{"id":86105,"date":"2021-10-19T16:47:28","date_gmt":"2021-10-19T07:47:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/?p=86105"},"modified":"2024-11-25T22:17:34","modified_gmt":"2024-11-25T13:17:34","slug":"summer-activities-semboku-akita","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/summer-activities-semboku-akita\/","title":{"rendered":"Summer Activities in Semboku, Akita Prefecture: Tazawako, Nyuto Onsen and Kakunodate"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>A few years ago, I caught a glimpse of an unforgettable scene while traveling through <strong>Semboku (\u4ed9\u5317) in Akita Prefecture<\/strong> \u2014 just as the cherry blossoms lining the samurai residences in Kakunodate were in full bloom, an impressive layer of snow rested quietly on the onsen in Nyuto. After experiencing the best of Japan\u2019s spring and winter within a single day, I couldn\u2019t wait to rediscover this region in summer. While Semboku is reputed for being <a href=\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/akita-tazawako-powder-snow\/\" class=\"ek-link\">one of Japan\u2019s top destinations for skiing in powdery snow<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/akita-nyuto-onsen\/\" class=\"ek-link\">soaking in a steaming onsen amidst a wintry landscape<\/a>, it\u2019s also a great place to engage in <strong>summer outdoor activities<\/strong>, especially around Lake Tazawa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large caption-align-center\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12003429\/semboku-tazawako-beach-2-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"A family bathes in a lake in Akita, \n Japan\" class=\"wp-image-86107\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12003429\/semboku-tazawako-beach-2-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12003429\/semboku-tazawako-beach-2-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12003429\/semboku-tazawako-beach-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12003429\/semboku-tazawako-beach-2-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12003429\/semboku-tazawako-beach-2.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A family bathes in Lake Tazawa, in Semboku.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ht-block-toc  is-style-outline htoc htoc--position-wide toc-list-style-plain\" data-htoc-state=\"expanded\"><span class=\"htoc__title\"><span class=\"ht_toc_title\">Table of Contents<\/span><span class=\"htoc__toggle\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\"><g fill=\"#444\"><path d=\"M15 7H1c-.6 0-1 .4-1 1s.4 1 1 1h14c.6 0 1-.4 1-1s-.4-1-1-1z\"><\/path><path d=\"M15 1H1c-.6 0-1 .4-1 1s.4 1 1 1h14c.6 0 1-.4 1-1s-.4-1-1-1zM15 13H1c-.6 0-1 .4-1 1s.4 1 1 1h14c.6 0 1-.4 1-1s-.4-1-1-1z\"><\/path><\/g><\/svg><\/span><\/span><div class=\"htoc__itemswrap\"><ul class=\"ht_toc_list\"><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#Tazawa\">Best Outdoor Activities around Lake Tazawa<\/a><ul class=\"ht_toc_child_list\"><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#cycling-lake-tazawa\">Cycling around Lake Tazawa<\/a><ul class=\"ht_toc_child_list\"><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-guided-bicycle-tour-through-the-japanese-countryside-of-tazawako\">Guided Bicycle Tour through the Japanese Countryside of Tazawako<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#stand-up-paddleboarding-lake-tazawa\">Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) on Lake Tazawa<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#Relaxing-on-the-Beach-at-Tazawako-Campground\">Relaxing on the Beach at Tazawako Campground<\/a><ul class=\"ht_toc_child_list\"><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-sauna-on-the-beach-and-orae-restaurant-by-tazawako-campground\">Sauna on the Beach and Orae Restaurant by Tazawako Campground<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-an-alternative-to-camping-by-lake-tazawa-at-that-sounds-good\">An Alternative to Camping by Lake Tazawa at That Sounds Good!<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#Hiking-in-Japan-at-Mount-Akita-Komagatake\">Hiking in Japan at Mount Akita-Komagatake<\/a><ul class=\"ht_toc_child_list\"><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-pension-climber-the-perfect-place-to-stay-before-and-after-your-hike\">Pension Climber, The Perfect Place to Stay Before and After Your Hike<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#Discovering-the-Local-Culture-of-Tazawako\">Discovering the Local Culture of Tazawako<\/a><ul class=\"ht_toc_child_list\"><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-omoide-no-katabunko-a-former-rural-japanese-school\">Omoide no Katabunko, A Former Rural Japanese School<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-kunimasu-miraikan-the-lake-tazawa-kunimasu-trout-museum\">Kunimasu Miraikan, the Lake Tazawa Kunimasu Trout Museum<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#Nyuto\">Relaxing in the 7 Onsen Hot Springs of Nyuto<\/a><ul class=\"ht_toc_child_list\"><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-tsurunoyu-onsen-an-authentic-and-timeless-experience-in-one-of-nyuto-s-oldest-hot-springs\">Tsurunoyu Onsen, An Authentic and Timeless Experience in One of Nyuto&#8217;s Oldest Hot Springs<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-kyukamura-modern-comfort-in-the-heart-of-nyuto-onsen\">Kyukamura, Modern Comfort in the Heart of Nyuto Onsen<\/a><ul class=\"ht_toc_child_list\"><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-go-on-a-guided-tour-of-the-beech-forest-around-kyukamura\">Go on a Guided Tour of the Beech Forest Around Kyukamura<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#Kakunodate\">Discovering Kakunodate and its Samurai Residences<\/a><ul class=\"ht_toc_child_list\"><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-visiting-the-kawarada-clan-samurai-residence\">Visiting the Kawarada Clan Samurai Residence<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-kakunodate-off-the-beaten-path-local-restaurants-and-shops\">Kakunodate Off the Beaten Path: Local Restaurants and Shops<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#Kinpo\">Kinpo Shrine, a Hidden Gem between Kakunodate and Tazawako<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-how-to-get-to-semboku-to-visit-tazawako-nyuto-onsen-and-kakunodate\">How to get to Semboku to visit Tazawako, Nyuto Onsen and Kakunodate<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Tazawa\">Best Outdoor Activities around Lake Tazawa<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Lake Tazawa<\/strong> (\u7530\u6ca2\u6e56, Tazawako), the deepest lake in Japan at 423 meters, is an <strong>ideal spot to spend your summer days<\/strong> relaxing on the beach, cycling around the shoreline, kayaking or <a href=\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/enoshima-island-sup-lesson\/\" class=\"ek-link\">stand-up paddleboarding<\/a> (SUP) on the water, or as a base before climbing Mount Akita-Komagatake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cycling-lake-tazawa\">Cycling around Lake Tazawa<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Renting a bicycle for a leisurely ride around the lake is a popular activity in Tazawako, especially as the route is fairly flat and just a little over 20 kilometers. <a href=\"https:\/\/semboku-gt.jp\/experience\/tazawako_cycling\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Tazawako Rent-A-Cycle (\u7530\u6ca2\u6e56\u30ec\u30f3\u30bf\u30b5\u30a4\u30af\u30eb) (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">Tazawako Rent-A-Cycle (\u7530\u6ca2\u6e56\u30ec\u30f3\u30bf\u30b5\u30a4\u30af\u30eb)<\/a> rents out various types of vehicles, including electric bikes and even electric scooters (although a valid Japanese driver\u2019s license is required to rent an e-scooter).