Kakunodate’s samurai district, Lake Tazawa and the Nyuto Onsen hot springs, linked by the Akita Shinkansen.
The Akita Shinkansen stops at Kakunodate and Tazawako, so the inland sights connect easily. Akita City on the coast has the Kanto Festival in August.
JapaLens editorial guide · Read in about 5 minutesA former castle town where samurai houses line a wide, tree-shaded street. Weeping cherry trees bloom in late April, and the Hinokinai River bank has a long cherry tunnel.
Several samurai houses are open to visitors; some charge admission.
Read this area guide →Lake Tazawa is Japan’s deepest lake, with the golden Tatsuko statue on its shore. Up the mountain, Nyuto Onsen is a group of small inns with milky outdoor baths.
Buses run from Tazawako Station; some inns limit day bathing hours.
Read this area guide →The Akita Kanto Festival in early August balances tall bamboo poles hung with lanterns. The Kanto Festival Center shows the poles year-round. Senshu Park holds the Kubota Castle site.
Akita Station is the terminal of the Akita Shinkansen and has buses to the airport.
Read this area guide →An editorial route idea, not a timed tour. Adjust it for weather, opening days and your walking pace.
Walk the samurai district in Kakunodate.
Inaniwa udon or local set meal.
Shinkansen to Tazawako and see the lake.
Overnight at a Nyuto Onsen inn.
Try kiritanpo hotpot, Inaniwa udon, iburigakko smoked pickles and local sake.
Kakunodate has small inns; Nyuto Onsen offers rustic hot-spring stays. Akita City has business hotels near the station.
Use the Akita Shinkansen between Tokyo, Tazawako, Kakunodate and Akita. Buses connect Tazawako Station with the lake and Nyuto Onsen.
