By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team
According to statistics from the Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation, from January to November 2016, the number of Taiwanese tourists visiting Japan exceeded 4 million. If converted into a population ratio, that means one in every five Taiwanese has traveled to Japan—a surprisingly high proportion. Akita Prefecture, renowned as one of Japan’s “Top Ten Secret Maple Viewing Spots in the Northeast,” launched an ultra-cute “Heartwarming Akita Dog Route” to promote tourism among Taiwanese visitors. For the first time, it also invited three popular bloggers—including twin bloggers Chen Xinxin and Chen Tongtong, and Morita—to Japan’s Akita Prefecture to shoot a promotional travel video, generously sharing a complete guide to independent travel in Akita.
In spring, Akita Prefecture in Japan is covered in blooming cherry blossoms, perfect for a local train ride on a northeast cherry blossom tour. (Image provided by Akita Prefecture, Japan)
Hachikō’s Hometown – Akita: The “Kingdom of Fine Sake” and a Hidden Maple Spot
Akita Prefecture in Japan, famous for “Hachikō,” is located in the northwest of Japan’s Tohoku region, about 450 kilometers from Tokyo, along the Sea of Japan coast. From the cherry blossoms of spring and summer festivals to the autumn foliage and winter snowscapes, the area boasts diverse natural scenery throughout the year. Meanwhile, Akita’s sake is also highly reputed, earning it the title “Kingdom of Fine Sake.”
The red iron bridge “Ōnagawa Bridge” is one of the eight scenic spots of the Akita Nairiku Railway. (Image provided by Akita Prefecture, Japan)
To help Taiwanese travelers better appreciate the beauty of Akita, the prefecture has introduced a new travel route: the “Heartwarming Akita Dog Route.” Through this route, visitors can take local trains to enjoy the rich mountain and water landscapes while exploring Hachikō’s hometown—Akita.
Enjoy the abundant scenery along the way aboard a local Akita train. (Image provided by Akita Prefecture, Japan)
The “Heartwarming Akita Dog Route” Guide Revealed: A Journey Combining Deep Culture, Natural Beauty, and Adorable Akita Dogs
The route starts at Kakunodate, one of Akita’s most iconic sightseeing spots known for its samurai residences, and ends at Kosaka, home to Japan’s oldest theater. By riding the Akita Nairiku Railway train, you can not only admire Akita’s stunning natural scenery but also savor local cuisine, experience regional culture, and have fun with the incredibly cute Akita dogs along the way.
Stroll along the street of “Buke-yashiki” lined with samurai residences, where weeping cherry blossoms create an extended scenery. (Image provided by Akita Prefecture, Japan)
The delightful scenery and profound cultural heritage of Akita Prefecture allow everyone to find their ideal itinerary. This year, Akita has specially designed the super-cute “Heartwarming Akita Dog Route,” enabling Akita dog lovers to get up close and personal with these adorable canines.
Rare Pink Cherry Blossom Tunnel in a Secret Viewing Spot Blooms Romantically
》http://www.mook.com.tw/article.php?op=articleinfo&articleid=14806