![3-Day Akita, Tohoku Tour | Oga Peninsula's Unique 'Namahage Sedo Festival' & One of Japan's Top 3 'Moriyoshizan Snow Monsters' | Includes Lake Tazawa & Kakunodate! [Departing from Tokyo]](https://image.kkday.com/v2/image/get/c_fill%2Ch_800%2Cq_55%2Ct_webp%2Cw_1240/s1.kkday.com/product_scm_28752/20260827021710_LqV4e/jpg)
![3-Day Akita, Tohoku Tour | Oga Peninsula's Unique 'Namahage Sedo Festival' & One of Japan's Top 3 'Moriyoshizan Snow Monsters' | Includes Lake Tazawa & Kakunodate! [Departing from Tokyo]](https://image.kkday.com/v2/image/get/c_fill%2Ch_400%2Cq_55%2Ct_webp%2Cw_500/s1.kkday.com/product_scm_28752/20260827021710_A9wvv/jpg)
![3-Day Akita, Tohoku Tour | Oga Peninsula's Unique 'Namahage Sedo Festival' & One of Japan's Top 3 'Moriyoshizan Snow Monsters' | Includes Lake Tazawa & Kakunodate! [Departing from Tokyo]](https://image.kkday.com/v2/image/get/c_fill%2Ch_400%2Cq_55%2Ct_webp%2Cw_500/s1.kkday.com/product_scm_28752/20260827021710_oMgSB/jpg)
![3-Day Akita, Tohoku Tour | Oga Peninsula's Unique 'Namahage Sedo Festival' & One of Japan's Top 3 'Moriyoshizan Snow Monsters' | Includes Lake Tazawa & Kakunodate! [Departing from Tokyo]](https://image.kkday.com/v2/image/get/c_fill%2Ch_400%2Cq_55%2Ct_webp%2Cw_500/s1.kkday.com/product_scm_28752/20260827021710_CldF6/jpg)
![3-Day Akita, Tohoku Tour | Oga Peninsula's Unique 'Namahage Sedo Festival' & One of Japan's Top 3 'Moriyoshizan Snow Monsters' | Includes Lake Tazawa & Kakunodate! [Departing from Tokyo]](https://image.kkday.com/v2/image/get/c_fill%2Ch_400%2Cq_55%2Ct_webp%2Cw_500/s1.kkday.com/product_scm_28752/20260827021710_oLZEF/jpg)
3-Day Akita, Tohoku Tour | Oga Peninsula's Unique 'Namahage Sedo Festival' & One of Japan's Top 3 'Moriyoshizan Snow Monsters' | Includes Lake Tazawa & Kakunodate! [Departing from Tokyo]
- View the 'Moriyoshizan Snow Monsters,' one of Japan's top three frost-covered tree sights, via the Ani Ski Resort gondola. Compared to the Zao snow monsters, this area is relatively less crowded, allowing you to enjoy the view without long wait times. You can also experience the unique, fantastical snow scenery of Mount Moriyoshi, where vast fields of snow monsters stretch out before you—a different experience from Zao.
- Witness the 'Namahage Sedo Festival,' a unique festival representing winter on the Oga Peninsula, up close. Set at Shinzan Shrine, you can experience the traditional culture of Akita through the powerful Namahage dance and the mystical bonfire.
- Enjoy a ride of approximately 65 minutes on the popular 'Akita Nairiku Jukan Railway' local train. Relax and enjoy the train journey while gazing at the snow-covered scenery and the beautiful winter nature of Akita through the windows.
- This is a high-quality, reliable tour of Japan organized by 'Club Tourism International Inc', a major Japanese travel agency with over 70 years of history. The tour is accompanied by a highly-rated tour conductor known for their hospitality, and it is well-regarded by international guests. While the tour is conducted in Japanese, many participants do not speak Japanese, so first-time visitors can join with peace of mind.
Package Options
Product Info
- This product is a 'request booking' and requires time to confirm. Since applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis, your request may be placed on a waiting list or may not be accepted depending on availability. Final booking confirmation is subject to the issuance of a voucher. In the unlikely event that the tour cannot be operated due to being fully booked, we will contact you within the specified number of days. Please note that if you do not wish to be on the waiting list, cancellation (with a full refund) is also possible.
- This tour is conducted in Japanese only. Please note that all guidance provided by the tour conductor during the trip will be in Japanese only. However, for the smooth operation and safety of the tour, we will provide information to the extent possible using translation apps (e.g., meeting points, departure times).
- Once the train schedule is finalized, we will send you a 'voucher' containing meeting instructions and other details approximately 5 to 7 days before departure. Please check your 'voucher' for the meeting point and time.
