While its name translates to Autumn Field, Akita is well known for its heavy snowfall during the winter months.
Akita, in northwestern Japan, is a stunning city with thousands of years of history and beautiful landmarks.
Counting more than 300,000 residents, this city belongs to a climatic transition zone humid subtropical climate, which is characterised by cold, extremely snowy winters and hot and humid summers.
Winter monthly averages range from 4.5C in November to -2.1C in February – but Akita residents experienced in the past temperatures dipping as low as -24.6C.
Located near to the Sea of Japan coast, Akita receives heavy snowfall – on average more than 377 centimetres per season. In January alone, it snows on average 20.9 days a month.
During milder months, when it is too warm to snow, Akita experiences heavy rainfall. More than two-thirds of all days in this city see some precipitation.
Given its climate, the Japanese city, the head of the homonymous Akita Prefecture, is one of the world’s most popular winter holiday destinations.
The city and the prefecture are peppered with ski resorts and hot springs, perfect for both sports fanatics and those seeking a more relaxing experience.
Moreover, during the winter months, the prefecture organises several winter-themed festivals where snow is one of the main features.
Among them is the Kamakura Festival – or festival of fire and snow. This yearly event marks the lunar new year in the middle of February and features fire dancing during which skilled performers spin and swing fire.
Moreover, ahead of this festival – which dates back some 450 years – are built several snow houses each featuring a snow altar dedicated to a water deity and a brazier where visitors can grill delicious rice cakes.
But Akita isn’t made beautiful just by the snow, with plenty to do also during the spring and summer months.
In August, the city is home to Kanto Matsuri, the pole lantern festival, which sees performers balance kanto – or long bamboo poles – with paper lanterns attached to the end.
Within the prefecture can be found Kakunodate, a former castle town and samurai stronghold where the samurai tradition remains very much alive.
But Akita isn’t made beautiful just by the snow, with plenty to do also during the spring and summer months.
