Visit Shirakami

06/10/2026

What does it take to build a 24.1-meter-tall lantern—and bring it to life in the streets of Noshiro?🏮

For Kojima-san, it starts with a love of making things.

In 2013, was created to bring a lost tradition of giant lanterns back to Noshiro. With only three old photographs and no blueprint, Kojima-san helped recreate the first lantern, Karoku. The following year, he took on an even bigger challenge: Chikasue, standing 24.1 meters tall.

Today, the lanterns are not simply built and displayed. They are carefully crafted, repaired and moved through the streets by human power, carrying stories of Noshiro’s past into its future.

Meet the person behind these remarkable lanterns and discover the craftsmanship, history and passion that keep Tenku no Fuyajo alive.

👉https://visitshirakami.com/voices/tenku-no-fuyajo-kojima-san/

02/10/2026

🍜IPPUDO × Shirakami — a new taste of Akita.

What happens when the ramen expertise of one of Japan’s best-known ramen brands meets the ingredients and food culture of Shirakami?

The answer is Kiwamidori Ramen, a new ramen collaboration launched in September 2026.

Made with Shirakami chicken, local green onions, sh*take mushrooms, Oga salt, shottsuru and other Akita ingredients, the ramen comes in two styles: salt and soy sauce.

Discover how IPPUDO’s ramen craftsmanship meets the flavors of Shirakami, and what makes each bowl unique.

👉 Read the full story in the article. Link in the comments.

17/09/2026

What if your Japanese cultural experience didn’t end when you left the venue? 👘

In Noshiro, Akita, you can dress in traditional Japanese clothing at a historic cultural property 能代市旧料亭金勇（kaneyu） , explore the town in your outfit, take photos along the way, and take the entire outfit home as a unique souvenir.

Discover this special cultural experience in our article.
👉 https://visitshirakami.com/things_to_do/traditional-japanese-clothing-experience-akita/

16/09/2026

Take an autumn road trip through rural Japan! 🚗🌾

A crisp autumn day is the perfect time to hit the road and explore the Shirakami area.

As you drive through the countryside, you’ll find the gifts of the season everywhere: golden rice fields , wild mountain vegetables , acorns beneath the trees , and beautiful autumn colors .

Slow down, take the scenic route, and enjoy the little treasures of autumn in northern Japan.

Looking for places to visit along the way?
Check out our article featuring some of the best autumn driving spots in the Shirakami area!

📍 On Instagram: Find it in our Travel Tips highlight.
📍 On Facebook: Check the comments for the link.

Save this for your next autumn road trip in Japan!

15/09/2026

🍁 Want to enjoy Japan’s autumn colors without the crowds?
Save this for your autumn trip and discover a quieter side of northern Japan!

The Shirakami region is home to 13 hidden foliage spots tucked away in forests, mountain valleys, and quiet countryside roads.

From golden beech forests and dramatic waterfalls to panoramic mountain views, these lesser-known spots are perfect for an autumn road trip.

🚗 A rental car is recommended for most locations
🍂 Best season: mid-October to early November
🥾 Easy forest walks to mountain hikes
📍 13 hidden spots across the Shirakami region

👉 Find the full guide in our comments

11/09/2026

Already in Japan and looking for an autumn escape?

On October 31, join a special one-day tour to , a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in northern Akita.

Starting and ending at 大館能代空港ターミナルビル／Odate-Noshiro Airport Terminal , this tour includes:

🌿 A guided walk through the autumn beech forest at Dakedai
🍙 A local lunch with onigiri and warm mushroom soup
💧 Visits to Garo Falls and Choshi Falls
🛍️ Time to shop for local specialties
🐕 And a special welcome from an Akita dog serving as the airport captain!

The tour is solo-traveler and beginner friendly, with approximately 2 km of walking. An experienced local guide will accompany the group throughout the day.

