When thinking of snow in Japan, Hokkaido might come to mind. Of course, the main tourist spots are Hokkaido, Tokyo, and Kyoto. But why not venture beyond these major destinations? I enjoy traveling to the countryside to connect with nature, savor delicious food, and breathe fresh air for a refreshing experience. Today, I dropped by an event put on by Yokote City from Akita at Osaka Castle Park. I’ve been energized by Akita, so I want to share some info with you! Learn about the culture of this heavy snowfall area and you’ll surely want to visit!
Where is Akita?
Akita is located on the Sea of Japan side of the Tohoku region. It shares a similar latitude (40° North) with Beijing and New York. Known for its heavy snowfall, Akita is rich in beautiful nature, hot springs, and traditional festivals. It’s about 3.5 hours by bullet train or 1 hour by plane from Tokyo.
What does Akita offer?
Akita is a region rich in traditional culture. Here are two of its most representative cultural traditions:
Namahage
On New Year’s Eve, young men in the village dress as demons with huge, terrifying masks and straw capes, carrying wooden knives as they visit homes. This tradition was inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2018.
“Is there any crying child?” “Are there any lazy people?” they shout loudly as they go from house to house. Namahage’s intense presence is enough to frighten even adults. They pound on doors and swing their knives around as they move through the house. The head of the household appeases them with food and sake. After asking about the family’s well-being and the harvest, the Namahage blesses the family with health and a bountiful year before moving on to the next house.
For children, the warning, “I’ll come again next year, and if you’re not good, I’ll take you away,” ensures that most kids who experience this tradition remember to behave. Namahage has been designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property since May 22, 1978. In 1995, the Namahage Museum opened to allow visitors to experience Namahage customs, followed by the Namahage Hall in 1999, providing extensive information about Namahage.
Kamakura
A Kamakura is a traditional Japanese snow dome with altars inside, dedicated to the water deity during the “Koshogatsu” event in mid-February, known as a winter tradition in Michinoku. The inside of the Kamakura is surprisingly warm, and there’s no need to worry about the snow melting due to the cold outside air.
Additionally, Akita is the birthplace of Akita Komachi rice, Akita dogs, and Akita Bijin (beauties). Akita Komachi rice is renowned for its superior quality and taste, making it a favorite throughout Japan. The Akita dog, famous for its loyalty and courage, has gained global admiration. The term ‘Akita Bijin‘ refers to the beautiful women of Akita, celebrated for their clear skin and graceful demeanor. These elements highlight the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of Akita Prefecture.
What to Eat in Akita?
Akita is known for its delicious rice and a wide variety of sake. The city center of Akita is filled with restaurants where you can enjoy local cuisine and sake. Famous dishes include “kiritanpo” (mashed rice on sticks), “inaniwa udon” (one of Japan’s three great udon), and “yokote yakisoba” (fried noodles with a sunny-side-up egg). Imo-no-ko-jiru, a hearty miso-based soup with vegetables and taro, is perfect for winter. For souvenirs, “magewappa” (traditional bentwood crafts made from cedar or cypress) is highly popular even overseas. Bento packed in magewappa boxes looks especially appetizing, making you want to go on a picnic with rice balls and side dishes packed inside.
Akita captivates visitors with its beautiful natural scenery throughout the four seasons, rich culture, and delicious food. It’s a place where you can leave the city’s noise and chaos behind and refresh both body and mind. Unique to this heavy snowfall area, Akita offers distinctive cultural experiences and warm hospitality.
I hope this article has sparked your interest in Akita. If you’re looking to explore beyond Japan’s major tourist spots, why not consider visiting Akita? It offers a unique and enriching experience. New discoveries and delightful experiences await you.
