Unlock Winter Secrets in Northern Akita
To experience Japan’s four seasons, Tohoku is hard to beat. Its untouched nature offers stunning scenery and the thrill of the outdoors any time of year.
In winter, Akita’s snowy Shirakami Sanchi truly shines. From snow activities and winter festivals to the spectacular frost-covered trees, travelers can enjoy the season to the fullest. This article aims to help you plan an unforgettable winter trip.
If you’re driving, please stay safe—snowy roads can be risky. Enjoy a memorable and worry-free winter adventure in Akita!
Winter Experiences in Akita’s Shirakami Sanchi and Surrounding Areas
⛄ Winter Experience #1: Mt. Moriyoshi Snow Monsters ⛄
「Akita’s Top Winter Snow Wonders」
⛄ Best time to visit: Early January to early March
Mt. Moriyoshi’s snow monsters rank with Hakkoda and Zao as Japan’s top three winter wonders. Take the gondola from Ani Ski Resort, watch the snow-covered trees change with altitude, and stroll the summit trail to enjoy this unique winter landscape.
① Book a shuttle online to Mt. Moriyoshi
② Drive (roads are wide and easy)
（※ Shuttle: ¥1,900–2,000 per person）
Shuttle Reservation
Besides the snow...
If you love skiing, you can stop by Ani Ski Resort, which offers mostly beginner and intermediate slopes with full rental equipment—perfect for first-timers.
Afterwards, if you’re not driving, check the shuttle and Akita Nairiku Line schedules. If you plan to continue winter activities in Shirakami Sanchi, take the train to Takanosu Station and stay nearby. Drivers can stay at 「Hotel Fusch」, near Ani Ski Resort.
⛄ Winter Experience #2: Oga Namahage Sedo Festival⛄
「Fire and Namahage: A Thrilling Winter Festival」
⛄Every year, second Friday to Sunday of February
Oga’s Namahage Sedo Festival ranks among Tohoku’s five major winter festivals. Watch Namahage demons carry blazing torches down the mountain, and enjoy blessing rituals, Kagura dances, and Japanese drumming in a breathtaking display of power and mystery.
① Reserve a shuttle online in advance and take it from Oga Station to Shinzan Shrine.
② Drive by car.
Oga Peninsula Shuttle Bus
Besides the snow...
To fully enjoy the "Oga Peninsula," stay overnight in the area. In winter, hot spring ryokan in the "Oga Onsenkyo" are perfect for warming up, and the new hotel "Yamato Oga" offers a luxurious stay.
The next morning, visit the "Oga Aquarium GAO" to see colorful fish and the popular polar bear, Gouta. For scenic views, drive around the peninsula to see "Godzilla Rock," "Nyudozaki," and the "Hachibodai," and take in the winter vistas of the Sea of Japan.
⛄ Winter Experience #3: Akita Nairiku Line⛄
「Ride Through Akita’s Snow-Kissed Landscapes」
⛄ Best time to visit: Early December to early March
The Akita Nairiku Line, nicknamed the "Smile Train," runs between Kakunodate and Takanosu, passing rivers, forests, and fields. From December, the satoyama, valleys, and conifer forests are blanketed in snow, creating a magical winter landscape. Along the route, highlights like the Ōmatsu River Bridge add extra charm, earning the line the nickname "a traveling art gallery."
① Shinkansen → "Kakunodate Station," transfer
② JR Ou Main Line → "Takanosu Station," transfer
Besides the snow...
Located near "Ani-Ai Station" on the line, "Moriyoshi Ski Resort" is famous for Japan’s three major snow monsters. After enjoying the scenic snow along the train route, it’s highly recommended to visit and witness the magical snow formations.
In the cold winter, you can get off at "Ani-Maeda Onsen Station" to relax in a steaming hot spring. For overnight stays along the line, consider "Utto Onsen Matagi-no-Yu," which offers pick-up service. The hotel not only has hot springs but also features an exhibition on the unique mountain hunters of Tohoku, the Matagi, combining rest with a cultural experience.
⛄ Winter Experience #4: Gono Line Resort Shirakami ⛄
「A Once-in-a-Life time Winter Journey on the Gono Line」
⛄ Best time to enjoy the snow: late December to mid-March
The Gono Line’s Resort Shirakami runs between Aomori and Akita, offering stunning winter views of the Sea of Japan, rugged coastlines, and the Shirakami Sanchi, all blanketed in snow.
Enjoy the warmth of the train while watching the snowy landscapes and listening to live Tsugaru shamisen, immersing yourself in the crisp beauty and unique romance of winter.
Besides the snow...
Winter in this region can be harsh, so after enjoying the snowy views from the Resort Shirakami train, a hot spring is the perfect way to warm up.
For day-use, "Hatahata-kan" next to JR Akita-Shirakami Station is just a 3-minute walk away. For an overnight stay, the famous "Furofushi Onsen" offers sulfur baths and stunning views of the Sea of Japan.