📅 October 31, 2026
💴 ¥12,800 per person (tax included)
👥 Limited to 20 participants
📍 Start & finish: Odate-Noshiro Airport
🗣️ Tour language: Japanese

Coming from Tokyo? You can fly to Odate-Noshiro Airport and join the tour. Airfare is not included and must be booked separately.

First come, first served — once all 20 places are filled, registration will close.

01/09/2026

🏀 Temporary Closure of Noshiro Basketball Museum

Planning to visit Noshiro Basketball Museum in Noshiro, Akita? (能代バスケミュージアム )

Please note that the museum will be temporarily closed from September 17 to September 27, 2026, due to interior renovation work.

Noshiro is famous for its strong basketball tradition, and Noshiro Science and Technology High School is widely known as the real-life model for Sanno Kogyo High School in the manga and anime SLAM DUNK.

The museum houses a unique collection of basketball memorabilia donated and preserved over the years, including rare NBA items and autographed memorabilia. It has also become a popular destination for basketball fans from overseas, particularly from Taiwan, Hong Kong, and South Korea.

If you're planning a trip to Noshiro, please plan your visit outside the closure period.

🏀 Pop-up Shop During the Closure

During the closure, a limited-time Basketball Museum Pop-up Shop will be open at AEON MALL Noshiro, featuring basketball-related merchandise and displays.

September 17–27
10:00 AM–5:00 PM daily

If you're visiting Noshiro by car, why not stop by and check it out?

01/09/2026

🏔Travel Update: Access to Shirakami Sanchi from the Akita side

Some access roads to Shirakami Sanchi on the Akita side remain closed due to recent landslides.

The prefectural road leading to Dakedai Forest and the Kuroishizawa trailhead of Mt. Fujisato-komagatake is currently closed after a landslide occurred along the route. Debris removal work was still underway yesterday, and there is currently no confirmed reopening date.

The Kabadai trailhead of Mt. Fujisato-komagatake remains accessible via an unpaved forest road. However, the road is rough and a suitable vehicle is recommended.

If you're planning to visit Shirakami Sanchi, consider these alternatives:

Tomeyama in Happo Town – guided walks are available
Sanju-gama – a scenic walk along a mountain stream
Juniko – beautiful lakes and forest trails near the Sea of Japan
World Heritage Beech Forest Trail near Anmon, accessible from Hirosaki

Please check the latest road and trail conditions before your visit, as access can change depending on weather and road conditions.

依然として通行止めが続いている秋田県側白神山地
最もアクセスが簡単な岳岱(だけだい)自然観察教育林、藤里駒ヶ岳黒石沢側登山口への県道317号線は本日31日も土砂除去作業などが行われています。
未舗装林道でアクセスできる藤里駒ヶ岳樺岱登山口はアクセス可能ですが、お車を選ぶ道です。

そのほか、八峰町さんのガイド付き散策可能な留山、渓流沿いを歩ける三十釜
青森県側なら海沿いの十二湖、弘前側からなら暗門近辺の世界遺産の径ブナ林散策道などがおすすめです。

#白神山地
#交通情報

22/08/2026

Meet six adorable Akita Inu puppies at Koju-so! 🐾

Koju-so is an Akita Inu kennel where you can meet and interact with these adorable dogs.

The puppies are growing up fast, and right now, their favorite place to nap is on the cool pad their owner gave them.

In Akita, people say it starts to cool down after Obon, around mid-August. But it’s still almost 30°C today!

These little ones seem to be dreaming of snow already.

✨ Want to meet them in person?
Check the comments for details!

To book your experience, please send a DM to Koju-so’s Instagram account .motose . 🐶📩

20/08/2026

You’ve had shaved ice… but have you seen it made like this? 🍧

Instead of pouring the syrup only on top, this kakigori is made with syrup added layer by layer as the ice is shaved.

That way, the syrup gets right into the middle—not just the top. ✨

A little trick from this kakigori maker in Japan 🇯🇵

Would you try it?