Introduction
Normally winter season is not suitable for tourism especially in the countryside but “Akita in Winter” is an exception ! Severe climate makes people heat up heart ! That’s why festivals in winter are very attractive.
Detail
1st day
10:24 arrival at Akita by Akita-Shinkansen(JR High speed railway), rent a car
12:15 Sacred fountain* (stay time: 1h), 13:30 stop by at Geo Park(Godzilla rock)
*)Huge lines of wind power wings on the way are found. Sacred fountain is located in public water plant and it’s hard to find. Don’t miss it.
15:30 arrival at hot spring hotel in Oga city (very early dinner prepared in advance on the reservation)
17:30 departure for NAMAHAGE Festival* using special transportation suggested by hotel
*)Performance everywhere in the venue but the best position is in front of stage. Death guard of your place !
2nd day
9:30 departure
12:00 arraival at Amekko-Market* in Ohdate city (stay time: 2h), 14:40 stop by at Huge dram demonstration in Kita-Akita city (option)
*)Akita-Inu parade twice a day. check parade time in advance.
17:40 arraival at hotel in countryside of Daisen city
3rd day
9:00 departure(return the rental car)
10:50 Highway bus from Akita station to Yokote station(12:17), Snow House
14:19 Japan Railway from Yokote station, Akita-Nairiku Railway* to Kamihinokinai station(16:04), Craft Balloon Festival**
*)recommend buying Akita-Nairiku railway round trip ticket immediately at Kakunodate station due to congestion.
**)take warm in the tourism office sometimes as craft balloon releasing constantly and restroom crowded during first 1-2 hours.
***)Tug of War at Kariwano welcome your participation without registration but unfortunately is held at the same night. Choice Craft Balloon Festival or Tag of War.
19:58 departure from Tazawako station (to Akita, Morioka, Sendai, etc.)
Please contact us through ‘Contact us‘ form if you have any questions.
Gallery (click and get ideas !)
*) Miscellaneous notes
The dog in the left photo is called ‘Akita-inu’ , never called ‘Akita-ken’. A clever reader knows the Japanese character of a dog has 2-way pronunciations ‘inu’ and ‘ken’. On the other hand, ‘ken’ in Japanese also means ‘prefecture’ in English. So, if you find ‘Akita-inu’ by chance in town and say “Wow! Akita-ken”, you would feel a cold gaze among people now living there in Akita prefecture. Skip short story!