Visit Japan - Akita

Submitted by Suzu on Thu, 03/30/2017 - 21:40

Akita, Japan - Gotta visit em’ all!

Akita is in the cold but beautiful Tohoku Region of Japan.

秋田県 - Akita Prefecture

When people hear the word Akita, they might first think of these cuddly 秋田犬 (Akita Inus), or at least I do:

adult Akita dogs

puppy Akita dogs

Akitas are known for their large size and lovable personality. Probably the most famous Akita known is Hachiko, and if you don’t know him, get some tissues ready because it will give you all the feels.

Hachi: A Dogs Tale

Akita dogs in old original movie scene

Akita Inus are one of the oldest known dog breeds, and their ancestors were used in bear and deer hunting, or マタギ (Matagi), in the Akita region, hence its name.

Another “Akita” is the 秋田美人 (akita bijin), or Akita Beauties. Historically, Akita has been known to have women with light skin, round faces, and high pitched voices. One of the most famous Akita Bijin is Ono no Komachi, a legendarily beautiful poet from the ninth century.

drawing of beautiful Akita women

Though not much of her scandalous life is known for sure, she wrote sad poems, many about her several lovers whom she treated cruelly. Legend says, she died old, alone, and miserable after all her lovers left her as her beauty faded with age. Looks aren’t everything!

But sometimes, looks are everything, especially if you look like this:

Akita oni or devil

These horrible things are called namahage and will give you nightmares for life. Men dress up as these demons around New Years to scare children into being good. They go around houses, and say 泣く子はいねがぁ (nakukowa inega-), or “Are there any crybabies?” in an northern, Akita dialect, and not surprisingly, kids are terrified.

Some say that this tradition can be traumatizing for the children, and some say it teaches them a valuable lesson, but honestly I’m just glad that I didn’t have any namahages in my childhood. However, if you do feel traumatized, fear not, because mother nature of Akita is with you, and will nurture and protect your soul.

You’ll know what I mean when you drive through 白神山地 (Shirakami-Sanchi mountains),

Akita Shirakami Sanchi

or walk through the 美郷町ラベンダー園 (Lavender Festival) (Misatomachi rabendā-en),

Akita Lavender Festival

or take in the panorama of 桑ノ木台湿原 (Mulberry fields) (kuwa no kidai shitsugen),

Akita Mulberry Fields

or stroll along with the 角館のシダレザクラ (Weeping sakuras of Kakunodate) (Kakunodate no shidare zakura)

Akita Cherry Blossoms

Not only has mother nature blessed Akita with its scenery, but Akita has an abundance of hot springs. One of the best hot springs in Japan is found in Nyuto, and as a 秘湯 (hitou), or a secret spa, you’ll be able to get away from all of hustle and bustle of the city. Tsurunoyu is the oldest hot spring and ryokan in the Nyuto area, said to be operating since the edo-period.

Akita Hitou or secret spa

After you’re warmed up from the hot spring, let Akita warm you up even more with some Kiritanpo. Kiritanpo is a type of nabe, or hot pot, served with rice on a stick. It is traditionally cooked on top of a 囲炉裏 (irori), as shown below with the delicious looking kiritanpo nabe:

Akita nabe or hot pot named Kiritanpo

Well what do you think about Akita? Regardless of what you think, there are many people who are attracted to what Akita has to offer - and there’s even a website for Akita fans! Check it out!

Suzu's blog
Log in or register to post comments

Comments

Bayern will Cheap Soccer

Submitted by crothermbeme_7710 on Sat, 04/28/2018 - 23:12

Bayern will Cheap Soccer Jerseys Wholesale usher in the first round of the home match with Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-final. Heynx attended the press conference at noon local time, Shop By National Team and he still performed relatively optimistically. For the upcoming World Cup 2018 strong opponents, Heynckes is very peaceful: "The only players who can enter the semi-finals are the top teams. Rome eliminated Barcelona. I respect Bundesliga Jerseys every team and every player. Also, he has already proved how great his career is, and we must focus on analyzing him, but to win the championship, we Other Teams need a high level of integrity. Don't forget, we still have Lewan, this guy has this season already I scored 39 goals. Then I have to ask. How can I Premier League defend him?" For Hewitt and C Ronald's La Liga exchange of news, Heinkers also said humorously: “This question is for the reporter, not us. This question (I’m not trying to get Levin to change Ronaldo ) Ligue 1 nonexistent." When talking about the Germany Teams Jerseys Champions League goal, Heynckes said bluntly: "I love football. When I do a job, I always give 100% effort. In order to reach the finals, we must Spain Teams Jerseys be both competitively and mentally. I do a good job. I have a team of outstanding players and coaches. Now everything can't go wrong, because in the France Teams Jerseys semi-finals, all four teams have a chance to compete for the championship. But now we have to pay full attention to Real Madrid Argentina Teams Jerseys." Regarding the Italy Teams Jerseys current personnel situation of the team, Heynckes said: “Alaba and Tolisol will be able to determine whether they can be in the big list tomorrow. I USA Team Jerseys will not disclose anything about the starting list before the game, about Tiago and J. Luo's arrangement will be announced Liverpool Soccer Jerseys Sale tomorrow."

