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Akitainu
SPECIAL ISSUE 2019 MCI(P) 007/08/2018
HOMELAND OF THE PREFECTURE
AKITA DOG SNIFFING OUT THE HIDDEN SPOTS
SUPPORT
ED BY AKITAINU TOURISM
きょう
秋田犬の故郷
を 訪れ
こ
HOMELAND OF THE PREFECTURE
AKITA DOG
SNIFFING OUT THE HIDDEN SPOTS
隠れた魅力を発見しよう! 秋田
Akita
When the story of Hachi was made into a Hollywood movie starring Richard Gere, the Akita dog breed became famous almost overnight. Remembered for his unwavering loyalty, you can visit Shibuya Station to see the bronze Hachiko statue or even travel to his hometown in Odate City, Akita Prefecture to learn more about him. The city, along with the surrounding areas of Kosaka, Kitaakita and Kamikoani, offers picturesque scenery and tons of mouth-watering delicacies to be enjoyed. Tokyo Station Tohoku· Hokkaido Shinkansen
approx. 130 min
approx. 180 min
approx. 200 min
Haneda Airport
Morioka Station Kakunodate Station Shin-Aomori Station
domestic flight approx. 70 min
Shuhoku Bus
approx. 140 min Akita Nairiku Line Railway
approx. 150 min JR Ou Line
approx. 80 min
新青森駅
Shin-Aomori Station
東京
Tokyo
大館駅
鷹 巣駅 Odate Takanosu Station Station 大館能代 空港
小坂町
Odate-Noshiro Airport
Kosaka Town
大館市
Odate City
For more information about Akita prefecture, check out the QR code
Odate Station
十和田湖
Lake Towada
北秋田市
Kitaakita City
Takanosu Station Odate Station
上小阿仁村 Kamikoani Village
Odate-Noshiro Airport
盛岡駅
Morioka Station
秋田空港
Akita Airport Bus
Akita Nairiku Line Railway
JR Ou Line
Shinkansen (Bullet train)
角館駅
Kakunodate Station
From Tokyo Station
AKITA DOGS
グッズ EDITOR’S PICK AKITA DOG
MERCHANDISE
秋田犬とは？
In 1931, the Akita dog, a breed native to northern Japan was designated a natural monument by the Japanese government. Best known for its loyalty, obedience and intelligence, this breed of hunting dogs are normally reddish-brown, white, or brindle in colour. Other unique features of the Akita dog are its fluffy coat, triangular ears and curly tail. Helen Keller, a blind U.S social activist, was credited with bringing the first Akita dog to the States. Other famous Akita dog owners include Olympic figure skating champion Alina Zagitova and Russian President Vladimir Putin. In 2009, the true story of a loyal Akita dog named Hachi also made headlines worldwide.
When visiting the home of Akita dogs, be sure to bring home some Akita dog souvenirs as proud trophies!
WO OF !
Get to know
MEET-UP WITH FRIENDLY AKITA DOGS! 秋田犬ふれあい処
AKITA DOG VISITOR CENTER
はちくんTシャツ表裏 Odate mascot Hachi-kun T-shirt ¥2,500
Visitors can say hi to these adorable Akita dogs at this facility, which is located next to JR Odate Station. The centre will be open until the end of March 2019, after which it will be moved to a new location that is slated to open on 8 May 2019. Let's
I'm ready for the next catch
play
しょう だい
Pet me more!
あこ[♀] AKO FEMALE REDDISHBROWN
勝大[♂] SHODAI MALE REDDISHBROWN
おもち[♀] OMOCHI FEMALE WHITE
Akita Dog Visitor Center (old) [Open] Wed, Sat, Sun & PH 9am-3.30pm, closed on Mon, Tue, Thu & Fri [Access] In front of Odate Station on the JR Ou Line or Hanawa Line Akita Dog Visitor Center (new) *open from 8 May [Access] A few minutes walk from Odate Station on the JR Ou Line or Hanawa Line [Web] akitainunosato.jp/en/
I'm already missing you!
秋田犬会館
AKITA DOG MUSEUM The third floor of the Akita Preservation Society World Headquarters doubles as a museum where visitor can gain a deeper insight into the history and life of Akita dogs. After that, head to the first floor where you can pet and play with real Akita dogs!
