Discover one of northern Japan's most rewarding spring road trips.
Travel from Morioka through a hidden wisteria village, the UNESCO World Heritage forests of Shirakami Sanchi, and Japan's leading junsai harvesting region before continuing to the dramatic coastline of the Oga Peninsula.
This itinerary is perfect for travelers looking to explore beyond Japan's famous tourist destinations and experience authentic rural life in Akita.
Why Travel This Route?
Many visitors to Tohoku focus on famous destinations such as Sendai, Hirosaki, or Aomori.
However, some of the region's most memorable landscapes can be found in northern Akita, where seasonal beauty and local traditions remain largely undiscovered by international travelers.
In May and early June, visitors can admire wisteria reflected in rice paddies, explore the foothills of Shirakami Sanchi, harvest junsai from traditional ponds, and walk alongside an Akita dog through the countryside.
This route is ideal for travelers seeking authentic experiences, beautiful photography opportunities, and a slower pace of travel.
Route Overview
Day 1
Morioka
↓
Odate
↓
Tonose Fuji no Sato
↓
Roadside Station Futatsui
↓
Fujisato (Shirakami Sanchi)
↓
Overnight in Fujisato
Day 2
Fujisato
↓
Shirakami Sanchi Waterfalls
↓
Wild Vegetable Foraging Experience
↓
Mitane
↓
Junsai Harvesting Experience
↓
Akita Dog Walk
↓
Moritake Onsen
↓
Continue to the Oga Peninsula
#Season
Mid-May to Early June
#Duration
2 Days / 1 Night or Longer
#Transportation
Rental Car Recommended
#Driving Difficulty
Easy
#Recommended For
• Nature Lovers
• Photography Enthusiasts
• First-Time Tohoku Road Trippers
• Travelers Seeking Local Experiences
Day 1
Morioka → Odate → Tonose Fuji no Sato → Shirakami Sanchi
Start Your Journey in Morioka
Begin your road trip in Morioka, one of northern Japan's most charming regional cities.
After exploring Morioka's historic streets and local food culture, head north toward Akita Prefecture.
Travelers visiting in mid-May may also consider a short detour to Hachimantai's famous "Dragon Eye," a spectacular natural phenomenon created by melting snow.
Visit Odate, Home of the Akita Dog
Located in northern Akita, Odate is best known as the birthplace of the Akita Inu and the home of Kiritanpo, one of Akita's most famous local dishes.
A visit to Akita Inu no Sato offers a great introduction to the region and provides an opportunity to learn about Japan's beloved national dog.
Enjoy Local Cuisine Before Continuing Your Journey
Because there are very few restaurants near Tonose Fuji no Sato, Odate is the best place to stop for lunch.
The city is famous for Hinai Jidori chicken, one of Japan's three premium chicken breeds, as well as Kiritanpo hot pot and local ramen shops.
Discover Tonose Fuji no Sato
Hidden among the countryside outside Odate lies one of Akita's most beautiful spring landscapes.
Tonose Fuji no Sato features more than 80 wisteria trees blooming above quiet rural roads and rice fields. During peak season, the flowers are reflected in water-filled paddies, creating one of the most photogenic scenes in northern Japan.
Unlike many famous flower parks, the atmosphere here remains peaceful and uncrowded.
#Best Viewing Period
Mid-May
#Parking
Advance Reservation Required
#Best Time for Photography
Morning to Early Afternoon
Looking for a Cultural Stop Along the Way?
If you're interested in history, consider a short detour to the Isedotai Jomon Museum in Kitaakita.
The museum introduces the Jomon people, a prehistoric culture that flourished in Japan thousands of years ago. Nearby, the Isedotai Stone Circles form part of the UNESCO World Heritage property Jomon Prehistoric Sites in Northern Japan and offer a rare glimpse into Japan's ancient past.
This stop is an excellent choice for travelers who would like to add a cultural element to their road trip before continuing toward Shirakami Sanchi.
• Isedotai Stone Circles
• Jomon Artifacts and Exhibitions
• UNESCO World Heritage Site
Prefer Nature and Outdoor Activities?
Roadside Station Futatsui is a popular stop before entering the Shirakami area.
Built with extensive use of locally sourced Akita cedar, the station offers beautiful views of the Yoneshiro River and the surrounding mountains. Visitors can browse local products, enjoy regional food, or join seasonal outdoor activities such as canoe experiences on the river.
Whether you're looking for a quick break or an active outdoor experience, Futatsui makes an enjoyable stop on the way to Fujisato.
• Shop for Local Specialties
• Admire Akita Cedar Architecture
• Join a Canoe Experience on the Yoneshiro River
Canoe Tour and Traditional Summer Games in the Shirakami Area
Stay at the Gateway to Shirakami Sanchi
Fujisato Town sits at the foot of the UNESCO World Heritage forests of Shirakami Sanchi and serves as an ideal base for exploring the region.
Surrounded by mountains, rice fields, and seasonal scenery, it offers a chance to experience the slower pace of rural life in northern Japan.
While shopping and dining options are available within town, they are more limited than in larger cities, so visitors may wish to pick up any essentials before settling in for the evening.
Where to Stay in Fujisato
Whether you prefer a hot spring hotel, a guesthouse, or a traditional farm stay, Fujisato offers several unique accommodation options.
Spending a night at the foot of Shirakami Sanchi allows visitors to enjoy the quiet atmosphere and natural beauty of the area after day-trippers have left.