Methods to Notice a fabulous

Submitted by wiatmppgryar_7711 on Sun, 04/29/2018 - 00:16

Methods to Notice a fabulous Faux NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE Jacket Very much like Rolex devices and additionally almost every little bit of high-end model, there are various faux NFL Jerseys floating around. Filled with cash to identify the first the price tag. Jay Ajayi Jerseys Any time they've recommending any NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE Exclusive jacket just for $100, shift by means of warn. If for example the musician was first most recently dealt, which might teach you all the low priced. Jaylen Watkins Jerseys Still if that's not the case, likelihood is that it's a really really make a difference about "too wonderful that should be valid. "Philadelphia Eagles It is advisable to most effective to identify faux NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE jerseys when you've a really person to contrast the software to make sure you. Still, you'll find tell-tale signs and symptoms. First of all certainly is the on the whole superior quality. Jerome Grey Jerseys Any time they may be shut off, it usually is a fabulous faux. True jerseys are intended by means of high-quality equipment. Jordan Matthews Jerseys Any time posts really are get rid of, it's not the same degree outline. True Exclusive Jordan Hicks Jerseys enjoy a one-time seam relating to the floor throughout. A large amount of knock-off jerseys experience established seams. Lettering relating to the lower back for the jacket is an alternative approve. Faux Josh Huff Jerseys make use of varied notes when compared to many applied to actual cigarettes. It usually is around, still while you're just spending a lot of dough about the little league jacket, you may be venturing into the information. All the jock licence plate relating to faux Kenjon Barner Jerseys often is more significant " up ". Substantial Lane Manley Jerseys possess licence plate nestled extremely low. Also, it is particularly taut relating to substantial Exclusive jerseys. If for example the jock licence plate bends quite simply, it is an indicator of the fact that Philadelphia Eagles Jerseys is not actually substantial.

HOUSTON -- As Jordan

Submitted by schuetqppnullt_7712 on Wed, 05/02/2018 - 01:17

HOUSTON -- As Jordan Montgomery made the long walk to the visitors' clubhouse after throwing seven pitches, the Yankees' bullpen had to prove that they were up to a formidable challenge, going toe-to-toe with one of the best outings chicago cubs jersers of Justin Verlander's career. New York's lineup could produce no answers for Verlander, who tied his career high with pittsburgh pirates jersers 14 strikeouts in an eight-inning gem, but they got to closer Ken Giles in the ninth. Gary Sanchez launched a go-ahead three-run homer, and the Yankees stunned baltimore orioles jersers the cleveland indians jersers Astros, 4-0, on Tuesday evening at Minute Maid Park. View Full Game Coverage After Verlander retired the final 16 men he faced, Aaron Judge greeted Giles with a single and Didi Gregorius followed with a double. Giles struck out Giancarlo Stanton, then the Astros opted to face Sanchez with first base open. Sanchez made them pay, connecting for a 423-foot blast that struck the batter's eye in center field, leaving the backstop's bat at 109.2 mph. Aaron Hicks added an insurance run later in the ninth, dashing from third base as a wild pitch skipped away from catcher Brian McCann. The Yankees won for the first time in eight tries at Minute Maid Park, including the postseason, and have won 10 of their last 11 contests overall. The Yankees were behind the eight-ball early. With Montgomery experiencing kansas city royals jersers tightness in his left elbow, rookie Domingo German stated his case to step into the rotation, if necessary. The 25-year-old right-hander spun four scoreless innings behind Montgomery, who will travel to New York on Wednesday for further evaluation. German walked one and struck out four. German induces inning-ending DP German induces inning-ending DP Chad Green pitched a scoreless sixth inning before Dellin Betances pitched around a seventh-inning single, and David Robertson did the same in the eighth. Aroldis Chapman worked the ninth in a non-save situation. Chapman K's Gonzalez to end gamewholesale baseball jersers Chapman K's Gonzalez to end game Verlander was forced to settle for a no-decision despite his three-hit, no-walk performance, in which he recorded 14 strikeouts, a figure he also reached against the Yankees in August 2012 as a member of the Tigers. Since joining the Astros last Aug. 31, Verlander is 13-1 with a 1.45 ERA in 18 games (17 starts), including the postseason. UP NEXT Luis Severino will face off against Dallas Keuchel on Wednesday as the Yankees and Astros continue their four-game series at 8:10 p.m. ET. minnesota twins jersers Severino is coming off a no-decision against the Angels in which he permitted three runs and five hits over seven innings. He faced the Astros in Game 2 of the American League Championship Series, hurling four innings before exiting due to concern over a possible injury. Bryan Hoch has covered the Yankees for MLB.com since 2007. Follow him on Twitter @bryanhoch and on Facebook.