はちくんキャップ Hachi-kun cap ¥2,000
秋田犬ぬいぐるみ 小 （大館能代空港限定） Akita dog stuffed toy small size (Odate-Noshiro Airport Limited Edition) ¥1,480
ぎん GIN [♂] MALE REDDISHBROWN
秋田犬 ツーリズム 缶バッジ 大
くろべえ KUROBE[♂] MALE BRINDLE
Akita dog can badge large size ¥300
Aaahh you could ~have stayed longer...
[Open] 9am-4pm, closed on Sat afternoon, Sun & PH (21Nov - 20 Apr), 13 Aug afternoon, 28 Dec - 3 Jan [Access] A 16-min walk from Higashi-Odate Station on the JR Hanawa Line
ふるさわおんせん
FURUSAWA ONSEN This Japanese-style hot spring hotel has had Akita dogs as part of their greeting staff since 2017. It is the perfect place to wind down, with fantastic hot spring facilities and a fluffy companion. [Access] 7-min drive from Odate Station on the JR Ou Line or Hanawa Line [Web] letsmofumofuakita.jp/en/publics/ index/129/
秋田犬 ツーリズム アクリル チャーム
Hope to see you in my dream.
Akita dog accessory strap ¥350
はなちゃん [ ♀ ] HANACHAN FEMALE REDDISH-BROWN
マサルハンドパペット Akita dog Masaru hand puppet ¥1,404
You are going to leave soon? はるちゃん [ ♀ ] HARUCHAN FEMALE REDDISH-BROWN
SPECTACULAR 美しい景色を楽しむ
SCENERY
TO ENSNARE YOUR SENSES
From the breathtaking views of Lake Towada to the secret attractions found inland, Akita’s natural scenery is unrivaled and resembles a picture from a postcard.
田んぼアート・「阿仁合」駅
SEE CAPTIVATING RICE PADDY ART Better known as the gateway to Ani Ski Resort on Mt. Moriyoshi, Aniai Station is located at halfway along the Akita Nairiku Line Railway. Within the station, you can tuck into tender, slow-cooked horse stew, a specialty of Koguma Tei restaurant. Visit during the Rice Paddy Art Festival, and watch as the rice fields stretching on both sides of the railway magically turn into giant canvas for art. [Address] 119 Shimomachi, Aniginzan, Kitaakita city, Akita prefecture [Web] akita-nairiku.com/en/
大館桜まつり・鷹巣中央公園桜まつり
MUST-VISIT SAKURA VIEWING SPOTS IN AKITA
鳥潟会館
FEEL THE ESSENCE OF JAPANESE AESTHETIC PHILOSOPHY In 1936, this nearly 300-year-old house owned by the renowned Torigata family was moved to its current location and underwent major renovation. The Torigata estate is accented by a large, stunning Kyoto-style garden where visitors can enjoy the best of every season. The garden itself is designed to be viewed while strolling slowly around a pond, so do take the time to enjoy a quiet moment while here.
Tons of visitors from near and far flock to Keijo Park in Odate City and Takanosu Central Park in Kitaakita City for sakura blossoms from late April to early May each year. In spring, over 140 somei-yoshino cherry trees bloom gloriously in Keijo Park, the site of the former Odate Castle. Those who enjoy romantic illuminations will definitely be delighted by the 800 cherry trees that are lit up at night in Takanosu Central Park. Odate Sakura Festival (left) [Web] letsmofumofuakita.jp/en/publics/index/291/ Takanosu Central Park Sakura Festival (right) [Web] letsmofumofuakita.jp/en/publics/index/292/
[Address] 156 Neishita, Hanaoka-machi, Odate city, Akita prefecture [Web] odate-city.jp/museum/torigata_e
発荷峠展望台・十和田湖畔
ENJOY THE STUNNING BEAUTY OF LAKE TOWADA Formed around 200,000 years ago, Lake Towada is a crater lake that sits on the border between Aomori and Akita prefectures. With the beauty of four seasons reflecting on its surface, its charm is infinite. Hakka-toge Observation Deck (631 metres in altitude) found at the end of Prefectural Road 2 on the south shore of Lake Towada offers a panoramic view of the lake. [Address] Towadako oide, Kosaka-machi, Kazuno-gun, Akita prefecture [Web] letsmofumofuakita.jp/en/publics/ index/90/
IP 3D2N B FF T R
DIY magewappa workshop
Taste the goodness of the chicken rice bento
DAY 1
Tok yo St atio n
O da te n St atio
Say hi to Akita dogs at Akita Dog Visitor Center Visit the Torigata Estate
Stay at a farmer’s B&B (make your own kiritampo)
DAY 2
JOYOUS AND UNFORGETTABLE TRAVEL
EXPERIENCES
大館・小坂鉄道レールバイク
CYCLE AWAY ON ODATE-KOSAKA RAILBIKE Years ago, the decommissioning of the hundred-year-old Kosaka Railway inspired a recreational project involving visitors riding railbikes while appreciating Odate’s scenic beauty. Today, the track connecting Odate and Kosaka is filled with visitors snapping photos while biking. The unique sound of railbikes has become a signature of Odate ever since.
