Famous for its stunning snowy landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality,
Akita offers a winter wonderland like no other.
Witness Japan’s legendary “ice monsters” (Juhyo) on Mt. Moriyoshi and enjoy snow trekking through snow-covered forests.
Ski lovers can also experience top-quality powder snow—perfect for winter sports—at Mt. Moriyoshi Ani Ski Resort.
From relaxing hot springs to heartwarming encounters with locals,
Akita is a peaceful retreat that captures the timeless charm of Japan.
Your adventure begins at Odate-Noshiro Airport—explore
Akita and get ready to be greeted by the adorable, world-famous Akita dogs!
Meet the Beloved Akita Dog in Its Hometown!
Known for their loyalty and gentle nature, Akita dogs are a treasured symbol of Akita Prefecture and are even designated a national natural monument.
There have been various films featuring Akita Dog, and these faithful dogs are popular not only in Japan but also in other countries.
If you're arriving via Odate-Noshiro Airport, don't miss the chance to meet one in person! Akita dogs greet visitors on the 8th, 18th, and 28th of every month—a heartwarming experience that leaves a lasting impression.
It takes about an hour to get to Akita Prefecture from Tokyo (Haneda Airport), Sapporo, Osaka, and Nagoya by domestic flight. There are two airports in Akita Prefecture: Akita Airport and Odate Noshiro Airport, and it is easy to access from just about anywhere.
You can take the Akita Airport Liner from the airport to your destination directly without having to change trains!
It takes about 4 hours to reach Akita from Tokyo by shinkansen (bullet train).
JR Rail Pass is also a great deal that can be used
in Akita Prefecture.
Flight Information
International Flights
Domestic Flights
* As of 24 July 2025
Explore Akita - See What’s Nearby
Akita has two convenient airports.
Whichever one you choose, access to the region’s top attractions is simple and smooth.
Explore our airport route guides and kick off your unforgettable adventure in Akita!
Culture
Akita Dog Visitor Center
Famous for its loyalty—especially the story of Hachiko, the faithful dog of Shibuya Station—the Akita dog is a beloved symbol of Japan. At the Akita Dog Visitor Center, you can learn about the breed’s history and even meet these gentle, intelligent dogs in person. A must-visit for animal lovers and cultural explorers alike.
Nature
Ice Monsters at Mount Moriyoshi (Ani Ski Resort)
Discover the magic of Mt. Moriyoshi in Akita, where you can witness Japan’s famous “ice monsters” (Juhyo) up close—towering frost-covered trees that create a stunning winter spectacle. At the foot of the mountain, Mt. Moriyoshi Ani Ski Resort offers some of the best powder snow in the Tohoku region, with slopes for all skill levels, from beginners to experts, ensuring an unforgettable winter sports experience.
Nature
Akita Nairiku Railway
Local railway measuring 94.2km from the north to the south of Akita Prefecture. It travels through the inland areas from Kakunodate, also known as "Little Kyoto", through Aniai which is home to the Matagi culture, to Takanosu which is home to the largest taiko drum in the world.
Nature
Lake Towada
Typical double caldera lake that spans across both Akita and Aomori Prefectures. Take in the beautiful seasonal scenery here at the lake which is also home to the Lake Towada Winter Story Festival held every winter.
Festival
Dainichido Bugaku
Set of dance and music with 1,300 years of tradition and has been recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. People known as "Noshu" from the four designated districts gather at Dainichido on January 2 to dance.
Food
Hinai-Jidori Chickens
Hinai-jidori chicken is a must-try for food lovers! Raised in Akita's natural environment, this top-grade poultry is known for its firm texture and rich, savory flavor. Celebrated as one of the country’s “Three Great Local Chickens,” Hinai-jidori stars in traditional dishes like Torimeshi (chicken rice) and Oyakodon (chicken and egg rice bowl). Sampling these dishes is a delicious way to taste the true flavors of Akita.
Culture
Magewappa Crafting
Discover Magewappa, a traditional Akita craft that turns strips of cedar wood into elegant, handcrafted lunchboxes—known for their beauty and natural ability to regulate moisture, keeping rice fresh. Join a local workshop to make your very own and discover the charm of Japanese craftsmanship up close. It’s a unique souvenir and an experience you won’t want to miss!
Food
Kiritanpo
The typical local dish of Akita Prefecture, where freshly cooked rice is pounded and formed into cylinders around Japanese cedar skewers, and baked over a charcoal fire. It is commonly consumed as part of a hot pot dish.
Culture
Matagi Museum
Step into the world of the Matagi—Akita’s traditional mountain hunters who have lived in harmony with nature for generations. At the Matagi Museum, you’ll uncover their unique way of life through hunting tools, clothing, and stories passed down over centuries. It’s a unique window into a lesser-known but important part of Japan’s cultural heritage, shaped by snow, history, and community.
Food
Sake & Sake brewery
Akita is famous for its exceptional sake, thanks to the region’s pure water and high-quality rice. Breweries here blend tradition with innovation, crafting sake with flavors ranging from fruity and smooth to dry and refreshing. When visiting Akita, don’t miss the chance to sample these unique flavors and learn about the art of sake brewing!
Nature
Senshu Park
A recommended spot near Akita Station to appreciate a snow-covered winter landscape. It is built on the ruins of Kubota Castle and gives off a fortress vibe with several artifacts such as the main castle gate within its grounds.
