Model Itineraries in Akita

This is a one-day course featuring the first day of 'Noshiro Yakichitanabata & Noshiro Nebunagashi' held from August 6-7, 2026, centered around the downtown Noshiro area to the mouth of the Yoneshiro River. During the day, stroll through Kaze no Matsubara, one of Japan's three great pine forests, enjoy science experiences at Noshiro Energium Park, and tour the historic wooden architecture at Ryotei Kaneyu. In the evening, have dinner at Hatacho Shopping Street and head to the mouth of the Yoneshiro River from 15:40 when the sun starts to set. As night falls, giant lanterns of Yakichitanabata and the fantastical 'Nebunagashi' with lanterns floating down the river continue past 22:00. It's a day where you can experience the nature and traditional events of the port town of Noshiro all at once.

A full-day course to enjoy the Akita Port area, featuring Katsuura Beach which operates from July 18 (Saturday) to August 16 (Sunday), 2026. In the morning, enjoy the views of Akita Port from Selion, a 143-meter observation tower overlooking the Japan Sea, and learn about Akita's nature and history at the Akita Prefectural Museum. At lunch, enjoy fresh seafood cuisine at Akita Citizens Market, then finally head to the sea. The climax is Katsuura Beach in the afternoon. Swimming is free from 9 AM to 5 PM, with 6 beach huts planned to operate, so you won't worry about rest or meals. The parking lot has 500 spaces and costs 500 yen per day. Enjoy Akita's summer sea with your whole family.

A full-day course centered around Honjo Marina Beach (本荘マリーナ海水浴場), which opens from July 18 (Saturday) to August 11 (Tuesday, national holiday), 2026, to fully enjoy Yurihonjo City (7/18–20 early opening, 7/23–8/11 regular operation). In the morning, experience greenery and history at Honjo Park (本荘公園), developed on the former site of Honjo Castle, and check out the highlights of the town at Cadaire in front of Honjo Station. At lunch, savor local flavors at Michi no Eki Nishime Hamanasu (道の駅 にしめ はまなす), and once you've had a hearty meal, head to the coast. The climax is Honjo Marina Beach in the afternoon. Use is free, with 200 parking spaces provided free of charge, and showers and restrooms are fully equipped, so changing and getting ready is worry-free. Swimming hours are from 9 AM to 4:30 PM. Without even waiting for the sunset over the Japan Sea, you can enjoy plenty of play at the water's edge until evening. Why not head out to summer Yurihonjo with your swimsuit and towel?

A full-day course centered around the 49th Ogachi Grand Fireworks Festival, held on Saturday, August 8, 2026, starting at 7:30 PM—a traditional event in its 49th year. Thoroughly enjoy the mountain valleys of Ogachi Town in Yuzawa City. At midday, experience local flavors at Michi no Eki Ogachi, and in the afternoon, visit Ono no Komachi no Sato (Ono no Komachi Village), historically associated with the Heian-period poet Ono no Komachi, for historical exploration and a foot bath break. Along the upper reaches of the Yanouchi River, stroll leisurely beside the stream and feel the refreshing mountain air. In the evening, return to the riverside fireworks venue, browse the festival stalls while securing your viewing spot, and then at 7:30 PM, approximately 5,000 fireworks will burst into the mountain sky. A full-day plan combining history, nature, and spectacular fireworks all in one.

A 1-day course centered on the opening day of 'Nishi Maone Bon Odori,' one of Japan's three great Bon Odori dances, held from August 16-18, 2026, in Ugo town center. During the day, visit Nishi Maone Bon Odori Hall (Kagaribi Hall) to learn about the dance history and traditional costumes, then enjoy a hot spring bath at Gorinsaka Onsen and Sitorando. After shopping and rest at Roadside Station Ugo Hashinui no Sato, enjoy early dinner at the town center shopping street. As darkness falls, head to Ugo town center to witness dancers with covered faces dancing gracefully in bonfire light—a perfect opportunity for families to experience this ethereal Bon Odori up close.

