Akita is prefecture in the Tohuku region of Japan. It is one of the most beautiful places you will ever visit and it is filled with history, culture and natural wonders. Tourists don’t always visit this small gem as it is not close to the big cities and their modern attractions. However, if you are looking for a getaway that will change your life, this is where you want to go.
Here are our reasons why everyone should visit Akita:
1. The Natural Beauty
Akita offers all the natural and untouched beauty that many places no longer have. No matter where you go in Akita, there will be greenery and color. From cherry blossom trees to paddy fields, to rustic hot springs to the Senshu Park you will only see natural beauty. Few places on earth and definitely few in big cities can showcase this unpolluted and open view.
2. The History
Akita is filled with history. There are old castles, old samurai houses and museums, centuries-old traditions and festivals, and much more. If you want to learn more about the samurais and the Edo Period, then Akita is where you want to go. You can visit samurai homes and even hold an actual samurai sword. You can visit the remnants of the castles of the olden days and experience what it would have been like back then. The different museums all have a lot of interesting things to teach.
3. The Food
As with most places, Akita has its own flavour of food and we very much enjoyed it. It seems that the Akita people prefer healthier eating than others because they have fewer fried food options. The local cuisine has a lot of fresh ingredients and often includes fish and rice.
4. The Onsens
Akita is well-known for its hot springs or onsens. You will find a variety of hot springs and each of them has their own resort or accommodation. The different hot springs or baths each have their own origin and they tend to differ in elements. The water from these springs has healing abilities and is the ideal thing to try if you need to relax and renew your soul and mind.
5. The Traditions and Festivals
Besides being rich in history, Akita is also rich in culture and tradition. One of the most well-known traditions is the namahagewhich takes place on New Year’s Eve and started as an attempt to scare children and women to behave well. Akita is also known for its Kanto Masuri Festival where poles with lanterns take center-stage. They also celebrate several other festivals like the Kamakura Festival and the Tsuchizaki Port Festival.
As an added bonus reason, we would like to include the Akita dog. Yes, Akita has their own breed of dog and you may recognize it as the famous Hachiko. Akita Prefecture has a lot to offer and if you are looking for time and experiences away from the hustle and bustle of city life, you need to visit this lovely town and its surrounds.
