Experience the Snowy Winter of Akita! 7 Recommended Winter Spots in Akita

Akita Prefecture is rich in nature and, being a region with heavy snowfall, offers many attractions to enjoy in winter. In addition to snow festivals and renowned winter sports venues like ski resorts, there are plenty of unique spots to appreciate during the snowy season. Here are 7 recommended winter attractions in Akita to fully savor the season.

1. Yokote Kamakura – Savor the Charm of Snowy Akita

To truly enjoy winter in Akita, don’t miss the “Yokote Snow Festival,” held on the minor New Year (Koshogatsu) every February 15th and 16th in Yokote City. With a tradition spanning around 400 years, countless kamakura (snow houses) are constructed throughout the city.

At the Kodogomura area in Gido Gorobe, where traditional thatched-roof houses still stand, you can take picturesque photos of the kamakura with a nostalgic backdrop. There is even a special heart-shaped kamakura where couples can step inside to warm up together.

Inside some of these snow chambers, deities are enshrined, and you can also pay respects to the water god. This iconic winter festival, with its enchanting snowy landscapes and interactive experiences—such as building your own kamakura—is popular with visitors of all ages.

2. Namahage Experience at the Oga Shinzan Folklore Museum (Namahage-kan)

Namahage, a famous winter tradition of the Oga Peninsula in Akita, is known throughout Japan for its spine-chilling rituals on New Year’s Eve. In the Oga region, the Namahage tradition was born, and you can experience it firsthand at the Oga Shinzan Folklore Museum (Namahage-kan).

On cold New Year’s Eve nights, as heavy snow quietly falls, the Namahage appear to admonish misdeeds and drive away evil spirits, a spectacle that can be both thrilling and moving. The museum offers an immersive experience complete with guided explanations, a greeting from the head of the household, and a heartfelt send-off by the Namahage.

This is a unique opportunity that only the Folklore Museum can offer—experiencing Namahage live. The experience is authentic, from the guide's explanations and the head of the household's greeting to even being seen off by the Namahage. When it comes to winter in Akita, nothing compares to Namahage. Precisely because it’s an experience you can only have in person, it truly captures the essence of a winter trip in Akita.

3. Nyuto Onsen Village – A Winter Haven of Hot Springs

In Akita, there are many hot spring destinations to warm you up during the chilly winter months. Among them, Nyuto Onsen Village, located in Semboku City, is particularly recommended. Surrounded by lush, primeval forests, Nyuto Onsen Village consists of eight unique ryokan, each featuring its own outdoor baths nestled in nature.

In winter, as the forest becomes blanketed with snow, the scene is nothing short of magical. Guests can take advantage of a “Yumeguri Techo” (hot spring hopping pass) that offers discounted access to the other ryokan in the village, and a sightseeing bus makes exploring the area easy.

In addition, the local inns serve regional dishes such as a mountain yam hot pot.
Staying overnight at Nyuto Onsen is a must for anyone looking to experience a truly revitalizing winter retreat.

4. Moriyoshiyama Ani Ski Resort – Ski Through Frosted Ice Formations

Among the top winter tourist destinations in Tohoku—and one that represents Akita Prefecture—is Moriyoshiyama Ani Ski Resort. It is one of the few ski resorts in Tohoku where you can glide through tree ice formations, a rare sight that can only be witnessed on the Japan Sea side when conditions are just right.

Tree ice is a mesmerizing phenomenon created when layers of snow and moisture from clouds accumulate on trees, forming a surreal landscape that appears almost otherworldly.

Skiing at Moriyoshiyama Ani Ski Resort offers the thrill of carving your way through these enchanting formations while taking in the majestic mountain ranges of the Ou Mountains—a combination that makes it a hit with visitors. Akita is particularly celebrated for its winter powder snow, and among its many ski resorts, Moriyoshiyama Ani stands out with both well-equipped beginner slopes and challenging courses for advanced skiers. It’s a winter destination perfect for everyone, from children to adults, and is highly recommended.

5. Tsukinoki Hikari no Fantasy – A Winter Illumination Spectacle

In Yokote City, Akita Prefecture, there are popular snow houses that attract winter visitors—but there’s also a winter illumination event that’s a hit among tourists: "Tsukinoki Hikari no Fantasy." This is a signature illumination spot in Akita where a designated natural monument, the Tsukinoki tree, is beautifully wrapped in lights.

It is decorated with around 35,000 light strands, creating a romantic and magical atmosphere. Tsukinoki Hikari no Fantasy is a traditional event held about 30 times a year in Hiraka-cho, Yokote City, with the lights on from 5:00 PM to midnight—perfect for a stop on your way home from a day of sightseeing.

This spectacular illumination in Yokote is recommended for couples, families, and travelers alike. The snowy winter scenery is transformed by LED lights into a vibrant wonderland that attracts countless visitors.

6. Omonogawa Illumination – A Radiant Winter Display

The Omonogawa, a river flowing through the Akita Plain—a region famed for its rice—serves as another winter attraction in Akita. The street trees lining the Omonogawa are adorned with colorful LED lights during winter, creating a mesmerizing illumination display known as the “Omongawa Illumination.” Since its inception in 2009, this illumination has become a beloved winter tradition for both locals and tourists.

Under the crisp winter sky, the vibrant, lit-up trees make for unforgettable photo opportunities and lasting memories. Typically, the lights are on from around December 10th until January 9th, and the opening ceremony often features warm treats like tonjiru (pork miso soup) and hot beverages, along with sweets for children.

7. Akita Hachimantai Ski Resort – Hit the Slopes in Akita

Located in Kazuno City, Hachimantai is renowned for its natural beauty and is one of the top tourist destinations in Akita. For winter enthusiasts, skiing is a must. At Akita Hachimantai Ski Resort, you can enjoy skiing on natural powder snow in its purest form.

The slopes are well-maintained and attract many ski enthusiasts. The resort is open from November to May, offering a long skiing season. In addition, numerous hot springs are scattered throughout the Hachimantai area, providing the perfect way to warm up after a day on the slopes.

Hachimantai is celebrated as both a top resort and a prime tourist destination, making it the perfect winter getaway where you can enjoy skiing and relax in natural hot springs while admiring the snowy landscape.

◎Summary of Akita's Winter Highlights

Akita’s winter is rich with attractions—from its famous snow festivals and traditional Namahage experiences to breathtaking winter illuminations and pristine ski resorts. Whether you're admiring the picturesque snow-covered landscapes, taking part in unique local traditions, or simply enjoying the serene atmosphere with a hot spring soak, Akita offers a diverse range of experiences to warm your heart during the cold season. Discover your favorite winter destination in Akita and create unforgettable memories!

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Experience the Snowy Winter of Akita! 7 Recommended Winter Spots in Akita