Akita

Akita is well recognized internationally for the Akita breed of dog that is thought to originate from this region and shares its name. Cold during the winter and quite mountainous in some areas, the best escape from this cold is in the region's many hot springs. The Yokote snow festival is an important regional event, drawing thousands of visitors each year to hundreds of small igloo-like tents to make offerings to the water deity. Outside of the winter, the town of Kakunodate retains a remarkably preserved samurai district that is a beautiful location to visit. Akita is also famous for its high-quality sake and consumes a high amount in Japan.