{"id":98742,"date":"2023-03-08T07:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-03-07T22:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/?p=98742"},"modified":"2024-02-27T14:45:13","modified_gmt":"2024-02-27T05:45:13","slug":"akita-snowshoeing-winter-balloon-festival-semboku-city","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/akita-snowshoeing-winter-balloon-festival-semboku-city\/","title":{"rendered":"A Guide to Akita’s Winter Wonders, Hot Springs and Balloon Festival in Semboku City"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Less than 3 hours from Tokyo, the sleek red Akita Shinkansen zips by snow-covered forests and frozen valleys of Semboku City (\u4ed9\u5317\u5e02). Japan\u2019s deepest Lake, Tazawako<\/a>, remains unfrozen, with its calming cobalt blue contrasting with the thick snow surrounding it. In defiance of north Japan\u2019s bitter cold are the heart-warming people of Akita, who welcomed me with open arms. In addition to the usual you\u2019d expect from winter tourism in Japan, such as onsen, snow activities, and hot regional cuisine is the highlight: a Paper Balloon Festival that lights up the night sky.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the course of 3 days, I\u2019ve had the chance to get to know Tazawako and Kakunodate areas<\/a> intimately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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