Hotels in Akita Prefecture: Jōmon Heritage and Onsen

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Editor's Choice

Pure Luxury

“Call me spoiled - but I love to be treated like a queen when traveling. Only the best is good enough for me. Hotels that make my vacation a dream of luxury and seduction are my choices. Pay attention to the (violet Medal) for luxury accommodation.”

Tatjana Herzegova, Kiew, Ukraine

Editor's Choice

Sustainable Travel

“There is only one earth and we should go out and see it. I like hotels, which look for sustainability. It is not only protecting the ecology, but also taking care for the local business and culture. I recommend the medal for eco accomodation. Let’s protect our earth. Sustainable travel is travelling with responsibility.”

Markus Lenk, Düsseldorf, Germany

From Jōmon sites to hot springs with a history spanning more than 350 years, Akita Prefecture offers different ways to explore culture, landscapes and regional history. It lies in the Tōhoku region on the coast of the Sea of Japan. When planning your trip, you can organize your discoveries around your interests: archaeological heritage, Edo-period architecture, hot springs or hiking trails each offer a different focus.

Jōmon Sites and Historic Architecture

The Ōyu Stone Circles are one of two sites in Akita Prefecture included in the UNESCO World Heritage property Jōmon Prehistoric Sites in Northern Japan. The Hotta-no-saku ruins offer a different perspective on history: they are the remains of an early Heian-period administrative complex. Its enclosure is about 3.6 kilometers long, and the south outer gate has been reconstructed to a height of 9.7 meters.

Kakunodate preserves authentic Edo-period architecture in two districts with samurai and merchant quarters. The town is also known for its weeping cherry trees, which bloom in spring. Kakunodate's Denshokan Museum showcases regional crafts. Kabazaiku demonstrations illustrate how objects are clad in cherry bark. Before your trip, check whether demonstrations are scheduled during your visit.

Hot Springs and Beech Forest

Nyuto Onsenkyo is located in the mountains of northern Semboku in Akita Prefecture and comprises seven hot springs. Each has its own water source and distinct mineral characteristics. The history of the onsen area dates back more than 350 years. As individual facilities and visitor arrangements may change, check the latest information about the specific hot spring you plan to visit before your trip.

Shirakami Sanchi extends across Akita and Aomori prefectures. Hiking trails there pass through the largest primeval beech forest in East Asia. If you are planning a hike, check current trail conditions and access arrangements in advance: conditions and procedures may change.

Cultural Heritage and Seasonal Highlights

Oga no Namahage in Akita Prefecture was inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list in December 2018. For your travel dates, you can also compare two seasonal highlights: Kakunodate's weeping cherry trees bloom in spring, while the Akita Kanto Festival takes place in Akita City every year in early August. The festival is a prayer for a good harvest of the five grain crops: wheat, rice, beans, foxtail millet and broomcorn millet. Check the exact annual program before your trip.

Getting There and Finding Hotels

Akita is accessible from Tokyo, Sendai and Morioka via the JR Akita Shinkansen. Other options from elsewhere in Japan include driving, regional trains and flying. Check schedules and operators before your trip.

Use your interests and travel dates to guide your choices.

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Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Akita, Yokote, Ōdate, Yuzawa, Uwamuki, Kazuno, Noshiro, Oga, Daisen, Kosaka, Fujisato, Yurihonjō, Yamamoto District, Semboku

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