<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image caption-align-center\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12004543\/semboku-tazawako-tatsuko-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Gold Tatsuko statue at Lake Tazawa in Tazawako, Semboku\" class=\"wp-image-86108\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12004543\/semboku-tazawako-tatsuko-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12004543\/semboku-tazawako-tatsuko-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12004543\/semboku-tazawako-tatsuko-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12004543\/semboku-tazawako-tatsuko-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12004543\/semboku-tazawako-tatsuko.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The statue of Tatsuko commemorates a local legend.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><a aria-label=\"This page (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/semboku-gt.jp\/\u7530\u6ca2\u6e56\u306e\u697d\u3057\u307f\u65b9%E3%80%80\uff5e\u30b5\u30a4\u30af\u30ea\u30f3\u30b0\u7de8\uff5e\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">This Semboku GT webpage<\/a> (in Japanese) offers some tips for making the most of your bike tour around the lake, passing by the <a href=\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/tohoku-akita-tazawako-lake\/\" class=\"ek-link\">Gozanoishi shrine torii<\/a> and the famous statue of Tatsuko.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-guided-bicycle-tour-through-the-japanese-countryside-of-tazawako\">Guided Bicycle Tour through the Japanese Countryside of Tazawako<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>There is also another way to discover Tazawako by bike \u2014 by following the local guide Makito Kochihira, who is more than happy to share his passion for Semboku with contagious enthusiasm, both in Japanese and English. He guides visitors <strong>from the lakeside into the surrounding countryside<\/strong>, largely covered in rice paddies.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image caption-align-center\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12004807\/semboku-tazawako-bike-paddies-1-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"People on bicycles in the Japanese countryside: rice paddies and mountains  in  Akita\" class=\"wp-image-86109\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12004807\/semboku-tazawako-bike-paddies-1-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12004807\/semboku-tazawako-bike-paddies-1-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12004807\/semboku-tazawako-bike-paddies-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12004807\/semboku-tazawako-bike-paddies-1-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12004807\/semboku-tazawako-bike-paddies-1.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Mount Akita-Komagatake, seen from rural Tazawako during the guided bicycle tour.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Makito not only shares his knowledge about the <strong>history and culture of the region<\/strong>, but he also introduces you to local residents of the Ishigami neighborhood. The tour makes stops at several farms along the way to pick vegetables that will be barbecued at the end of your ride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"682\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"86111\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12005134\/semboku-tazawako-bike-farm-2-682x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-86111\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12005134\/semboku-tazawako-bike-farm-2-682x1024.jpg 682w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12005134\/semboku-tazawako-bike-farm-2-333x500.jpg 333w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12005134\/semboku-tazawako-bike-farm-2.jpg 853w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"682\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"86112\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12005139\/semboku-tazawako-bike-sakura-682x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-86112\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12005139\/semboku-tazawako-bike-sakura-682x1024.jpg 682w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12005139\/semboku-tazawako-bike-sakura-333x500.jpg 333w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12005139\/semboku-tazawako-bike-sakura.jpg 853w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"682\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"86272\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/13124641\/semboku-tazawako-bike-farm-1-682x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-86272\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/13124641\/semboku-tazawako-bike-farm-1-682x1024.jpg 682w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/13124641\/semboku-tazawako-bike-farm-1-333x500.jpg 333w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/13124641\/semboku-tazawako-bike-farm-1.jpg 853w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>More information and reservations for the <a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/semboku-gt.jp\/en\/experience\/tazawako-bbq-x-cycling-tour\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">Tazawako bicycle\/bbq tour<\/a>.<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"stand-up-paddleboarding-lake-tazawa\">Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) on Lake Tazawa<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Once I got past the delicate step of actually standing up on the board, I quickly understood that SUP is an activity that is <strong>accessible even to beginners<\/strong> and to non-sporty people like me, especially on the placid water of Lake Tazawa.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image caption-align-center\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12005646\/semboku-tazawako-sup-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Two people doing SUP on Lake Tazawa in Akita, Japan\" class=\"wp-image-86114\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12005646\/semboku-tazawako-sup-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12005646\/semboku-tazawako-sup-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12005646\/semboku-tazawako-sup-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12005646\/semboku-tazawako-sup-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12005646\/semboku-tazawako-sup.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The calm water of Lake Tazawa is ideal for learning SUP.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Our instructor taught us how to maneuver the board, gave us many tips as we moved along, and always looked out for everyone\u2019s safety while respecting each person\u2019s individual pace and preferences. So we could take our time to thoroughly enjoy these suspended moments in time gliding on the glossy lake, as the color of the water changed from transparent to turquoise to ultramarine, depending on the depth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong><a aria-label=\"More information and reservations for SUP (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/semboku-gt.jp\/experience\/sup\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">More information and reservations for SUP<\/a> and on<a aria-label=\" Tazawako SUP House (\u7530\u6ca2\u6e56\u30b5\u30c3\u30d7\u30cf\u30a6\u30b9) Instagram page. (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/sup.yoga.lea\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\"> Tazawako SUP House (\u7530\u6ca2\u6e56\u30b5\u30c3\u30d7\u30cf\u30a6\u30b9) Instagram page.<\/a><\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Relaxing-on-the-Beach-at-Tazawako-Campground\">Relaxing on the Beach at Tazawako Campground<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Among the many different campgrounds in Semboku, <strong>Tazawako Campground <\/strong>(\u7530\u6ca2\u6e56\u30ad\u30e3\u30f3\u30d7\u5834) offers the most original options: <strong>tensile tents <\/strong>suspended from trees on the beach, even a <strong>floating tent<\/strong>! The tensile tents can be rented for a few hours or overnight, while the floating tent is a sort of floating living room where you can have a drink in the middle of the lake or rest in the shade after swimming far from the shore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" data-id=\"86117\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12010107\/semboku-tazawako-camping-3-1-1-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-86117\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12010107\/semboku-tazawako-camping-3-1-1-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12010107\/semboku-tazawako-camping-3-1-1-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12010107\/semboku-tazawako-camping-3-1-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12010107\/semboku-tazawako-camping-3-1-1-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12010107\/semboku-tazawako-camping-3-1-1.