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Best Time to Visit Akita

Best Time to Visit Japan 514
Best Time to Visit Akita

When is the best time to visit Akita? Akita is located in the northeast of Honshu Island, and it has the deepest lake, Lake Tazawa, in the country. Akita ken is also known for heavy snow and hot spring resorts. Among the most popular onsen attractions are Yuze Onsen, Tamagawa Onsen, and Goshogake Onsen. Fully utilizing the geographical advantage, the onsens are widely designed, creating a comfortable living environment while presenting elegant street views.

Akita ken has four distinctive seasons, in which tourists can see cherry blossom in spring, enjoy natural landscape and festivals in summer, view golden maple leaves in fall, and snow scenery in winter. Thus, Akita ken is city with distinct charm in each season. In spring, Senshu Park is the place to enjoy cherry blossom. On the other hand, the colorful Mt. Taihei is the top attraction in fall. During Akita Kanto, one of the three major festivals in Akita Ken, the locals would hang 46 lanterns, with the shape of ear of rice, to pray for harvest.

 

Best Season to visit Akita

In spring, Akita ken Kakunodate has two of the top 100 cherry blossom viewing places: Kakkan Hinoki Uchikawa Tsutsumi Samurai House and Hinokinaigawa-tsutsumi. Every year from late April to early May, Kakunodate would fully turn into pink by the gorgeous flowers. Once the residence of a high-ranking samurai, Kakkan Hinoki Uchikawa Tsutsumi Samurai House is now the most popular spot for cherry blossom viewing, and it gains the alias as Little Kyoto. Additionally, tourists can see maple leaves in fall and elegant snow scenery in winter.

Regardless of the season traveler visit, it always has beautiful scenery to offer. There are 830 cherry tree planted in Senshu Park, which turn into a romantic pink park every spring. Moreover, the park has azaleas, peony and water lilies attracting many visitors. Near the JR Hachirogata Station, there is a famous avenue stretching 11 km long. Walking on the avenue, one can capture the breathtaking image painted by the pink cherry blossom and the golden rapeseed field in spring.



In summer, Akita becomes vivid as the city lightened up by festival. Akita Kanto is a traditional festival hosted every August to pray for good harvest. If you are visiting in this period, you can join the festival and experience the traditional culture. Because Lake Tazawa is the deepest lake in Japan, the clear water in the lake never freezes. There is a bike path around the lake that takes about 2-3 hours to go around. Visitors can enjoy the lake view and visit Gozanoishi Shrine as they take a bike ride. Other than cherry blossom in spring, Senshu Park offers a variety of flowers in summer. Walking on historical attractions with beautiful flower scenery is undoubtedly a major reason why visitors should visit in summer.



Japan is known for maple leaves in fall. Due to the high latitude in the northeastern region, maple leaves start to turn red as temperature drops. The best period of viewing maple leaves is from late October to mid November. Besides maple leaves, Akita is well known for onsens. Viewing the maple leaves while taking a hot spring bath is probably the most enjoyable moment in life.

Kakunodate is not only famous for cherry blossom, but also the red maple tree and golden ginkgo leaves in fall. Gakigaeri Valley is one of the best places to view maple leaves, thus attracting many travelers to visit. Oyasukyo is known for its onsens. Walking down the village, visitors can completely immerse in the natural environment. The scenery is especially impressive during fall when maple leaves paint the mountain into red.



Akita offers beautiful snow scenery as well as cozy onsen in winter. Tazawako Ski Resort opens to the public from the end of December to late April every year, and many people would ski here. After skiing in Japan, visitors can take a relaxing hot bath at the Nyuto Onsen, which is located not far from the ski resort. Speaking of Akita ken, Akita dogs are not to be skipped. Dedicated to Akita dogs, Akita Dog Museum collects and presents a lot of information on the dogs. Moreover, Akita ken offers other attractions. For example, visitors can see dancing swans in Koizumigata Park, learn about Oga Peninsula in Namahage Museum, or watch a thrilling drum performance at the Great Drum Museum.

 

Best Akita Ski Season

As a reliable Japan tour company, we provide Akita Ski Tours for travellers from overseas. Whether you are looking for a short tour or a private chauffeur to/from Akita, you can easily find the most suitable one at an affordable price. Contact our representatives to book our Japan group tours and Japan chauffeur services today.

Most Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the best season to visit Akita Ken?
    Akita ken has four distinctive seasons, in which tourists can see cherry blossom in spring, enjoy natural landscape and festivals in summer, view golden maple leaves in fall, and snow scenery in winter. Thus, you will be amazed by the distinct charm offered by Akita Ken in each season.
  • Where is the best place to view cherry blossom in Akita Ken?
    Akita ken Kakunodate has two of the top 100 cherry blossom viewing places: Kakkan Hinoki Uchikawa Tsutsumi Samurai House and Hinokinaigawa-tsutsumi. Moreover, near the JR Hachirogata Station, there is a famous avenue stretching 11 km long. Walking on the avenue, one can capture the breathtaking image painted by the pink cherry blossom and the golden rapeseed field in spring.
  • When does cherry blossom start in Akita ken?
    Cherry blossom is usually from late April to early May in Akita ken, during which Kakunodate would fully turn into pink by the gorgeous flowers. Kakkan Hinoki Uchikawa Tsutsumi Samurai House is probably the most popular spot to view cherry blossom.
  • When is Akita Kanto hosted?
    In summer, Akita Kanto is one of the three major festivals in Akita Ken, and the locals would hang 46 lanterns, with the shape of ear of rice, to pray for harvest. Akita Kanto is usually hosted in August, and you should join and experience the traditional culture if you have a chance.
  • Can I take a by ride around Lake Tazawa in Akita ken?
    There is a bike path around Lake Tazawa, and it takes about 2-3 hours to get around. Visitors can enjoy the lake view and visit Gozanoishi Shrine as they take a bike ride.
  • What is best month for viewing maple leaves in Akita ken?
    Due to the high latitude in the northeastern region, maple leaves start to turn red as temperature drops. The best period of viewing maple leaves is from late October to mid November. Besides maple leaves, Akita ken is well known for onsens. Viewing the maple leaves while taking a hot spring bath is probably the most enjoyable moment in life.
  • What is the best place to view maple leaves in Akita ken?
    Kakunodate is not only famous for cherry blossom, but also the red maple tree and golden ginkgo leaves in fall. Gakigaeri Valley is one of the best places to view maple leaves, thus attracting many travelers to visit. Oyasukyo is known for its onsens. Here you can enjoy maple leaves while soaking in the hot bath.
  • What to do in Akita ken during winter?
    You can visit the Tazawako Ski Resort in Akita ken or take a hot bath at Nyuto Onsen. There are also indoor activities such as Akita Dog Museum, Koizumigata Park, Namahage Museum, and the Great Drum Museum.
  • When does Tazawako Ski Resort open?
    Tazawako Ski Resort opens to the public from the end of December to late April every year, and many people would ski here. After skiing, visitors can take a relaxing hot bath at the Nyuto Onsen, which is located not far from the ski resort.
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