Last Updated: Jan 11, 2024
Akita Prefecture
The Ultimate Guide to This Snowy Locale
When writing articles about area guides for Japan, I make every attempt to cover the entire prefecture when possible. Sure, some locations like Kanagawa are never going to fit within the confines of a single piece (hell, Kamakura and Hakone alone have their own entries on this blog). That said, there are other prefectures such as Saga that can be neatly wrapped up in a standalone feature. Seeing many of you will not be returning to some of these destinations for round two, it makes the most sense that I cover everything in a single go.
On that note, today we will be taking a look at Akita. Located up in Japan’s northern region of Tohoku, Akita is not the type of place that is regularly frequented by visitors from abroad. This is a real shame as the prefecture is home to some remarkably unique cultural allures. Of course, chief among these are the Namahage. Hailing from the remote Oga Peninsula, this endemic cultural spectacle was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status not too long ago. However, not to derail topics, I’ll opt to cover the Namahage as a single feature.
Though Akita may be well known for its cultural draws, the prefecture also boasts some amazing history. The Akita area first appears on the records in the mid 600’s…