お楽しみが 盛り沢山
Cast yourself into the authentic Japanese culture and way of life by engaging in outdoor activities, and explore the amazing charm of Akita through various experiences and exchanges. 農家民泊体験
EXPLORE COUNTRY LIFE BY STAYING AT A FARMER’S B&B
[Address] 30-2 Otaki, Yukisawa, Odate city, Akita prefecture [Web] railbike.jp ( Japanese)
康楽館
LEARN THE SECRETS OF JAPANESE KABUKI THEATRE Built in 1910, the Korakukan Theater thrived as an entertainment centre for miners working at the Kosaka mine, which shut down in the 1990s. Korakukan, one of the oldest original wooden theatres in Japan, is a proof of Kosaka’s glorious past and an example of the advances of modern infrastructure. Although the building has a western facade, the interior is traditional Japanese style. While here, why not sign up for an eye-opening backstage tour?
小坂鉄道レールパーク
LOCOMOTIVE DRIVING EXPERIENCE AT KOSAKA RAIL PARK This railroad theme park utilizes the track and facilities of a decommissioned railway to create a one-of-a-kind experience for railroad fans. Not only can you drive a diesel locomotive with prior reservation, you can also hit the sack on Akebono, an overnight sleeper train that used to run between Ueno Station in Tokyo, Akita and Aomori prefectures. Enjoy the ultimate railroad-lover’s ride at Kosaka Rail Park! [Address] 20-9 Furukawa, Kosakakouzan, Kosakamachi, Kazuno-gun, Akita prefecture [Web] kosaka-rp.com (Japanese)
[Address] 2 Matsunoshita, Kosakakouzan, Kosaka-machi, Kazuno-gun, Akita prefecture [Web] letsmofumofuakita.jp/ en/publics/index/84/
曲げわっぱの作り体験
TAKE HOME A TRADITIONAL HANDICRAFT Magewappa is a traditional craftwork unique to Odate. Sliced cedar wood is first processed and then carefully bent into various shapes to make bento boxes and cups. Shibata Yoshinobu Shouten in the WAPPA BUILDING near Odate Station displays a wide array of magewappa containers for sale. It also runs a do-it-yourself magewappa workshop, welcoming all to come and experience the creative process.
Blessed with many natural resources, Odate is one of the major farming areas for rice, vegetables and fruits. If you are interested in agriculture and local living, why not book a night at a farmer’s B&B? Not only do you get to roll up your sleeves at the farm during the day, you can also get insider tips on how to make delicious kiritampo. [Web] letsmofumofuakita.jp/en/publics/index/134/
きりたんぽ作り体験
HAND MAKE ONE OF AKITA’S MOST ICONIC DISHES The most popular soul food for people living in Odate, you can learn how to make yummy kiritampo the traditional way at Yoki-na-kasan’s (Cheerful mothers’ shop). First, mash cooked rice and shape it around a wooden skewer to grill on coal. Be prepared though, the aromatic smell of rice is hard to resist! [Address] 97-1 Ienoushiro, Magata, Odate city, Akita prefecture [Web] yoki-kasan.com ( Japanese)
[Address] 1-12-27 Onari-cho, Odate city, Akita prefecture [Web] wappa-building.com (Japanese)
Enjoy a nice dip at Yukisawa Hot Spring, Seifuso
Stroll around Towada Hotel, your hotel for the night
DAY 3 Travel to Oirase Stream or other attractions
Rail-biking
Experience the fun of farming
Have Hinaijidori chicken for lunch
Enjoy the panoramic view of Lake Towada at Hakkatoge Observation Deck
RELAX YOUR
心と身体を癒す
MIND & BODY
Odate and the Ani-Moriyoshi area are packed with hot spring destinations that not many people know about. These hot spring, formerly frequented by mountain samurai, or matagi in Japanese, are the best way to soak your stress and pains away. 十和田ホテル
HISTORY AND NOSTALGIA APLENTY AT TOWADA HOTEL
打当温泉 マタギの湯
LIVE A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A HUNTER AT UTTOU HOT SPRING MATAGI-NO-YU This accommodation offers a once-ina-lifetime chance to experience the life of a mountain samurai turned hunter from northern Japan, Matagi. Guests are introduced to aspects including the process of hunting, and then presented with a table of mouthwatering country dishes made using the freshest ingredients from nature. End your day with a dip in Uttou hot spring. Containing calcium and sodium, it is said to have several therapeutic effects, such as stress relief and muscle pain relief.
