Located in Japan’s scenic Tohoku region, Akita Prefecture is home to some of the country’s most breathtaking landscapes and authentic cultural experiences. Among its top highlights are Lake Tazawa, Kakunodate, and Nyuto Onsen—three destinations that perfectly combine natural beauty, samurai history, and some of the best hot springs in Japan.

For travelers looking to explore off-the-beaten-path Japan, these destinations offer unforgettable experiences far from crowded tourist cities.

Lake Tazawa: Japan’s Deepest and Most Mysterious Lake

Lake Tazawa is a stunning crater lake located in eastern Akita Prefecture. With a depth of 423.4 meters, it is the deepest lake in Japan. Its perfectly round shape and striking sapphire-blue water give the lake a mysterious and almost magical atmosphere.

The lake’s color changes from emerald green to deep blue depending on the season and sunlight, making it beautiful year-round.

Things to Do at Lake Tazawa

• Scenic bus rides around the lake
• Boat cruises, rowing boats, and pedal boats
• Swimming, windsurfing, and jet skiing in summer
• Relaxing lakeside beaches and camping areas
• Skiing nearby during winter

Visitors can stay at lakeside hotels, guesthouses, or campgrounds, making Lake Tazawa an ideal destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Kakunodate: The Samurai Town of Akita

Kakunodate is a historic town famous for its beautifully preserved samurai residences and its spectacular cherry blossoms in spring. Often called the “Kyoto of Tohoku,” Kakunodate offers a rare glimpse into Japan’s feudal past.

Founded in the early 17th century as a castle town, Kakunodate was carefully designed with separate districts for samurai and commoners. Even today, earthen walls clearly mark these historical divisions.

Highlights of Kakunodate

• Traditional samurai mansions open to the public
• Tree-lined streets with hundreds of cherry trees
• A refined, cultural atmosphere perfect for walking tours

Seasonal Festivals

• Spring: Cherry blossom viewing (sakura)
• Summer: Sasara-mai bamboo dance festival
• Fall: Oyama Festival with colliding floats
• Winter: Hiburi Kamakura fire festival

Kakunodate is a must-visit for travelers interested in Japanese history, architecture, and traditional festivals.

Nyuto Onsen: One of the Best Hot Spring Areas in Japan

Hidden deep in the mountains of eastern Akita, Nyuto Onsen is a collection of eight traditional ryokan inns surrounded by untouched nature. Due to its remote location, it remains one of Japan’s most authentic and peaceful hot spring destinations.

The name “Nyuto” comes from the shape of the nearby mountain, and the area is famous for its rustic atmosphere and milky-white hot spring waters.

Why Visit Nyuto Onsen?

• Over 300 years of hot spring history
• Famous inns such as Tsurunoyu Onsen
• Both mixed-gender and gender-separated baths
• Day-use bathing available for visitors
• Delicious local cuisine made with seasonal ingredients

Bathing at Nyuto Onsen allows travelers to truly disconnect from daily life and experience traditional Japanese onsen culture in a serene mountain setting.

Why Visit Lake Tazawa, Kakunodate & Nyuto Onsen?

• Some of the best hot springs in Japan
• Stunning natural scenery in every season
• Authentic samurai history and traditional towns
• Fewer tourists and a deeper cultural experience
• Ideal for slow travel and relaxation

If you are planning a trip to Japan and want to explore beyond Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, Lake Tazawa, Kakunodate, and Nyuto Onsen in Akita offer a perfect balance of nature, history, and relaxation. From Japan’s deepest lake to historic samurai streets and legendary hot springs, this region showcases a side of Japan that remains beautifully untouched.
Add Akita to your Japan travel itinerary and discover one of the country’s best-kept secrets.

Your Japan Tour

As seasoned Japan experts, we create perfect Japan package tours including destinations like Akita. Check out our group tours and private tours, or contact us to start planning your unforgettable holiday to this fascinating country full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, culture, history, nature, and delicious food!

Oga Peninsula in Akita Prefecture is one of Japan’s most captivating yet lesser-known travel destinations. Jutting into the Sea of Japan, the peninsula offers dramatic coastlines, rich folklore, fresh seafood, and authentic rural culture. For travelers seeking a deeper, more meaningful Japanese experience away from the crowds, Oga Peninsula, Japan, is an unforgettable choice.

