AKITA Akita City and Around A refined rural capital in snow country, preserving the arts, crafts, and culture of an earlier age

The capital of the far north prefecture of the same name, Akita is mostly known for snow, onsen (hot springs), great sake, a sturdy breed of dog, and the widely acknowledged beauty of its women. Bordered by the sea and mountains, this peaceful city is home to major local festivals, museums of world-class art and a well-preserved samurai village. It's easy to immerse yourself in Japan's cultural past here.

Akita is served by a shinkansen stop and an airport, so it's easily accessible from all over Japan.

From Tokyo, it's a four-hour trip to Akita Station on the JR Akita Shinkansen. Both JAL and ANA operate multiple flights between Tokyo's Haneda Airport and Akita Airport that take a little over an hour. From Osaka or Kyoto, the best option is first to ride the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen to Tokyo and then switch to the Akita-bound shinkansen. You can also take a 75-minute flight from Osaka's Itami Airport to Akita Airport.

Akita is home to many breathtaking seasonal festivals. The Akita Kanto Matsuri, held from 3 until 6 August, is considered one of the Tohoku region's three greatest festivals. One of the highlights is watching participants compete to see who can perform the most difficult balancing act as they balance impossibly tall bamboo poles adorned with a massive number of lanterns on their foreheads or hips.

The big winter attraction is the Yokote Kamakura Festival . Local children fill the area with hundreds of igloo-shaped snow domes, called kamakura. Illuminated by night, these domes become temporary dedications to the Japanese water deity. There are all kinds of snow sculptures of fanciful creatures and more, and other kamakura big enough for humans to sit inside and sip warming beverages.

Oga, a city just an hour from Akita, is famous for its visiting deities, namahage, who roam the streets at New Year, scaring small children into promising good behavior during the coming year.

Opened in 2013, The Akita Museum of Art is an impressive gallery filled with a broad selection of contemporary local art and historically valuable artifacts. Designed by architect Tadao Ando, the museum's free-standing staircase and triangular skylight have become architectural and artistic icons in their own right. The collection boasts works by Goya, Picasso, Rubens, and Rembrandt.

The star attraction at the museum is the extensive collection of work by Tokyo-born, France-based painter Fujita Tsuguharu (also known as Leonard Foujita). One of the few collections of his work in Japan, Tsuguharu's blend of traditional Japanese and French styles has captivated audiences for almost a century. A particular Foujita masterpiece portrays Akita's festivals and changing seasons on what's been called the world's largest canvas painting.

Senshu Park was once the site of Kubota Castle, built in 1604, which was burned down during the Meiji period (1868-1912). Now, only the moat, castle gate, and watchtower remain. The moat area has been repurposed and crafted into a series of ponds. Transforming with the seasons, the park becomes a sea of soft pink every spring with the cherry blossoms. Weeping wisteria also lend the park a regal air. Senshu Park is alive in the lush summer when the lotuses bloom, and turns fiery red in autumn with the changing of momiji maple leaves.

The 100-meter high observation tower, Akita City Port Tower Selion, provides a panoramic view of the city from the Sea of Japan in the west to Oga Peninsula in the north and Mt Chokai in the south. Sunset offers the most spectacular views.

The complex and its surrounding area has parks and play areas allowing guests to take in the city's natural beauty. The area often hosts a flea market and is home to a range of shops and restaurants.

The greater Akita area is surrounded by many various towns and natural getaways that offer everything from history to relaxation to adventure. For history and adventure visit the well-preserved former castle town and samurai village of Kakunodate.

Another spot worth exploring is Nyuto Onsenkyo , a picturesque hot spring resort located in the eastern mountains of Akita Prefecture. Not far away is Japan's deepest lake, Tazawa Lake, which changes color over the year from shades of deep jade to sapphire blue.