This 80-year-old hot spring hotel was constructed using quality cedar wood that creates a warm and cozy atmosphere. Located not far from Lake Towada, guests can stroll down the 2-kilometre long green trail to see the beautiful lake after checking in. The hotel is situated in a great location on the way to Oirase Stream and other popular tourist attractions in the Tohoku area.
OUTSTANDING OUTDOOR BATH VIEWS AT YUKISAWA ONSEN SEIFUSOU
[Address] Nishikohan, Towadako, Kosakamachi, Kazuno-gun, Akita prefecture [Web] en.towadahotel.com
A 15-minute drive from central Odate City past the scenic Jukai Line will take you to Yukisawa Hot Spring, a small town with unbelievably beautiful mountain views. The sulphur spring contains sodium, calcium and many other minerals, and is the perfect choice for those who want to relieve stress and prevent coldness in the hands and feet. The outdoor hot spring, which offers an awesome view of Yukisawa Gorge, is not to be missed.
[Address] 67 Senbokuwatarimichikami, Aniuttou, Kitaakita city, Akita prefecture [Web] www. mataginosato.com ( Japanese)
RI P 3D2FAN MILY T Tok yo Station
O da St a t te ion
[Address] 29 Otaki, Yukisawa, Odate city, Akita prefecture [Web] primenet2010.biz/seifusou/ ( Japanese)
Go to Yokina-kasan’s to make kiritampo
Try the delicious Hinaijidori chicken
DAY 1 Say hi to Akita dogs at Akita Dog Visitor Center
雪沢温泉 清風荘
Visit the Korakukan Theater Visit Kosaka Rail Park
Enjoy a nice soak at Seifuso
DAY 2
You can get this in restaurants across Odate City.
You can get this in restaurants across Akita Prefecture.
比内地鶏料理
きりたんぽ鍋
EXCEPTIONAL HINAIJIDORI CHICKEN CUISINE
A CLASSIC DISH TO WARM THE BODY AND SOUL Kiritampo hot pot is a local gourmet item that is strongly connected to the identity of Akita. It is said that hunters and lumberjacks who worked in the mountains invented the delicacy by mashing and kneading rice into chicken hot pot. Grilled kiritampo originated from Odate, so saying no to kiritampo is definitely not an option while visiting.
Hinaijidori chicken, a specialty of Odate, is known as one of the top three most delicious breeds of chicken in Japan. One simple dish made using the tender, flavourful meat that all first-timers should try is oyakodon, a hearty rice bowl with bite-size chicken and mixed with half-cooked beaten eggs. 小坂ワイン
100% MADE IN JAPAN WINE
当地グルメと オススメのお土産
You can get this at Meiji Hyakunendo
FOOD &
Grape cultivation in the area began 30 years ago and has grown into one of the top wine producers in Japan. According to locals, the secret to growing premium class grapes lies in Kosaka’s water and soil that contain rich nutrients left by a volcanic eruption. Try Kosaka SevenFalls wine, made 100% from local mountain grapes.
[SOUVENIRS]
OMIYAGE Extraordinary gastronomic experiences and souvenirs from Akita’s Odate and Ani-Moriyoshi will enrich your journey and make the voyage a memorable one.
[Address] 48-2 Furudate, Kosakakouzan, Kosaka-machi, Kazuno-gun, Akita prefecture [Web] kosaka-7falls-winery.com ( Japanese)
EDAMAME SWEETS AND SNACKS
LONG-ESTABLISHED SWEETS SHOP BANBAI With more than 200 years of history, the shop is loved by locals in Takanosu, Kitaakita City. One of their bestsellers is Le dessert, a soft chocolate cake drizzled in bitter chocolate sauce. Okashinai manju, a confection named after a station along the Akita Nairiku Line Railway, has a smiley face design and white bean paste filling.