- Please observe the following two points when participating:
1. Please book with your correct name and email address.
2. Please adhere to the meeting time during the tour. If you miss the meeting time, the tour will depart.
Oga Peninsula Namahage Sedo Festival: A winter event held at Shinzan Shrine in Oga City, Akita Prefecture, combining the Shinto ritual 'Sedo Matsuri' with the folk tradition of 'Namahage' to pray for good health. It is a 'unique festival' that captivates people with its fantastical snow-covered mountains lit by bonfires and the powerful dance of the Namahage.
Moriyoshizan Ani Ski Resort: View the world-rare 'Snow Monsters'! Zao (Yamagata/Miyagi Prefectures), Hakkoda (Aomori Prefecture), and Moriyoshi (Akita Prefecture) are known as Japan's top three snow monster sights. The best time to see them is usually from early January to late February, a mystical, breathtaking view that can only be seen in winter. Enjoy the spectacular view of the Moriyoshizan snow monsters from the gondola.
Moriyoshizan Snow Monsters: Compared to the Zao snow monsters, this area is relatively less crowded, allowing you to enjoy the view without long wait times. You can also experience the unique, fantastical snow scenery of Mount Moriyoshi, where vast fields of snow monsters stretch out before you—a different experience from Zao. *Snow scenery may not be visible depending on weather conditions.
Akita Nairiku Jukan Railway: Ride a local train full of atmosphere running through the western scenery of Mount Moriyoshi (between Aniai and Matsuba). *Snow scenery may not be visible depending on weather conditions and growth.
Kakunodate: Famous as the 'Little Kyoto of Michinoku' for its beautiful old townscape with preserved samurai residences. *Snow scenery may not be visible.
![[Meals] Enjoy long-established bento boxes and Akita gourmet! ◆Day 1 Dinner: 'Gyumeshi' bento from a long-established shop ◆Day 2 Dinner: Buffet featuring local Akita specialties like 'Kiritanpo' hot pot, Inaniwa udon, and Kuma Kayaki soup *Menu is subject to change.](https://image.kkday.com/v2/image/get/c_fit%2Cq_55%2Ct_webp%2Cw_960/s1.kkday.com/product_scm_28752/20260827021710_jZFoq/png)
[Meals] Enjoy long-established bento boxes and Akita gourmet! ◆Day 1 Dinner: 'Gyumeshi' bento from a long-established shop ◆Day 2 Dinner: Buffet featuring local Akita specialties like 'Kiritanpo' hot pot, Inaniwa udon, and Kuma Kayaki soup *Menu is subject to change.
◆Night 1: Hotel Pearl City Akita Kawabata or equivalent class Equivalent accommodations: Hotel Pearl City Akita Kanto Odori, Hotel Alpha-1 Akita ◆Night 2: Lake Tazawa, Kaminoi Hotel Tazawa (with hot spring open-air bath) Please relax in the hot spring. Dinner is a buffet including nigiri sushi, beef steak, and local 'Kiritanpo' hot pot.
Purchase Notice
【Travel Conditions】
Departure/Destination: Tokyo - Akita
Duration: 3 days, 2 nights
Transportation: Chartered bus and Shinkansen
Bus Operator: Iwate Kenkotsu or equivalent
Meals: Breakfast 2, Lunch 1 (including 1 bento), Dinner 2 (including 1 bento)
Accommodation:
【Night 1】Akita City: Hotel Pearl City Akita Kawabata, Hotel Pearl City Akita Kanto Odori, or Hotel Alpha-1 Akita
Room Type: Western-style (Single/Twin/Triple, with bath and toilet)
* Even if you book for 3-4 people per room, you may be separated into single or twin rooms.
* Even if you book for 2 people per room, you may be separated into single rooms.
【Night 2】Tazawa Lake: Kameno-i Hotel Tazawako
Room Type: Japanese-style (some rooms feature beds on tatami mats, Single/Twin), Western-style (Twin), or Japanese-Western style
* Single rooms may not have a private bath (toilet is included).
* Please leave room assignments to our company. Please note that room layouts and views vary depending on the accommodation.
Minimum Participants: 25
Tour Escort: 1
Guide: 0 (Service provided in Japanese) *No interpreter guide will accompany the tour.
【Travel Planning/Implementation】
Company Name: Club Tourism International Inc
Address: 1-9-6 Edagawa, Koto-ku, Tokyo
Registration Number: Japan Tourism Agency Registered Travel Agency No. 1693
Affiliated Travel Association: Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA) Regular Member
【Entrusted Sales】
KKDAY JAPAN Co., Ltd.