Designated as Japan's Important Intangible Folk Culture Property and counted among Japan's three greatest bon dances, the Kemamainai Bon Dance takes place for three days from August 21-23, 2026, along Hon-machi Street in Kemamainai, Kakegawa City, Akita Prefecture. This course focuses on August 21, the opening day, with a full-day plan. In the daytime, you'll survey the castle town from the elevated park at Kemamainai Castle Ruins, just steps from the bon dance venue. A short drive takes you to the UNESCO World Heritage Oyukanajo Stone Circles to connect with Jomon history. Rest at the nearby Oyukanajo Roadside Station, then refresh with a foot bath at the misty Oyuyu Hot Spring Area. In the evening, return to Kemamainai to explore the merchant town of Kemamainai-Shinmachi with its white-walled earthen storehouses and enjoy dinner. As dusk falls and lanterns light up, dancers wearing hats and head coverings form circles for an enchanting display of bon dancing. Watching the performers dance slowly to "Daino-saka" and "Jinku" is an unforgettable summer tradition of northeastern Honshu that will stay with you long after.

A full-day course centered on the opening day of "Ichiichiichi Bon Odori" held from August 18-20, 2026 (Tuesday-Thursday) along Ichiichiichi Kamimachi Odori in Hachirogata Town, Minami-Akita District. During the day, pay respect at Ichiichiichi Shrine, which is connected to the Bon Odori tradition, then enjoy shopping and resting at Michi no Eki Showa. After experiencing the history of land reclamation by viewing Hachirogata Adjustment Pond, once Japan's second-largest lake, have an early dinner around Ichiichiichi Kamimachi Odori. As evening falls, return to the main street to enjoy the rustic Bon Odori where dancers form circles around the festival tower—a perfect family experience. This course allows you to experience both the expansive landscape of reclaimed land and the warm charm of a summer festival deeply rooted in the local community.

A one-day course centered on the "Ōyu Grand Taiko Festival" held at Michi-no-Eki Ōyu (Yuno Station Ōyu) in Kakudate City on August 15, 2026. Start by visiting the Ōyu Circular Stone Alignments, a World Heritage candidate, to experience Jomon-era ruins, then visit the Ōyu Stone Circle Museum to learn about unearthed artifacts and lifestyle. Next, walk through the adjacent old town streets of Kemano and soak in the foot bath at Ōyu Hot Spring. In the early evening, enjoy dinner at the rest area, then stay for the main event as the sun sets. Watch as large drums resound through the hot spring town surrounded by steam—an ideal day for families to enjoy together. A course where you can experience Jomon history, hot spring charm, and local traditional festivals all in one day.

A one-day course centered on the first day of the Hanawa Neputa festival, held around Kakudate Hanawa Station in Kakudate City on August 7-8, 2026. Start by visiting Kōinari Shrine (幸稲荷神社), sacred to the festival, then experience local culture at Comose, the Kakudate Cultural Center, and learn about regional heroes at the Kakudate Hall of Prominent Figures. In the early evening, shop and dine at Michi-no-Eki Kazuno Antraa rest area, then make your way to Kakudate Hanawa Station to witness the procession. Watch as massive Kasayama-style lanterns bearing neputa floats process alongside the rhythmic drumming—a perfect capstone to a day exploring Kakudate's history and culture, and ideal for families.

A one-day course featuring the opening day of the "Akita Tanabata Festival," held on Tanabata Street in Akita from August 3-6, 2026. Visit Sensh Park to experience the greenery and history of Kubota Castle, view masterpieces by Tsuguharu Fujita at the Akita Prefecture Museum of Art, and learn about Tanabata's history and techniques at the Neburinagashi Museum. After tasting local cuisine at the Akita Citizen's Market, head to Tanabata Street. During the "daytime Tanabata" hours (9 AM to 3:40 PM), observe up close the skillful handling of the heavy lantern poles while their lights sway. A day to experience both Akita's signature summer tradition and castle-town culture.

