Explore Akita through manga with Naoko Takeuchi, taking you on an inland adventure

This winter, Akita has a lot to offer！In addition to guided tours led by “Mikka,” the head of the Akita Office in Taiwan, who introduces travelers to hot springs, local cuisine, and famous sights to experience the charm of Tohoku, the Akita Prefecture online magazine 《Akita Pappa Tsu》 has also invited popular Japanese author Naoko Takeuchi to exclusively share her humorous manga account of her inland line adventure. Readers who fill out a questionnaire have a chance to win famous Akita specialties.

The latest issue of 《Akita Pappa Tsu》 specially invites Naoko Takeuchi, who has published bestselling illustrated books such as “150cm Life” and “Tokyo One Woman” in Taiwan, to recommend the scenery, food, and hot springs along the Tohoku inland line in a unique manga style. The inland line is officially known as the “Akita Inland Railway,” stretching approximately 94.2 kilometers from Takanosu in the north to Kakunodate Station in the south. It is not only a vital transportation route for locals but also attracts tourists from around the world with its distinct seasonal charm.

Through lively and amusing manga, Naoko Takeuchi shares many delicious Akita foods that can be enjoyed while riding the inland railway, such as the springy grilled rice stick hot pot, the sweet-and-sour delight of doburoku (unrefined sake), the mysterious udon noodles topped not with char siu but horse meat, and the melt-in-your-mouth golden pudding—all of which are sure to make your mouth water. After enjoying her exciting inland adventure, readers can also participate in a lucky draw with prizes including a grilled rice stick hot pot gift set, which even Takeuchi loves, allowing everyone to savor authentic Akita cuisine.

Additionally, the silvery-white snowscapes of northeastern Japan, as well as the black walls against white snow at Kakunodate’s samurai residences, come vividly to life under Naoko Takeuchi’s pen. The essential hot spring experience is also made to feel warm all over through the satisfied expressions of characters in the manga. This issue of 《Akita Pappa Tsu》 also reveals ahead of time the filming locations of the hit Korean drama “IRIS,” taking readers on a deep dive into the footsteps of international superstar Lee Byung-hun. From the snowsuit and skis he wore at the Tazawako Ski Resort to the hotel room where he stayed, every detail—including cigarette butts he smoked, glasses he used, and bathrobes he wore—is meticulously displayed. Guests staying at the hotel can visit this room filled with Lee Byung-hun’s essence.

There is also an in-depth breakdown of Naoko Takeuchi’s itinerary, listing every detail and budget, making it easy to plan your own trip along the inland line. Useful information such as detailed EVA Air charter flights and tour group details are also included in this issue of 《Akita Pappa Tsu》, with more cool experiences waiting for travelers to discover.

→ Click here: Back to the Attractions homepage

→ Click here: Read more travel news

Related reading: Try Akita’s most famous desserts (provided by Tripass Attractions)