2026 Odate Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in July)

A tourist and cultural exchange facility located in Odate City, the birthplace of the Akita dog. Inside the facility, visitors can observe real Akita dogs living their daily lives through glass windows, and if you're lucky, you might even catch them on a walk. The museum also features exhibits introducing the history and characteristics of Akita dogs, as well as a well-stocked gift shop. The exterior, designed to resemble a doghouse, serves as a charming landmark in front of Odate Station and is a popular photo spot. Its convenient location, just a short walk from the station, makes it an easy stop during a train journey. 🗓 Hours of Operation 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last admission at 4:30 PM) (Closed: December 31 – January 1) 📫 Address 1-13-1 Onaricho, Odate City, Akita Prefecture 🚶 About a 1-minute walk from JR Odate Station 💡 Highlights Get up close to real Akita dogs Learn about the history and culture of Akita dogs through exhibits Excellent accessibility with its location right in front of the station

Plenty of free services❣️ The inn on the border between Akita and Aomori was so luxurious🌟 Continuing from what I introduced before...♪ In Part.1, I introduced the hot springs in detail This time, I'll introduce the attractions other than the hot springs The inside of the building is so large that it's like a maze♪ There are plenty of facilities to enjoy whether you're alone or with a large group, such as a library, Akita Museum, table tennis table, and bedrock bath🍀 In the lobby, you can drink and eat as much as you want of a wide variety of ice cream, coffee, and tea for free🍦 You can borrow colored pencils, battledores, Othello, card games, and more for free, so the kids won't get bored👦👧 You can also borrow colorful yukatas for free, so it's great for photos on dates and girls' trips📸 ✽.｡.:*・ﾟ ✽.｡.:*・ﾟ "Shirakami Yatate Yugenkyo no Yado" Hikage Onsen Address: Nagahashi 37, Odate City, Akita Prefecture Phone number: 0186-51-2011 Parking: 40 spaces (free) Public transport: Free shuttle bus available from the nearest stations, Jinba Station and Ikarugaseki Station on the JR Ou Main Line *Reservation required ✽.｡.:*・ﾟ ✽.｡.:*・ﾟ #Akita #Akita Prefecture #Odate City #Hot spring inn #Hot spring date #Hot spring inn #Private open-air bath #Hikage Onsen #Private bath #Hot spring #Yukimi Onsen

Must-see for hot spring fans❣️ The secret hot spring at the inn on the border between Akita and Aomori prefectures was so luxurious🌟 When I visited Akita in January, I went to "Shirakami Yatate Yugenkyo no Yado" I stayed at "Nikage Onsen"😊 This inn, anyway, the building is very spacious and has a wide range of facilities♪ First of all, you can't miss the milky white hot spring water🌟 You can enjoy it in the large public bath, five private open-air baths, and special rooms😆 Your skin will be smooth and silky♪ You can relax in the great outdoors while watching the waterfall and snow scenery in the private open-air bath😌 In the warm lobby with a fireplace, a wide variety of free services such as ice cream, coffee, and tea are also available🍦 You can cool down your body that has become hot in the hot spring with ice cream and then go back into the hot spring... You can enjoy it endlessly🌟 There is also a library and a table tennis table, so there are plenty of things to see, so I will introduce the rest in Part 2♪ ✽.｡.:*・ﾟ ✽.｡.:*・ﾟ "Shirakami Yatate" Yugenkyo no Yado Hikage Onsen Address: Nagahashi 37, Odate, Akita Phone number: 0186-51-2011 Parking: 40 spaces (free) Public transport: Free shuttle bus available from the nearest stations, Jinba Station and Ikarugaseki Station on the JR Ou Main Line *Reservation required ✽.｡.:*・ﾟ ✽.｡.:*・ﾟ #Akita #Akita Prefecture #Odate City #Hot spring inn #Hot spring date #Hot spring inn #Private open-air bath #Hikage Onsen #Private bath #Hot spring #Yukimi Onsen #Real trip ✽.｡.:*・ﾟ ✽.｡.:*・ﾟ

