Yuzawa
Yuzawa, a Town of Wonderful People and Nature with Skilled Craftsmanship
Yuzawa was developed as a castle town governed by the Satake Minami Family. The Omono River from the north to south through the middle of the city and Mt. Chokai, aka Mt. Fuji of Dewa, sits on to its west side. Traditional events are held throughout the year, such as the “Tanabata Picture Lantern Festival” and the “Samurai Parade” in summer and the “Inukko Festival” in winter. Akita Prefecture is famous for beautiful women with fair skin. As it is often called as the Nada (famous sake production area in Hyogo Prefecture) in the Tohoku region, Yuzawa is also known as a production area of quality sake. Today, six breweries produce locally crafted sake in Yuzawa. Out of the town lies many noteworthy hot springs including Kawarage Jigoku (one of the three most sacred religious mountains in Japan) and Kawarage Oyutaki (natural open-air bath).
Sightseeing Highlights in Yuzawa
Kawarage Jigoku
One of the three most sacred religious mountains in Japan. The white mountain’s surface and spouting steams from a hot spring makes for a magnificent view.
Kawarage Oyutaki
A 20-meter-high waterfall whose water is a natural hot spring. The waterfall basin is a nice natural hot spring in which to bathe (open from early July to mid-September).
Chikara-mizu Water (Central Park)
Famous for quality spring water; selected as one of the 100 Best Natural Springs of Japan.
Sake Brewery
Yuzawa is known as a production area of quality sake. Advance reservation necessary for the brewery visit.
Important Annual Events in Yuzawa
Inukko Festival
Snow figures of dogs and temples are made and lit by candle light – Such a romantic atmosphere. Pretty candy craft shaping in dogs will be available.
Kiting Competition
Unique Japanese kites will be flown up into the sky.
Tanabata Picture Lantern Festival
Lanterns decorated with pictures will be lit up in the evening. A must-see beautiful sight on the summer night.
Samurai Parade
Held on the day of the annual festival dedicated to Atago Shrine. Some 300 people, dressed in the historical samurai costumes, will parade around the city. The performance by men called ‘Yakko’ is entertaining.
Traditional Crafts of Yuzawa
Kokeshi Wood Figure (Kijiyama style and others)
Pretty and simple Japanese wood figures painted in lively colors by brush.
Mageki Ferniture
Hard wood such as Japanese beech and oak are steamed and bent and become beautiful and durable furniture. Light yet durable with their sophisticated curving lines design.
Managu Kite
One of Yuzawa’s traditional crafts. A large face with huge eyes, or ‘managu’ in local dialect, is depicted powerfully on the kite, solely using black calligraphy ink.
Kawatsura Lacquer Ware
With 800 years of history, Kawatsura lacquer ware is a representative traditional craft of Akita Prefecture, and is also designated as a traditional craft of Japan by the national government.
Food & Specialties of Yuzawa
Japanese Sake
Using quality sake rice and pure water, sake brewed in Yuzawa has long been praised for its exceptional quality. The area is often called as the Nada (famous sake production area in Hyogo Prefecture) in the Tohoku region.
Miso and Soy Sauce
Using quality soy beans, miso (salty fermented soy bean paste) and soy sauce from Yuzawa are also praised along with Japanese sake.
Pickles
Pickles have long been a staple of people’s daily food as well as an important preserved food. Especially famous is Iburi-gakko, pickles of smoked vegetables.
Inaniwa Udon
Inaniwa Udon is one of the three best udon noodles in Japan. Unchanged since the Edo period, udon noodles with a delectable aroma and firm texture are produced carefully using traditional handmade skills.
- Access
- Yuzawa Station on the JR Ou Main Line
- Contact
- Yuzawa City Tourism Association
- TEL：0183-73-0415 / FAX：0183-78-2323
- URL： http://akitayuzawa.jp/