Located in Japan’s northern Tohoku region, Akita is the country’s sixth largest prefecture with something special to offer in every season. With a distinct climate, Akita has mastered its rice cultivation, sake making, and other local cuisine. Nestled in the mountains and rice fields lay Akita hidden gems that are recognized for their sustainability, enriching experiences, and historical significance.
Today, Akita is a place for anyone who is keen to discover familiar foods presented in a refreshing new way. On top of that, Akita offers serene hot spring villages with promised relaxation.
Listed below are memorable locations serving Akita’s traditional foods, as well as where to go for rejuvenating hot spring experiences.
Gastronomy: Eating well and intentionally
Sot l’y laisse
Located in Akita City, Sot l’y laisse has been caring for its community and crafting delectable dishes since 2022. They serve Akita’s local specialty of Hinai Jidori chicken—one of Japan's three great free-range local traditional pedigree chickens. The restaurant’s skillful chef transforms all parts of the chicken into tasty bites that showcase its flavor. Open every evening for dinner, the restaurant welcomes families with children or disabilities early. This way, they can savor their delicious meals in a relaxed and enjoyable environment.
A local specialty, Sot l’y laisse serves Inaniwa udon with their unique flare. Served to warm you up during the winter months, the chewy noodles and umami chicken is a dish to remember.
A Japanese fan-favorite, Oyakodon at Sot l’y laisse brings a special, gourmet twist to this comfort dish. Oyakodon translates to "parent and child rice bowl," symbolizing the use of chicken (parent) and egg (child) in the same dish. The umami Hinai Jidori chicken adds an extra layer of flavor worth appreciating.
Access: From Akita Station, take a local bus for approximately 10 minutes or walk for 24 minutes.
Yamamo Miso and Soy Sauce Brewery
Located in Yuzawa City—the southern part of the Yokote Basin and about a 70-minute drive from Akita Station—Yamamo Miso and Soy Sauce Brewery specializes in using local resources and techniques for production. Established in 1867, the brewery has preserved its history, craft, and reverence for promoting local Akita miso and soy sauce. You can take a tour of their impressive cedar barrels and sample various kinds of miso and soy sauce. There is also a Japanese and Western style infused cafe with lunch and sweets featuring their renowned miso and soy sauce, as well as lunches prepared using original yeast-based fermentation.
Access: From Akita Station, take the Ou Line to Shimo-Yuzawa Station (1 hour and 50 minutes). Then, walk for approximately 20 minutes. It’s about a 1 hour and 10-minute drive from Akita Station.
Suzuki Sake Brewery
A one hour drive from Akita Station, Suzuki Sake Brewery is located in Daisen City. Running for 19 generations since 1689, the brewery is deeply and historically respected for its high standard of local sake. Suzuki Sake Brewery is committed to showcasing the appearance, skill, and spirit of Akita’s traditional sake brewing.
Suzuki Sake Brewery offers tours once or twice a month. The tour includes an explanation of the brewing process and their brewing facilities. Of course, the tour ends with the opportunity to sample their high quality sakes.
A blend of cultural heritage with modern expertise to produce high quality sake, Suzuki Sake Brewery offers a chance to connect to the natural sake of Akita.
Access: From Akita Station, take the Ou Line to Omagari Station (50 minutes). Then, transfer to the Tazawako Line for Ugo-Nagano Station (13 minutes). It is about a 12 minute walk. It is a one hour drive from Akita Station.
Onsen: Hot springs that refresh, relieve, and restore
Nyuto Hot Spring Village
With a history of over 350 years. Nyuto Hot Spring is a highly renowned spot for relaxation and is secluded in a beech forest. In total, there are seven hot spring resorts in the surrounding area—Tsurunoyu, Taenoyu, Ganiba, Ogama, Magoroku, Kuroyu, and Kyukamura. Experience each hot spring for its individual charms in one day or select one for a gentle and relaxing overnight stay.
Access: From Akita Station, take the Akita Shinkansen to Tazawako Station (57 minutes). Then, transfer to the Nyuto Line bus for Nyuto Hot Spring (47 minutes). From Akita City, it is approximately a one hour and 30-minute drive by car.
Tamagawa Hot Spring Village
Tamagawa Hot Spring Village consists of two hot spring lodges and facilities with the same source—Tamagawa Onsen and Shin-Tamagawa Onsen.This hot spring is known as the one of the most acidic in Japan, characterized by its clear water, high temperature of 98°C, and a strong acidity of pH 1.2.
The hot spring offers five different types of onsen therapy.
- Spring stimulation: highly acidic spring with a pH of 1.2
- Climate stimulation: atmospheric pressure forest bathing at 740m above sea level
- Physical therapy: bathing in buoyancy and high water pressure
- Geothermal therapy: using geothermal heat in a bedrock bath
- Mental therapy: holistic relationships with guests and staff
For a more rustic and traditional facility, Tamagawa Onsen offers a natural atmosphere for the classic experience.
For a more new and modern experience, Shin-Tamagawa Onsen offers the same healing experience but with more comforts and updated amenities.
Access: From Akita Station, take the Akita Shinkansen to Tazawako Station (57 minutes). Then, transfer to the Tazawako Line (Shuhoku) bus for Tamagawa-Onsen (1 hour and 22 minutes). It’s approximately 2 hours by car from Akita Station.
Oga Hot Spring Village
Located a one hour drive north of Akita Station, Oga Hot Spring Village rests by the Sea of Japan. Distinguished by its skin-beautifying properties, the hot spring water is similar to seawater, and the salt on the skin keeps the water from drying out quickly. There is a residual moisturizing effect, so the water is recommended for soft, clear skin. Enjoy your time in this village while overlooking the marvelous Sea of Japan.
Access: From Akita Station, take the Ou Line, which becomes the Oga Line on the same line, to Hadachi Station (48 minutes). Then, transfer to the Oga North Line bus for Kankou Hotel Mae (37 minutes). It’s approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes by car from Akita Station.
Oyasukyo Hot Spring Village
Oyasukyo Hot Spring Village is located in southern Yuzawa City. First discovered in the early Edo period, legend says a crane with an injured leg had its wounds healed in this hot spring. Now, eight hot spring resorts are located along the valley with a designated 60-meter path along the rocks. Here, you can see a rare geological formation where cracks in the rocks release the energy of steam and hot water in the reservoir. Witness this steam along the path.
Access: From Akita Station, take the Akita Shinkansen to Omagari Station (30 minutes). Then, transfer to the Ou Line for Yuzawa Station (40 minutes). Then, transfer to the Yuzawa-Koyasu Line bus. It takes about 50 minutes to Kawahara-yu. It’s approximately 2 hours by car from Akita Station.
Discover new ways to eat familiar foods and healing hot springs
Leave it to Akita’s traditional foods and refreshing hot springs to nourish and heal you as you explore the hidden Japanese gems to the fullest. Whether you want to connect with local cuisine or simply bond with the natural hot spring, we introduce you to Akita.
If you are interested in learning more about this northern gem, please check out our Akita Feature Page.