The Shirakami Line also passes JR Hirosaki Station, home to the "Hirosaki Castle Snow Lantern Festival" each February. Snow lanterns and igloo-like huts light up the park, creating a magical winter scene not to be missed.
⛄Winter Experience #5: Shirakami Snow Trekking⛄
「Snowshoeing Through the Shirakami Sanchi」
⛄ Best time : late December to early March
At the foot of Shirakami Sanchi, Fujisato village offers winter snowshoe tours. Guides lead visitors through pristine forests to experience the serene beauty and winter culture of Japan’s snow country. Even beginners can safely enjoy Shirakami’s hidden winter wonderland.
① Drive to Shirakami Sanchi Forest Station.
② Shuttle from JR Futatsui Station available (fuel fee applies).
Forest Station Google Map
JR Futatsui Station Google Map
Besides the snow...
If you’re not driving and need a guide for pick-up, after returning to JR Futatsui Station you can continue on to Noshiro City to visit the "Basketball Museum" or the "Former Kaneyu Ryotei".
If you’re driving, it’s recommended to spend more time in Fujisato. After the activity, you can enjoy horse or lamb dishes at the nearby "Shirakami Sanchi Forest Station", or visit the "Shirakami Sanchi World Heritage Center" to learn about the area’s history.
Alternatively, you can head to nearby "Hotel Yutoria Fujisato" to soak in a hot spring and relax.
⛄Winter Experience #6: Winter Walk with Akita Dog⛄
「Walk with Akita Dogs in a Winter Wonderland」
⛄ Snow season: Early January to early March
In Mitane Town, you can join the “Healthy Walk with Akita Dogs” and enjoy a stroll through the stunning natural scenery alongside the adorable Akita dog, Masa. This experience is available year-round, but amid snowy winter landscapes is especially recommended.
①Drive to Kotooka Central Park.
②When booking, you can coordinate with the guide to arrange pick-up at JR Kado Station.
Kotooka Central Park
JR Kado Station
Besides the snow...
For those using public transportation, it’s recommended to dine and stay near JR Noshiro Station after the activity. The next morning, take the "Resort Shirakami" train to Furofushi Onsen or Aomori and enjoy the scenic views of the Sea of Japan.
If you’re driving, you can visit the nearby pizza restaurant "PIENO DI SOLE", or relax at "Sakyu Onsen"while enjoying a meal at the on-site cafeteria. Afterwards, stay in Fujisato and try other winter experiences such as snowshoe hiking or viewing frozen waterfalls.
⛄Winter Experience #7: Fujisato Town’s Icefall Wonders⛄
「A Once-in-a-While Miracle of Frozen Waterfalls」
⛄ Best viewing: late January to early March (only forms during cold waves)
At the foot of Shirakami Sanchi in Fujisato Town lie two easily accessible hidden waterfalls — Garon Falls and Choshi Falls. In the depths of winter, their flowing waters freeze into magnificent formations of ice and icicles.
The frozen cascades, framed by pure white snow, create a breathtakingly solemn and majestic scene. Since they appear only during severe cold spells, witnessing them is a rare and truly lucky experience.
Besides the snow...
Since the waterfalls are located close to the “Fujisato Snowshoe Hiking” area, it’s recommended to visit them after the hike to see if you’re lucky enough to catch the frozen falls.
Every mid-February, Garon Falls hosts a special night illumination event. When a cold wave hits, the combination of frozen waterfalls and soft lights creates a truly stunning sight — a perfect moment for those who love rare winter experiences.
If you plan to stay overnight for the illumination, nearby accommodations such as "Yutoria Onsen Hotel" or " Inn Seiryuso" are highly recommended.
⛄Winter Experience #8: Takaiwa Shrine: Bantoya & Hadaka-mairi⛄
「Mystical Winter Festival in a Snow-White World」
⛄ Festival Date: Lunar January 15, from sunset to 10:00 p.m.
Every year on the 15th day of the Lunar New Year, Takaiwa Shrine hosts the Hadaka Mairi (Naked Pilgrimage) and Bantoya Night Festival. At dusk, participants wearing only loincloths purify themselves with icy water before running to the shrine to receive blessings.
The forest path to the shrine, lined with glowing snow lanterns, creates a mysterious and breathtaking atmosphere. The 30-minute uphill hike from the first torii gate makes this one of the region’s most intense and memorable winter rituals.
Besides the snow...
This experience is challenging, requiring a 30-minute walk from the shrine entrance along a forested mountain path in the dark. It’s strongly recommended to go in a group and bring a flashlight or ensure your phone is fully charged.
Based on past experience, it’s best to start by 5:30 p.m. to make it in time for the 6:00 p.m. Hadaka Mairi festival. On the way back, the path is illuminated with snow lanterns, creating the highlight of the experience amid the dark mountains.
Since it will be late upon returning to the parking area, staying nearby is recommended. "Guesthouse with Goats" and "Yutoria Fujisato Hotel" are both good options. The owner of Guesthouse with Goats has participated in the festival and can advise guests unfamiliar with the route to the shrine.