Japanese crayfish, found only north of Odate, are endemic to Japan and live in the cool, clean rivers and lakes of Hokkaido, Aomori, Iwate, and Akita prefectures.
It would be cool if you could explain smoothly when someone asks you, "What's XXX like?" This "Local Knowledge Treasure Box" is packed with trivia that will come in handy in such situations...
The Ani region (Kamikoani Village, Kitaakita City, Akita Prefecture) is home to the Jomon period Isedotai Ruins, known for its stone circle, which is registered as a World Heritage Site.
According to the Akita City website, the history of Akita City began in 1602 (Keicho 7). 1602 was the beginning of the Edo period, when the Satake clan, who had been feudal lords of Hitachi Province (Ibaraki Prefecture),...
Karamatsu Shrine in Kyowa, Daisen City, Akita Prefecture, is a "Women's Guardian Deity*" that protects women throughout their lives and is the god of matchmaking, fertility, and safe childbirth. Locals also call it "Karamatsu-sama of the Boundary Region.".
Ani Mine, located in Kitaakita City in northern Akita Prefecture, bordering Iwate Prefecture, was one of Japan's leading copper mines and operated until 1986 (Showa 61). Along with the Innai Silver Mine, it supported the finances of the Kubota Domain.
Odate City is known for its Akita dogs, but it is also home to the Akita Three Chickens - the Hinai Chicken, the Koeyoshi Chicken, and the Kinpachi Chicken - which are designated as national and prefectural natural monuments.
When it comes to first shrine visits of the New Year for Miyagi residents, the most famous ones are Osaki Hachimangu Shrine and Sendai Toshogu Shrine in Sendai City, Takekoma Shrine in Iwanuma City, and Shiogama Shrine in Shiogama City. Among these, Shiogama Shrine in Shiogama City is particularly popular.
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In the center of Morioka City, if you head north from the intersection in front of the Courthouse, where the Ishiwari Sakura tree is located on Chuo-dori Street, you will come across Tokenji Temple along the road. Behind the temple is Mitsuishi Shrine...
Aoiwa
The Oyu Stone Circle, located in Towada, Kazuno City, Akita Prefecture, is one of the Jomon Sites in Hokkaido and Northern Tohoku, which became a World Heritage Site on July 27, 2021. The Oyu Stone Circle dates back to the Late Jomon period (approximately...
