Semboku City, Akita

Located in a peaceful farm village a short distance from Lake Tazawa, this private inn has a dining room with a terrace on the first floor, guest rooms and a bathroom on the second floor, and a kitchen where guests can prepare their own meals. The inn’s set meals are prepared by local farmers using vegetables harvested that day. Guests can also try their hand at making kiritanpo, an Akita specialty, or engage in harvesting spinach and other vegetables.

• Address :

  404 Odainokai, Hinokinai, Nishiki-cho, Semboku-shi, Akita Prefecture

• Telephone Number :

  +81 (0)187-48-2914

• Telephone Languages :

  Japanese

• Access :

  Pickup service available from Ugo-Nagatoro Station on the Akita Nairiku Line

• Check-in :

  3:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.

• Check-out :

  10:00 a.m.

• Rates :

  From ¥11,000 per person per night with two meals; from ¥6,600 per person with no meal

• Accepted Credit Cards :

  Visa/Mastercard/American Express/JCB ※Payment via the Reservation Website only

• Bedroom :

  Available for two to seven people (no lock); Western beds and Japanese futon

• Bathroom :

  Bathroom available (no lock); bathtub available (inquire for hours of use)

• Toilet :

  Western style

• Meals :

  Breakfast, Dinner

• Wi-Fi :

  Available

This farmhouse accommodates guests in a rustic, old-fashioned atmosphere. Although not fluent in foreign languages, the lively, entertaining owner and his wife warmly welcome guests with a variety of fun seasonal activities. The guesthouse has an annex with a traditional sunken hearth and wood stove, where guests can feel a part of the cheerful lifestyle of the friendly local community.

• Address :

  138-1 Kurosawa, Obonai, Tazawako, Semboku-shi, Akita Prefecture

• Telephone Number :

  +81 (0)187-43-2450

• Telephone Languages :

  Japanese

• Access :

  From JR Tazawako Station, take the Ugo Kotsu bus, Nyuto Line, to Kurosawa bus stop (5 minutes), then walk for 1 minute.

• Check-in :

  3:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.

• Check-out :

  10:00 a.m.

• Rates :

  From ¥10,000 per person per night with two meals; from ¥7,100 per person with no meal

• Accepted Credit Cards :

  Visa/Mastercard/American Express/JCB ※Payment via the Reservation Website only

• Bedroom :

  Available for two to seven people (no lock); Western beds and Japanese futon

• Bathroom :

  Bathroom available (no lock); bathtub available (inquire for hours of use)

• Toilet :

  Western style

• Meals :

  Breakfast, Dinner

• Wi-Fi :

  Available

This stylish boardinghouse is located just a 30-second walk from Lake Tazawa. The spacious hall, filled with musical instruments, serves as a café and bar on weekday evenings and on weekends, serving freshly roasted coffee and light meals, such as homemade muffins and pizza. Regular live jazz performances are also held here.

• Address :

  160-58 Katamae, Tazawako, Tazawa, Semboku-shi, Akita Prefecture

• Telephone Number :

  +81 (0)187-43-0127

• Telephone Languages :

  Japanese and English

• Access :

  From JR Tazawako Station, take the Ugo Kotsu bus, Nyuto Line, to Koen Iriguchi bus stop (10 minutes), then walk for 30 minutes.

• Opening Hours :

  6:30 p.m.–11:00 p.m. (11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays)

• Closed :

  Irregular holidays

• Cuisine :

  Café, Bar, Light Meals

• Foreign Language Menu :

  Available

• Accepted Credit Cards :

  Visa/Mastercard/American Express/JCB

Located in the atmospheric Nyuto Onsenkyo hot-spring village, this cozy lodge features two kinds of natural hot-spring waters, and its onsite restaurant offers a tasty buffet of Akita cuisine. Enjoy a variety of delicious dishes with seasonal local vegetables and fluffy Akita rice.

• Address :

  2-1 Komagatake, Tazawako, Semboku-shi, Akita Prefecture

• Telephone Number :

  +81 (0)187-46-2244

• Telephone Languages :

  Japanese, English

• Access :

  From JR Tazawako Station, take the Ugo Kotsu bus, Nyuto Line, to Kyukamura-mae bus stop (45 minutes). The facility is just by the bus stop.

• Opening Hours :

  7:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m.; noon–1:30 p.m. (from 11:30 a.m. on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays); and 5:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m.

• Closed :

  None

• Cuisine :

  Japanese, Western, Local Cuisine

• Foreign Language Menu :

  Available

• Accepted Credit Cards :

  Visa/Mastercard/American Express/JCB

Semboku City is home to approximately 35 eco-tourism facilities, many of which are inns run by farmers. Each facility has a distinctive character and charm all its own—from those with owners who interact freely with guests to peaceful retreats perfect for enjoying the quiet life of a farming village. Visitors can also participate in activities such as farming or cooking local dishes.

• Address :

  Varies by facility

• Telephone Number :

  +81 (0)187-43-2277 (Semboku City Rural Experience Association)

• Telephone Languages :

  Japanese, English

• Access :

  Varies by facility

• Duration :

  Please inquire for information

• Fee :

  Please inquire for information

• Languages Supported :

  Japanese, English

• Accepted Credit Cards :

  Visa/Mastercard/American Express/JCB

This kayaking tour takes place on beautiful Lake Tazawa, one of the top 100 scenic spots in Japan. Paddle through crystal-clear blue water with a spectacular view of the mountains. Half-day tours are offered daily from late April to early November. Sunset tours are also available for a limited time during the summer months.

• Address :

  Tazawako Campground Administration Building, 152 Haruyama, Tazawa, Tazawako, Semboku-shi, Akita Prefecture

• Telephone Number :

  +81 (0)187-43-2990 (Tazawako Nature Experience Center)

• Telephone Languages :

  Japanese, English

• Access :

  From JR Tazawako Station, take the Ugo Kotsu bus, Nyuto Line, to Tazawako Kohan bus stop (12 minutes), then walk for 12 minutes.

• Fee :

  Half-day tour from ¥5,500; sunset tour from ¥4,800

• Languages Supported :

  Japanese, English

• Accepted Credit Cards :

  Visa/Mastercard/American Express/JCB