10 Best Summer Experiences in Akita: Nature, Festivals & More
Cool Off in Northern Japan: Summer in Akita and Shirakami
Looking for a summer escape in Japan beyond Tokyo and the Golden Route?
Northern Japan offers a different kind of summer experience, with refreshing mountain forests, clear rivers, seasonal foods and traditional festivals. Akita Prefecture is an ideal destination for travelers who want to slow down and experience a quieter side of Japan.
Among Akita’s many destinations, the Shirakami area is especially appealing in summer. Located at the foot of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Shirakami Sanchi, the region is home to ancient beech forests, beautiful lakes, mountain trails and unique local experiences.
From exploring the famous Aoike Blue Pond to walking through cool forests, joining summer festivals and experiencing local food culture, there are plenty of ways to enjoy an Akita summer.
In this guide, we’ve selected 10 of the best summer experiences in Akita and the Shirakami area to help you plan your own Tohoku adventure.
INDEX
1. Visit Juniko and Aoike Blue Pond: The Blue Jewel of Shirakami
2. Experience Noshiro Tanabata: A Giant Lantern Festival in Summer
3. Harvest Junsai by Boat: Discover a Unique Japanese Summer Food
4. Forage for Wild Vegetables: Experience Local Life in Shirakami
5. Go River Trekking in Shirakami: A Refreshing Summer Adventure
6. See the Sand Sculptures at Mitane: Summer Art by the Sea
7. Go Canoeing on the Yoneshiro River: A Relaxing Outdoor Adventure
8. Walk Through Shirakami’s Ancient Beech Forests: A Cool Summer Escape
9. See the Hydrangeas at Unshoji Temple: A Sea of Summer Colour
10. Discover the Alpine Flowers of Mt. Moriyoshi: A Mountain in Bloom
1. Visit Juniko and Aoike Blue Pond: The Blue Jewel of Shirakami
Best season: April–November
One of the most famous places to visit in the Shirakami area is Juniko, or “Twelve Lakes.” Despite its name, Juniko actually consists of 33 lakes and ponds scattered through a beautiful forest.
The most famous is Aoike (Blue Pond), known for its striking blue water. Surrounded by forest, the pond creates an almost otherworldly landscape and is one of the most memorable sights in Shirakami Sanchi.
Summer is a particularly beautiful time to explore Juniko, when the surrounding forest is covered in fresh green leaves and the area offers a refreshing escape from the heat.
When Is the Best Time to See Aoike Blue Pond?
The color of Aoike changes depending on the season, weather and amount of sunlight reaching the water.
From late April to mid-May, the pond can appear especially vivid blue, as the trees have not yet fully developed their leaves and sunlight reaches the water more directly.
By early summer, the surrounding forest becomes much greener. Sunlight filtering through the leaves creates changing patterns of light and shadow across the pond, giving Aoike a deeper and more atmospheric appearance.
For the best chance of seeing Aoike’s famous blue color, visit on a sunny day, preferably in the morning or around midday.
Travel information
- Open season: April–November
- Winter visits require a local guide
- Access: Bus or shuttle bus from Aonе Shirakami Juniko for staying guests
2. Experience Noshiro Tanabata: A Giant Lantern Festival in Summer
Festival: August 1–3
Summer in Tohoku means festival season, and one of the most spectacular events in the Shirakami area is Noshiro Tanabata Tenku no Fuyajo.
The festival is famous for its enormous castle-shaped lantern floats, with the tallest reaching 24.1 meters. During the evening parades, the illuminated floats move through central Noshiro, creating a dramatic summer festival atmosphere.
The giant floats are also displayed during the daytime, so you can see them even if you prefer not to stay out late.
Travel information
- Daytime displays: August 1–3
- Evening parades: August 2–3
- Access: About 15 minutes on foot from JR Noshiro Station
More Summer Festivals to Experience in Tohoku
If you are planning a summer trip to Akita, you can combine your visit with several other major festivals in northern Japan.
In late July, the Noshiro Fireworks Festival lights up the night sky with around 15,000 fireworks against the backdrop of the Shirakami area.
In early August, the Shirataki Shrine Annual Festival features a unique ritual in which a portable shrine is carried into a waterfall.
You can also extend your journey to experience some of Tohoku’s most famous summer festivals, including:
- Akita Kanto Festival
- Hirosaki Neputa Festival
- Goshogawara Tachineputa Festival
- Aomori Nebuta Festival
This makes northern Tohoku an excellent destination for travelers who want to experience several Japanese summer festivals in one trip.
Learn more about the Noshiro Fireworks Festival
Learn more about the Shirataki Shrine Annual Festival
3. Harvest Junsai by Boat: Discover a Unique Japanese Summer Food
Best season: May–August
One of the most unique summer experiences in Akita can be found in Mitane Town.
From May to August, visitors can experience harvesting junsai, a traditional local food grown in ponds and wetlands.
Participants board a small boat and carefully pick the young shoots from the water’s surface. The quiet surroundings and the unusual texture of the plant make this a memorable way to experience rural Japan.
