Things to do in Akita City

The city lord’s long-cherished wish is to live forever, so it is named Qianqiu Park. It is a beautiful place with cherry blossoms in spring, green in summer, fire in autumn, and silver in winter! The city ruins are surrounded by a moat with many lotuses planted. In summer, wild duck families live here!

Definitely choose this over the rope way. Half the price and much better view and ambience. Went around 2pm and the crowds were small. There's two levels of 360 degree viewing area and some historical things to learn.

spectacular view from the mountain top, watching sunset and then slowly getting into the night, feeling so calm and good

Lake Tazawa is situates in Akita Prefecture. You can take a bus tour around the lake and end your day with dipping into their great onsens around the area 👌

Kanamori Red Brick Warehouse is the best shopping place in Hakodate, and it has a very literary and youthful atmosphere. Beautiful views of the canal and its old red brick architectural features. The lighting at night makes for a great photo spot. There are as many as 100 shops, restaurants, etc. inside, which is very easy to browse.

Oirase Gorge is 14 kilometers long. There are walking trails, bicycle trails, and long roads, with complete facilities and you can play as you like. Moreover, now is the best season. Old men and women wearing jackets, leaning on trekking poles, carrying large cameras, walk along the creek. Young people with poor physical strength rent electric bicycles, kick their legs in the forest oxygen bar, and breathe fresh air. I am a loser, driving by myself, getting off the car to take pictures. The autumn of Oirase Gorge is yellow, the red leaves are not very red, but the yellow leaves are really yellow. The whole forest is shrouded in a warm yellow and golden color, and it feels warm. A crescent-white stream is the only cold color, clear and turbulent, passing through the forest. Every time you walk a short distance, you will encounter a small waterfall, the kind of small waterfall that you will "tsk" in China. But in Oirase, you will watch the stream jumping up and down in the mountains like Mario - it successfully passed this obstacle, Yoshi, beautiful! There is even a small waterfall trailing!! If you can wrap up tightly, walk along the stream, take pictures along the way, and go back to the hotel to soak yourself in the hot spring at night, Oirase Stream is really comfortable. I can stay here for several days! I heard that it is also very beautiful in June, and the whole forest has sprouted new leaves. My friend said that the color of the new green is so beautiful that I am speechless - "I can't describe it to you. Anyway, how can there be such green?!"

If you come to Lake Tazawa, be sure to take a photo with the Tatsuko statue. It's also a good idea to learn the story behind the statue.

Mount Hakkoda is definitely worth a visit. It's not a single peak, but a mountain range comprised of more than ten volcanoes, offering distinct scenery in each season, especially renowned for its winter wonders of "tree ice" (ice sculptures) and autumn's vibrant red leaves. Whether you're a nature lover, an outdoor enthusiast, or a traveler seeking a unique cultural experience, you'll find something to your liking here. Highlights & Practical Tips ❄️ Natural Wonders: Tree Ice (Snow Monsters): A winter wonder, these are natural sculptures formed by mist condensing on trees, creating a spectacular and mysterious sight. The best viewing period is from December to March. You can take a cable car for a panoramic view or participate in snowshoeing for a closer look. Alpine Wetlands and Volcanic Landforms: Home to numerous wetlands and ponds, including the Munamit Wetlands, this area is a treasure trove of alpine flora. In summer, you can explore hiking trails like the "Gourd Line," offering varying levels of difficulty suitable for different types of visitors. 🌲 Seasonal Activities: Winter Skiing: Renowned for its high-quality powder snow and off-piste slopes, this is a paradise for skiers. Suitable for experienced skiers; ski slopes and equipment rental services are available on the mountain. Hiking and sightseeing are also possible. Autumn (late September to mid-October) is the best time to view the autumn leaves, making it one of the earliest places in Japan to see the fall foliage. 🚡 Featured Experiences: Hakkoda Ropeway: Approximately 10 minutes one way, directly to the summit park station, offering 360-degree panoramic views of the mountains and Aomori Bay. Operating hours are typically 9:00-16:20 (until 15:40 in winter). Hot Spring Experience: Enjoy the famous Sukayu Onsen (a mixed-gender public bath with over 300 years of history) at the foot of the mountain to relieve fatigue. 💡 Itinerary Planning Suggestions: Transportation: From Shin-Aomori Station or Aomori Station on the Tohoku Shinkansen, take a JR bus towards the "Hakkoda Ropeway" (approximately 1 hour journey), which goes directly to the ropeway station. Season Selection: Winter (December-March): The peak season, the best time to view snow trees and ski. However, please note that Mount Hakkoda is a notoriously snowy region in Japan, with unpredictable weather. A serious mountaineering tragedy occurred in 1902 (known as the "Hakkoda Snow March Incident"). Always check the weather forecast, participate in guided tours, and prepare appropriate cold-weather gear. Autumn (late September to mid-October): Stable weather and vibrant colors make it the golden time for hiking and photography. Spring and Summer: Ideal for easy high-altitude hiking, enjoying the fresh greenery and wetland flowers. 💎 In short, Mount Hakkoda is a mountain range brimming with wild beauty and seasonal charm. It may not be as widely known as Mount Fuji, but this very fact allows you to experience the pristine tranquility of Japan's natural landscape.

Take the tram slowly to Yunokawa Onsen Station and check into the Kaiyo-tei Hotel in Heiseikan. Tomorrow we'll be leaving Hakodate; it's just a 10-minute bus ride from the hotel entrance to the airport. Yunokawa Onsen boasts a 400-year history, and legend has it that it's been a place where villagers and travelers have traditionally sought healing and relaxation. During the late Edo period, former Shogunate soldiers like Enomoto Takeaki and Shikata Toshizo came to the hot springs to bathe and heal their wounds during the Battle of Hakodate. Kaiyo-tei is a very large restaurant with both red and clear hot springs, both saline springs. It's very comfortable, and the salt content has a slight antibacterial effect. Dinner will be at Shiosō-tei across the street, a buffet; both the window views and the food are beautiful.

The hotel we booked was right next to the Hakodate Morning Market, so we had lunch there every day. There were many seafood donburi restaurants in the morning market, and the Ebisu Shokudo we ate at the next day was delicious! You must try it!