This trip was a 3-day, 2-night stay on the Oga Peninsula. I went in thinking two nights would be plenty, but Akita had way more to see than I imagined! I’m going to share the spots I actually loved visiting, along with those places I hesitated on or couldn’t make work this time—due to the schedule, the kids’ ages, or booking issues—but definitely want to visit someday!
Places I loved: The Oga Peninsula
Oga Aquarium GAO
Our family absolutely loves aquariums, so there was no way we were skipping this one, even all the way in Akita! It’s located at the tip of the peninsula, so it was a bit of a drive, but the creative displays and engaging descriptions were so well done that it was a blast for both the kids and us adults. I also loved that they had a fun play area where the kids could run around. It’s set in a spot with a stunning view, so it would be perfect to visit on a clear, sunny day!
Akita Prefectural Museum
This museum actually has free admission! It’s not huge, but the exhibits are surprisingly high-quality and thorough. We only planned to drop by for a quick look, but we ended up staying much longer than expected (lol). With a spot to grab light snacks and a dedicated kids’ space, it’s definitely a place where even little ones can have a great time.
Oga Onsen
The waters of Oga Onsen contain salt levels similar to seawater, giving them high moisturizing properties. They’re known as “Netsu-no-yu” (Heat Springs) because they warm you to the core, and they’re also quite popular as “Bihada-no-yu” for beautiful skin.
This area is also famous for Namahage—traditional ogre-like figures—and we even spotted a giant Namahage statue! (lol) There were so many hotels to choose from, but I went with the Seiko Grand Hotel because it looked like a place where we could stay comfortably even with kids. I’ve written a separate post about the hotel, so please check that out if you’re interested!
It looks like they even have a plan where a Namahage actually visits your room! We decided to save that experience—along with a visit to the Namahage Museum—for when the kids get a bit more mischievous and need a good surprise to make them reflect on their behavior! (lol)
Another Ryokan in Oga Onsen I Was Curious About
There was a hot spring inn right where our bus stopped that caught my eye because of its tall, elegant building and beautiful exterior. When I looked it up later, it seemed like an absolutely wonderful place to stay! It looks like you can see the ocean right from the rooms, so you could spend your time soaking in that amazing view. I’d love to try staying there on our next visit!
Here is the hotel we actually stayed at this time:
Seiko Grand Hotel
For more photos, guest reviews, and current rates, check these platforms:
Places I wish I could have visited!
Around Lake Tazawa
Lake Tazawa is apparently chosen as one of the 100 Landscapes of Japan, and it’s famous for having the deepest, most beautiful cobalt blue water in the country. I’ve heard the combination with the winter snow scenery is absolutely breathtaking—it’s definitely one of those spots I want to see at least once!
The Akita Shinkansen Komachi stops at Tazawako Station, so I considered hopping off there and staying at a nearby hotel. One sightseeing spot that looked great for kids was the “Kunimasu Black Kokanee Future Museum.”
The Kunimasu (black kokanee) used to live only in Lake Tazawa, but they unfortunately went extinct here when acidic water was diverted into the lake. However, they were miraculously rediscovered in Lake Saiko in Yamanashi Prefecture! Now, some are on display at this museum, making it a great facility for learning about nature and the environment.
This time, we decided to pass on it for a few reasons: our Shinkansen tickets were booked to Akita Station, we didn’t have enough days in the schedule, and I was worried my 2-year-old might find the cold a bit too much to fully enjoy it.
While our 4-year-old was having a blast crawling around in the snow (lol), I think once our younger son is a bit older, it would be fun to focus on snow play while sightseeing around Lake Tazawa. That said, I’ve heard it’s also a famous spot in the summer, so exploring the area with a rental car then sounds like a lot of fun too!
Nyuto Onsen Village
One of the most remarkable things about Nyuto Onsen Village is that it boasts more than 10 different hot spring sources within a single area. Since each inn has its own unique source with different mineral properties, you can enjoy a huge variety of bathing experiences. It’s also said that since the Edo period, many people have stayed here long-term to recover from fatigue or treat illnesses, and even today, it remains a popular destination for those seeking the healing benefits of the waters.