Held at 8 PM on July 25, 2026 (Saturday) on the shore of Lake Tazawa in Semboku City, Akita Prefecture, this course centers on the Lake Tazawa Dragon Spirit Festival Grand Fireworks and lets you fully enjoy Lake Tazawa, which boasts Japan's highest transparency, for a full day. At midday, visit the golden Tatuko statue on the lakeside and learn of the legend surrounding Lake Tazawa. Next, pay your respects at Gozaishi Shrine where the red torii gate is reflected in the lake, and enjoy the mysterious lake scenery through a lakeside walk or sightseeing boat. In the evening, secure a spot on the lakeside while gathering dinner and wait for dusk. At 8 PM, approximately 300 fireworks rise into the sky above Lake Tazawa, and for about one hour until 9 PM, enjoy the fireworks lights reflected on the lake surface with family. A plan unique to Lake Tazawa where you can greedily enjoy visiting the legendary lake and fireworks over the lake. Since this is a high-elevation area, nights can become surprisingly cold in summer.

A full-day course centered around the 102nd Masuda Fireworks Festival, which will be held on Monday, September 14, 2026 at 7 PM—counting 102 consecutive years—while thoroughly enjoying Masuda Town in Yokote City. In the morning, stroll through the warehouse district at Masuda's inner storehouses, designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Historic Buildings by the government. In the afternoon, visit the Yokote City Masuda Manga Art Museum, known for its manga original artwork exhibitions. Leisurely walk through the Masuda Station front shopping district to enjoy the local atmosphere. In the evening, return to the fireworks venue and secure your viewing spot while browsing street vendors, then at 7 PM the traditional fireworks light up the night sky. A greedy one-day plan where you can enjoy both historic town scenery and fireworks at once.

A full-day course to thoroughly enjoy Nikaho City's Shogutsumachi on August 22, 2026 (Saturday), with the 2026 Nikaho Fireworks as the main event, starting at 7 PM. Enjoy lunch and shopping in the afternoon at Michi-no-Eki Shogutsunemu-no-Oka (Roadside Station) overlooking the sea. In the afternoon, explore the pastoral rice paddy landscape at Kuujuukushi-shima (Ninety-Nine Islands), a scenic spot associated with Matsuo Basho. At the nearby ancient temple Kaimannji, you can also enjoy a historical walk through its quiet grounds. In the evening, return to Shogutsuhama Beach (the fireworks venue) and secure your viewing spot while browsing the food stalls. At 7 PM, approximately 3,500 fireworks will light up the night sky. This is an ambitious one-day plan where you can enjoy both historical exploration and seaside fireworks at once.

A full-day course to enjoy the Ani area of Kita-Akita City, featuring the 64th Ani Fireworks and Lantern Float Festival, held on Sunday, August 16, 2026, starting at 7:15 PM. At noon, enjoy lunch at Michi-no-Eki Ani rest stop featuring local flavors unique to the Matagi village. In the afternoon, learn about Matagi culture history at Ani Densho-kan. Take a leisurely stroll around Ani Maeda Station on the Akita Inland Vertical Railway, then return to Ani River Park in the evening to explore vendor stalls and secure a viewing spot. At 7:15 PM, fireworks and lantern floats begin simultaneously, painting the mountain valley night fantastically. A one-day plan where history, nature, and fantastic scenery can all be enjoyed at once.

A full-day course centered around the Hachimine Fireworks Festival 2026, held on August 11, 2026 (Tuesday, Mountain Day) starting at 8 PM, to fully enjoy the seaside of Hachimine Town in Akita Prefecture. At noon, enjoy a seafood lunch and shopping at Michi-no-Eki Hachimori Hatahatakan, and in the afternoon, take a leisurely walk around Akita Shirakami Station. At Iwate Kaimin Beach, enjoy water play while feeling the sea breeze. In the evening, return to Hachimine Nakahama Coast, the fireworks venue, and secure a spot while browsing the vendor stalls. At 8 PM, fireworks finally fill the night sky. A refreshing summer day plan unique to Hachimine Town, surrounded by sea and mountains.