Where Is Oga Peninsula, Akita?

The Oga Peninsula is located in northwestern Akita Prefecture, in Japan’s Tohoku region. Easily accessible from Akita City by train and bus, Oga makes a perfect day trip or overnight destination for travelers exploring northern Japan.

Experience the Legendary Namahage Culture

One of the most iconic attractions of Oga Peninsula is Namahage, a traditional folk ritual unique to the region. Men dressed as fearsome ogre-like deities visit homes during the New Year to warn children against laziness and encourage good behavior.

Visitors can learn about this fascinating tradition year-round at the Namahage Museum, where live performances, historical exhibits, and cultural explanations bring Akita’s folklore to life. Namahage is a must-see for anyone interested in Japanese traditions and cultural tourism.

Dramatic Coastlines and Natural Beauty

Oga Peninsula is famous for its rugged coastal scenery shaped by volcanic activity and harsh sea winds.

Must-See Natural Attractions:

• Nyudozaki Cape – One of Japan’s northernmost capes, featuring panoramic views of the Sea of Japan and a picturesque lighthouse.
• Oga Quasi-National Park – Ideal for hiking, photography, and nature lovers.
• Godzilla Rock – A uniquely shaped rock formation resembling the famous monster, especially striking at sunset.

These landscapes make Oga Peninsula a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and photographers.

Oga Aquarium GAO: Family-Friendly Ocean Discovery

The Oga Aquarium GAO showcases marine life from the Sea of Japan, including seals, penguins, and local fish species. Its modern design and oceanfront location make it a popular stop for families and travelers interested in marine ecosystems.

Relax in Hot Springs with Ocean Views

After a day of exploration, unwind at one of Oga’s traditional onsen (hot springs). Many seaside ryokan offer baths with stunning sunset views over the ocean, combining relaxation with authentic Japanese hospitality.

Savor Fresh Seafood and Local Cuisine

Thanks to its coastal location, Oga Peninsula is renowned for fresh seafood such as:

• Hatahata (sandfish), a local Akita specialty
• Seasonal crab and squid
• Locally brewed Akita sake

Dining in Oga is a highlight for food lovers looking to enjoy regional Japanese cuisine.

Why Visit Oga Peninsula, Japan?

• Authentic cultural experiences not found in major cities
• Stunning coastal scenery and nature
• Deep-rooted folklore and festivals
• Fewer tourists, more meaningful connections

If you’re planning a trip to Japan and want to explore beyond Tokyo and Kyoto, Oga Peninsula, Akita, offers a rare blend of nature, tradition, and tranquility. From the legendary Namahage culture to breathtaking coastal views, Oga Peninsula is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
Add Oga Peninsula to your Japan travel itinerary and experience a side of Japan that few visitors ever see.

Your Japan Tour

As seasoned Japan experts, we create perfect Japan package tours including destinations like Akita. Check out our group tours and private tours, or contact us to start planning your unforgettable holiday to this fascinating country. Japan is full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, culture, history, nature, and delicious food!

Oga Peninsula Area Map

Creation of Juniko

It is believed that the lakes were created because the river was stopped by earth and sand. This happened after a big landslide of 940m high Mount Kuzure that was caused by the big earthquake in 1704. Other than river water, underground water is also gushing into the lakes. These lakes are surrounded by the beech forest. The water in the lakes is very clear and transparent.

Out of the 33 lakes, Aoike is the most famous one because of its beautiful color. ‘Ao’ means blue and ‘ike’ means pond, so it means Blue Pond, which is an apt name as it looks like blue ink was dropped into the water. There are fallen beech trees under the water, and depending on the angle of the sunshine you can enjoy the changing of the color.

Wakitsubonoike also has a beautiful blue color and was selected as one of the best quality water in Aomori Prefecture. One part is named Nihon Canyon (Japanese Grand Canyon) because of the white surface of the mountain.

Hiking around Juniko

The altitude of the area is between 150 to 250 meters, and the area is about 4 km2 large. You can enjoy hiking all year round and it shows different scenery in each season. Vivid green leaves of the beech trees in spring and summer, yellow and red leaves in autumn, and white in winter. In winter it snows here, but you can visit the area wearing snowshoes.