I found a very retro movie theater! The spot I'm introducing this time is Onariza, a movie theater in Odate City, Akita Prefecture. Actually, this movie theater closed in 2005 and was left abandoned for nine years. The owner moved to Akita alone and "just happened" to rent it as his office and home, and reopened it. 🎦 This spot was created with the cooperation and support of everyone in the town. 🥰 It has about 200 seats and is currently screening masterpieces from all over the world and throughout history. 🌟 They also offer tours of the building and facility rentals, so be sure to stop by. 🌸 ✽.｡.:*・ﾟ ✽.｡.:*・ﾟ Onariza Address: 1-11-22 Onarimachi, Odate City, Akita Prefecture Phone number: 0186-59-4974 Adults: 1,300 yen University students: 900 yen High school students: 800 yen Junior high school students, elementary school students, and infants 500 yen Seniors 1000 yen ✽.｡.:*・ﾟ ✽.｡.:*・ﾟ #retromovietheater #retroarchitecture #akita #akitagram #Akita #AkitaPrefecture #OdateCity #Onariza #Onariza #movietheater #movie

💫I. Transportation Guide & Location Advantages 📍Address: 4-4-34 Shimizu-ku, Odate City 🚶♀️10-minute walk to Odate Station 🚲Perfect for cycling! Super convenient surroundings 👍Nearby Amenities: · Convenience stores and restaurants are readily available. · Self-service laundry is a great option. · Luggage storage is available after check-out. 🍷Highlights: Located in a wine region! A must-visit for wine lovers! 🏊The indoor swimming pool is amazing! Enjoy swimming and sunshine during the day! ✨ 🔥II. Superb Facilities ♨️Hot ​​Spring Experience: · Two different styles of hot spring pools · Two sauna options to choose from · Super refreshing cold water bath 🏠Room Facilities: · Spacious Japanese-style tatami room · Super clean private bathroom · Thoughtful refrigerator/microwave · Heating and internet access are all provided. ⚠️III. Check-in Tips 🔹You can check in empty-handed! All facilities are included. 🔹Electric vehicle charging stations are very useful. 🔹Convenience stores are very close by. 💝IV. Best for: · Couples' hot spring vacation 👫 · Family trips for fun 👪 · Cycling enthusiasts' paradise 🚴 🎯Nearby Activities: ✔️Cycling tour ✔️Wine tasting tour ✔️Sightseeing in surrounding towns

📍Trip Overview From Odate to Kumakumaen 🏖️Photogenic Spot You can even have a bear cub interaction experience! ✨✨ 🚇Transportation Car 🚘 📷Recommended Photo Spot Right at the entrance of Kumakumaen! 🏠Recommended Accommodation Royal Hotel Odate

Odate, the hometown of Hachiko, the Akita dog. The town was full of dogs. Dog lovers will have an even better time here. A retro movie theater is located a 5-6 minute walk from the station. The movies being shown are also retro, and the handwritten signs have a wonderful charm. The interior is truly atmospheric, making you feel like you've traveled back in time. You can enter just to look around outside of showtimes for free.

The Odate City Tourism Exchange Facility "Akita Inu no Sato" was built as a model for Shibuya Station in the Taisho period, where Hachiko, a loyal dog born in Odate City, continued to wait for its owner. The statue of Hachiko staring straight at JR Odate Station reminds me of that time. In the facility, there is the Akita Inu Museum, where you can enjoy studying the characteristics and history of Akita Inu, the Akita Inu Exhibition Room where you can see the cute Akita Inu through the glass, and a souvenir corner where you can buy Akita Inu goods and Odate specialties.

Located in Odate City, Akita Prefecture, the "Akita Dog Village" is the birthplace and key conservation site for Japan's national dog, the Akita Inu. Not only is it the hometown of the famous loyal dog Hachiko, but it also offers visitors a chance to get up close and learn about the history and charm of this precious breed. ## Main Experiences · **Interact with Akita Dogs**: Observe, pet, and take photos with adorable Akita dogs under the guidance of instructors. · **Learn History and Culture**: Discover the breeding history of Akita dogs, the true story of Hachiko, and their unique role in Japanese culture through exhibits. · **Collect Souvenirs**: Purchase beautifully themed Akita dog merchandise, with part of the proceeds supporting dog conservation. ## Practical Information · **Address**: 13-1 Sannomaru, Odate City, Akita Prefecture · **Hours**: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Closed Mondays, open on holidays) · **Admission**: Adults 300 yen, children half price · **Access**: About a 10-minute walk from JR Odate Station ## Nearby Recommendations · **Odate City Museum**: Explore local history and traditional industries. · **Hinai Chicken Cuisine**: Savor Akita's specialty "Hinai Chicken" in dishes like oyakodon or grilled chicken. ## Travel Tips Follow staff instructions during interactions and respect the animals' nature. While Akita dogs are gentle, maintain quiet and calm behavior.