Nearby Hotels
My reasons for not including it in this trip are the same as for Lake Tazawa. This is another place I’d definitely love to visit once the kids are old enough to really enjoy the snow and the hot springs.
Yokote City: Kamakura!
When you think of winter in Akita, you think of Kamakura (snow huts)! After doing some research, I found out that these snow huts are built for a festival, which usually takes place around the second week of February.
Our trip was in late January, so the timing didn’t line up, and we also just didn’t have enough time to make the trek from the Oga Peninsula. However, if you’re in the area, the Yokote City Fureai Center “Kamakurakan” (as shown on the map) lets you experience a snow hut all year round, so it’s a great spot to drop by!
While I was considering staying a night near Omagari—just a bit further north—I found an inn I really wanted to try. The rooms are private, and since some don’t seem to have shoji (traditional paper sliding doors), it felt like a stress-free environment for staying with kids.
The famous Namahage Museum.
What is Namahage?
Namahage are traditional “mountain spirits” from the Oga Peninsula in Akita.
Though they look like scary demons and roar to find “lazy or crying children,” they are actually benevolent guardians who ward off bad luck and pray for a family’s health and safety. This unique ritual is recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The famous Namahage Museum. Since we were staying on the Oga Peninsula, it was technically within reach, but we decided to pass because the kids were absolutely terrified (lol). It’s also a bit tricky to get to via public transport since you have to transfer between buses. I think you really need to either plan your whole schedule around it to use the “Namahage Shuttle” or just have a rental car.
According to a local we met on the train, the Namahage are at the museum all year round, and apparently, they love to “target” any kids who visit! (lol)
Pro Tip:While there are car rental options near Oga Station, they are limited. To ensure you get a car and have more flexibility, I recommend renting one at Akita Station before heading to Oga. It’s much easier to plan your schedule!
Rakuten Travel is a popular booking site in Japan. It has a lot of Hotels and rental cars. In my experience, there are more shops rather than aboves. You would find better rental car shop.
Namahage Sedo Festival
I was wondering if there were any Namahage events, and I discovered this one! While the traditional ritual usually takes place on New Year’s Eve, this festival is held at Shinzan Shrine for visitors to experience the culture. It takes place annually for three days in February (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, including the second Saturday). Early to mid-February seems to be a great time to visit, with many events happening throughout Akita!
Furofushi Onsen & Resort Shirakami
Furofushi Onsen is a place filled with my childhood memories, and I was so excited to visit it again. My plan was to take the famous “Resort Shirakami” train from Akita Station to reach this stunning hot spring in Aomori.
However, I had to give up on that plan because the train was completely fully booked! I realized too late just how popular this scenic route is, especially in winter. If you’re planning to ride the Resort Shirakami, I highly recommend booking your seats as early as possible (reservations open one month in advance)!
The nearest station to Furofushi Onsen is WeSPa Tsubakiyama Station. The Resort Shirakami train stops there, and a free shuttle bus is available from the station to the hot spring.
Oga Shiokaze Kaido (Sea Breeze Line)
Oga Shiokaze Kaido is a breathtaking coastal drive that circles the Oga Peninsula in Akita. Along this route, you’ll find iconic spots like the rugged Sea of Japan, the famous “Godzilla Rock,” and the Nyudozaki Lighthouse.
I really wanted to see these views, but we had a bit of a dilemma: my husband wanted to rent a car, while I wanted to let our train-loving kids experience unique local trains (I didn’t want them stuck in a car all day!). In the end, we chose a local train and bus adventure.
During winter, buses do not run along this coastal road, making it accessible only by car. However, a local taxi driver told us that the winter winds are incredibly strong and the cliffside roads can be dangerous. It really depends on the weather, but it’s definitely a place that requires careful preparation.
By the way, summer is the best season for the Oga Peninsula! During that time, you can explore this route using the “Namahage Shuttle” sightseeing bus.
Closing Message
Akita in winter has so much charm, even during the off-season. To be honest, I didn’t know what to expect before I started researching, but once I arrived, I was amazed to find even more to see and do than I had imagined! For those planning a trip, I truly hope you have a wonderful time.
I hope you find this article helpful for your journey!