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"682\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"86115\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12010056\/semboku-tazawako-camping-1-682x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Two-story tensile tent suspended between trees on a beach\" class=\"wp-image-86115\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12010056\/semboku-tazawako-camping-1-682x1024.jpg 682w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12010056\/semboku-tazawako-camping-1-333x500.jpg 333w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12010056\/semboku-tazawako-camping-1.jpg 853w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"682\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"86116\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12010102\/semboku-tazawako-camping-2-682x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-86116\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12010102\/semboku-tazawako-camping-2-682x1024.jpg 682w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12010102\/semboku-tazawako-camping-2-333x500.jpg 333w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12010102\/semboku-tazawako-camping-2.jpg 853w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Climbing the rope ladder into the two-story tensile tent suspended from trees requires some initial agility, but once you\u2019re safely nestled inside, the childhood treehouse fantasy-come-true and lake view panorama will make you want to stay to watch the sunset and sleep there overnight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>More information and reservations for <a aria-label=\"Tazawako Campground (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/tazawako.net\/tazawako\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">Tazawako Campground<\/a> (in Japanese).<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-sauna-on-the-beach-and-orae-restaurant-by-tazawako-campground\">Sauna on the Beach and Orae Restaurant by Tazawako Campground<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Just a few minutes&#8217; bike ride away from Tazawako Campground lies another surprising tent: the <strong>sauna tent<\/strong>. A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/sauna_no_oniisan\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Japanese fan of Finnish lakeshore-style saunas (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">Japanese fan of Finnish lakeshore-style saunas<\/a> installed it in an attempt to reproduce the Scandinavian experience of diving into the cool water of the lake directly after emerging from the steamy sauna. While the local environment doesn\u2019t quite resemble Finland, the Semboku region is covered with a thick layer of snow through the winter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>More information and reservations on the <a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/tazawakosauna.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">official website of Tazawako Sauna<\/a> (\u30bf\u30b6\u30ef\u30b3\u30b5\u30a6\u30ca) (in Japanese).<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"682\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"86118\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12010756\/semboku-tazawako-restaurant-orae-682x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-86118\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12010756\/semboku-tazawako-restaurant-orae-682x1024.jpg 682w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12010756\/semboku-tazawako-restaurant-orae-333x500.jpg 333w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12010756\/semboku-tazawako-restaurant-orae.jpg 853w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"682\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"86119\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12010801\/semboku-tazawako-tent-sauna-682x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-86119\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12010801\/semboku-tazawako-tent-sauna-682x1024.jpg 682w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12010801\/semboku-tazawako-tent-sauna-333x500.jpg 333w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12010801\/semboku-tazawako-tent-sauna.jpg 853w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The sauna is located right next to <a aria-label=\"Orae, a restaurant and brewery (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.orae.net\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\"><strong>Orae, a restaurant and brewery<\/strong><\/a> known for its <strong>beer and homemade sausages<\/strong>, which you can also take out and eat at the sauna. The restaurant itself offers a fine view of the lake, with a seasonal menu composed of local produce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-an-alternative-to-camping-by-lake-tazawa-at-that-sounds-good\">An Alternative to Camping by Lake Tazawa at That Sounds Good!<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead of camping outdoors, I stayed at a delightful <strong>family inn<\/strong> tucked away in a lush green area near the lake called <strong>That Sounds Good!<\/strong> (\u30b5\u30a6\u30f3\u30ba\u30b0\u30c3\u30c9!). My attentive hosts were Tatsuya and Yuli Sasaki, and their daughter Megumi. Their passion for jazz was expressed throughout the lodge, which transforms into a <strong>jazz club<\/strong> on one Saturday each month.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image caption-align-center\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12011056\/semboku-that-sounds-good-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"That Sounds Good! inn, caf\u00e9 and jazz club in Tazawako, Akita, Japan\" class=\"wp-image-86120\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12011056\/semboku-that-sounds-good-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12011056\/semboku-that-sounds-good-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12011056\/semboku-that-sounds-good-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12011056\/semboku-that-sounds-good-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12011056\/semboku-that-sounds-good.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>In addition to hosting family-friendly accommodations, That Sounds Good! is also a <strong>caf\u00e9<\/strong>, <strong>which even offers homemade pizza-making workshops<\/strong>. You can also rent bicycles and barbecue equipment here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>More information and reservations for <a aria-label=\"That Sounds Good! (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/sounds-good.online\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">That Sounds Good!<\/a> (in Japanese).<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Hiking-in-Japan-at-Mount-Akita-Komagatake\">Hiking in Japan at Mount Akita-Komagatake<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Among Tazawako\u2019s many peaks, the most iconic compose the crest of Mount Akita-Komagatake (\u79cb\u7530\u99d2\u30f6\u5cb3), which is the highest in Akita prefecture. More than a <strong>hundred species of alpine flora<\/strong> populate the spectacular mountainside landscapes of this active volcano.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image caption-align-center\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"808\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12011242\/semboku-Akita-Komagatake-1024x808.jpg\" alt=\"Mt. Akita-Komagatake in Akita in summer while hiking in Japan\" class=\"wp-image-86121\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12011242\/semboku-Akita-Komagatake-1024x808.