Akita: Nature and Akita Inu

Akita, situated in northern Japan’s Tohoku region, is an expansive prefecture famous for its nourishing hot springs, delicious cuisine, rich cultural heritage, and stunning natural beauty. This natural beauty is perhaps one of the prefecture’s greatest lures, attracting outdoor enthusiasts, skiers, snowboarders, and casual hikers alike with its mountains, virgin beech forests, and lakeside vistas. Each season highlights the outdoors in different ways, bringing cherry blossom-adorned springs, verdant summers, and vibrant autumns. However, winter is arguably Akita’s most iconic season, decorating its forests and mountains in sparkling blankets of snow.

Speaking of winter, this snowy climate has also blessed Akita with its nationally-renowned dog breed, Akita Inu. Originating in Odate City, this adorable dog breed is characterized by its fluffy coat and faithful personality.

Learn more about Akita’s mesmerizing nature and furry friends below.

Nature: Awe-inspiring landscapes by foot and train

Shirakami-Sanchi

Undoubtedly one of Akita’s most scenic destinations, Shirakami-Sanchi is a vast 130,000-hectare area that extends across northwestern Akita and southwestern Aomori. In 1993, the 16,971-hectare core of this region was registered as Japan’s first World Heritage Site, along with Yakushima Island in Kagoshima Prefecture. The core is home to Japan’s last virgin beech forest, which is approximately 8,000 years old. It is regarded as one of the world’s largest virgin beech forests and is largely untouched by humans. The treasured ecosystem houses numerous plant and animal species—including the Asian Black Bear, Golden Eagle, and Black Woodpecker–-making it a precious natural resource.

Unsurprisingly, Shirakami-Sanchi is abundant in hiking opportunities, with trails that weave through forests, waterfalls, mountains, and lakes. To protect and preserve this natural treasure, it is imperative that you follow all authorized routes and hiking guidelines. Please note that you must obtain a permit to visit Shirakami-Sanchi’s core. However, most people visit the nature surrounding the core as it is equally as beautiful and more easily accessible. Some of the roads and trails in this area are closed during winter, so please plan accordingly.

In Akita, we recommend stopping by the Shirakami-Sanchi World Heritage Conservation Center to learn more about this untouched nature.

Access: From Akita, the best starting point to reach Shirakami-Sanchi is Noshiro City, which is about a 1.5- to two-hour train ride from Akita Station. From there, car travel is recommended as public transportation is very limited.

Lake Tazawa

Located roughly in the heart of Semboku City, Lake Tazawa is Japan’s deepest lake at 423.4 meters and designated as one of the “100 Greatest Lakes in Japan.” The transparent blue waters encircled by forest-clad mountains make for a majestic sight in all seasons. Along the lake’s perimeter you can visit Goza no Ishi Shrine—which has a vermilion torii (gate) that contrasts spectacularly with the water—a golden statue of Tatsuko, and a white sand beach called Shirahama. The statue is an ode to a local legend about a beautiful woman named Tatsuko who transformed into a dragon and became the guardian of the lake.

During summer, the lake becomes a hotspot for swimming, and in spring and autumn, many visitors enjoy pedal boating and paddle-boarding while admiring the seasonal beauty. You can also go camping, bike, and join a sightseeing boat tour!

Access: From Akita, take the Ou Line to Omagari Station (50 minutes). Then, transfer to the Tazawako Line for Tazawako Station (40 minutes). Lastly, take the Lake Circular Line to Lake Tazawa (about 15 minutes to the Lake Tazawa Swimming Area). It’s about a one hour and 20-minute car ride.

Mount Moriyoshi

For an unforgettable wintertime adventure, visit Ani Ski Resort on Mount Moriyoshi in Kitaakita. Moriyoshi, along with Zao in Yamagata Prefecture and Hakkoda in Aomori Prefecture, is one of Japan’s three best places to witness “snow monsters,” called Juhyo in Japanese. At first glance, these towering, hunched forms look like creatures trekking across a snowy land. In reality, the snow monsters are trees with alternating layers of wind-blown ice and snow. You can typically see them between early January and early March.

During snow monster season, Ani Ski Resort lends out boots, snowshoes, Japanese-style snowshoes, and poles, offers classes about ice forms, and stations ice guides at the summit station. You can admire the hulking beings under snow-reflected sunlight during the day or witness their mysterious silhouettes at night.

Of course, the ski resort is also a prime spot for winter sports. So, be sure to enjoy all the mountain has to offer.

Access: Given its remote location, Ani Ski Resort is best accessed by car. From Akita Station, it is about a 1.5-hour drive.

Akita Nairiku Line "Smile Rail"

Enjoy sprawling natural sceneries that are guaranteed to put a smile on your face with a ride on the Akita Nairiku Line, nicknamed the “Smile Rail.” Traveling between Kakunodate Station in Semboku and Takanosu Station in Kitaakita, the Smile Rail grants you picturesque views of Akita’s countryside, rice paddies, farmland, mountains, and forests. Each season highlights the landscapes in different ways, expertly showcasing nature’s dynamic beauty. In total, the train ride is about two hours and 15 minutes.

