Posted 18/11/2019
Goshonodai Auto Campground in Happo, Akita
Goshonodai Auto Campground is a popular seaside campground located in Happo Town, northern Akita Prefecture. Overlooking the Sea of Japan and located next to Isaribi Onsen Hatahatakan, the campground...
Posted 18/11/2019
Shinko, Japanese Dessert
A representative treat of Noshiro City, shinko is a traditional dessert made with mochi and red bean paste. At Sekito Bypass, customers can enjoy tasting Noshiro shinko with soft mochi made from loca...
Posted 18/11/2019
Mikoshi no Takiabi Festival: Japan’s Only Mikoshi Waterfall Ritual
Nestled in the nature-rich town of Happo in Akita Prefecture, Shirataki Shrine is a charming local shrine known for its peaceful, secluded atmosphere. With no resident priests except during speci...
Posted 18/11/2019
Noshiro Nebunagashi Festival
Also known as Yaku-Tanabata, this annual summer festival started hundreds of years ago, and features a parade of large lantern floats moving along to the the sound of traditional flute and taiko drum...
Posted 15/11/2019
Tenku no Fuyajo Festival
Tenku no Fuyajo is a modern festival inspired by ancient tradition. It began in 2013, after the discovery of a Meiji-era photograph, that depicted a large, Nagoya castle-shaped lantern float. This la...
Posted 15/11/2019
Noshiro Udon Noodles
Noshiro udon noodles are thin and round. Their characteristically smooth texture has been popular for a long time. Try Noshiro Udon at cafe Saku Saku in Noshiro City (information below). Or buy it fr...
Posted 15/11/2019
Kurumidai Camping Ground
Fall asleep to the sound of the trickling water in the nearby stream. Gaze at the night stars uninhibited by city lights. Tucked away in the woods of the Shirakami Mountains, this campground is perfe...
Posted 15/11/2019
Subari Campground: Hidden Lakeside Camping Near Shirakami Sanchi
If you are searching for peaceful camping in rural Japan, Subari Campground in Fujisato Town is a hidden lakeside escape surrounded by forests and mountains. Located beside Lake Subari at the foot...
Posted 15/11/2019
Ishikurayama Camping Ground
Located on Ishikura Mountain at an elevation of 143-meters, campers can enjoy being surrounded by beautiful nature at this site. Look out onto World Heritage Site Shirakami Sanchi, and Oga's Kanpu Mo...
Posted 15/11/2019
Babahera Ice Cream
A dessert only sold in Akita, Babahera ice cream is delicious, and scooped in the shape of a rose by local women. Its refreshing strawberry and banana flavors are popular among both children and adul...
Posted 15/11/2019
Shirakami Lamb
Shirakami lamb is a special Suffolk Hogget meat that is hard to come by in other parts of Honshu. Local to Fujisato Town, this grass-fed lamb is often used in a variety of dishes including shabu-shab...
Posted 15/11/2019
Cherry Blossoms
Cherry blossoms are an emblem of the Japanese landscape. Enjoy them without having to push through crowds at these local spots: Kimimachizaka Park In addition to boasting an idyllic backdrop o...
Posted 15/11/2019
Beaches
Kamayahama Beach Enjoy swimming in the cool, clear waters of Kamayahama Beach. Watch the wind turbines that dot the coastline spin slowly with the breeze, and see the Shirakami Mountains and Oga P...
Posted 15/11/2019
Bird Migration at Otomonuma Marsh
Otomonuma is a man-made marsh in Noshiro City. Every year, hundreds of migrating birds stop to rest in its waters. A great place for those who enjoy photography and birdwatching, Otomonuma Marsh is a...
Posted 15/11/2019
Lavender Fields at Ponpoko Yama Park in Happo, Akita
Looking for a peaceful lavender spot in rural Japan? From late June to July, the lavender fields at Ponpoko Yama Park bloom in vibrant purple across the hills of Happo Town in Akita Prefecture. Compa...
Posted 15/11/2019
Kanoura Observatory: Sunset Views, Black Sand Coastlines, and Local Snacks Along Route 101
Located along Route 101 in Happo Town, Akita Prefecture, Kanoura Observatory is one of the most scenic coastal stops near the Shirakami Sanchi area. Overlooking the Sea of Japan, this roadside viewpo...
Posted 14/11/2019
Shirakami Fall Foliage
Enjoy fall drives through the vivid Shirakami area. Smell the sweet, caramel scent of the yellow katsura leaves and take pictures of the dramatic Japanese maple. Below are the top spots for fall foli...
Posted 14/11/2019
Waterfalls
The Shirakami area has a number of hidden waterfalls. Below are a couple of "see it for yourself" spots: Garo Waterfall Located behind a small shrine, this waterfall is a short drive from the S...