After harvesting, you can also enjoy freshly prepared junsai dishes.
How Can You Eat Junsai?
Junsai has a distinctive smooth, jelly-like texture and is often served in soups or traditional Japanese dishes.
Local restaurants also create their own seasonal dishes. During summer, Pieno di sole MITANE no Ishigama has offered limited-edition junsai pizza, combining crispy pizza dough with the unusual texture of fresh junsai.
Fresh junsai can also be purchased at Michi-no-Eki Kotooka.
For a simple local-style meal, try adding junsai to instant noodles. It’s an easy way to enjoy this unusual seasonal ingredient while traveling.
Learn more about Junsai Harvesting in Mitane
Visit Pieno di sole MITANE no Ishigama
4. Forage for Wild Vegetables: Experience Local Life in Shirakami
Best season: May–October
For generations, people living around Shirakami Sanchi have gathered seasonal wild plants and vegetables from the surrounding mountains.
This experience allows visitors to join local residents in the forest, learn how to identify wild vegetables and gather seasonal ingredients.
After returning from the forest, participants cook the vegetables outdoors over a fire and enjoy them together.
The experience also includes gakko chakko, a traditional Akita gathering where people enjoy homemade pickles and tea while chatting together.
What Is Gakko Chakko ?
In the local dialect, gakko means pickles, while chakko is a friendly expression for tea.
Gakko chakko is not a formal ceremony. It is a simple part of everyday life in Akita, where people sit together, share homemade pickles, drink tea and talk.
For travelers, taking part in this experience offers a chance to go beyond sightseeing and experience the local culture and hospitality of Akita.
Travel information
- Season: May–October
- No public transportation
- Pickup from JR Futatsui Station may be available; ask when booking
- Advance booking required
Learn more about the Wild Vegetable & Gakko Chakko Experience
5. Go River Trekking in Shirakami: A Refreshing Summer Adventure
Best season: July–August
Looking for a fun way to escape the summer heat?
In Fujisato, at the foot of Shirakami Sanchi, visitors can join a guided river trekking experience during the summer holidays.
Walk directly through cool, clear streams surrounded by forest and experience Shirakami from a completely different perspective. The clear water and peaceful forest make this one of the most refreshing summer activities in Akita.
You may even encounter local wildlife along the way, including freshwater fish and kingfishers.
Helmets and life jackets are provided, and the relatively calm water makes the experience suitable for both adults and children.
Travel information
- Season: July–August
- No public transportation
- Pickup from JR Futatsui Station may be available when booking; check with the tour operator
Learn more about River Trekking in Shirakami
What Can You Do in Shirakami Outside Summer?
River trekking is available only during the summer holidays, but Shirakami Sanchi can be enjoyed throughout the year.
In winter, guided snowshoe tours offer a chance to explore snowy forests and frozen waterfalls. Spring brings fresh green foliage, while autumn is one of the most popular seasons for hiking among colorful leaves.
For experienced hikers, the mountains of Shirakami also offer more challenging trails and opportunities to experience the area’s vast natural landscape.
Explore Hiking in Shirakami Sanchi
7 Autumn Foliage Spots for a Shirakami Road Trip
6. See the Sand Sculptures at Mitane: Summer Art by the Sea
Best season: Late July–August
Every summer, Kamayahama Beach in Mitane Town becomes an open-air gallery of spectacular sand sculptures.
Professional sand sculptors and teams from Japan and overseas create detailed works using sand, transforming the beach into a unique summer attraction.
The opening event also features a fireworks display, combining impressive sand art with the atmosphere of a Japanese summer night.
Travel information
- Season: Late July–August
- No public transportation
- Opening dates vary each year, so check the official website before visiting
Check the Mitane Sand Sculpture Festival
Who Is Toshihiko Hosaka?
Toshihiko Hosaka is an internationally recognised Japanese sand sculptor known for his intricate and creative sculptures. He has competed in sand sculpting events around the world, including in Australia and Taiwan.
In 2026, he placed second at an international sand sculpting competition in Melbourne, Australia, and he is also a three-time winner of the Sand Art Japan Cup, taking first place in 2022, 2023 and 2024.
Seeing his work in Mitane is a chance to experience the artistry of a Japanese sand sculptor with an impressive international track record.
7. Go Canoeing on the Yoneshiro River: A Relaxing Outdoor Adventure
Best season: May–October
The Yoneshiro River flows from the mountains of northern Akita and offers a peaceful setting for an outdoor adventure.
During the canoeing experience, an instructor teaches participants basic paddling techniques before heading onto the river. As you paddle along the clear water, you can enjoy the surrounding landscape and the quiet atmosphere of the river valley.
The experience is suitable for both children and adults, making it a fun option for families and anyone looking for an active way to enjoy summer in Akita.
Travel information
- Season: May–October
- No public transportation
- Advance booking is required
Make a Stop at Michi-no-Eki Futatsui
The meeting point for the canoeing experience is Michi-no-Eki Futatsui, an important roadside stop on the way to Shirakami Sanchi.
The building makes extensive use of local Akita cedar, while the shops offer regional produce, food and souvenirs.
