Akita Prefecture, in the Tohoku region of northern Japan, is a hidden gem often overlooked by tourists. The absence of crowds is a boon for those seeking to delve into rural and traditional Japan, as the serene and beautiful landscapes truly shine.
Explore Akita, Japan's snowy escape in northern Tohoku. Discover pristine powdery slopes, samurai heritage and breathtaking views on charming rail journeys.
In winter, deep, powdery snow transforms the already picturesque scenery of Akita. Towns and villages take on a warm, enchanting glow from lanterns and snow huts as locals prepare hearty broths. The cold air invites visitors to dip into one of Akita's famed onsen (hot springs) against a backdrop of frost-covered trees and snow-topped roofs.
To immerse yourself in Akita's magic, plan your itinerary with Stay Akita, your guide to the best accommodations, activities and cultural experiences the prefect offers.
Ani Ski Resort
Established in 1974, Ani Ski Resort is a secluded retreat on Mount Moriyoshi, a haven for skiers, snowboarders, families and backcountry enthusiasts. Renowned for its substantial snowfall, particularly deep in January, with accumulations often exceeding 6 meters, Ani boasts diverse terrain, from gentle tree skiing among spaced-out beech trees to challenging backcountry runs requiring route-finding skills or a knowledgeable guide.
Accessible via a gondola lift and pair lifts, the resort seamlessly blends lift-assisted slopes with thrilling backcountry adventures. The gondola ride to Mount Moriyoshi's summit is a highlight, with panoramic views of the surrounding winter wonderland and the mesmerizing "snow monsters."
These eerie yet captivating formations are found around 1,200 meters above sea level near the highest gondola station in an area known as Juhyodaira and feature frosted trees reaching heights of over five meters. This natural spectacle, created when ice and snow cling to tree branches, is a rare sight that adds to the unique allure of Ani Ski Resort, making it a destination cherished by nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.
Kakunodate’s Samurai Legacy
Kakunodate was a castle town in modern Senboku City. Founded in 1620 by Ashina Yoshikatsu, it was strategically positioned by mountains and rivers to serve as a stronghold for the ruling samurai clan during the Edo period (1603-1868). The town flourished as a center of samurai culture and governance under the Ashina clan.
Today, the heart of Kakunodate's historical charm lies in Bukeyashiki-dori, a street lined with well-preserved samurai residences known as bukeyashiki. These residences were home to samurai families and were characterized by their sturdy construction and strategic layout designed for defense. Several of these houses are open to the public as museums, allowing visitors to step back in time and explore the daily lives and traditions of samurai warriors.
One of the more prominent houses is the Ishiguro House, which showcases the architecture and lifestyle of the samurai at the time and offers insights into the Ishiguro clan's history and cultural contributions. The Ishiguro clan was a samurai family originating from the Tohoku and played roles in regional governance, military affairs and cultural patronage.
The Aoyagi family, whose roots date back to the 16th century, left an indelible mark on Kakunodate and Akita. They served their lords as boundary guards. Their influence and wealth expanded over time, and today, Aoyagi Manor is a cultural site showcasing artifacts from the 17th to the 20th centuries, including samurai swords and armor.
Akita Nairiku Line: A Scenic Journey On The Smile Train
The Akita Nairiku Line, known as "Smile Rail" due to its staff and locals' warm and welcoming smiles, runs between Kakunodate Station and Takanosu Station. The Akita Nairiku Line is loved for its nostalgic train cars, some of which are traditional wooden-bodied cars that add to the charm of the journey.
When winter arrives, the Akita Nairiku Line scenery is draped in a pristine white cloak, creating fairytale scenery with snow-covered rice fields, forests and mountain chasms. The journey offers passengers stunning views of the countryside, small villages and quiet landscapes of northern Japan. Moreover, overseas visitors can take advantage of exclusive discount tickets.
Visit Stay Akita to discover more about Akita Prefecture and plan your next winter trip to Japan.
2 Comments
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DanteKH
Very beautiful.
kurisupisu
Akita in the winter?
I don’t think so.
I’ll be somewhere warm having a coconut shake having just had a dip in the open air pool.