Kyoto is one of Japan's most celebrated destinations, and is famous for its temples, gardens, and centuries of cultural tradition. In recent years, however, the city has struggled with overtourism, leaving many travelers looking for quieter alternatives. Akita Prefecture in northern Japan offers a compelling option, with scenery, heritage, and rituals that often mirror the atmosphere of Kyoto while providing a more relaxed pace.
This guide covers five destinations in Akita with parallels to what you can find in Japan's culture capital.
Kakunodate
The "Little Kyoto" of the North
Kakunodate is best known for its preserved samurai district, where wooden gates and historic homes line peaceful streets. The ambiance is reminiscent of Kyoto's Gion or Higashiyama, but without the large crowds. In spring, more than 400 cherry trees create a tunnel of blossoms along the Hinokinai River, offering a hanami experience on par with Kyoto's most famous spots. The town is also known for its traditional cherry bark crafts, continuing a legacy of fine artistry similar to Kyoto's.
Shirakami Sanchi
A natural sanctuary
Instead of temple gardens, Akita's (+ Aomori's!) Shirakami Sanchi provides a spiritual encounter with nature itself. This UNESCO World Heritage site preserves one of the world’s largest virgin beech forests, and hiking through the quiet trails feels like entering a living temple, where birdsong replaces bells and solitude is still easy to find.
Oga Peninsula
A chance to experience folklore in motion
Kyoto is home to numerous celebrated festivals, but the Oga Peninsula offers an equally powerful sense of tradition with its Namahage ritual. Each February, villagers dressed as fearsome deities visit homes to encourage diligence and ward off misfortune. Recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, the ritual connects visitors to the same depth of culture that Kyoto's Gion Matsuri represents, though in a more intimate rural setting.
Lake Tazawa and Nyuto Onsen
Destinations for a quiet retreat
Travelers often look to Kyoto’s temples for peaceful reflection. In Akita, that sense of calm can be found at Lake Tazawa, Japan’s deepest lake, which glows with striking blue waters and mythological lore. Nearby Nyuto Onsen, a group of rustic hot spring inns, offers timeless seclusion and the same kind of restorative escape often sought in Kyoto's temple lodgings.
Akita City
Tradition meets modern design
Like Kyoto, Akita City blends old and new. Senshu Park, built on the site of Kubota Castle, blooms with cherry blossoms each spring and recalls the atmosphere of a historic castle town. A short walk away, the Akita Museum of Art (designed by renowned architect Tadao Ando) displays striking works by painter Tsuguharu Foujita. The pairing of heritage and contemporary culture creates a balance that will feel familiar to Kyoto visitors.
For those who dream of Kyoto but wish to explore Japan in a quieter and less-traveled way, Akita offers a great alternative, where the beauty of history, nature, and artistry can be experienced without the crowds.
