You can fully enjoy time together! 4 recommended date spots in Akita Prefecture

Akita Prefecture faces the Sea of Japan on its western coast, while its inland areas are known for heavy snowfall and harsh cold. Still, it’s a thriving tourist destination with surprisingly many fun places to explore. From classic date spots like zoos and aquariums, to “Chokai Highland Hanadate Ranch Park” where you can enjoy great nature, and “Port Tower Selion” with beautiful views—Akita offers plenty of romantic places. Here are four recommended date spots in Akita Prefecture where couples can create wonderful memories and fully enjoy their time together.

1. Akita Omoriyama Zoo ～Akigin Omorin no Mori

Zoos are always popular date spots. At “Akita Omoriyama Zoo,” about 100 kinds of animals are kept, and the exhibits are designed to highlight their natural behaviors, similar to Asahiyama Zoo. For example, on the “Wow! Balcony,” ring-tailed lemurs dash above your head, and at the “Raccoon Splash Terrace,” you can watch raccoons wash their food up close. You’ll also find giraffes, elephants, capybaras, and red pandas, along with many mammals, birds, and reptiles.

Events are held year-round, so check in advance before your date! There are also popular interactive corners and feeding times. Being able to get close to animals you don’t usually encounter makes each visit exciting, and the more you walk around, the more healing you’ll feel from the animals. Why not spend a fun and special time together at Akita Omoriyama Zoo?

2. Port Tower Selion

The 143-meter-tall “Port Tower Selion” is both a roadside station and an observation tower overlooking Akita City. It’s also used as a multipurpose facility with event halls and the Port Theater, making it a popular spot in Akita Prefecture. Inside the tower and in the adjacent facilities, you can enjoy shopping and dining, so after taking in the view, you can continue your date at a relaxed pace.

The observation deck has a special bench reserved for couples—perfect for a date. By day you’ll see breathtaking views, and by night, a romantic cityscape. It’s a recommended spot for dates when you’re ready to take things seriously. Sitting there, gazing at the scenery while proposing, could be perfect. Seasonal and event-based light-up displays also add to the charm. For your Akita date, make sure to visit “Port Tower Selion”!

3. Chokai Highland Hanadate Ranch Park

Chokai Highland Hanadate Ranch Park” is an accommodation facility with cottages and log houses located about 400 meters above sea level on the Chokai Highlands. You can enjoy activities such as go-karts, park golf, wooden playground equipment, making handmade ice cream, cow milking, feeding animals, and horseback riding.

What makes it especially great for couples is that it’s famous as a place with beautiful stargazing. Just spending the day experiencing various activities surrounded by wide grasslands is fun, but at night you can watch the gorgeous starry sky together, enjoying the sight of stars pouring down from above. Breathing in the fresh air, interacting with nature and animals, and gazing at the sparkling sky together will make your date at “Chokai Highland Hanadate Ranch Park” a truly satisfying experience.

4. Oga Aquarium GAO

Located along the coast of the Oga Peninsula, “Oga Aquarium GAO” houses about 400 species of marine life, including penguins, polar bears, and sea lions. The aquarium is designed to keep animals in conditions as close to nature as possible—for example, an artificial snow machine has been installed for the polar bears, and successful breeding has also been achieved.

Through the glass, the animals greet you with expressions that seem to gently communicate, welcoming couples visiting on a date. There are feeding times as well, so it’s a good idea to check the schedule in advance and explore the exhibits accordingly. With its giant tank recreating the Oga Sea, an Akita river corner, and many other sections, you can see both familiar and rare creatures. In April 2017, a baby spotted seal was even born here. At “Oga Aquarium GAO,” you can experience the thrill of being underwater while enjoying a romantic aquarium date.

◎ Summary

We’ve introduced four recommended date spots in Akita Prefecture where you can fully enjoy time together. Akita also offers excellent support systems, such as facilities for solo travelers, barrier-free accessibility, places where you can enjoy with pets, and even places where you can get personalized travel advice. In addition, there are fun projects like the “Akita Hospitality Stamp Rally,” where you can receive rewards by visiting participating accommodations, restaurants, and theme parks throughout the prefecture.

Because your time together is precious, the date spots you choose matter too! Whether interacting with animals, gazing at spectacular views, or making wonderful memories, be sure to visit Akita’s recommended date spots with someone special.

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You can fully enjoy time together! 4 recommended date spots in Akita Prefecture