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12011242\/semboku-Akita-Komagatake-500x395.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12011242\/semboku-Akita-Komagatake.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Mount Akita-Komagatake in summer | Photo: Semboku City<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Various hiking paths for all levels crisscross Mt. Akita-Komagatake and neighboring mountains. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><a aria-label=\"More information about hiking Mt. Akita-Komagatake on the Semboku city website.  (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.city.semboku.akita.jp\/en\/sightseeing\/spot\/03_komagatake.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\"><strong>More information about hiking Mt. Akita-Komagatake on the Semboku City website. <\/strong><\/a><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-pension-climber-the-perfect-place-to-stay-before-and-after-your-hike\">Pension Climber, The Perfect Place to Stay Before and After Your Hike<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>I stayed at <strong>Pension Climber<\/strong> (\u30da\u30f3\u30b7\u30e7\u30f3\u30af\u30e9\u30a4\u30de\u30fc), a full pension tailored to mountaineering buffs. My hosts for the evening were Toshiaki and Emiko Sugawara, themselves dedicated hiking enthusiasts, who have been welcoming visitors to their guesthouse in Tazawako since 1989.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-4 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" data-id=\"86122\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12011523\/semboku-pension-climber-1-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-86122\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12011523\/semboku-pension-climber-1-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12011523\/semboku-pension-climber-1-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12011523\/semboku-pension-climber-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12011523\/semboku-pension-climber-1-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12011523\/semboku-pension-climber-1.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" data-id=\"86123\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12011529\/semboku-pension-climber-2-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-86123\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12011529\/semboku-pension-climber-2-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12011529\/semboku-pension-climber-2-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12011529\/semboku-pension-climber-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12011529\/semboku-pension-climber-2-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12011529\/semboku-pension-climber-2.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" data-id=\"86124\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12011535\/semboku-pension-climber-3-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-86124\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12011535\/semboku-pension-climber-3-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12011535\/semboku-pension-climber-3-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12011535\/semboku-pension-climber-3-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12011535\/semboku-pension-climber-3-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12011535\/semboku-pension-climber-3.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The couple took me in like a member of the family. Emiko prepared a delicious meal with locally sourced ingredients including <strong>wild plants foraged in the mountains<\/strong>. Toshiaki showed me photos of alpine flora he took during his hikes and told me about the time he was attacked by a bear\u2014a sober reminder that hiking safety precautions are not to be taken lightly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After dinner, Toshiaki introduced me to the local <strong>Semboku craft of Itaya Zaiku<\/strong> (\u30a4\u30bf\u30e4\u7d30\u5de5), a type of wickerwork traditionally made by residents during the long winter. I was surprised to learn that my host was himself a seasoned artisan, and this shared moment of making a little horse together out of <em>itaya<\/em> wood (a kind of maple) is one of the fondest memories of my summer stay in Semboku.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>More information and reservations for <a aria-label=\"Pension Climber (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/semboku-gt.jp\/en\/stay\/pension-climber\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">Pension Climber<\/a>.<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Discovering-the-Local-Culture-of-Tazawako\">Discovering the Local Culture of Tazawako<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Tazawako\u2019s natural setting may be ideal for outdoor activities, but there are a number of <strong>fascinating indoor places<\/strong> to visit as well, either during your bike ride around the lake or as an alternative activity on a rainy day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-omoide-no-katabunko-a-former-rural-japanese-school\">Omoide no Katabunko, A Former Rural Japanese School<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Omoide no Katabunko<\/strong> (\u601d\u3044\u51fa\u306e\u6f5f\u5206\u6821) is a school that <strong>opened in 1882<\/strong> and closed in 1974. For almost a century, generations of Tazawako schoolchildren sat on its benches. It\u2019s easy to understand why the residents wanted to preserve the school building, now a sort of museum, which opened to the public in 2004. Here you can see classrooms as if frozen in time and examine many artifacts and photographs of life at the school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large caption-align-center\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12011703\/semboku-omoide-no-katabunko-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Classroom of a former rural Japanese school, with wooden desks and chairs\" class=\"wp-image-86125\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12011703\/semboku-omoide-no-katabunko-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12011703\/semboku-omoide-no-katabunko-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12011703\/semboku-omoide-no-katabunko-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12011703\/semboku-omoide-no-katabunko-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12011703\/semboku-omoide-no-katabunko.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The large windows of the old classrooms, looking out on the lush natural surroundings, seem more conducive to daydreaming than focusing on lessons.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>More information on <a aria-label=\"Omoide no Katabunko (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.city.semboku.akita.jp\/sightseeing\/spot\/04_katabunko\/riyou.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">Omoide no Katabunko<\/a> (in Japanese).<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-kunimasu-miraikan-the-lake-tazawa-kunimasu-trout-museum\">Kunimasu Miraikan, the Lake Tazawa Kunimasu Trout Museum<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>At first, visiting the <strong>Lake Tazawa Kunimasu Trout Museum<\/strong> (\u7530\u6ca2\u6e56\u30af\u30cb\u30de\u30b9\u672a\u6765\u9928, Tazawako Kunimasu Miraikan) didn\u2019t seem to be the most exciting thing to do in Tazawako. But once I ventured inside, it wasn\u2019t long before I was captivated by a video and audio guide telling me the <strong>fascinating history of this native fish<\/strong>, which is also the history of the lake and of the people living in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image caption-align-center\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12012024\/semboku-tazawako-kunimasu-miraikan-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"kunimasu trout at the Tazawako museum in Semboku\" class=\"wp-image-86127\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12012024\/semboku-tazawako-kunimasu-miraikan-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12012024\/semboku-tazawako-kunimasu-miraikan-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12012024\/semboku-tazawako-kunimasu-miraikan-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12012024\/semboku-tazawako-kunimasu-miraikan-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12012024\/semboku-tazawako-kunimasu-miraikan.