Far south from Akita city, close to Miyagi prefecture, you will find the Akinomiya region where you can experience true winter country-life; snowy environment, Onsen, and winter cuisine enjoying with local people.
Many a little makes a mickle. The winter day in Akinomiya starts from shoveling out snow walls in front of houses or roofs. The locals use shovels or machines which are specialized in cleaning out snow. This is one of the must-do routines for those who live in snowy region. You could be soaked with sweat just by cleaning out a few meters of snow. This is the hardest, but most indispensable duty of winter.
It’s not only the exhausting duties, but also exciting activities that snow can bring to you. Snow shoe is the must-try activity in Ainomiya. Equipped with snow shoe and snow pole, you can walk on the snow far easier and faster than you could expect. Walking into the woods and breathing in the fresh air of winter woods will definitely make you feel like becoming a part of nature.
Akinomiya is famous for its abundant resources of Onsen which springs out from here and there. There is enough water accessible to most households in the area. If you walk down to the riverside, you can dig your own Onsen with your hands. When you are tired of cleaning out the snow, you can refresh your body and soul in the Onsen. Additionally, these natural resources have been utilized in generating electricity at hydroelectric power plant or thermal power plant. The Onsen is closely connected to the daily life of locals in Akinomiya.
The winter experience in Akinomiya comes to its peak at dinner time. You can enjoy true winter cuisine, Kiritanpo hot pot with locals. The cordial hospitality and interaction with local people would relieve the fatigue of the day. Through the conversation, you can learn how they have faced with snowy environment and how they make their lives through it. Akinomiya must be the favorable destination for those who want to experience the true winter country life.
Written by Haruki Omori