Nearby Kimimatsuzaka Park is also worth a stop if you have extra time. The park offers seasonal scenery throughout the year, including cherry blossoms in spring and colorful foliage in autumn.
Learn more about Michi-no-Eki Futatsui
8. Walk Through Shirakami’s Ancient Beech Forests: A Cool Summer Escape
Best season: May–October
For nature lovers, exploring the beech forests of Shirakami Sanchi is one of the best things to do in Akita in summer.
The Shirakami area is home to some of Japan’s most remarkable natural beech forests. In summer, the dense green canopy provides shade and a refreshing atmosphere far from the heat and crowds of Japan’s cities.
Two recommended places to experience the forest are Tomeyama Forest and Dakedai Forest.
Tomeyama or Dakedai: Which Should You Choose?
Both forests offer an opportunity to experience Shirakami’s pristine natural environment, but the experiences are different.
Tomeyama Forest is relatively close to Juniko and is best explored with a local guide. A guide can help you discover the forest’s plants, wildlife and ecology while explaining how local communities have lived alongside the forest.
Dakedai Forest is located farther into the mountains but can be visited without a guide. The trail is relatively gentle, making it a good option for travelers looking for an accessible forest walk.
Fresh green foliage is particularly beautiful in May and June, while autumn colors arrive later in the year.
Travel information
- Hiking season: May–October
- Public transportation is limited
- A local guide is recommended, especially for Todoyama
See Recommended Hiking Trails in Shirakami Sanchi
9. See the Hydrangeas at Unshoji Temple: A Sea of Summer Colour
Best season: Mid-June–July
If you’re visiting Akita in early summer, don’t miss Unshoji Temple on the Oga Peninsula.
More than 10,000 hydrangeas bloom around the temple grounds during the flowering season, covering the area in beautiful shades of blue and purple. With the Sea of Japan in the background, the scenery makes Unshoji a popular destination for both photography and a relaxing summer walk.
During the hydrangea season, the temple requires an admission fee.
What Else Can You Do on the Oga Peninsula?
There is plenty more to see around Oga, making it easy to combine Unshoji Temple with other attractions during a summer trip.
Visit the Namahage Museum to learn about Namahage, one of Akita’s best-known traditional cultural practices. You can also explore the coastline by bicycle or, if you’re traveling by car, continue to Nyudozaki or Mount Kanpuzan for spectacular views of the Oga Peninsula.
Combining the hydrangeas with local culture and coastal scenery is a great way to experience the variety of summer travel in Akita.
3-Day Akita Road Trip Itinerary: Hydrangeas, Akita Dogs & Shirakami Sanchi
10. Discover the Alpine Flowers of Mt. Moriyoshi: A Mountain in Bloom
Best season: June–September
Located in Kitaakita City, Mt. Moriyoshi rises 1,454 meters above sea level and is one of Japan’s 100 Famous Flower Mountains.
From June to September, alpine flowers bloom across the mountain, while the summit offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.
The easiest way to reach the higher elevations is to take the gondola from Ani Ski Resort. This makes Mt. Moriyoshi accessible even for travelers who are not experienced mountain hikers.
When Is the Best Time to See Flowers on Mt. Moriyoshi?
Different alpine flowers bloom throughout the season.
- Early June: Chinguruma and Iwakagami
- Late June–early July: Nikko Kisuge and other alpine flowers
- June–October: Nature observation events and guided tours
Mountain weather can change quickly, even in summer. Bring warm clothing, rain gear and comfortable walking or hiking shoes.
For a deeper understanding of the mountain’s plants and wildlife, consider joining a guided nature observation tour.
Mt. Moriyoshi Nature Observation Information
Which Summer Experience in Akita Is Right for You?
With so many ways to enjoy northern Japan, the best Akita summer experience depends on what kind of trip you are looking for.
For nature lovers
Explore Juniko and Aoike Blue Pond, walk through Shirakami’s beech forests or discover the alpine flowers of Mt. Moriyoshi.
For families
Try river trekking or canoeing for an active and refreshing day outdoors.
For culture seekers
Experience Akita’s summer festivals or join a local gakko chakko gathering to discover everyday traditions.
For food lovers
Harvest junsai or gather wild vegetables with local residents and discover seasonal flavors that are difficult to find elsewhere in Japan.
For something different
Visit the Mitane Sand Sculpture Festival or combine several Tohoku summer festivals into one trip.
Plan Your Summer Trip to Akita Shirakami
Summer is one of the best seasons to explore Akita Shirakami.
The forests are lush and green, rivers are cool and clear, seasonal foods are at their best, and towns across northern Japan come alive with traditional summer festivals.
Instead of simply visiting famous sightseeing spots, consider combining nature, local culture, food and outdoor activities to create a more memorable Tohoku trip.
Whether you are looking for a peaceful forest walk, an exciting outdoor adventure or a chance to experience everyday life in rural Japan, Akita offers plenty of reasons to travel beyond the Golden Route.
Discover more things to do in Akita Shirakami and start planning your trip.