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The kunimasu trout is back in Tazawako\u2026 in an aquarium for now.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Up until the 1930s, Lake Tazawa was home to more than 20 species of fish, including <strong>endemic species<\/strong> such as kunimasu. In order to ensure adequate food supply during World War II, a hydroelectric project to de-acidify the Tama river water for agricultural irrigation required building a canal that passed through the lake. Unfortunately, this also resulted in making Lake Tazawa more acidic, which in turn led to the <strong>extinction of most of its native fish species<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Kunimasu were thus considered extinct, until 2010 when a specimen was found in one of the five lakes of Mount Fuji. In the early 20th century, kunimasu eggs had been sold in an effort to reintroduce this precious fish, and it had worked! Since then, conservationists have been working hard to <strong>preserve and study the local species<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>More information on <a aria-label=\"Kunimasu Miraikan (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.city.semboku.akita.jp\/sightseeing\/miraikan\/shisetsu.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">Kunimasu Miraikan<\/a> (in Japanese).<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Nyuto\">Relaxing in the 7 Onsen Hot Springs of Nyuto<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Nestled in the mountains of Semboku, <strong>Nyuto Onsen<\/strong> (\u4e73\u982d\u6e29\u6cc9) is famous for its <strong>seven hot springs<\/strong>, which offer not only baths of excellent quality in an exceptional setting, but also the rare opportunity to indulge in <strong>mixed-gender outdoor bathing<\/strong>. Rest assured, however, that all the onsen also offer gender-segregated baths and even private baths in some cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While summer may not be the most intuitive season to bathe in steaming hot spring water, it only takes one rejuvenating soak to realize that onsen can be appreciated all year round. In Nyuto, you can go <strong>onsen-hopping either by bike or on foot <\/strong>(it\u2019s about a 90-minute walk between each onsen), combining your stay in a <em>ryokan<\/em> with <strong>active hikes<\/strong> in Mounts Nyuto and Akita-Komagatake\u2026 Nothing beats a hot steaming bath after a long day of hiking!<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image caption-align-center\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12012433\/semboku-nyuto-onsen-documentation-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Nyuto Onsen Yumeguri pass\" class=\"wp-image-86129\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12012433\/semboku-nyuto-onsen-documentation-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12012433\/semboku-nyuto-onsen-documentation-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12012433\/semboku-nyuto-onsen-documentation-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12012433\/semboku-nyuto-onsen-documentation-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12012433\/semboku-nyuto-onsen-documentation.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">You can find more information about the various hiking paths at Nyuto Onsen, as well as a pass (\u00a51800) that lets you bathe at each of the onsen within a year and includes access to the bus that connects all 7 springs. You can also have your luggage delivered directly to the next accommodation on your journey.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Keeping the 7-onsen tour in mind for a future trip, this summer I started with two of them: Tsurunoyu Onsen and Kyukamura Nyuto Onsen-kyo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-tsurunoyu-onsen-an-authentic-and-timeless-experience-in-one-of-nyuto-s-oldest-hot-springs\">Tsurunoyu Onsen, An Authentic and Timeless Experience in One of Nyuto&#8217;s Oldest Hot Springs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>At <strong>Tsurunoyu Onsen<\/strong> (\u9db4\u306e\u6e6f\u6e29\u6cc9), time seems to stand still. Clients wander between the baths wearing their blue-and-white <em>yukata<\/em>, or simply enjoy the fresh air in front of thatched-roof buildings, fanning themselves with an <em>uchiwa<\/em> (flat fan made of paper and bamboo). Given its <strong>history dating back to the 17th century<\/strong>, Tsurunoyu is the <strong>oldest of Nyuto\u2019s 7 onsen<\/strong>. It\u2019s also one of the most iconic, thanks to its antique buildings and milky turquoise baths in the middle of the forest.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image caption-align-center\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12012605\/semboku-nyuto-onsen-tsurunoyu-1-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Japanese people bathing in an open-air onsen at Tsurunoyu, Nyuto Onsen\" class=\"wp-image-86130\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12012605\/semboku-nyuto-onsen-tsurunoyu-1-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12012605\/semboku-nyuto-onsen-tsurunoyu-1-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12012605\/semboku-nyuto-onsen-tsurunoyu-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12012605\/semboku-nyuto-onsen-tsurunoyu-1-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12012605\/semboku-nyuto-onsen-tsurunoyu-1.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A relaxing moment at a mixed onsen in Tsurunoyu.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Tsurunoyu provides different types of rooms for its overnight guests, all in <strong>traditional Japanese style<\/strong> with futons laid out on tatami floors, and sometimes even an <em>irori<\/em> sunken hearth. I stayed in a room with a view of the forest, where I was served a huge gourmet meal featuring <em>sansai<\/em> (\u5c71\u83dc, wild mountain plants) and <em>yamanoimo<\/em> (\u5c71\u306e\u828b, Japanese yam).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-4 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-5 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"682\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"86134\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12012831\/semboku-nyuto-onsen-tsurunoyu-5-682x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-86134\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12012831\/semboku-nyuto-onsen-tsurunoyu-5-682x1024.jpg 682w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12012831\/semboku-nyuto-onsen-tsurunoyu-5-333x500.jpg 333w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12012831\/semboku-nyuto-onsen-tsurunoyu-5.jpg 853w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"682\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"86131\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12012815\/semboku-nyuto-onsen-tsurunoyu-2-682x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-86131\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12012815\/semboku-nyuto-onsen-tsurunoyu-2-682x1024.jpg 682w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12012815\/semboku-nyuto-onsen-tsurunoyu-2-333x500.jpg 333w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12012815\/semboku-nyuto-onsen-tsurunoyu-2.jpg 853w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"682\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"86133\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12012825\/semboku-nyuto-onsen-tsurunoyu-4-682x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-86133\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12012825\/semboku-nyuto-onsen-tsurunoyu-4-682x1024.jpg 