Reasons to Choose Japan
Life in Japan by Specific Areas
Akita
Summary
Akita has many attractions with magnificent nature such as Shirakami Mountains and Lake Tazawa, many famous hot springs with various spring qualities, and food culture rooted in the climate such as sake. It has 17 important intangible folk cultural properties, which is the largest number in Japan, and some events are registered as UNESCO intangible cultural heritage such as "Oga Namahage". In addition, "Akita Inu", which originated in Odate City, is a dog breed that is very popular both in Japan and overseas, and there are many facilities in Akita Prefecture where you can enjoy interacting with Akita Inu.
*This map does not include topographical features and island areas and does not cover the entire area of Japan.
Famous places / spots recommended by locals
Kakunodate / Samurai residence street
The samurai residence street in Kakunodate, Semboku City, is lined with historic samurai residences that have been around since the Han-administration era, and is called "Michinoku's Little Kyoto." Known as one of Japan's most famous cherry blossom viewing spots, weeping cherry trees over 200 years old spread out in a row along the blackboard fence in spring, creating a beautiful contrast between black and pale pink. In addition, it is the best scenic spot in the prefecture with fresh green in summer, colored leaves in autumn, and snowy scenery in winter.
Yokoteno-snow igloo
"Yokote Kamakura" is a Little New Year event held every February in Yokote City. It is a festival that enshrines the god of water and prays for the safety of the family, prosperity of business, and abundant harvest of five grains. During the event period, about 100 snow shrines "Kamakura" with a height of 3m line up in the city, and children will serve amazake and rice cakes inside. At the Kamakura Museum in Yokote City, you can enter the real Kamakura all year round in a room kept at -10°C.
"Namaghage" is a well-known folk-cultural event in Akitaprefecture. At a Oga Peninsula, Namahage emerge and walk around from home to home with yelling "Any bad kids?!" to cream neglect mind people have. Namahage has been scared by people, but actually it is a god bring about sound health mainly to Oga Peninsula, thou, it also has been respected. An Akita's PR poster opened in 2019 was designed mainly Namahage picture taken by a French photographer Charles Freger.
Foods recommended by locals
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Kiritanpo-nabe
A hot pot dish that represents Akita. Kiritanpo, which is made by mashing half of the rice and baking it on a stick, served with ingredients such as Japanese parsley and green onions simmered in a soup made from Hinai chicken soup. In Akita, it is a standard autumn / winter menu that can be found as home-cooked meals or school lunches.
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Iburigakko
"Iburigakko" is "Gakko" (pickled in Akita dialect), which is smoked and pickled radish. Daikon radishes are hung in a special hut called the Ibushi hut and smoked with firewood from cherry blossoms and apples. The unique smoky flavor is perfect as a snack for sake. It is delicious to eat with cream cheese.
Climate (temperature / precipitation)
Temperature (°C) (Source: Japan Metrogical Agency)
Precipitation (mm) (Source: Japan Metrogical Agency)
Akita Prefecture is located at Sea of Japan side of the northeastern part of Japan, and the average temperature in summer (August) is 29.4°C, which is relatively low even in Japan. In addition, the average temperature in winter (February) is as cold as 0.1°C, and there is a lot of snowfall due to the seasonal wind from the northwest (Sea of Japan), so heating equipment, winter clothes, and snow shoes are indispensable.
Cost of living
Rent is based on the research by the national rental management system business assosiation, and others are based on the statistical data by Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communication.
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Rent
42,003 yen
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Electricity
4,669 yen
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Water
2,226 yen
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Ramen
(Eating out)
595 yen