You can get a hiking map at the tourist information office in front of the JR Juniko Station. Depending on how you want to walk, there are short 2-hour courses to 3-day courses that you can walk with a nature guide.

You may encounter some wild animals such as Japanese serows, squirrels, monkeys (Japanese macaque), badgers, rabbits, and some birds such as narcissus flycatchers, common kingfishers, and great spotted woodpeckers. If you stop at the Juniko Visitor Center, you can learn more about the geography, fauna, and flora of the area.

Your Japan Tour

As seasoned Japan experts, we create perfect Japan package tours including destinations like Aomori. Check out our group tours and private tours, or contact us to start planning your unforgettable holiday to this fascinating country full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, culture, history, nature, and delicious food!

Access Information

Access: 15 minutes ride on the bus from Juniko Station (JR Line) to Oku-Juniko-Chushajo (奥十二湖駐車場) bus stop

Juniko Area Map

Castle History

Hirosaki developed as a castle town from the late 16th century. Oura Tamenobu came here as a feudal lord by the order of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. He was the military leader at that time. Toyotomi was the one who built Oura Castle. He changed the family name from Oura to Tsugaru, so since then, his territory was called the Tsugaru domain. He moved to another castle, Takaoka (Horikoshi now), but it wasn’t a good location as a military base. So he built a new castle in Hirosaki after Tokugawa became shogun in 1603. The construction of the castle was finished in 1611 at the time of the 2nd lord, Tsugaru Nobuhira.

In 1627, there was an accidental explosion of gun powder in the castle, and the main keep was destroyed. Since then, there was no main keep for nearly 200 years. In 1810, they finally reconstructed the main keep with permission from the shogunate, which has remained until today. It has 3 layers and 3 stories.

The Tsugaru family always played a major role in politics and economics in the region until the shogunate was abolished in 1867. By the Castle Demolishing law, Honmaru (the main palace) and many other buildings were demolished but fortunately, the main keep survived and was designated as a National Treasure in 1937.

Hirosaki Castle Park

Once you have exited Hirosaki Station and have left the busy area crowded with shops and hotels, you will come upon tranquil streets with a little stream called the Tsuchibuchi-gawa, where you will suddenly feel like you were transported to the past glory of the castle town. The Hirosaki Castle Ruins with its castle tower are now open to the public as Hirosaki Park. The park is surrounded by three moats, which were made for defense. There used to be guards at every crossing bridge, so it was not easy to approach to the main keep.

If you take the bus from Hirosaki Station, you should get off at the Shiyakusho-mae (city office) bus stop. You will enter from the Otemon Gate which used to serve as the main gate. When you cross the third bridge, you will finally find the main keep on the stone wall facing the moat. Since 2015 the main keep has not been standing at the corner because they moved the whole main keep building by raising and pulling it in order to restore it. The restoration work will last until 2023.

Best View

The view is best if you look at the main keep from the moat, as it looks very simple if you view it from the other direction. It is said that this is how the castle passed the examination by the inspector from the shogunate, who was there to make sure the castle was not too elaborate. When they finished the construction the inspector came, but they didn’t show him the main keep from the moat, but only from the other direction. He fell for it because he traveled by closed palanquin.

The garden is especially beautiful during the cherry blossom season. Because it is located in the north, its main season is normally from late April until early May. It is said that one of the former feudal retainers planted 1,000 cherry trees in the park. This was the beginning of the area’s fame as one of the best cherry blossom viewing places in Japan. On a sunny day, you can take a nice picture of the castle with cherry blossoms and a beautiful snow-covered Mount Iwaki as a background.

Your Japan Tour

As seasoned Japan experts, we create perfect Japan package tours including destinations like Aomori. Check out our group tours and private tours, or contact us to start planning your unforgettable holiday to this fascinating country full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, culture, history, nature, and delicious food!

Access Information

Access: 15 minutes bus ride from Hirosaki Station (JR Line) to Shiyakusho-mae (市役所前) bus stop
Entrance fee: Adult 320 yen, Child 100 yen (from April 1 to November 23, free other than this period but main keep is closed)
Hours: From June to August 9:00 – 1700 (7:00 – 21:00, during the cherry blossom festival)

Hirosaki Castle Area Map