682w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12012825\/semboku-nyuto-onsen-tsurunoyu-4-333x500.jpg 333w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12012825\/semboku-nyuto-onsen-tsurunoyu-4.jpg 853w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"682\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"86132\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12012820\/semboku-nyuto-onsen-tsurunoyu-3-682x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-86132\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12012820\/semboku-nyuto-onsen-tsurunoyu-3-682x1024.jpg 682w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12012820\/semboku-nyuto-onsen-tsurunoyu-3-333x500.jpg 333w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12012820\/semboku-nyuto-onsen-tsurunoyu-3.jpg 853w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The room had neither air-conditioning nor television, and I almost regretted that the wifi connection was so good, as it was the perfect atmosphere to completely disconnect and savor the moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>More information and reservations for <a aria-label=\"Tsurunoyu Onsen (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http:\/\/www.tsurunoyu.com\/english.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">Tsurunoyu Onsen<\/a>.<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-kyukamura-modern-comfort-in-the-heart-of-nyuto-onsen\">Kyukamura, Modern Comfort in the Heart of Nyuto Onsen<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While Tsurunoyu is the oldest of Nyuto\u2019s onsen, <strong>Kyukamura Nyuto Onsen-kyo<\/strong> (\u4f11\u6687\u6751\u4e73\u982d\u6e29\u6cc9\u90f7) is the youngest. It opened in 1965 and has been recently renovated to offer a <strong>more modern experience<\/strong>. Clients can choose between Japanese or Western-style bedrooms, enjoy the restaurant and souvenir shop, or use the campsite for an outdoor adventure in summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-6 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"682\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"86137\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12013051\/semboku-nyuto-onsen-kyukamura-4-682x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-86137\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12013051\/semboku-nyuto-onsen-kyukamura-4-682x1024.jpg 682w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12013051\/semboku-nyuto-onsen-kyukamura-4-333x500.jpg 333w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12013051\/semboku-nyuto-onsen-kyukamura-4.jpg 853w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Inaniwa udon<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"682\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"86135\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12013040\/semboku-nyuto-onsen-kyukamura-2-682x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-86135\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12013040\/semboku-nyuto-onsen-kyukamura-2-682x1024.jpg 682w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12013040\/semboku-nyuto-onsen-kyukamura-2-333x500.jpg 333w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12013040\/semboku-nyuto-onsen-kyukamura-2.jpg 853w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Akita dog figurines<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"682\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"86136\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12013045\/semboku-nyuto-onsen-kyukamura-3-682x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-86136\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12013045\/semboku-nyuto-onsen-kyukamura-3-682x1024.jpg 682w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12013045\/semboku-nyuto-onsen-kyukamura-3-333x500.jpg 333w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12013045\/semboku-nyuto-onsen-kyukamura-3.jpg 853w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Rotemburo in a beech forest<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>But here too, the main attraction is the onsen. No mixed bathing, but spacious baths that are identical for both women and men: two indoor and one outdoor, <strong>surrounded by a dense forest of beechwood<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image caption-align-center\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12025838\/image.jpeg\" alt=\"Indoor baths and showers in an onsen in Japan\" class=\"wp-image-86154\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12025838\/image.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12025838\/image-500x333.jpeg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12025838\/image-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12025838\/image-900x600.jpeg 900w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Indoor baths at Kyukamura Nyuto Onsen-kyo.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>You can also <strong>rent electric-assist bicycles<\/strong> from Kyukamura Nyuto Onsen-kyo and return them at any one of the other six onsen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>More information and reservations for Kyukamura Nyuto Onsen-kyo.<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-go-on-a-guided-tour-of-the-beech-forest-around-kyukamura\">Go on a Guided Tour of the Beech Forest Around Kyukamura<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Kyukamura also offers a guided tour of the surrounding forest of beech trees. Unfortunately, the day I visited it was raining pretty hard, but I just as soon pulled on my rubber boots and followed the guide, Hiroki Sekiguchi, into the forest. The tour enlightened us about <strong>many aspects of the local culture and vegetation<\/strong>, pointing out innumerable details that we would never have noticed alone. For example, I learned that the large leaf that Totoro uses as an umbrella in the animated film by Hayao Miyazaki is a leaf from the <em>fuki<\/em> (\u30d5\u30ad, <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Petasites_japonicus\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"ek-link\">giant butterbur<\/a>), which can also be used as a ladle, while the stems can be cooked and eaten.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image caption-align-center\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12013633\/semboku-nyuto-onsen-kyukamura-forest-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Guide in a beech forest in Japan\" class=\"wp-image-86139\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12013633\/semboku-nyuto-onsen-kyukamura-forest-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12013633\/semboku-nyuto-onsen-kyukamura-forest-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12013633\/semboku-nyuto-onsen-kyukamura-forest-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12013633\/semboku-nyuto-onsen-kyukamura-forest-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12013633\/semboku-nyuto-onsen-kyukamura-forest.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Some beech trees grow in surprising shapes.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>The tour starts every morning at 7 AM for overnight guests of the <em>ryokan<\/em> (free) and at 9:30 AM for the general public (\u00a5700). Reservations must be made at the reception the day before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Kakunodate\">Discovering Kakunodate and its Samurai Residences<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Beyond Tazawako, with its lake and Nyuto Onsen, the city of Semboku also includes <strong>Kakunodate<\/strong> (\u89d2\u9928), which is famous for its <strong>samurai residences and the weeping cherry trees<\/strong> planted in their gardens, as well as along the Hinokinai river. You can learn more about the <a href=\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/akita-kakunodate-samurai-town\/\" class=\"ek-link\">history of Kakunodate and its samurai by reading Voyapon Editor Todd\u2019s detailed article, where he also describes his visit to the Ishiguro and Aoyagi residences.