🕓 2024/7/10
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Akita is known for its beautiful natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Located in the Tohoku region and facing the Sea of Japan, this prefecture attracts many tourists who come to enjoy its stunning seasonal scenery. Popular tourist spots include Lake Tazawa, the Oga Peninsula, and Odate, famous for the Akita dog breed.
The region is also steeped in history and tradition. The Akita Kanto Festival, which dates back to the Edo period, and the samurai residences in Kakunodate, known for their cherry blossoms, are among the cultural highlights. Additionally, Akita is known as the "Land of Beauty" and offers numerous delicious foods and hot springs. Local dishes such as Hinai Jidori (Hinai chicken) and Kiritanpo Nabe (rice stick hot pot) are particularly popular with visitors.
When visiting Akita, here are three selected luxury hotels that promise a special stay:
Source: Kakunodate Sanso Wabizakura Official Website
Kakunodate Sanso Wabizakura offers an exceptional accommodation experience where you can refresh both body and mind amidst the beautiful natural surroundings and luxurious environment. Located in Kakunodate, Akita Prefecture, this hot spring inn blends natural and traditional beauty, featuring 10 guest rooms each equipped with a half-open-air hot spring bath. Known for its serene Japanese aesthetics, the inn provides high-quality service.
■ Historic Thatched-Roof House
Kakunodate Sanso Wabizakura is a 200-year-old thatched-roof house relocated to the countryside, nestled gently within its natural surroundings. Situated in a tranquil mountainous area near the "Little Kyoto" of Kakunodate, the inn's name is derived from the classical poetry collection "Shinsen Rokujo-Daiwaka," symbolizing a quiet and graceful atmosphere.
■ High-Quality Rooms and Private Hot Springs
The guest rooms at Kakunodate Sanso Wabizakura are spacious, over 70 square meters, featuring a blend of Japanese and Western styles with warm designs using natural wood. Each of the 10 rooms includes a half-open-air hot spring bath with colorless, odorless, pH 9.5 alkaline water known for its beautifying effects, providing a relaxing experience.
■ Fusion of Tradition and Creative Cuisine
The meals are supervised by Chef Hiroaki Nozaki from the renowned "Bento Ku-yama" in Minami-Azabu, Tokyo, offering creative dishes made with fresh local Akita ingredients. The cuisine, prepared by the Michelin two-star chef, promises a new and delightful culinary experience with every visit, receiving high praise for its satisfaction.
■ Design Harmonized with Nature
Kakunodate Sanso Wabizakura boasts a vast 42,000 tsubo (approximately 140,000 square meters) site with only 10 guest rooms, emphasizing a design that harmonizes with nature. Guests can relax on spacious terraces and decks, enjoying the seasonal landscapes, and in winter, experience the luxury of soaking in a hot spring while admiring the snowy scenery.
Towada Hotel is a historic hot spring inn located on the western shore of Lake Towada in Akita Prefecture. It offers a space that harmonizes rich nature with traditional beauty. This hotel, featuring buildings made extensively with Akita cedar, is designated as a National Important Cultural Property, showcasing the craftsmanship of master carpenters.
■ Historic and Traditional Building
The main building of Towada Hotel, constructed over 90 years ago by 80 master carpenters, embodies the warmth and grandeur of Akita cedar. This valuable structure conveys the techniques and aesthetic sensibilities of the time. The newly built annex offers modern Western-style rooms, creating an attractive blend of tradition and contemporary design.
■ Breathtaking Views of Lake Towada
Situated on a hill, Towada Hotel provides stunning views of Lake Towada from all guest rooms. The autumn foliage and winter snow landscapes are particularly breathtaking, allowing guests to enjoy the beautiful nature of each season. The open-air bath "Momiji no Yu" offers a luxurious experience of relaxation while overlooking the lake.
■ Comprehensive Relaxation Facilities
The hotel features large communal baths, open-air baths, and saunas, providing an environment where guests can unwind comfortably. The gentle hot spring water soothes both the body and mind. Additionally, there are gardens and terraces, offering plenty of space to refresh amidst nature.
■ Gourmet Experience with Local Ingredients
The restaurant at Towada Hotel serves a fusion of Japanese and Western cuisine, using fresh local ingredients from Akita and Aomori. Seasonal menus ensure new culinary discoveries with each visit, making meal times special. Breakfast offers both Japanese and Western options, with a variety of dishes to choose from.
Nyuto Onsenkyo Tsurunoyu, located within Towada-Hachimantai National Park in Semboku City, Akita Prefecture, is a serene hot spring inn surrounded by nature. Founded in 1952, it continues to offer a relaxing retreat to its visitors.
■ Two Unique Hot Springs and Various Baths
Tsurunoyu features two types of hot springs: Kin no Yu (Golden Hot Spring) with iron-rich brown water, and Gin no Yu (Silver Hot Spring) with clear, colorless water. These springs supply water to eight different baths, including gender-separated indoor baths, open-air baths, and a mixed-gender open-air bath. Guests can also enjoy a private bath called "Yawaragi no Yu" for a more intimate experience.
■ Gourmet Delights with Seasonal Ingredients
The meals at Tsurunoyu highlight local Akita ingredients, offering traditional dishes such as "Kiritanpo Nabe" (rice stick hot pot), seasonal mountain vegetables, river fish, and mushroom dishes. Dinner is served in a dining area overlooking the stream, allowing guests to enjoy the beautiful scenery while they dine. The quality of the meals is maintained by serving hot dishes hot and cold dishes cold, ensuring a delightful dining experience.
■ Comfortable Rooms and Nature's Tranquility
Tsurunoyu offers rooms in various buildings, including the Koyo-kan, Sakura-kan, and Tsubaki-kan, each recently renovated for a comfortable stay. Rooms on the stream side of Koyo-kan provide beautiful views, making the stay even more special. Guests can enjoy different types of hot spring water from the two sources, adding to the overall relaxing experience.