The Akita Inland Line offers a truly unique railway experience. The scenery from Takasu Station to Kakunodate is breathtaking. This time, I visited Aringa Station, whose architecture was particularly distinctive, and the staff were incredibly friendly! The station is right next to a park and a large river! The station sells many local creative products and specialty snacks. Travelers enjoyed delicious and flavorful curry rice – it was incredibly rich and tasty! I stayed at the Odate Royal Hotel for two nights, and there's a large public hot spring bath on the 5th floor. They even have late-night snacks from 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM! It was fantastic! Truly great value for money.

📍 Kiritanpo Specialty Restaurant, Original Murasaki If you're looking for delicious kiritanpo hotpot, this is the place! The atmosphere is great! Many celebrities have visited! [INFORMATION] Kiritanpo Specialty Restaurant, Original Murasaki 📮017-0847 12-9 Saiwai-cho, Odate City, Akita Prefecture 🕐11:00 AM - 1:30 PM, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM 🚗Free parking available #0YenTravel2025Autumn

📍Akita Inu Village A place where you can meet Akita dogs in person! Akita dog merchandise is also available! Souvenirs and more are also available! Come and visit! [INFORMATION] Akita Inu Village 📮1-13-1 Onarimachi, Odate City, Akita Prefecture 017-0044 🕙9:00 AM - 5:00 PM #0 Yen Trip 2025 Autumn

📍Akita Inu Hall Learn about the history of Akita dogs and see them in person! On the day we visited, there was a baby Akita dog, and it was so adorable! Dogs are welcome! [INFORMATION] Akita Inu Hall 📮017-0897 13-1 Sannomaru, Odate City, Akita Prefecture 🕐9:00 AM - 4:00 PM #0YenTravel2025Autumn

Just a short walk from Akita Inu no Sato, experience a 300-meter-long, hand-powered trolley ride on the abandoned Kosaka Railway tracks. 🚋 Moving the handle back and forth to move the trolley will bring a smile to your face as you relive your childhood. Enjoyable for everyone, from small children to adults. Operates only on weekends and holidays (late April to early November), and costs 200 yen per person (preschool children are free). Up to four people can ride, and on sunny days, you can enjoy the idyllic railroad scenery. Don't forget to check the weather, as the ride is cancelled in the event of rain. 🗓 Operating Days Weekends and Holidays from Late April to Early November ⏰ 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Cancelled in case of rain) 🎫 ¥200 for adults and children / Free for preschoolers 📫 1-13-1 Onarimachi, Odate City, Akita Prefecture (Next to Akita Inu no Sato) 🚶 Approximately 1 minute walk from JR Odate Station 💡 Recommended Points Enjoy this activity in addition to viewing the Akita dogs Retro vibe and scenery unique to the abandoned railway line Fun with family and friends as you row together #SummerCampaign

This sightseeing and interaction hub is located inside JR Odate Station. With a waiting room, tourist information counter, and a shop selling local specialties, it's the perfect starting point for waiting for your train or sightseeing. As befits Odate, there are plenty of exhibits and brochures related to Akita dogs, Kiritanpo (a type of sushi), and Hinai Jidori chicken. From gathering tourist information to finding souvenirs, you can do almost everything here. The "Akita Inu no Sato" (Akita Dog Village) in front of the station is also just a short walk away. 🗓 Business Hours 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Hours may change during the New Year holidays) 📫 1-chome, Onarimachi, Odate City, Akita Prefecture 🚶 Inside JR Odate Station / 0 minutes' walk from the ticket gate 💡 Recommended Points Tourist information and souvenir shopping available inside the station Exhibits on Akita dogs and local culture Convenient starting point for sightseeing in Akita Inu no Sato and the city #AkitaTourism #OdateStation #SummerCampaign

#springwander Pink, purple, white. Small buds suddenly bloom, into a soft and fantastic space. "Junose Fuji no Sato", a famous wisteria flower place that is at its best in mid-May every year, is located on the way to the mountains. Colourful wisteria flowers are reflected on the green of the surrounding mountains and the surface of the rice fields, and you can find the scenery created by the beauty of nature that can only be seen here.

