Akita Prefecture launches winter tourism campaign

Akita Prefecture has launched the second phase of its tourism campaign, ‘Mada Baretenai Akita-ken’ (The Akita Prefecture That Hasn't Been Discovered Yet), focusing on autumn and winter travel. The initiative offers discount coupons of up to 12,000 yen per person when booking specific accommodation plans through designated travel sites.

Following a highly successful first phase where over 1,000 plans nearly sold out within a month, this new phase emphasizes four key themes: breathtaking scenery, hot springs and saunas, local sake, and the Akita Inu dog. Featured experiences include walking and interacting with Akita Inu in Noshiro City, and making traditional kiritanpo (rice sticks) in Odate City.

Other seasonal offerings include tasting local sake from historic breweries, utilizing unique hot spring experiences such as ‘Tazawa-ko Sauna’ at Lake Tazawa, and exploring winter landscapes like frost-covered trees. The campaign aims to highlight the region's hidden charms, including its UNESCO intangible cultural heritage and local culinary specialties like Hinai Jidori chicken and Inaniwa udon.