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image caption-align-center\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12014101\/semboku-kakunodate-1-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"kakigori stand in the samurai district of Kakunodate in Semboku\" class=\"wp-image-86140\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12014101\/semboku-kakunodate-1-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12014101\/semboku-kakunodate-1-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12014101\/semboku-kakunodate-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12014101\/semboku-kakunodate-1-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12014101\/semboku-kakunodate-1.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">An ice cream stand in the samurai district of Kakunodate.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-visiting-the-kawarada-clan-samurai-residence\">Visiting the Kawarada Clan Samurai Residence<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As for me, I visited the <strong>Kawarada Residence<\/strong> (\u6cb3\u539f\u7530\u5bb6), the last in the district to have opened its doors to the public. It was built in 1884, with scrupulous respect for the distinctive <strong>architectural style of samurai residences during the Edo period<\/strong> (1603\u20131868). Even after the samurai era, these families retained power and influence. For example, Jiju Kawarada (\u6cb3\u539f\u7530 \u6b21\u91cd) actively participated in Kakunodate\u2019s modernization by importing the first electric generator in 1910, which was considered an unreasonably extravagant expense at the time.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image caption-align-center\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12014206\/semboku-kakunodate-2-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"View of garden from the interior of a samurai residence\" class=\"wp-image-86141\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12014206\/semboku-kakunodate-2-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12014206\/semboku-kakunodate-2-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12014206\/semboku-kakunodate-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12014206\/semboku-kakunodate-2-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12014206\/semboku-kakunodate-2.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The garden of the residence is delicately arranged and planted with magnificent trees, including, of course, a weeping cherry tree.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Various <strong>architectural elements<\/strong> help us imagine what daily life might have been like in these luxurious houses. Admiring the garden from the <em>engawa<\/em>, I could feel a cool breeze despite the stifling summer heat, proof of the original architects\u2019 virtuosity, and of their attention to details and the unique characteristics of each passing season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The house itself exhibits several <strong>artworks<\/strong>, such as the <em>fusama<\/em> sliding doors painted by the local artist Sansei Mitsumori (\u4e09\u68ee\u5c71\u9759). One of the <em>kura<\/em> (storehouses) of the residence leads to an exhibition that includes samurai armor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>More information on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.city.semboku.akita.jp\/en\/sightseeing\/spot\/07_buke.html\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">Kakunodate Samurai Residences<\/a>.<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-kakunodate-off-the-beaten-path-local-restaurants-and-shops\">Kakunodate Off the Beaten Path: Local Restaurants and Shops<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Before leaving Semboku, my guides offered to show me another side of Kakunodate: the <strong>local residential<\/strong> <strong>neighborhood<\/strong>, just a few steps away from the samurai houses and cherry trees, with a charm all its own.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image caption-align-center\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12014452\/semboku-kakunodate-6-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Street in a residential neighborhood of a small town in northern Japan\" class=\"wp-image-86142\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12014452\/semboku-kakunodate-6-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12014452\/semboku-kakunodate-6-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12014452\/semboku-kakunodate-6-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12014452\/semboku-kakunodate-6-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12014452\/semboku-kakunodate-6.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A different atmosphere, just as charming, just around the corner from the Kakunodate samurai residences.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>We had lunch in a <strong>soba restaurant<\/strong> with an excellent seasonal menu, dessert in a retro <em><strong>kakigori<\/strong><\/em> shop, bought <em>omiyage<\/em> in a <strong>traditional sweets shop<\/strong> that sold delicious <em>kinkan manju<\/em> (steamed buns filled with kumquat), and shopped in a local, traditional, and modern <strong>craft shop<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-7 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"86146\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12014741\/semboku-kakunodate-soba-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-86146\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12014741\/semboku-kakunodate-soba-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12014741\/semboku-kakunodate-soba-500x500.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12014741\/semboku-kakunodate-soba-50x50.jpg 50w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12014741\/semboku-kakunodate-soba-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12014741\/semboku-kakunodate-soba-140x140.jpg 140w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12014741\/semboku-kakunodate-soba-350x350.jpg 350w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12014741\/semboku-kakunodate-soba-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12014741\/semboku-kakunodate-soba-800x800.jpg 800w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12014741\/semboku-kakunodate-soba.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"86143\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12014724\/semboku-kakunodate-kakigori-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-86143\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12014724\/semboku-kakunodate-kakigori-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12014724\/semboku-kakunodate-kakigori-500x500.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12014724\/semboku-kakunodate-kakigori-50x50.jpg 50w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12014724\/semboku-kakunodate-kakigori-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12014724\/semboku-kakunodate-kakigori-140x140.jpg 140w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12014724\/semboku-kakunodate-kakigori-350x350.jpg 350w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12014724\/semboku-kakunodate-kakigori-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12014724\/semboku-kakunodate-kakigori-800x800.jpg 800w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12014724\/semboku-kakunodate-kakigori.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"86144\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12014730\/semboku-kakunodate-omiyage-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-86144\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12014730\/semboku-kakunodate-omiyage-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12014730\/semboku-kakunodate-omiyage-500x500.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12014730\/semboku-kakunodate-omiyage-50x50.jpg 50w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12014730\/semboku-kakunodate-omiyage-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12014730\/semboku-kakunodate-omiyage-140x140.jpg 140w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12014730\/semboku-kakunodate-omiyage-350x350.jpg 350w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12014730\/semboku-kakunodate-omiyage-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12014730\/semboku-kakunodate-omiyage-800x800.jpg 800w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12014730\/semboku-kakunodate-omiyage.