A one-day course to enjoy Yokote City, Akita Prefecture, centered on the Lucky Festival Finale Fireworks held on August 2, 2026 (Sunday). Starting at midday at Michi-no-Eki Misato where local bounty is displayed for lunch and shopping, in the afternoon enjoy a stroll through the historic merchant town of Masuda with its warehouses selected as an Important Preservation District. In the evening, take a leisurely walk through the shopping street in front of Jumonji Station to enjoy looking for souvenirs, then head to Super Mall Lucky to have dinner while reserving your spot for the fireworks. From 7 PM the festival builds to a climax, with fireworks lighting up the night sky at the finale. A definitive summer plan for Yokote packed with both historic town strolls and community-centered fireworks.

A full-day course centered on the Nishi-Takisawa Mizube Plaza Summer Festival (Waterside Fireworks Festival) held at Nishi-Takisawa Mizube Plaza in Yurihonjo, Akita at 7 PM on Saturday, August 1, 2026. At noon, enjoy history walks and greenery at the park where Honjo Castle ruins remain, and spend time in the cool indoor space of the Cultural Exchange Hall. After a walk along the Yokoshi River, have your meal and secure a spot at the venue in the evening. From 7 PM onward, fireworks light up the night sky by the riverside. This is a unique full-day plan for Yurihonjo, where you can greedily enjoy the city's history, the clear river flow, and fireworks.

On July 26, 2026 (Sunday) at 8:30 PM, this full-day course centers on the Oyu Hot Spring Summer Festival Kazuno Fireworks Festival, held around Michi-no-Eki Ooyu in Towada, Kazuno. In the late morning, visit the World Heritage Site Oyu Circular Stone Arrangement to experience Jomon period ruins, and enjoy local cuisine and hot springs at Michi-no-Eki Ooyu. In the afternoon, leisurely walk through Oyu Hot Spring Town, and in the evening, grab dinner around the venue and secure your viewing spot. As night falls, fireworks light up the sky above the hot spring town, offering an evocative moment unique to a steam-filled hot spring area. A classic Kazuno summer plan that lets you enjoy Jomon ruins, hot springs, and fireworks all in one day.

A full-day course featuring the Sea Festival Port Fireworks Show held from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM on July 25, 2026 (Saturday) at Akita Port (Tsuchizaki Port West) in Akita City. At noon, take in a panoramic view of the Sea of Japan and port town from the observation tower Celio, then spend a quiet time at Tsuchizaki Shinmeisha, the patron shrine of Tsuchizaki. In the evening, take a break and purchase dinner at Michi-no-Eki Akita Port while enjoying the port scenery. For one hour starting at 8 PM, large fireworks burst into the night sky of the port, and together with the sea breeze of the Sea of Japan, enjoy fireworks worthy of the grand finale of summer. A signature Akita summer plan that generously enjoys both the open scenery unique to a port town and fireworks.

A full-day course centered on the Daio Summer Festival held from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM on July 25, 2026 (Saturday) in Honjo Michishita, Daio district, Yokote City. At midday, enjoy local agricultural products and regional cuisine at Michi-no-Eki Jumonnji roadside station, and in the afternoon leisurely stroll through the Daio district of Yokote City, where rural scenic views spread out. In the evening, gather dinner around the venue area and wait for dusk while securing a spot. As it passes 7 PM, the sky begins to turn indigo, and from 8 PM for one hour, fireworks light up the night sky, marking the end of the region's summer. It's a homey fireworks experience unique to the countryside, different from large urban festivals. Enjoy a summer day unique to Yokote, woven together with rice paddy green, twilight sky, and fireworks.

