Top 5 Recommended Tourist Attractions in Kita-Akita City! Discover Culture in Japan’s Hidden Gem

In Kitaakita City, Akita Prefecture, there are areas such as the Ani District where the traditional Matagi culture is strongly preserved. The Matagi were hunters who lived by hunting large animals like bears, and this region in northern Akita is known as the "village of the Matagi," where many Matagi villages once existed.
Kitaakita City is home to many tourist attractions that can be enjoyed by both children and adults, such as magnificent waterfalls, scenic valleys, and a zoo specializing in bears. There are even places where you can listen to stories from Matagi, offering children a fun and educational opportunity to learn about Matagi culture—making this area a highly enjoyable tourist destination.
This time, we will introduce five must-see tourist spots in Kitaakita to keep in mind when planning your visit.

1. Momodo Valley and Momodo Waterfall

Located in Kitaakita, Momodo Valley and Momodo Waterfall is a scenic destination found in the upstream region of Lake Taihei and Komata Gorge, at the source of the Noro River. It is a popular tourist spot in Kitaakita City where visitors can enjoy forest bathing and nature observation.
The Moriyoshi Wild Animal Center serves as the entry point to Momodo Valley and Momodo Waterfall. From there, it's about 4.2 km to the waterfall. Midway through the trail, there's a junction that splits toward Akatani Valley and Momodo Waterfall—the path leading to the waterfall is called Momodo Valley.
The waterfall, the symbol of Momodo Valley, is also known as "Onnataki" (female waterfall). Revered as a place for safe childbirth, fertility, and romantic blessings, it is loved by locals and tourists alike. The walking trail is well maintained, passing through pristine beech forests, and the nearly flat route makes for an easy hike—perfect even for families with children. The walk from the Wildlife Center is about 4.0 km and takes around 70 minutes.
Throughout the year, the valley offers stunning seasonal views. The grand waterfall and vibrant natural scenery are truly awe-inspiring. Be sure to visit Momodo Valley and Momodo Waterfall in Kitaakita City with friends or family!

2. Kumakuma-en

Kumakuma-en is a symbolic tourist attraction located in Kitaakita City, Akita Prefecture, inside the well-known "Ani Matagi no Sato" (Ani Hunter’s Village).
It originally opened in 1990 under the name "Ani Bear Ranch" and was renewed and renamed to "Kumakuma-en" in 2014. Currently, about 60 bears, including two types — the Asiatic black bear (Tsukinowaguma) and the brown bear (Higuma) — live in the park. The facility is divided into five sections: female bears, male bears, cubs, and baby bears. In 2013, a new area dedicated exclusively to brown bears was added.
Visitors can observe the bears through large glass windows on the first floor, offering an exciting and close-up view of the bears’ powerful presence. Watching the bears play in the water is particularly heartwarming and relaxing.
During years when cubs are born, the park also features limited-time open grazing for them. Around Golden Week and other long holidays, the park holds special interaction corners with the cubs, along with occasional events that provide entertainment for tourists. It’s worth checking out when you plan to visit Kitaakita City.
Let’s visit Kumakuma-en and enjoy watching the lives and playful nature of these charming bears in Kitaakita!

3. Michi-no-Eki Ani

In Kitaakita City, known as the hometown of the matagi (traditional hunters), you'll find Michi-no-Eki Ani, a roadside station offering unique local souvenirs and meals distinctive to the area. Located along National Route 105, it’s the perfect stopover when touring around Kitaakita City. The eye-catching signboard, shaped like a tree and colored in green, marks the spot.
This rest stop sells rare specialties you won’t find elsewhere, such as products made from the local matatabi (silver vine) and even bear meat. Definitely worth a visit if you're in the area.
Inside Michi-no-Eki Ani is the Matatabi-kan, a local products shop. Tourists particularly love the wild vegetable-based processed goods and “Ani Miso,” which is exclusively produced in the Ani district. Bear claws and bear fangs are also available for purchase—great as mementos of your visit to Kitaakita. Other recommended souvenirs unique to the area include dried bracken, salted tobitake mushrooms, and dried mamushi (a type of pit viper).
For dining, the on-site restaurant is known for its Matatabi Ramen. This specialty features noodles kneaded with silver vine, a local product of Ani. The ramen is often topped with an abundance of mountain vegetables like zenmai (fiddlehead fern) and fuki (butterbur), all locally sourced. They also serve soft-serve ice cream made with locally grown wild grapes.
Nearby attractions include Yasu Falls, the Bear Ranch, and the Matagi Folklore Museum—making this a convenient and enjoyable place to stop after sightseeing in Kitaakita.

4. Utto Hot Spring Matagi-no-Yu

Located in Ani, Kitaakita City—famous as the village of the matagi (traditional winter hunters)—“Matagi-no-Yu” is a hot spring conveniently situated near many tourist spots in Kitaakita City, making it easy to visit in between sightseeing.
Inside the facility, you’ll find many taxidermy bears, creating a unique atmosphere that reflects the character of the Ani region. There are also photo spots with matagi huts and matagi-and-bear scenes, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the matagi world.
The hot spring uses free-flowing natural spring water, believed to be effective for neuralgia, muscle pain, and recovery from fatigue. It is a chloride spring that warms the body to the core and helps prevent chills after bathing.
Additionally, there's an event called “Matagi School,” which requires advance reservation. In this program, participants can listen to talks from real matagi hunters and take walks through the mountains with them, offering deeper insights into the traditional matagi lifestyle. The “Matagi Talk” includes discussions—often in the local dialect—about bear ecology, hunting tools, and matagi life.
More than just a place to refresh after touring Kitaakita, “Utto Onsen Matagi-no-Yu” offers a chance to deeply learn about matagi culture. Be sure to include it in your Kitaakita itinerary!

5. Matagi Museum

The Matagi Museum, located alongside Matagi no Yu, is a recommended tourist spot when visiting Kitaakita City.
In the Ani district of Kitaakita City, Akita Prefecture, many people known as "Matagi" lived — hunters skilled in techniques to capture animals like bears. This museum introduces the lifestyle and culture of the Matagi, displaying their hunting tools, traditional clothing, and ways of life. It serves as a tourist facility that offers insight into their unique traditions.
The visit takes about 20 minutes. The museum also features taxidermied animals. You can learn about the strict rules of the mountains, the mountain ecosystem, and traditional wisdom and culture from the Matagi's way of life. It is a deeply fascinating place.
Nearby is the Kuma Kuma-en bear park, which is closely related to the Matagi culture, and it is highly recommended to visit both while touring Kitaakita City.
Additionally, you can relax and recover from your travels in the Matagi no Yu hot spring in the same area. When visiting the Ani district in Kitaakita City, be sure to stop by the Matagi Museum!

◎ Summary of Recommended Tourist Spots in Kitaakita City

We have introduced five recommended tourist attractions in Kitaakita City. You can truly enjoy sightseeing that is unique to this area. Kitaakita is a rare and valuable place in Japan where the Matagi culture remains strong, making it a destination well worth visiting. Moreover, one of the appealing aspects of Kitaakita is that it offers many tourist spots that families with children can also enjoy.
As for souvenirs, the region offers a wide variety of specialty mountain vegetables and bear-themed folk crafts—perfect mementos of your trip to Kitaakita. Be sure to visit and experience the charm of Matagi culture in Kitaakita City.