Exploring Semboku City, Akita

Where is Semboku City, Akita

Akita is located in the Northern part of Japan (below Hokkaido) and Semboku City is located at the Eastern Center of Akita. To get to Semboku you only need to ride a Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo to Tazawako Station and it will only take less than 3 hours to arrive! It's definitely a good place to visit during your Tokyo trip for a quick getaway!

Why Semboku City?

Named as a special heavy snowfall area, perfect for those who love snow!

Surrounded by beautiful nature such as the deepest lake in Japan, Lake Tazawa and alps like Komogatake.

Local experiences and activities to fill up your itinerary!

Where to go in Semboku City?

Visit the deepest lake in Japan, Lake Tazawa

Lake Tazawa is named as the deepest lake in Japan. Because of the depth you can enjoy the water changes color throughout the year, from emerald green to indigo. The lake is also surrounded by lush mountains making it selected as one of the 100 best landscapes in Japan! And while you're at Lake Tazawa make sure you enjoy activities such as canoeing, yacht and even Stand-Up Paddling (SUP).

Experience a day like a Samurai at Kakunodate Bukeyashiki Street

Bukeyashiki Street, also know as the "Little Kyoto of Michinoku" is a street surrounded by traditional buildings and large sakura trees and fir trees, making one feel as if they're living in the Samurai period. The best part of Bukeyashiki Street is not only you can enjoy the beautiful landscapes but you can also visits a few samurai residences that are preserved in excellent conditions.

Experience a day like a Samurai at Kakunodate Bukeyashiki Street

Bukeyashiki Street, also know as the "Little Kyoto of Michinoku" is a street surrounded by traditional buildings and large sakura trees and fir trees, making one feel as if they're living in the Samurai period. The best part of Bukeyashiki Street is not only you can enjoy the beautiful landscapes but you can also visits a few samurai residences that are preserved in excellent conditions.

Relax and unwind during Autumn at Dakigaeri Valley

Dakigaeri Valley is one of the must visit valleys in Japan during autumn as it has one the most beautiful landscape with colorful leaves and a blue stream running through the river alley making the landscape a beautiful contrast. The best time to visit is early October to early November and during this time you can even enjoy Dakigaeri Autumn Leave Festivals!

Enjoy a good onsen trip at Nyuto Onsen

Nyuto Onsen is a hot spring area located near Tazawa lake and it's one of the popular spot among Japanese to enjoy onsen (hot spring) as it have 7 different hot spring inns and each have their own unique hot spring source and water quality. The best part is you don't have to stay at the inns to be able to enjoy their hot spring as you can just pay upon entrance! For Muslims we recommend you to contact the inn prior visit and check if you can book a private onsen for you and your family.

Enjoy a good onsen trip at Nyuto Onsen

Nyuto Onsen is a hot spring area located near Tazawa lake and it's one of the popular spot among Japanese to enjoy onsen (hot spring) as it have 7 different hot spring inns and each have their own unique hot spring source and water quality. The best part is you don't have to stay at the inns to be able to enjoy their hot spring as you can just pay upon entrance! For Muslims we recommend you to contact the inn prior visit and check if you can book a private onsen for you and your family.

Ski with powder snow on Tazawako Ski Resort

Tazawako Ski Resorts is know among locals as one of the hidden spot for winter spots. If you're into enjoying ski with less crowd, this is definitely one of the best spot for you to experience JAPOW (Japanese Powdery snow)!

Where to Eat in Semboku City

La Fuga

They serves authentic Italian pasta with homemade pasta!
Find out more!

Tazawako Resthouse

Enjoy Kiritanpo Nabe Set, Akita's famous dish!
Find out more!

Hyakusuien

Get a taste of Akita's famous Inaniwa Udon Set!
Find out more!

Experience 4 in Semboku City

Summer

Go on a hike at Mt. Akita- Komagatake, home to many alpine plants!

Autumn

Enjoy the unique autumn view of beautiful autumn leaves along with the clear stream running along the valley at Dakigaeri Valley

Winter

Experience Japanese powder snow at Tazawako Ski Resort

Spring

Enjoy 2km walk along Hinokinaigawa River

Where to Stay in Semboku City

cafe+inn That Sounds Good!

A Muslim-friendly B&B that serves Halal breakfast and dinner too!
Find out more!

Seisetsukan

Experience a one-of-a-kind farmstay at Seisetsukan and enjoy the whole place to yourself! Muslim-friendly meals are also available at Seisetsukan.
Find out more!

Samurai Street House

A cozy ryokan tfhat can fit up to 7 people per group!
Find out more!

Cultural events to join in Semboku City

Paper Baloon Festival of Kamihinokinai

This festival are for locals to convey their thoughts and prayers to the paper balloons and sets them off into the night sky!
Location: Ochida, Kamihinokinai (Paper Baloon Square)
Date: February 10

Hiburi Kamakura

Splendid rings of fire dance in the snow, making the festival a mystic beauty.
Location: In town of Kakunodate
Date: February 14

Kakunodate Festival

A rare festival that combines Buddhism and Shintoism with song, dance, and clashing floats
Location: In town of Kakunodate
Date: September 7 to 9

Access to Semboku City, Akita

By Bullet Train

Take the Akita Shinkansen "Komachi" from Tokyo Station and stops at Tazawako Station or Kakunodate Station. This ride will take you abour 2 hours 40 minutes to 3 hours

By Airplane

To visit Semboku City from the airport, you have to take a domestic flight from Haneda Airport to Akita Airport. You can also take a domestic flight from Itami Airport (Osaka), Shinchitose Airport (Hokkaido), Nagoya Airport (Nagoya).

Upon arrival you can use rental car or taxi to go to Semboku City. Approximately 1 hour to arrive to Semboku City depending on your destination