#cherryblossom25 “Tonose Fujinosato” - Fantastic scenery only available in spring! Spectacular scenery of colorful wisteria A new wisteria viewing spot in Akita, “Tonose Fujinosato” is located in a peaceful rural setting, about 20 minutes by car from downtown Odate City. About 80 wisteria of various sizes are planted in the park, with beautiful purple, pink, and white flowers in full bloom. The wisteria flowers in harmony with the scenery of rice planting at its peak are a spectacular sight that attracts visitors only in spring. Wisteria flowers swaying in the fresh breeze create a fantastic atmosphere with a sweet fragrance, and visitors can enjoy a peaceful time surrounded by nature. #japantravel #travel #japanview #japan_vacations #tohokutourism #japantrip #japan #tohokujapan #tohoku #explorejapan #amazingjapan #summeradventure #tohokutravel #roadtrip #jodogahama #kesennumabay #miraclepine #oirasegorge #ryusendocave #aomoriprefecture #hachinohecity #visithachinohe"

I went to Coco's, which I often go to, and since I had accumulated 40,000 miles, I got an afternoon tea dessert🫣

📍 Odate Kougeisha 🗺️ 29-15 Shakanai Iego, Odate City, Akita, Japan At Odate Kougeisha, you can experience making magewappa, a traditional Akita craft. Known for being lightweight, durable, and beautifully fragrant, magewappa bento boxes and tableware are highly valued for their craftsmanship and functionality. Under the guidance of skilled artisans, you’ll create your very own original magewappa piece. This hands-on experience allows you to feel the warmth of Akita cedar wood while learning about the traditional crafting process. Even beginners can easily participate, and you get to take home your handmade magewappa, making it both a practical and memorable souvenir or gift. Enjoy a special moment immersing yourself in Akita’s rich craftsmanship and history! #celebrateit

#newyearnewtrip I was deeply moved by the iconic statue of Hachiko, the loyal Akita, at Shibuya Station in Tokyo. This beloved dog's story of waiting for his owner for years after his passing is a testament to the power of loyalty and devotion. The statue, surrounded by bustling Shibuya, is a poignant reminder of the importance of faithfulness and friendship. I felt a sense of reverence and admiration for this incredible canine, and the statue has become a cherished memory of my Tokyo visit.

📍Royal Hotel Odate 🗺️1-2-26 Nakamichi, Odate City, Akita Prefecture This hotel is conveniently located about a 4-minute walk from JR Odate Station. It offers 102 rooms, mainly Western-style, suitable for business and sightseeing. ⭐️Includes a large hot spring bath ⭐️Includes night ramen ⭐️Excellent breakfast buffet The hotel features a panoramic large bath with natural hot springs, perfect for relieving travel fatigue. Parking is also available, making it convenient for those traveling by car. For more details and the latest information, please visit the official website.

📍Akita Dog's Hometown 🗺️1-13-1 Odate City, Akita Prefecture Known as the birthplace of the loyal dog Hachiko, this place offers not only the opportunity to interact with real Akita dogs but also exhibits that teach about their history and culture. The Akita dogs, with their beautiful fur and gentle eyes, provide healing to many people. Inside the facility, there are souvenirs and a cafe themed around Akita dogs, with many exclusive items that can only be found here! It's a perfect spot for sightseeing with family and friends. Located within walking distance from Odate Station, it has excellent access. Enjoy the charm of Akita dogs to the fullest and create special memories at "Akita Dog's Hometown".

A traditional Odate kiritanpo hotpot loved by locals 📍Old Kiritanpo-ya 🗺️75-5 Odate, Odate City, Akita Prefecture "Old Kiritanpo-ya" in Odate City, Akita Prefecture is a famous restaurant where you can enjoy kiritanpo hotpot made using traditional methods. The rich soup made with carefully selected Hinai chicken is exquisitely intertwined with the homemade kiritanpo, providing a heartwarming taste. We are particular about using local ingredients, and we also have a wide variety of dishes filled with the charm of Akita, such as yam, tonburi, and smoked daikon radish. Please spend a special time with your family and friends with delicious kiritanpo. #0 yen trip January 2025