WESTALL Yotsuya Bldg. 2F, 1-22-5 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0004
Japan Tourism Agency Registered Travel Agency No. 2045
Affiliated Organization: Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA)
Reminders
A minimum of 25 traveler(s) are required for the tour to depart. If the number of participants does not reach the minimum requirement, the tour will be canceled. An email regarding tour cancellation will be sent 21 day(s) before the departure date
[About Changes to Meals] For meal changes due to food allergies or religious reasons, a fee of 1,500 yen per meal will be charged, plus any actual cost difference. Please notify us at least 14 days before the departure date. Please consult with us for requests after this period.
[About the Namahage Sedo Festival] The festival will proceed in rain or snow, but may be canceled in the event of severe weather. There will be no refunds for the tour fee if the festival is canceled after the tour has departed. For safety reasons, umbrellas, camera tripods, monopods, selfie sticks, stepladders, and stools are prohibited within the venue.
[About Day 1 Dinner Bento and Hotel Arrival Time] Due to the schedule for the 'Namahage Sedo Festival', the dinner bento will be served early, around 16:00, on the bus. Arrival at the hotel is scheduled for around 22:00.
[About Moriyoshizan Snow Monsters] Depending on weather conditions and growth, the snow monsters or snow scenery may not be visible.
[About the Akita Nairiku Jukan Railway] All seats on the Akita Nairiku Jukan Railway are non-reserved seating. Depending on congestion, you may be required to stand. Additionally, the boarding section may be subject to change.
[About the Tour] The order of the itinerary may be changed. Please note that even if you book for two or more people, seats on the train may not be adjacent or may be separated.
FAQ
1. When is the best time to see the snow monsters on Mt. Zao?
The best time to see the snow monsters on Mt. Zao is typically during winter when there's abundant snowfall, creating vast and spectacular ice formations. Visitors can take the ski lift from Akita Nairiku Railway up the mountain to experience the breathtaking winter scenery of Mt. Zao's snow monsters, one of Japan's top three such attractions, amidst snow-covered forests.
2. What makes Mt. Zao's snow monsters unique compared to other famous snow monster sites in Japan?
Mt. Zao's snow monsters are one of Japan's three most famous sites. Their uniqueness lies in offering a more comfortable viewing experience with less waiting time compared to Zao's snow monsters. Mt. Zao boasts a vast expanse of snow-covered trees, creating a uniquely fantastical white world, allowing you to feel the marvels of nature in tranquility.
3. What facilities can visitors use to view the snow monsters at Akita Nairiku Railway Ski Resort?
At Akita Nairiku Railway Ski Resort, visitors can mainly use the ski lift to ascend the mountain. The lift provides easy access to the snow monster viewing areas, saving you the effort of hiking. From above, you can overlook the magnificent snow-covered forest filled with snow monsters, enjoying Japan's limited winter natural beauty.
4. What are the highlights of the 'Namahage Sedo Matsuri' festival on the Oga Peninsula?
The 'Namahage Sedo Matsuri' on the Oga Peninsula is a representative winter festival. Held at Shinzan Shrine, its most exciting features include dynamic Namahage demon dances and an experience of long-held Akita traditions under the mystical Sedo firelight. This is a grand event where you can feel the mysterious atmosphere of the Namahage up close.
5. What is special about riding the Akita Nairiku Line in winter?
The Akita Nairiku Line offers a unique winter riding experience. For about 65 minutes, passengers can enjoy expansive snowscapes and the beautiful winter scenery of Akita from the train windows. It's a relaxing journey that allows you to immerse yourself in the tranquil snow country views.
6. Besides Mt. Zao's snow monsters and the Namahage Sedo Matsuri, what other recommended winter attractions are there in Akita?
Besides Mt. Zao's snow monsters and the Namahage Sedo Matsuri, Akita's winter attractions also include Lake Tazawa and Kakunodate. You can admire the beautiful cobalt blue surface of Lake Tazawa and stay at a hotel with an open-air hot spring bath, enjoying Akita's local cuisine. Then, visit Kakunodate, known as the 'Little Kyoto of Mutsu,' and stroll through its historic streets to experience Akita's winter charm.
7. What are some recommended sightseeing spots on the Oga Peninsula besides attending the Namahage Sedo Matsuri?
Besides the winter Namahage Sedo Matsuri, visitors to the Oga Peninsula can also visit its main venue, Shinzan Shrine, to experience its unique cultural atmosphere. The Oga Peninsula itself is renowned for its rich Namahage culture and natural landscapes, making it suitable for exploring its unique winter features.
8. What are the winter climate conditions like in Akita Prefecture, and what should visitors be aware of?
Akita Prefecture's winter climate is cold with abundant snowfall, making it an ideal season for viewing snow monsters and experiencing snow country charm. When visiting, be sure to pack warm clothing, including thick jackets, gloves, hats, and non-slip shoes, to cope with the low temperatures and snow. Also, pay attention to staying warm and safe to ensure a comfortable winter trip in Akita.