Akita Prefecture is one of Japan’s leading producers of edamame. The extreme temperature changes between night and day produces sweet and flavourful edamame, which can be eaten fresh or made into a range of sweets and savories.
THE RARE AND PRECIOUS GROUND CHERRY JAM
Get this at Kamikoani roadside station
Ground cherry plant produces sweet and sour fruit shaped like mini orange coloured tomatoes. This local speciality grown in the Kamikoani area can be made into jam. If you are interested in sampling it, get this at Kamikoani roadside station.
Edamame monaka You can get this at Yamada Keigetsudo [Address] 1-10-14 Onari-cho, Odate city, Akita prefecture [Web] shop.yamadakeigetudo.com ( Japanese)
バナナのお土産
[Address] 66-1 Mukaikawahara, Kosawada, Kitaakita-gun kamikoanimura, Akita prefecture [Web] www.michinoeki-kamikoani.jp/index.html ( Japanese)
CUTE SWEETS THAT WILL ENCHANT AND ENTHRALL Get your hands on a variety of banana sweets, including a banana-shaped monaka called Neriya banana. This monaka is a Japanese sweet made of sweet white bean jam filling sandwiched between two rice wafers. Meanwhile, a local cake version of the banana boat includes a real banana wrapped in a sponge cake layers.
[Address] 8-1 Sumiyoshi-cho, Kitaakita city, Akita prefecture [Web] www.banbai.com ( Japanese)
Neriya banana - You can get this at Neriya-kashiho [Address] 4-3 Izumi-cho, Odate city, Akita prefecture [Web] www.neriyakashiho. com ( Japanese)Ces M. An
Take the Akita Nairiku Line Railway to visit attractions along the way
Head to Kitaakita City
Consisting of steamed rice, side dishes simmered with sugar, sweet soy sauce, burdock and chicken. This bento is delicious even when eaten cold. Another bonus fact, the bento was awarded for the most appetizing railway bento in Japan for several consecutive years.
ほおずきジャム
Edamame-shaped snacks You can get them in Kitaakita, Odate, Kosaka and Kamikoani
Say hi to Akita dogs at Akita Dog Museum
鶏めし弁当
CHICKEN RICE BENTO THAT IS DELICIOUS EVEN WHEN COLD!
[Address] 1-10-2 Onari-cho, Odate city, Akita prefecture [Web] www.hanazen.co.jp ( Japanese)
枝豆のお土産
老舗晩梅
You can get this at Hanazen.
Buy some local snacks in the vicinity of Takanosu Station. Dig into sweets with 200 years of history at Banbai or savour banana sweets at Shien
Banana boat - You can get this at Shien [Address] 1-5 Hanazono-cho, Kitaakita city, Akita prefecture [Web] www.city.kitaakita.akita.jp/ industdb/shotengaidb/199.html ( Japanese)
Stay at Matagi-no-yu to experience the life of a Japanese hunter DAY 3
Get off at Aniai Station for some horse stew
Visit the Matagi (hunter) Museum
Head to Mt. Moriyoshi or other destinations
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CHECK OUT THESE RESOURCES! TOURIST INFORMATION SITE
visitakita.com
Learn about the activities, scenery, history, culture and events that can only be found in Akita. A one-stop site for Akita travel information and hotel bookings! Features fun introductory videos and regular updates about events and activities like the Mt.Moriyoshi “Snow Monsters” and Akita Dog Meet & Greet.
Homepage
Check it out
MOFUU’S AREA RECOMMENDATIONS! Mofuu is a hard working Akita dog who is here to help you discover the charms of Akita. His favourite jumper translates all his travel advice to human language. Let him show you his favourite spots!
INTERACTIVE WEBSITE
letsmofumofuakita.com
Homepage
Akita Dog Music Video
Pet and play with virtual Akita dogs on this uniques travel website. Pet the dogs on this website and watch them react! There are dogs on the main page that change randomly. Check out the recommended itineraries, area introduction video, and explore what else the area has to offer.
CHECK OUT OUR SOCIAL MEDIA FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION 秋田犬ツーリズム
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