Last Updated: 09/10/2023
A prefecture fueled by rice farming, it’s no wonder Akita is home to the most delicious rice and food culture in general. Kiritanpo has become the regions’ specialty dish, comprising many great things to do in Akita, alongside several other delicacies such as soba noodles. Akita is not only all about food, though; it also offers the chance for guests to walk a couple of days in the shoes of the natives at Minshukus while also affording opportunities to explore the world’s largest forest of beech trees across power spots in famous mountains!
Lake Tazawa is another example of the natural marvels in the prefecture, and visiting it is one of the most curious things to do in Akita, offering myths about a beautiful girl who was deceived and cursed into stone that’s still visible above the water surface up until now. Speaking of stone, Godzilla rock continues Akita’s collection of the strange and bizarre, offering uncanny rock resemblances to the fire-breathing monster that has become a beloved movie character.
Mt Moriyoshi also makes for a nice bucket list, as do Maki-e making classes, Kuroyu onsen baths, and photoshoots with the cute akita dogs.
Here’s the full scoop on the most amazing things to do in Akita!
1. Rural life in its purest form at Akita
Do you grow weary of the nature of modern life, often characterized by little backyard space and an absence of fresh air? Then escape into rural life at a farm in Odate where you get to live like the ancient natives. Enjoy traditional kiritanpo dinners in tatami houses!
Experience Japanese Rural Life at a Farm in Akita: Learn How to Cook the Local Specialty Kiritanpo, Experience Farming Activities, and Relax at a Hot Spring!
Odate, Akita
2. Nakayama soba noodles: The culinary pride of Akita
Nurtured by a unique climate and secrets passed down from Edo Japan, Nakayama soba noodles are unlike anything you’ve tasted before! Master a treasured item on the Akita cuisine for unforgettable meals at home!
Enjoy Making Nakayama Soba with the Locals Using Rich-Flavored Buckwheat Flour and Local Specialty Yams
Odate, Akita
3. Experience Kurort Health Walking
Discover the rejuvenating power of "Kurort Health Walking" in Mitane Town, Akita Prefecture! Embrace the therapeutic exercise techniques inspired by Germany's natural healing practices, all while surrounded by the pristine beauty of Akita. It's a blend of wellness and nature, right at your footsteps. Come, walk your way to good health!
Kurort Health Walking—easy & fun walking for good health
Mitane Town, Akita
Kurort Health Walking—Don't do your best, walk happily and feel free to improve your health
Mitane Town, Akita
4. Get crafty, learn a new skill and make new friends!
Take your mind off the stress of everyday life with crafts and arts workshops. Join up, get out there and create snow globes, gel candles, sun catchers, and other crafts!
Make your own snow globe
Yokote City, Akita
Craft a botanical gel candle holder
Yokote City, Akita
Decorate your home with hand-made sun catchers
Yokote City, Akita
5. Impress friends with Kiritanpo making skills
Hinai chicken offers a unique dimension of crisp and tasty, making the perfect accompaniment for the trademark kiritanpo Akita. Learn how to roast the delicacies over a traditional open hearth, including how to mix and match flavors for the best combinations!
Enjoy Making Authentic Kiritanpo Hotpot with the Locals in Odate!
Odate, Akita
6. Impressive acting and heritage at Korakukan theater
Constructed in 1910 to entertain local miners, Korakukan theater is an architectural blend that brings together Western flair and Japanese beauty. Tours here entail an exciting drama performance, backstage visits, and Kosaka mine office tours!
Watch a play at ``Korakukan`` ♪ + Kosaka Mining Office + Kosaka Railway Rail Park
Kosaka, Akita
Watch a Korakukan performance
Kosaka, Akita
7. Smile for the camera: Photoshoots with an Akita dog
Venture into the native home of the Akita dog, and cuddle in for selfies with this cute animal. You can also sample lush surroundings with impressive kimono rentals that’ll add gloss to your pictures!
Kimono Rental Tour and Photoshoot with Akita Dog the Prefecture’s Famous Dog! Enjoy Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony and Flower Arrangement
Odate, Akita
8. Kyudo Experience At A Temple In Noshiro
Step into the serene setting of Noshiro's renowned "Kaze no Matsubara" and immerse yourself in the ancient art of Kyudo. At this tranquil temple, you'll have the chance to harness your focus and learn the graceful techniques of Japanese archery.
Kyudo experience at a temple in Noshiro's famous Kaze no Matsubara
Noshiro, Akita
9. Get cozy and take a walk with adorable Akita dogs!
If you're a dog person, then you'll love these adorable Akita dogs. Take a walk with them and get to know them. It will make your day! See for yourself why the Akita is referred to as a "gentle giant"!
Take a walk with a cute Akita dog
Mitane Town, Akita
10. Stories become reality at Godzilla rock
At sunset, the silhouette of Godzilla rock reminds visitors of the superhero dinosaur, with the orange embers of light around the face almost emulating his fire breathing abilities. Up until October from April, the sun aligns perfectly in his mouth like a flaming ball!
11. Visit the girl turned into stone at Lake Tazawa
Lake Tazawa is not only the country’s deepest lake but also one of the most beautiful. It straddles snow-capped mountains and holds myths about a beautiful girl who was cursed into stone, with her golden statue visible above the Lakes’ western side!
12. Kuroyu hot spring baths surrounded by autumn colors
Kuroyu onsen is romanticized by autumn red and orange and makes for nice getaways when craving some alone time with nature or your better half. The healing hot waters offer soothing answers to the seasonal cold!
There you have it, fellow explorers! Akita Prefecture is a goldmine of experiences waiting to be unearthed. From its sumptuous culinary delights to the untouched splendors of Shirakami-Sanchi and the deep tales echoing from the shores of Lake Tazawa, there's no shortage of magic in Akita. Whether you're a history buff, nature lover, or food enthusiast, Akita promises to leave an indelible mark on your heart. So, the next time you find yourself in Japan, ensure Akita is on your itinerary.
Frequently asked questions
QWhat to see in Akita?
AKorakukan theater has amazing traditional performances for guests, and its two-faced architecture never fails to impress. Myokeiji temple, Lake Tazawa, Godzilla rock, and Mt. Moriyoshi also serve up things to do in Akita, entailing amazing nature and myths to bewilder the mind.
QWhat is Akita famous for?
AThe Akita dog is famous over the world, and this cute species traces its origin back to the prefecture. Akita is known as well for its impressive rice production, and consequently, dishes like kiritanpo. It also contributes the lion’s share of sake consumption in Japan!
QWhat to do in Akita in winter?
AWhen the winter snow rolls in, the best things to do in Akita entail:
• Ani resort skiing on Mount Moriyoshi
• Akita dog cuddles and photoshoots with kimono rentals
• Farm stay and Kiritanpo making with the natives
• Kabuki watching at the country’s oldest wooden theater
QHow far is Akita from Tokyo?
AAkita is 450 kilometers away from Tokyo and a further 124 kilometers by road. Travel options entail an approximately four hour-train ride, a 10-hour overnight bus, with an alternative 8½ hour bus option. You can also fly directly to the prefecture in a little over 1 hour.
QHow to book a Korakukan drama show?
AMixing Western and Japanese styles, Korakukan is Japan’s oldest theater. Activity Japan has several plans through which guests can book tickets for backstage visits, establishment tours, including mine offices and onstage performances. Sometimes, guests are treated to special coffee breaks.