10BRENDA's Reviews Page 13/14

Resort Shirakami

A sightseeing train that runs from Akita Station to Hirosaki Station and Aomori Station via the JR Gonō Line. From the windows, you can enjoy spectacular views of Shirakami-Sanchi, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, and the Sea of Japan. Since its debut in 1997, it has continued to captivate many visitors. Three train sets are in service: Buna, Aoike, and Kumagera. The green Buna train is inspired by the primeval beech forests of Shirakami-Sanchi.

• Aomori
• Akita
• Trains & Subway

Lake Juniko (Aoike / Blue Pond)

In the west Part of Shirakami Sanchi (Mountain), a UNESCO World Heritage site, a group of 33 lakes are nestled in the beech forest. They are said to have been made by an avalanche due to a huge earthquake. The name came from the view from the top of the mountain which shows only 12 lakes / ponds.

• Aomori
• Nature Spots

Oga Aquarium GAO

Along the west coast of Oga Peninsula, there is an aquarium where you can meet fish in the sea of Oga and other popular ocean creatures.

• Akita
• Zoos & Aquariums

Oga Shinzan Folklore Museum・Namahage Museum

”Oga no Namahage" is a traditional event of the Oga Peninsula, designated as a nationally important intangible folk cultural property and registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. On the evening of New Year's Eve, people say, "Any lazy people out there? Any crybaby out there?" and walk from house to house to warn people of their misdeeds.

• Akita
• Museums

Oga Onsen Village

This hot spring village is located in the northern part of the Oga Peninsula. It is said that Sakagami Tamuramaro, a Seii Taishogun (Barbarian-subduing Generalissimo,) discovered the hot spring during his expedition to the east, and the feudal lord of Akita also visited this historic hot spring resort during the Edo period (1603-1868).

• Akita
• Famous Places

Ani Gondola

Mt. Moriyoshi, also known locally as "Mt. Akita" and popular as a ski resort in winter. The Ani Gondola takes only 20 minutes to the 1,167-meter-high summit station, making it easy for anyone to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the mountain.

• Akita
• Ropeway

Akita Nairiku Jukan Tetsudo (Akita Inland Railway)

This railway literally goes across Akita’s inland, connecting almost 94.2km between Takanosu and Kakunodate Stations. The route is along Japan’s traditional local scenery and its beauty puts smiles on locals and tourists. Thus, the name “Smile Rail” for this popular railroad.

• Akita
• Trains & Subway

Hinokinai River Embankment

Along the Hinokinai River, which runs through the center of Kakunodate Town in Semboku City, Akita Prefecture, a row of Somei Yoshino cherry trees stretches for Approx. 2 kilometers. Planted in 1934 to commemorate the birth of the Emperor Emeritus, Approx. 400 trees color the riverbank in a landscape designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty. Together with Bukeyashiki Street, it is also one of Japan's 100 best cherry blossom spots.

• Akita
• Tourist Attractions

Samurai Residences in Kakunodate

In Kakunodate, part of the city of Semboku in Akita Prefecture, exists rows of old houses first attributed to the Ashina family in the early Edo period (around year 1620), that later flourished under the castle town of the Satake-Kita family. This district has been designated as protected in an effort to conserve traditional buildings.

• Akita
• Famous Places

Akita Station

Akita Station is the gateway to Akita Prefecture, served by the Akita Shinkansen and local train lines. It is the largest station in Akita Prefecture, used by Approx. 20,000 passengers a day, from local residents to tourists. In recent years, the station and its connected buildings have been renewed, creating new appeal.

• Akita
• Tourist Attractions