Aside from introducing Akita’s natural beauty, the Smile Rail also aims to connect visitors with friendly locals at destinations along the route. Some notable points of interest include the Isedotai Ruins (Jomon Ogata Station), Omata River Bridge, which offers postcard-worthy views of passing trains against a lush backdrop (Kayakusa Station), and Kakunodate, a town with preserved samurai residences (Kakunodate Station).

Access: From Akita Station take the JR Akita Shinkansen to Kakunodate Station (45 minutes), or take the Ou Line to Omagari Station and transfer to the Tazawako Line for Kakunodate Station (1.5 hours). It’s about a one hour drive. Alternatively, from Akita Station, take the Ou Line to Takanosu Station (1.5 hours). It’s approximately a 1.5-hour drive.

JR Gono Resort Shirakami

For another charming train ride, take a seat on the JR Gono Resort Shirakami train, which runs on the Gono Line between Higashi-Noshiro Station in Akita and Goshogawara Station in Aomori. Following Akita and Aomori’s western coasts, the Resort Shirakami train is flanked by the Sea of Japan on one side and Shirakami Sanchi’s mountains on the other, providing scenic panoramas of both. In total, the train ride is between two hours and 50 minutes and three hours and 20 minutes, but of course you can embark and disembark at any station along the line.

The train’s exterior features a grove of beech trees that gradually lighten in color, and the interior invites the outdoors inside with wooden detailing made from beech trees, Akita cedar, and Aomori cypress. The train has regular car seats and box seats for up to four people, both of which come equipped with massive windows. The captivating windowside views, coupled with the interior’s warm wooden tones, create a train ride where you are fully immersed in nature’s splendor.

Cars one and four are designated as observation and event spaces—sporting crafts from Akita and Aomori as decor. These cars regularly hold events that showcase the prefectures’ cultures, including traditional puppet shows and shamisen (a three-stringed Japanese instrument) performances.

Access: From Akita Station, take the Ou Line (one hour) or Ou Line-Limited Express (45 minutes) to Higashi-Noshiro Station. It’s about a one hour drive.

Akita Inu: A dog revered for its courage and loyalty

The Akita Inu breed has long existed in Odate, Akita and is designated as a National Natural Treasure. Historically, the breed served as a hunting and guard dog and was praised for its intelligence and loyalty. Akita Inu are also extremely protective of and affectionate with their family. Appearance-wise, the dogs are large with dense, fluffy coats that make them look exceptionally huggable. However, since these dogs are typically wary of strangers, you should not pet one unless you are instructed to do so.

Hachiko is likely Japan’s most famous Akita Inu, beloved for his unwavering loyalty. As the story goes, Hachiko waited for his owner at the station every day to greet him when he returned from work. Even after his owner passed, Hachiko still visited the station daily for years. The Akita Inu statue near Shibuya Station in Tokyo stands as tribute to Hachiko.

Akita Dog Museum (Akita Inu Kaikan)

If you are interested in learning more about this famous dog in its birth city, visit the Akita Dog Museum, which is run by the Akita Inu Preservation Society. Outside, you will first be greeted by a stoic statue of Hachiko. Inside, the first floor serves as the society’s headquarters, and the third floor exhibits information about Akita Inu. The small museum displays photos, paintings, and statues of this cherished dog breed. Sometimes you can even meet some Akita Inu!

Access: From Akita Station, take the Ou Line (two hours) or Ou Line-Limited Express (1.5 hours) to Odate Station. Then, walk for about 30 minutes or take a local bus (15 to 25 minutes) to the museum. It’s about a two hour drive.

Akita Dog Visitor Center (Akita Inu no Sato)

Built to resemble Shibuya Station from the Taisho Era (1912-1926) and featuring its own Hachiko statue, the Akita Dog Visitor Center is a facility that shares the history and characteristics of Akita Inu. For a memorable photo, do not miss the center’s tower of over 160 Akita Inu stuffed animals.

One of the center’s most special attractions is its Akita Inu exhibition room where you can admire Akita Inu through floor to ceiling windows. Seeing these majestic animals in person is a heart-warming experience. Although you cannot pet them, you are allowed to take photos (without flash). For the dogs’ wellbeing, they regularly take breaks throughout the day and are not forced to perform or interact with guests. Before you leave the facility, be sure to pick up an adorable Akita Inu-themed souvenir from its shop.

Access: From Akita Station, take the Ou Line (two hours) or Ou Line-Limited Express (1.5 hours) to Odate Station. Then, walk for about two minutes to the facility. It’s a roughly one hour and 40-minute drive.

Immerse yourself in Akita’s nature and cherished dog breed

With its majestic landscapes and diverse sightseeing opportunities—via foot and train—Akita is the perfect place to reconnect with nature. And as for Akita Inu, who doesn’t want to add a cute and long revered furry face to their itinerary? Discover Akita’s wonders for yourself!

If you are interested in learning more about this northern gem, please check out our Akita Feature Page.