (Mikaeri Waterfall), a must-see spot for nature lovers.

The Kampu Mountain Rotating Observatory offers an unforgettable experience with stunning 360-degree panoramic views. The facility features:
1st Floor: A souvenir shop and a restaurant serving local dishes.
2nd Floor: An exhibition hall showcasing photographs from the reclamation of Hachirogata Lagoon.
3rd Floor: A resource center with exhibits about the history, nature, and geography of the Oga Peninsula.
4th Floor: The highlight of the facility, a rotating observatory that completes a full rotation in about 13 minutes. From here, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Ogata Village, Mount Chokai, and Nyudozaki.

This spot was even praised by Edo-period traveler Masumi Sugae as "a panorama that captures the vastness of three thousand worlds." Dining while admiring the scenery is a must-try experience! The on-site restaurant offers a variety of Akita's traditional dishes, such as Inaniwa udon and Hinai chicken oyakodon, as well as local specialties like Oga hatahata fish rice bowls and Oga shottsuru fried noodles. Savor the flavors of Akita while taking in the spectacular views of Oga’s mountains and the Sea of Japan.

Tsuchida Farm is a scenic tourist farm located in the Nikaho Highlands, offering breathtaking views of Mount Chokai and expansive grassy pastures. Home to approximately 180 Jersey cows, the farm prides itself on producing what the farm manager calls "Japan's safest milk." Visitors can enjoy a variety of treats made from this premium milk, including the famous soft-serve ice cream at the food shop "Milk House" and original sausages. Families and animal lovers can enjoy activities such as interacting with rabbits and Saint Bernards or trying their hand at milking cows. Tsuchida Farm is a perfect place to relax and immerse yourself in nature for an entire day. Don't miss the soft-serve ice cream made with rich Jersey cow milk!

The "Port Tower Selion" stands at a height of 143 meters, with an observation deck 100 meters above the ground offering a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view—the only such vantage point in Akita City. The tower is illuminated at night, making it visible from afar. The 5th-floor observation room is free to access and features a heart-shaped "couple's bench" where visitors can enjoy views of Akita Port, the Sea of Japan, and the city lights at night. On the 1st floor, the market showcases fresh, seasonal vegetables and fruits, primarily from local farmers in Akita City. You can also find famous Akita specialties such as "Kiritanpo" (rice skewers), "Hatahata" (sailfin sandfish), "Iburigakko" (smoked pickled radish), and premium sake from Akita, known as a renowned rice-producing region.

Oga Aquarium GAO is a scenic aquarium located by the seaside, surrounded by natural beauty. One of its main attractions is the adorable polar bear, which never fails to delight visitors. The aquarium also showcases marine life from the seas of Oga and the rivers of Akita, offering an engaging and educational experience. Don’t miss the large aquarium tank filled with a diverse array of fish swimming gracefully — its impressive scale and beauty will keep you mesmerized. There are also exhibits that provide insights into the unique life and history of Akita’s famous fish, Hatahata.

Nyudozaki Cape, located at the westernmost point of Oga Peninsula on the 40th parallel north, is a scenic cape covered in lush grasslands that extend into the Sea of Japan. It offers a breathtaking panoramic view where the sky meets the sea, showcasing a blend of gentle and dramatic natural beauty. The area features a monument marking the 40th parallel, crafted from locally sourced Oga stone. The black-and-white striped lighthouse at Nyudozaki, a symbol of the cape, is recognized as one of the "50 Best Lighthouses in Japan" by the Japan Coast Guard. It has also been designated as a "Lighthouse of Love" by the Japan Romanticist Association and the Nippon Foundation. In front of the lighthouse, visitors will find the "Enmusubi-dai" (Matchmaking Platform), where they can tie a charm known as "Goen no Michishirube." These charms, said to bring good fortune in relationships, are available at local shops and have been blessed at the Kanki Tendo shrine of Shinzan Shrine.

Oyasukyo Gorge is a stunning natural formation created over centuries by the erosion of the Minase River's rushing waters. Visitors can descend a staircase carved into the rock to reach a scenic walking path along the gorge. The main attraction, Daifunto (Great Geyser), is an awe-inspiring natural phenomenon where 98°C hot water and steam burst forth with a powerful "hissing" sound, reminiscent of the earth's breath. Each season offers unique charm: vibrant green foliage in spring, vivid autumn leaves in fall, and magnificent icicles, called "shigakko," hanging in the gorge during winter. This spot has been admired for centuries, even documented by Edo-period traveler Masumi Sugae in his travel journal. He described the geyser as making "a thunderous roar like a god of lightning, with water bursting out like an explosion."

Opened in September 2013, this museum is located in the "Area Nakaichi" district facing Senshu Park. It houses the largest collection in Japan of works by Tsuguharu Foujita, a renowned Western-style painter who flourished in Paris. Among the highlights is the monumental 20-meter-wide mural "Akita's Events," one of the largest of its kind in the world. The building, designed by the globally acclaimed architect Tadao Ando, is itself a work of art, featuring a spiral staircase without walls or columns, a lounge offering views of Senshu Park through a water garden, and a striking triangular atrium in the entrance hall. Every corner of the space allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in art.

Kawarage Jigoku, located in the mountainous region of Yuzawa City at an altitude of approximately 800 meters, is one of Japan's three great sacred sites, alongside Osorezan in Aomori Prefecture and Tateyama in Toyama Prefecture. Legend has it that it was founded in 807 AD by the monk Getsuso. The area still showcases active volcanic phenomena. The mountain surface, covered with grayish-white lava and emitting volcanic gases, creates a barren and otherworldly landscape resembling "hell." On the western side lies the Kawarage Oyutaki Falls, a unique "waterfall hot spring" where the basin of the waterfall doubles as an open-air bath. The bathing season is typically from early July to late September each year. After exploring the rugged trails, why not relax in this extraordinary natural hot spring?