Japan Private Tour (JPN019) Grand Akita In-Depth Highlights (6 Days 5 Nights)

We pick you up at Akita Airport and visit the Kakunodate Samurai District, a historic samurai district that still preserves its traditional style, allowing you to feel the essence of the Edo period along wide streets, accompanied by breathtaking scenery covered in snow during winter.

Then, travel to Nyuto Onsen Village. "Nyuto Onsen" is the collective name for seven hot spring areas located at the foot of Mount Nyuto. These seven inns are nestled deep in the mountains, each boasting distinct hot spring mineral properties.

We recommend staying at Tsurunoyu, a historic hot spring ryokan dating back to the Edo period, for 1 night.

Today, spend the entire day relaxing in the onsen at Nyuto Onsen, located at the foot of Mount Eboshidake (2,066 meters high), also known as Mount Nyuto. There are 7 onsen ryokan (traditional Japanese inns), each with its own separate spring source scattered deep within beech forests, together forming the tranquil Nyuto Onsen area. It was named the best onsen voted by international travelers on a TV program broadcast in 2019.

You can freely spend quality time away from the city in this onsen area steeped in history dating back to the 17th century, exploring the surrounding nature and enjoying rustic mountain cuisine at your leisure.

We recommend staying at Tsurunoyu hot spring inn for a 2nd night.

Travel to Kakunodate Station to ride the Akita Nairiku Scenic Railway (Akita Nairiku Line) to Aniai Station. Enjoy the stunning snow-covered scenery outside the train window throughout the 1-hour-and-20-minute journey.

Next, travel to Aniai Station to ride the gondola lift at Ani Ski Resort (http://www.aniski.jp) (2,800 yen for adults, 2,000 yen for seniors aged 60 and above, and 1,000 yen for elementary school students) up Mount Moriyoshi to the summit, and get ready to be amazed by the awe-inspiring winter landscape sculpted by nature.

The mountain peak is covered with numerous Aomori Todomatsu (Abies mariesii) trees. The gondola ride takes about 20 minutes to the Summit Station, followed by a 5-minute walk. At the summit, there is a walking course of about 30 minutes per loop where you can admire the frost-covered trees. The snow is groomed and compacted so you can easily explore the area, with complimentary snowshoes and ski poles provided.

In winter, you will witness the "Snow Monsters of Mount Moriyoshi" phenomenon, where heavy snow and frost cling densely to fir trees until they resemble giant snow monsters. Mount Moriyoshi is one of Japan's top three frost-covered forest areas, viewable only from mid-January to early March.

During autumn foliage season, Mount Moriyoshi—also known as Hana no Hyakumeizan (one of the 100 Famous Flower Mountains)—features broad-leaved trees such as beech and maple spreading across the mountainside alongside abundant alpine flora. As the gondola glides through the beech trees, you can take in the autumn colors up close, and from the summit, enjoy panoramic views of Mount Moriyoshi and the vibrant foliage covering the surrounding mountains.

Travel to stay overnight in Semboku, the gateway to Akita Prefecture, or in the Mount Moriyoshi area as desired.

After check-out, take a stroll around the town of Semboku. Then, visit Dakigaeri Gorge (www.city.semboku.akita.jp/en/index.html), a natural highlight of Semboku. "Dakigaeri Keikoku (Dakigaeri Gorge)" features beautiful scenery of lush green trees and vibrant autumn foliage. The view from "Kami no Iwahashi (God's Rock Bridge)" is truly spectacular. "Mikaeri no Taki (Waterfall)" is the prime highlight to visit in the gorge, located about a 30-minute walk from the entrance.

Visit "Lake Tazawa," the deepest lake in Japan, where the crystal-clear azure water presents an incredibly mystical view. This uniquely beautiful lake changes color with the weather like magic. By the lakeside stands a tall, vivid red “Torii gate". Nearby is a small Shinto shrine and a spring where Tatsuko drank to stay eternally youthful, known as “Gozanoishi Shrine.” There is also the “Statue of Tatsuko" (Statue of Tatsuko), crafted in 1968 to commemorate the maiden Tatsuko from the legend of Lake Tazawa. According to the enduring love legend, long ago Tatsuko could not bear the thought of her beauty fading with age. She prayed to Kannon (the Goddess of Mercy), who instructed her to drink sacred water from a northern spring, which was the water of this lake. Upon drinking it, she transformed into a dragon. The dragon maiden Tatsuko later fell in love with a young dragon from Lake Towada. Every winter, the male dragon comes to visit Tatsuko at Lake Tazawa, causing Lake Towada to freeze over while Lake Tazawa never freezes due to the warmth of their love. In reality, the reason Lake Tazawa never freezes is simply because of its immense depth.

We treat you to delicious local cuisine for lunch: Torimeshi (chicken rice lunch box) at Hanazen, a renowned bento shop located right in front of Odate Station.

Next, visit the "Akita Dog Visitor Center," an attraction where you can get to know and meet real Akita dogs. There is also an observation deck overlooking the Akita Dog Museum, offering views of Odate City as well as Mount Houou, a symbol of the city.

If you'd like a cooking workshop, today we recommend "Kiritanpo"—experience making Kiritanpo, a traditional local specialty of Akita Prefecture. This dish is made by mashing cooked rice and molding it around skewers. The Kiritanpo you make with your own hands is sure to be especially delicious!

hotel Overnight Akita - Recommended hotel: Akita Castle Hotel

In the morning, take a stroll through the local market, Akita Shimin Ichiba (Akita Citizen's Market). This food market is truly the “Kitchen of Akita,” where you can find everything from fish, meat, vegetables, fruits, mountain greens, and pickles, to souvenirs, clothing, and daily goods made in Akita. With an abundance of locally produced foods, you can experience Akita's seasonal flavors and culinary culture up close.

Visit the Akita Folklore and Performing Arts Center to watch a Japanese lantern procession demonstration originating from the Kanto Festival (Kanto Festival Performance), a unique tradition of Akita and one of Japan's most iconic festivals. In addition, Kanto Matsuri features a "Challenge Corner" where visitors can try balancing the lantern poles (kanto) themselves.

At noon, head to lunch at Akita Maiko Theater MATSUSHITA to enjoy a Maiko Show alongside a unique lunch and drinks. This traditional Japanese restaurant has been renovated into a fresh new attraction. Matsushita houses the Akita Maiko Theater, where Akita Maiko perform traditional Japanese dances and tea ceremonies, giving you and your family an authentic taste of local culture.

If you wish, visit the "Namahage Museum," where you can try on a Namahage costume for memorable photos and watch a film showcasing the spirit of the Oga people who preserve the Namahage tradition. Right next door is the "Oga Shinzan Folklore Musuem," which replicates traditional Oga homes for visitors to experience and learn all about the Namahage heritage.

hotel Overnight Akita - Recommended hotel: Akita Castle Hotel

Drop you off at Odate-Noshiro Airport for your flight to Tokyo (Haneda Airport) and onward journey back to Bangkok with wonderful memories, or continue traveling to your next dream destination as you wish.