• Hotel Yutoria Fujisato
• Seiryuso
• Damakkoya
• Goat Guesthouse
Find your accommodation
End the Day Around a Campfire Beneath the Stars
After dinner, experience one of the most peaceful evenings in the Shirakami area.
Gather around a campfire with a local guide, enjoy freshly brewed coffee, and roast marshmallows while listening to the sounds of nature.
Far from city lights, the night sky over Fujisato reveals countless stars. Combined with the warmth of the fire and the quiet atmosphere of the mountains, it creates a memorable way to end your first day in northern Akita.
*Advance reservations are required, and bookings can be made through Activity Japan.
Day 2
Explore Shirakami Sanchi and the Junsai Countryside
Discover the Waterfalls of Shirakami Sanchi
The second day begins with one of the easiest ways to experience the natural beauty of Shirakami Sanchi.
Fujisato is home to three picturesque waterfalls: Garo Falls, Choshi Falls, and Fudo Falls.
Unlike many mountain waterfalls in Japan, all three can be reached with only a short walk from nearby parking areas, making them ideal for travelers who want to enjoy nature without a strenuous hike.
During spring and early summer, snowmelt increases the water volume, creating dramatic scenery surrounded by fresh greenery.
Experience Local Life Through Wild Vegetable Foraging
One of the best ways to understand life at the foot of Shirakami Sanchi is through its seasonal food culture.
Join a local guide and walk through the forest in search of edible mountain vegetables known as sansai.
Along the way, learn how local residents identify, harvest, and prepare these seasonal ingredients that have supported mountain communities for generations.
After the walk, enjoy a traditional Akita-style tea gathering where local pickles and homemade snacks are shared in a relaxed atmosphere.
This experience offers a rare opportunity to connect with local culture beyond typical sightseeing.
*Advance reservations are recommended.
Enjoy a Local Lunch in the Shirakami Area
After a morning of exploring, take time to enjoy lunch at one of the area's local restaurants.
Whether you choose a simple roadside eatery or a restaurant specializing in regional cuisine, dining in this part of Akita offers a glimpse into everyday life in rural Japan.
Recommended stops include Shirakami Sanchi Mori no Eki, Restaurant Yamanoue, and the nostalgic Shinju Shokudo, a beloved local curry restaurant.
Mori no Eki | Local Food & Nature Gateway to Shirakami Sanchi
Restaurant Yamanoue
Shinju Shokudo
Travel to Mitane, Japan's Leading Junsai Region
After lunch, continue south toward Mitane Town.
Located about 35 minutes from Fujisato, Mitane is known as Japan's leading producer of junsai, an aquatic plant prized for its delicate texture and commonly used in traditional Japanese cuisine.
Thanks to the area's abundant water resources and favorable growing conditions, local farmers began cultivating junsai on a larger scale in the mid-20th century.
Today, Mitane remains the country's most important production area for this unique ingredient.
Harvest Junsai from a Traditional Wooden Boat
From May through August, visitors can participate in one of Akita's most distinctive seasonal experiences.
Board a small wooden boat and learn how local farmers harvest junsai by hand from shallow ponds. Known for its delicate leaves coated in a natural jelly-like layer, junsai is highly valued in Japanese fine dining and summer cuisine.
After harvesting, visitors can sample freshly prepared junsai dishes and discover why this unique ingredient has been enjoyed in Japan for centuries.
*Because the experience is only available during the harvest season, advance reservations are strongly recommended.
Walk Through the Countryside with an Akita Dog
For travelers looking for another unique local experience, Mitane also offers guided countryside walks accompanied by an Akita dog.
The star of the experience is Masa, a friendly and gentle Akita Inu who has become a local favorite.
Walking alongside an Akita dog through rice fields and quiet rural landscapes provides a different perspective on life in northern Japan.
Some programs also include a kiritanpo-making experience, allowing visitors to enjoy both local culture and local cuisine in a single activity.
*Reservations can be made through Activity Japan and KKday.
Relax at Moritake Onsen
After a day of outdoor activities, unwind at Moritake Onsen.
Known for its mineral-rich saline waters, this hot spring area has long been a retreat for travelers exploring northern Akita.
The warm waters are especially welcome after a day spent hiking, harvesting, or driving through the countryside.
Accommodation options range from traditional hot spring inns to family-run guesthouses, making it easy to find a stay that suits your travel style.
Popular options include Moritake Onsen Hotel, Yuparu, and local farm stays.
Continue Your Journey to the Oga Peninsul
After spending the night in Mitane, the next stage of your adventure awaits just to the south.
The Oga Peninsula is one of Akita's most iconic destinations, known for dramatic coastal scenery, the famous Namahage folk tradition, and spectacular viewpoints overlooking the Sea of Japan.
Highlights include Godzilla Rock, Nyudozaki Cape, Kanpuzan, the Namahage Museum, and Akagami Shrine's Five Shrines.
Visitors traveling in June and July may also wish to stop at Unshoji Temple, famous for its breathtaking hydrangea displays.
A Different Side of Tohoku
This route showcases a side of Tohoku that many international travelers never see.
From hidden wisteria gardens and UNESCO-listed forests to traditional food culture and rural communities, every stop offers an opportunity to experience northern Japan at a slower pace.
If you are looking to go beyond the typical tourist trail, this road trip through Akita's countryside may become one of the most memorable journeys of your time in Japan.