[Japan] Tohoku Akita Mountains, forests, invigorating onsen and outdoor fun

 

With hot springs, a well-preserved samurai district and natural scenic beauty, Akita is a place to relax while connecting with Japanese history and culture

The northern prefecture of Akita is a popular choice for outdoor adventurers and history buffs alike. The Hachimantai area offers a range of outdoor activities, while the fascinating and well-preserved samurai district in the town of Kakunodate offers a glimpse into Japan's feudal past. The snow huts of the Yokote Snow Festival and Japan’s national fireworks competition at Omagari draw hundreds of thousands of revelers each year.

How to Get There

Akita can be accessed by the JR Akita Shinkansen from Tokyo, Sendai and Morioka, as well as by car, local train and airplane from other areas in Japan.

Flights operated by JAL and ANA make Akita accessible from Nagoya, Osaka, Sapporo and Tokyo. A flight from Tokyo Haneda Airport to Akita Airport is the easiest and quickest method of transport from Tokyo. The direct Komachi bullet train on the JR Akita Shinkansen line between Tokyo and Akita takes around four hours. There are hourly departures, and the journey is covered by the Japan Rail Pass, JR East Tohoku Area Pass and JR East South Hokkaido Pass. There are also a number of long-distance buses from Tokyo to Akita. The journey takes around eight hours.

Don’t Miss

Scaling the summit of Mt. Hachimantai, particularly beautiful in autumn when the leaves change colors

Soaking in Goshogake Onsen's volcanic mud and outdoor hot springs

Visiting Yokote in winter to join the town’s 400-year-old Kamakura Snow Festival

The breathtaking displays of light and music of Japan's National Fireworks Competition in Omagari