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"86145\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12014736\/semboku-kakunodate-select-shop-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-86145\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12014736\/semboku-kakunodate-select-shop-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12014736\/semboku-kakunodate-select-shop-500x500.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12014736\/semboku-kakunodate-select-shop-50x50.jpg 50w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12014736\/semboku-kakunodate-select-shop-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12014736\/semboku-kakunodate-select-shop-140x140.jpg 140w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12014736\/semboku-kakunodate-select-shop-350x350.jpg 350w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12014736\/semboku-kakunodate-select-shop-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12014736\/semboku-kakunodate-select-shop-800x800.jpg 800w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12014736\/semboku-kakunodate-select-shop.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>All the addresses are listed on the map at the end of this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Kinpo\">Kinpo Shrine, a Hidden Gem between Kakunodate and Tazawako<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>After leaving the car in the deserted parking lot of <strong>Kinpo Shrine<\/strong> (\u91d1\u5cf0\u795e\u793e) and passing under a first torii covered in moss, I found myself in front of a <strong>Niomon gate<\/strong> guarded by formidable statues \u2014 the <a href=\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/difference-temple-shrine-japan\/\" class=\"ek-link\">mark of a Buddhist temple<\/a>, and of the <a href=\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/oita-mountain-worship\/\" class=\"ek-link\">religious syncretism that has long prevailed in Japan<\/a>. Beyond this gate, I could see the <strong>paved path lined by multi-centenarian cedar trees<\/strong>, leading to the main building. Time stood still as I walked through the grounds, as if under a magical spell cast by the torii.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-8 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"682\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"86149\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12014937\/semboku-sanctuaire-kimpo-3-682x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-86149\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12014937\/semboku-sanctuaire-kimpo-3-682x1024.jpg 682w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12014937\/semboku-sanctuaire-kimpo-3-333x500.jpg 333w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12014937\/semboku-sanctuaire-kimpo-3.jpg 853w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"682\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"86148\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12014932\/semboku-sanctuaire-kimpo-2-682x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-86148\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12014932\/semboku-sanctuaire-kimpo-2-682x1024.jpg 682w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12014932\/semboku-sanctuaire-kimpo-2-333x500.jpg 333w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12014932\/semboku-sanctuaire-kimpo-2.jpg 853w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"682\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"86150\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12014943\/semboku-sanctuaire-kimpo-4-682x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-86150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12014943\/semboku-sanctuaire-kimpo-4-682x1024.jpg 682w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12014943\/semboku-sanctuaire-kimpo-4-333x500.jpg 333w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12014943\/semboku-sanctuaire-kimpo-4.jpg 853w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" data-id=\"86147\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12014924\/semboku-sanctuaire-kimpo-1-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-86147\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12014924\/semboku-sanctuaire-kimpo-1-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12014924\/semboku-sanctuaire-kimpo-1-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12014924\/semboku-sanctuaire-kimpo-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12014924\/semboku-sanctuaire-kimpo-1-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12014924\/semboku-sanctuaire-kimpo-1.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>During our entire visit, we didn\u2019t cross paths with a single other person. It remains a mystery to me why Kinpo Shrine is so little known, even if this may be in part because it is <strong>only accessible by car<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>More information on <a aria-label=\"Kinpo Shrine (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/tazawako-kakunodate.com\/ja\/shops\/97\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">Kinpo Shrine<\/a> (in Japanese).<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-how-to-get-to-semboku-to-visit-tazawako-nyuto-onsen-and-kakunodate\">How to get to Semboku to visit Tazawako, Nyuto Onsen and Kakunodate<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>By train:<\/strong> From Tokyo, the Akita Shinkansen connects to Tazawako (2 hrs 50 min) and Kakunodate (3 hrs) stations, a journey covered by the <a href=\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/japan-rail-pass-guide-worth-tips\/\" class=\"ek-link\">Japan Rail Pass<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>By airplane:<\/strong> The nearest airport is Akita airport. Shuttles (reservation required) connect to Kakunodate or Akita train station. From Akita station you can take a shinkansen or a local train to Kakunodate (45 min \/ 1.5 hrs) and Tazawako (1 hr \/ 2 hrs).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From Tazawako station, buses go to the lake and Nyuto Onsen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>All the places mentioned in this article are listed on the map below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/d\/embed?mid=1KInmYqulxUbUWy2JZVHq2tRYB8lueAvQ&amp;hl=en\" width=\"850\" height=\"480\"><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<p>The city of Semboku in Akita prefecture may be renowned for snowy landscapes and blooming sakura, but it\u2019s also an ideal destination for summer outdoor activities around Lake Tazawa, hot springs hopping at Nyuto Onsen, hiking in the mountains around Tazawako, and visiting samurai residences in Kakunodate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><em>Translated by Cherise<\/em><br><em>Article sponsored by the City of Semboku<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A few years ago, I caught a glimpse of an unforgettable scene while traveling through Semboku (\u4ed9\u5317) in Akita Prefecture&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":96,"featured_media":86106,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"pgc_meta":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[24,1,1407],"tags":[1236,2101,1334,1337,1398,1712,1343,1338,1324,1333,1383,2096],"class_list":{"0":"post-86105","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-activities","8":"category-sponsored","9":"category-tohoku","10":"tag-akita","11":"tag-buddhism","12":"tag-cycling","13":"tag-hiking","14":"tag-history","15":"tag-local-specialities","16":"tag-mountain","17":"tag-nature","18":"tag-onsen","19":"tag-outdoors","20":"tag-ryokan","21":"tag-summer"},"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Top Summer 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