The vibrant autumn leaves surrounding the samurai houses stand out against the black wooden walls, creating a uniquely-Japanese atmosphere. The area is yearly lit up at night from early October until mid-November.

With Mikaeri Falls and a unique blue river surrounded by virgin forest, Dakigaeri Gorge is a popular destination for autumn foliage. Dakigaeri Autumn Leaves Festival is held from early October until mid-November.

An almost circular lake with a circumference of approximately 20 km, Lake Tazawa is Japan’s deepest lake with a depth of 423.4 m. The azure blue color of the surface gives it a mystic atmosphere.

The hot spring resort is a popular spot for both well-known and secret hot springs. There are seven hot spring baths dotted near the foot of Mt. Nyuto, each with its own water source. Enjoy going round all seven baths.

Mt. Kanpu is a 355-m-high, approximately 20,000-year-old stratovolcano. Roads conditions are good so the area is well suited for driving. There is a revolving observatory at the top.

Located at the northernmost tip of the Oga Peninsula, the cape features grass-covered cliffs jutting out into the sea. From here, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Sea of Japan and the contrast between the blue sky and the green slopes.

As well as displays of Namahage masks, costumes, and valuable documents from Oga’s traditional event, you can also watch a video about the Namahage tradition and the people who pass it down from generation to generation.

As well as the 100-m-high observation deck, there is a market selling Akita specialties like kiritampo, Inaniwa noodles, etc., and a farm restaurant popular for serving dishes made with seasonal vegetables.

Nikaho Heights is 500-m-high hilly terrain at the northern foot of Mt. Chokai. With pasture land and ponds of various sizes, the vast grassy slopes offer panoramic views of the Sea of Japan and Mt. Chokai.

A roadside restaurant and shopping establishment where you can relish on local foods in the restaurant, soba restaurant, and BBQ house, and buy local agricultural and marine products.

The observatory is located at an altitude of 1,150 m on Mt. Chokai, at 2,236 m the second highest mountain in the Tohoku region. It commands sweeping views of the Sea of Japan, Oga Peninsula, and V-shaped Naso Gorge.

Tomekichi Aoyama who made his fortune from herring fishing in Hokkaido built his main residence in his hometown of Yuza. The residence building has numerous highlights including the luxurious structure with its abundance of Shunkei lacquerware. Aoyama’s art collections are also on display.

Built in 1893, the rice warehouses are still used today for low-temperature storage using the power of nature. Within the site there is a souvenir shop and the Shonai Rice Historical Museum, and is a popular tourist destination.

The highlight of the aquarium is the jellyfish exhibit with as much as 50 or more varieties of jellyfishes. You can also observe other unique marine creatures. Various hands-on programs are offered, such as the sea lion show and feeding the black-tailed gulls.

A hot spring resort located at the foot of Mt. Chokai. It features several unique hot spring inns, all of which offer grand views of Mt. Chokai. The photo shows Hotel Foresta Chokai.

The 60-m-deep V-shaped ravine. With walking trails, the site is a popular tourist destination for them to enjoy a stroll. You can enjoy the flaming red and yellow leaves in autumn.

Time-honored manufacturer of Inaniwa udon noodles, ranked as one of the three best udon in Japan. You can relish on udon with a smooth, firm texture, and find good souvenirs as well.

The market sells fresh farm produce and homemade ready-to-eat dishes. There is a restaurant where you can savor specialty Hiyagake-Soba (cold kakesoba). It’s a nice place where you can explore some local food tastes such as gelato made with Ugo milk.

Over 100 foxes roam freely in the forest sanctuary. You can see them do cute things you never thought they did, like pulling your clothes.