Festivals and Fun in Akita and beyond

POST-COVID LIFE IN AKITA

SUMMER FESTIVALS AND EVENTS…

NOSHIRO TANABATA FESTIVAL

• Tenku no Fuyajo is an annual festival in Noshiro city. It features one of Japan’s tallest lantern floats towering at 24.1 meters!
• This float, along with a few others are pulled down the main street by locals every year.
• The festival for 2023 is scheduled to be held on 2 & 3 August.�

SHINMEISHA AND DAIMONJI FESTIVAL

• Daimonji Festival held on August 11^th
• Big kanji is lit on fire and fireworks
• The Daimonji-Yaki serves to put the spirits of visiting ancestors at ease and pray for the health of locals.
• Shinmeisha festival in September 2023

KAZUNO HANAWA BAYASHI

LAKE TOWADA SUMMER FESTIVAL

• This annual event rings in the start of the summer tourist season.
• There are boat races, swan boat rentals, and many other activities during the day.
• Approximately 2,000 fireworks light up the night sky and colour the lake waters below.　
• Highlights include underwater fireworks and large star-mine mortars. A cruise boat leaves from the harbour for those looking for breath-taking views from the lake.
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OMAGARI HANABI �NATIONAL FIREWORKS �COMPETITION

LAKE TAZAWA

SAND CRAFT IN MITANE

• Elaborate sand works made by professional sand sculptors.
• The beach, sand sculptures, and wind power generators create a spectacular sight.

JUNSAI PICKING

• Pick water shields in Mitane Town.
• Ride a small boat and pick water shields, which are high-quality edible plants cultivated in the waters from Shirakami-Sanchi.
• The water shields you picked can be taken and eaten at home.
• After picking the water shields, refresh your mind and body by bathing in Moritake Onsen.

AOMORI NEBUTA

HACHINOHE SANTA TAISAI

• Hachinohe Sansha Taisai Festival is the largest festival in Hachinohe region with a history and tradition of over 290 years.
• It is held annually between July 31st and August 4th. 

TOHOKU KIZUNA FESTIVAL

• The 2023 edition was held in Aomori City

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IWATE

MORIOKA

SHIRAKAMI SANCHI

• An extensive mountain range on the border of Akita and Aomori. Well known for its beech forest and Japanese Cedar trees.

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• Various hiking trails are available through the natural surroundings of Shirakami Sanchi.

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• The Juniko (twelve lakes) Hiking Trail is the most popular scenic path. Includes the famous cobalt blue Lake Juniko.
• Popular place for hiking, camping, sightseeing and mountain climbing.

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RESORT SHIRAKAMI

• Resort Shirakami is a joyful train operating between JR Akita Station and JR Aomori Station.
• Notable stops at JR Higashi-Noshiro station, JR Senjōjiki Station and others.
• This line connects the famous 12 trails of Shirakami Sanchi.

JET EVENTS TO LOOK OUT FOR…

CHARITY AKITA

BLOCK SPECIFIC

FAREWELL PARTY

BEACH CLEAN UP

• Give back to your community and protect our planet.
• Join Charity Akita for our beach cleanup events!
• You'll also get to meet new people and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine. 
• Dates: To be confirmed
• Venue: To be confirmed

MONTHLY ENGLISH CAFE

STARBUCKS HANGOUTS

Central Block Akita City

• Dates: Wednesdays 5-9pm
• Venue: Akita Station Starbucks

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North Block – Noshiro

• Dates: every other Wednesday 5-7pm
• Venue: Noshiro Starbucks

FINAL THOUGHTS…

• And Questions…