Many years ago, I watched a movie called "Hachiko: A Dog's Tale" and was moved by the touching story of the male owner and the Akita dog Hachiko. This is a true story. Hachiko was born in Odate City in 1923 and is a purebred white Akita dog. This summer I came to the hometown of Hachiko - Odate, and had my first intimate contact with Akita dogs. Akita dogs seem to be cute, but they are actually very smart. He can understand what I want to express, I can touch him, hug him, and the feeling of intimacy arises spontaneously. There are actually many stories about loyal dogs. They are displayed in various forms in various countries. There are Bobby in Edinburgh, Pachy in Belgium, and "Xiaohua" who saved 49 villagers in the Wenchuan earthquake in China. These stories tell us that dogs are the most loyal friends of mankind, and their love for humans far exceeds our love for them. At noon, we ate authentic "farm dishes" - grilled rice stick hot pot set meal, which is a local specialty of Akita Prefecture. Grilled rice sticks are made by crushing rice and rolling it on a wooden stick, and then roasting it on charcoal. Akita has a pure water source, and the Akita Komachi rice grown with high-quality water sources is very famous. This kind of Komachi rice tastes good and has excellent stickiness. The rice sticks made are put into the chicken soup stewed with Akita native chicken. It is the famous Akita grilled rice stick hot pot. I like original food. Making the most delicious food with the simplest ingredients is my favorite. Although the taste is light, it is endless. Every bite is mixed with a strong local flavor, which is the most generous gift that nature gives us humans!

I had a chance to stop by Odate City, Akita Prefecture, so I went to this restaurant. The name of the restaurant is "Akita Hinai-ya Odate Main Branch". Odate is said to be the birthplace of Kiritanpo, but I really wanted to eat Hinai Jidori Oyakodon, so I went to this restaurant. I wonder if it's the most popular in Odate City? I thought they would only serve Oyakodon, but I decided to order a course that used a lot of Hinai Jidori. It was sooooooooo delicious!! The Oyakodon, Negima, Tsukune, soup, and pudding all used Hinai Jidori. It was very tasty, and the chicken was very plump. The dashi soup in the earthenware pot was really delicious! If you're in Odate, be sure to stop by! 📍Akita Hinai-ya Odate Main Store Address: 21 Omachi, Odate City, Akita Prefecture, 017-0841 Business hours: 11:00-14:00, 17:00-21:00 #0 yen travel #domestic travel #Akita sightseeing

There is a place where you can see Akita dogs, which are considered natural monuments of Akita and are also familiar faces in Shibuya. It is the "Akita Dog Hall" in Odate City, Akita Prefecture. Three brown, black, and white Akita dogs are lying down in the office on the first floor. 🐕 The second and third floors have an exhibition space with exhibits related to Akita dogs! You can also buy Akita dog goods in the office! If you go to Odate, please stop by! Admission is 200 yen! 📍Akita Dog Hall Address: 13-1 Sannomaru, Odate City, Akita Prefecture, 017-0897 Business hours: 9:00-16:00 #0 yen trip #domestic trip #Akita sightseeing

In Odate City, Akita Prefecture, there is a very charming historical building. It is called 'Sakurayagura-kan (Former Sakuraba Bunzo Residence)'. This building is a registered tangible cultural property of Japan. Its architectural features include an observatory with glass windows on all sides protruding from the roof on the second floor, a large zelkova beam, long and wide floorboards, and long nageshi made of Akita cedar without any joints. Additionally, the rooms have delicate and advanced techniques applied to the attached study, shoji screens, and stair railings. You can visit this facility for free! If you visit Odate, be sure to stop by. 📍Sakurayagura-kan (Former Sakuraba Bunzo Residence) Address: 13-3 Nakashiro, Odate City, Akita Prefecture, 017-0891 Hours: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

I found this just a few minutes walk from Odate Station in Odate City, Akita Prefecture. It's a very retro movie theater, and it's exactly like the world of the Showa era. The name of this movie theater is "Onariza." It's a world where time seems to have stopped here. It basically seems to be old movies, but they seem to change the movies they show for each period. The sign is handwritten and has a very melancholic feel to it. There's also an old projector, so you can see things you normally can't see. It's very interesting. If you go to Odate, be sure to stop by. 📍Onariza ・Address: 1-11-22 Onarimachi, Odate City, Akita Prefecture ・Opening hours: 10:00- #0 yen trip #domestic travel #great views of Japan #Akita sightseeing