Introduction
In mid-October, as the summer heat finally began to fade, I embarked on my very first journey to Akita. This three-night trip was a long-awaited adventure, and despite a little rain, it turned out to be a wonderful experience filled with local culture and history.
Day 1: Arriving in Akita and Local Flavors
I took the “Komachi” Akita Shinkansen from Tokyo via Morioka Station in just under four hours. Although a light drizzle changed my initial plans to visit Senshu Park, it gave me a great excuse to explore the station area.
Following a recommendation from the tourist information center, I visited “Isabaya,” a local restaurant in the Topico building. The fresh local fish and hearth-cooked rice were absolutely delicious and reasonably priced—a perfect introduction to the tastes of Akita!
Day 2: Strolling Through History
The second day was dedicated to Akita’s heritage. I spent the morning at Senshu Park, the former site of Kubota Castle. As a senior traveler, I was particularly moved by the statue of Taro Shoji, a legendary singer from the early Showa era. Walking through the spacious grounds, I felt the deep history of the Satake clan who once ruled here.
Later, I visited the Akita Kanto Festival Center. Seeing the massive 50kg bamboo poles used in the famous summer festival was truly impressive. It made me want to come back in August to see the real event!
Day 3: An Encounter with the Namahage
The highlight of the third day was the Oga Peninsula. I took a local train to Oga Station and used the “Namahage Shuttle” (a shared taxi) to reach the Namahage Museum area.
At the Oga Shinzan Folklore Museum, I witnessed a live Namahage performance. The roar of the mountain spirits as they entered the traditional house was incredibly powerful! It’s a unique cultural experience that everyone should see at least once. I ended the day with a peaceful visit to the nearby Shinzan Shrine.
Conclusion
My four-day trip (with two full days of sightseeing) was just a glimpse into what Akita has to offer. Despite the recent news about bear sightings in the region, my time in the city and the Oga Peninsula was safe and thoroughly enjoyable.
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