On July 26, 2026 (Sunday) starting at 8:50 PM, this is a one-day course centered around the Hiromo Summer Festival held at Akita City Hiromo Kondoせきぞえ. At noon, enjoy the greenery along the moat at Sensha Park with traces of Akita Castle, and in the afternoon, enjoy shopping and cafe time at the complex facility area Nakaichi. In the evening, pick up dinner around the venue and secure a spot, waiting for the event to begin while experiencing the atmosphere of a summer festival rooted in the community. As the sun sets, fireworks light up the night sky in the residential area, creating summer memories in an intimate, local atmosphere. This is a plan that compactly enjoys both sightseeing in the center of Akita City and a summer festival in a nearby community.

On July 25, 2026 (Saturday), featuring the Sandcraft in Mitane 2026 Ocean Fireworks Show at Kamaya Beach in Mitane Town, Akita Prefecture, this is a full-day course to enjoy Mitane Town along the Japan Sea. At noon, stop at the Kotooka Roadside Station to experience local specialties like juni. Next, soak in the foot bath at Morioka Hot Spring for a leisurely time. In the afternoon, enjoy swimming and sand play at Kamaya Beach, which is also the fireworks venue. In the evening, pick up dinner by the sea and secure your viewing spot. At 7 PM, approximately 5,000 fireworks light up the night sky above the Japan Sea, and for about one hour until 8 PM, enjoy the magnificent scale of fireworks spreading over the ocean with your family. This is a unique Mitane plan where you can greedily enjoy everything from specialty products and beach swimming to fireworks that color the night sky. Since the venue area becomes crowded at night, please plan ahead with extra time.

Held on July 25, 2026 (Saturday) at the Tomizu Park riverbed (in front of Boat Plaza Aqua Pal) in Yuri-Honjo City, Akita Prefecture, this course centers on the Honjo River Festival Fireworks and lets you enjoy a full day along the Koyoshi River in Yuri-Honjo. At midday, stroll through the lush grounds of Honjo Park while touching the history of this castle town, then head to Yuri-Honjo City Cultural Exchange Hall Cadare to enjoy the exhibitions and facilities within. In the afternoon, visit Boat Plaza Aqua Pal, which is also the fireworks venue, and cool off with the breeze from the Koyoshi River. In the evening, secure a spot around Tomizu Park while gathering dinner and wait for dusk. At 7:30 PM, approximately 3,000 fireworks rise into the night sky above the Koyoshi River, and for about one hour thirty minutes until 9 PM, enjoy the fireworks lights reflected on the river surface with family. A plan unique to Yuri-Honjo where you can greedily enjoy a stroll through the castle town, relaxation by the riverside, and fireworks lighting up the sky. Please be aware that the area around the venue becomes congested at night, so plan to act with time to spare.

A full-day course that showcases Lake Tazawa Swimming Beach, which operates from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM from July 18 (Saturday) to August 30 (Sunday) 2026, allowing you to fully enjoy the shores of Lake Tazawa, Japan's deepest lake. In the morning, learn about the legendary Kunimasu fish at Lake Tazawa Kunimasu Museum, pay a visit to Gozaishi Shrine with its iconic vermillion torii gate by the lakeside, and take a commemorative photo at the Tatsuko statue, a symbol of the lake, exploring the unique attractions around the shore. After a break at a lakeside restaurant for lunch, finally head to Lake Tazawa Swimming Beach. On a white sandy shallow beach with lifeguards on duty, you can enjoy water play until evening while gazing at the crystal-clear blue lake waters. Entry is free, and the peaceful setting surrounded by the rich nature of Senboku City is also a major attraction. Since swimming is allowed until 5:00 PM, plan to finish a bit early to allow time for changing. Why not enjoy a perfect lake water bath with your whole family at Lake Tazawa this summer?