From Cherry Blossoms to Snowy Onsen Havens: 3 Must-Visit Natural Attractions in Akita, Japan

▲ In autumn, Kakunodate attracts many visitors for its vibrant maple foliage. (Photo courtesy of Akita Prefecture Tourism Association, Japan)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Japan’s Tohoku region boasts endless natural beauty, and among its treasures, Akita—located in the northwest of Honshu—is particularly stunning. Surrounded by the Sea of Japan and towering mountains, Akita offers surprisingly diverse and breathtaking landscapes. Whether it’s Kakunodate in spring, where cherry blossoms gently fall like rain, Lake Tazawa in summer with its ever-changing hues, or Nyuto Onsen covered in snow in winter, Akita captivates visitors all year round.

Kakunodate

Every autumn, Japan’s Tohoku region draws numerous tourists eager to admire the fall foliage, and Kakunodate in Akita Prefecture is one of the top destinations. Known as the “Little Kyoto of Tohoku,” Kakunodate’s samurai residences preserve the rich traditional Japanese charm of the Edo period. Lined with rows of maple trees along the streets, they create spectacular autumn scenery when the leaves turn red. In summer, the samurai district is lush and green.

▲ Springtime weeping cherry blossoms in full bloom in Kakunodate. (Photo by reporter Zhao Yuting)

▲ The samurai residences in summer, lush with greenery. (Photo by reporter Yu Jiayun)

Lake Tazawa

Lake Tazawa is the largest natural lake in Akita and the deepest lake in Japan, with a depth of 423.4 meters. It ranks second in Japan for water clarity, with visibility up to 31 meters. The lake’s crystal-clear waters allow visitors to see schools of fish gathering near the shore—even when swimming just a few meters out, your figure remains distinctly visible. Due to varying water depths and nearby hot spring inflows, Lake Tazawa displays ever-changing colors under different lighting—sometimes as deep blue as the ocean, other times as emerald green as jade, creating an unbelievably beautiful sight.

▲ Lake Tazawa is a sister lake to Taiwan’s Chengcing Lake in Kaohsiung. (Photo by reporter Yu Jiayun)

▲ Enjoying the tranquility and dynamic changes of Lake Tazawa by the lakeside. (Photo by reporter Yu Jiayun)

Nyuto Onsen

Nestled in Japan’s Tohoku region, Akita, lies a hidden hot spring gem known as a “must-visit secret onsen”—Nyuto Onsen. According to locals, the name “Nyuto” (which translates to “nipple”) comes from the fact that the hot springs are nestled between two mountain peaks shaped like breasts. Access requires driving up a winding, rugged road in a small vehicle. Soaking in the mineral-rich waters, with snow-covered rooftops in front and mountain cliffs behind, accompanied by the faint scent of sulfur, offers an incredibly soothing winter experience.

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