Noshiro Travel Guide
Plan your trip to Noshiro in Akita, Japan with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best places to visit, eat, stay, and things to do in Noshiro for an unforgettable adventure in Tohoku.
- Introduction to Noshiro
- List of Places to Visit in Noshiro
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Noshiro
- Best Things to Do in Noshiro: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Noshiro
- Food and Drink Scene of Noshiro
- Where to Stay in Noshiro: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Noshiro: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Noshiro
- Best Time to Visit Noshiro
- Do’s and Don’ts of Noshiro
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Noshiro: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Noshiro
- Where to Go Next from Noshiro: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Kakunodate
- Akita
- Conclusion
Introduction to Noshiro
Noshiro, located in the Akita prefecture of Japan, is a hidden gem in the Tohoku region. This small city boasts natural scenery, rich history, and cultural attractions that make for an unforgettable Japanese adventure.
List of Places to Visit in Noshiro
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
Noshiro City Museum - This museum showcases the history, culture, and arts of Noshiro through exhibits and interactive displays.
Ishiguro samurai residence - This historical samurai residence has been preserved and showcases the life of a samurai family in the late Edo period.
Tazawako-Kakunodate-Nyuto Onsen Quasi-National Park - Explore the beautiful national park, which features natural hot springs, hiking trails, and stunning views of Mt. Chokai.
Natural Attractions of Noshiro: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Iwaki River - Enjoy the scenic views and foliage of the Iwaki River while taking a peaceful river cruise.
Osawa Pond - This stunning pond is part of the Osawa Forest Park and provides visitors with beautiful views, hiking trails, and a peaceful atmosphere.
Mt. Akita-Komagatake - Take in the panoramic views of the Tohoku region by hiking to the summit of Mt. Akita-Komagatake.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Noshiro
Nambu-Gyoja Hiking Trail - This hike follows a historic trade route that once connected Tohoku and Hokkaido. Enjoy beautiful views of the Noshiro and Oyu mountain ranges on this 10 km hike.
Takanezawa Cycling Road - This 20 km biking trail provides visitors with a relaxing ride through the beautiful countryside of Noshiro, with several rest stops and scenic views along the way.
Best Things to Do in Noshiro: Activities and Tours
Noshiro Fish Market Tour - Experience the bustling activity of the local fish market and learn about the seafood culture and traditions of Noshiro.
Kiritansu Rice-Planting Experience - Try your hand at traditional rice-planting methods at the Kiritansu Rice Terraces, a beautiful historical site located in the mountains near Noshiro.
Odate-Noshiro Airport Sightseeing Flight - Take a sightseeing flight from the local airport and experience stunning views of Mt. Chokai, the Sea of Japan, and the beautiful countryside of Noshiro from the air.
Week-Long Itinerary for Noshiro
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1 | Visit the Noshiro City Museum, Ishiguro samurai residence, and Osawa Pond |
| 2 | Take a river cruise on the Iwaki River and hike the Nambu-Gyoja Hiking Trail |
| 3 | Explore the beautiful natural scenery of Tazawako-Kakunodate-Nyuto Onsen Quasi-National Park |
| 4 | Visit Mt. Akita-Komagatake for a panoramic view of the Tohoku region |
| 5 | Participate in a Kiritansu Rice-Planting Experience and visit the Noshiro Fish Market |
| 6 | Take a Takanezawa Cycling Road tour and enjoy the scenic views of the countryside |
| 7 | Take a sightseeing flight from Odate-Noshiro Airport for a stunning aerial view of Noshiro |
Food and Drink Scene of Noshiro
Must-Try Dishes
Noshiro-Style Yakitori - This grilled chicken skewer dish is cooked to perfection with a unique Noshiro seasoning that provides a delicious and satisfying flavor.
Kiritanpo - This traditional Akita cuisine is made from pounded rice that is grilled on a stick and served with a rich and flavorful soup.
Local Beverages
Sake - Noshiro is home to many small breweries that produce locally made sake that goes well with the city’s cuisine.
Tono Tea - Tono tea is a popular local beverage in Noshiro that is made from the young leaves of tea plants grown in the area.
Where to Stay in Noshiro: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Hotel Route-Inn Noshiro - This modern hotel offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant, and a hot spring bath that is perfect for relaxation.
Kawabe Ryokan - This traditional Japanese inn features tatami rooms, a hot spring bath, and a delicious breakfast made from local ingredients.
What to Buy in Noshiro: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Iburigakko - These pickled vegetables are a popular snack in Akita and come in a variety of flavors and seasoning.
Sakura Mochi - Sakura mochi is a traditional Japanese sweet that is made with a sakura leaf and pink mochi skin, filled with sweet red bean paste.
Local Culture and Customs of Noshiro
Noshiro is home to many fascinating cultural traditions, including the Noshiro Tugging of Rope Festival, which has been held for over 500 years and draws large crowds every August.
Best Time to Visit Noshiro
The best time to visit Noshiro is during the autumn season from September to November, when the weather is mild and the foliage is at its peak.
Do’s and Don’ts of Noshiro
Do:
- Respect the local customs and traditions
- Try the local cuisine and beverages
- Take part in local festivals and events
Don’t:
- Ignore the basic etiquette and respect when visiting shrines and temples
- Be loud or disruptive in public places
- Disregard the importance of shared spaces and cleanliness
Safety and Health
Safety in Noshiro
Noshiro is a relatively safe city, and visitors should take the same precautions as they would in any urban area. Be aware of your surroundings and keep your valuables safe.
Health in Noshiro
Noshiro has a well-established healthcare system, and visitors can access medical services at local hospitals and clinics. Be sure to have adequate health insurance before traveling to Japan.
Getting to Noshiro: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Noshiro
Odate-Noshiro Airport - This regional airport provides flights to major cities in Japan, including Tokyo and Osaka.
Bus Stations Near Noshiro
Noshiro Station - Noshiro Station is the main bus terminal in the city, providing easy access to other destinations in Akita Prefecture.
Other Options
Visitors can also get to Noshiro by train, with the nearest major train station, Akita Station, located approximately one hour away by local train.
How to Get Around in Noshiro
The best way to get around Noshiro is by car, with several car rental companies located in the city. Visitors can also take buses and taxis for transportation within the city.
Where to Go Next from Noshiro: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Kakunodate
Kakunodate is a charming town that is famous for its beautifully preserved samurai houses and picturesque streets.
Akita
Akita city is the capital of the Akita Prefecture and offers a wide range of cultural attractions, including the Akita Senshu Museum of Art and the Akita Folk Museum.
Conclusion
Noshiro is a must-visit destination for those seeking a unique Japanese adventure that is off the beaten path. From natural scenery and outdoor adventures to cultural attractions and delicious cuisine, Noshiro has something for everyone. Plan your trip today and experience the best of Tohoku.