Culture
Namahage Daiko
Original form of local performing arts in Oga Prefecture which fuses the namahage of Oga together with traditional Japanese taiko. The live performance at Oga Onsenkyo Village is incredible.
Festival
Namahage Sedo Festival
One of the Michinoku Big 5 Snow Festivals. The wild namahage dance is soul-stirring and powerful under the light of the Sedo fire at Shinzan Shrine.
Food
Ishiyaki Nabe
Hot pot dish that is famous as the local cuisine of Oga Peninsula. It is a dynamic fisherman’s dish that is prepared by putting ingredients such as fresh seafood into a wooden tub and cooked by adding in a stone that has been heated to 400 degree Celsius.
Food
Shottsuru Nabe
Hot pot made using fish sauce from hatahata (Japanese sandfish) and tastes similar to nam pla (Thai fish sauce). Hatahata is a winter specialty in Akita Prefecture, and can also be eaten grilled or in the form of sushi.
Culture
Nyuto Onsen Village
The collective name for the seven hot springs found at the foot of Mount Nyuto, with Tsuru-no-Yu being especially famous as a hidden hot spring in the mountains. The snowy scene here is spectacular and gives off an authentic Japanese vibe.
Nature
Lake Tazawa
The deepest lake in Japan and voted as one of the 100 best sceneries in the country. The color of the lake varies according to the water depth and the angle at which sunlight strikes the water surface. This is a mysterious lake which is also known for "The Legend of Princess Tatsuko".
Culture
Kakunodate
Historical samurai town which retains the history of Kakunodate. It is famous for its weeping cherry trees and Yoshino cherry trees in spring, as well as the maple trees and autumn foliage in autumn. The streets are especially charming when covered in snow and remind visitors of its other name as "The Little Kyoto of Michinoku".
Festival
Tazawako Plateau Snow Festival
Snow festival hosted at Tazawako Ski Resort which overlooks Lake Tazawa. Various events such as fire swinging, kamakura igloo displays, and firework displays are held, and snow sculptures are lit up at night to create a fantastical atmosphere.
Festival
Hiburi Kamakura
Spectacular festival with brilliant fire circle dancing in the snow. Straw bags filled with charcoal are tied to ropes and set alight before swinging them around the body.
Nature
Mototaki Waterfall
Voted as one of the top 100 waterfalls in Japan and reminiscent of a fantasy world as the entire area transforms into a pure white scene in winter.
Culture
Yokote Masuda Manga Museum
A typical manga-themed museum which contains original drawings, photos, and profiles of various manga artists. It is home to the greatest number of collections in Japan with over 200,000 original drawings available.
Festival
Yokote Kamakura Festival
A traditional festival where water deities are enshrined in kamakura (igloo-like snow houses) with a charcoal brazier inside to provide warmth and to grill rice cakes. Amazake (warm sweet rice wine) is offered to the festival visitors. The kamakura look beautiful and floaty amid the darkness of the night.
Food
Iburigakko
Traditional pickles in snowy Akita Prefecture which is made by hanging the radishes on top of fire (to prevent the dried radish to be used for pickling from freezing) before being pickled in rice bran.
Food
Inaniwa Udon
Known as one of the top three best udon noodles in Japan with a history of more than 300 years. These noodles have a smooth texture that is thicker and firmer than somen noodles.
Festival
Inukko Festival
A folk event where dogs made out of rice flour are displayed by the doorways to keep robbers away. The candles inside the snow hall where snow sculptures of dogs stand are lit up at night.
Here is our recommended 3-day itinerary to carefully hand-picked destinations in Akita Prefecture based on the theme of "Winter in Akita".
This sample itinerary covers the two major destinations in winter: Nyuto Onsen and the hoarfrost-covered trees at Mount Moriyoshi.
Odate Noshiro Airport
- Take a limousine bus from Odate Noshiro Airport to Odate Station (approx. 50 minutes)
1 Torimeshi Lunch
Enjoy the delicious torimeshi (chicken) lunch at Hanazen, which is famous for its boxed lunch and is located right in front of Odate Station.
- After lunch, walk to Akita Dog Visitor Center (3 minutes' walk)
2Akita Dog Visitor Center
Famous for loyalty like Hachiko, the Akita dog is a Japanese icon. At the Akita Dog Visitor Center, you can explore a museum full of fascinating history about this special breed and even meet friendly Akita dogs—a must-visit spot for animal lovers and anyone wanting to experience Japanese culture!
- Take JR Ou Main Line from Odate Station to Takanosu Station (approx. 20 minutes)
3Akita Nairiku Railway
Take the Akita Nairiku Railway to Aniai Station from Takanosu Station. Enjoy the incredible snowy landscape outside the train window throughout the one hours’ journey.
- Take the Akita Nairiku Railway to Ani-Matagi Station from Aniai Station (approx. 30 minutes)
- From Ani-Matagi Station, use the hotel pick-up service to Utto Onsen Matagi-no-Yu (approx. 3 minutes)
4Utto Onsen Matagi-no-Yu
Stay overnight at this hidden accommodation, and experience living amid the Matagi, who made their living by hunting while protecting the mountains. They are also often described as the "Mountain Samurai". Learn about the Matagi culture, taste jango (country) cuisine and homemade doburoku (rice liquor), and enjoy the hot spring during your stay.
