Two recommended winter experiences in Akita! A snowy paradise you should visit at least once!
When you think of winter in Akita Prefecture, you think of snow.
In January, many areas are covered in a blanket of snow.
Akita is one of the areas in Japan that receives the most snowfall.
In addition to winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding, Akita Hachimantai Ski Resort is also offering Akita's first snow activity, Snow Drive " and " in Ani, Kitaakita City, the birthplace of Matagi. A mini hunting experience learning from Matagi " will be picked out and introduced!
Akita Hachimantai Ski Resort "Snow Driving Experience"
Akita's first snow activity " Snow Drive " Experience it!
Staff will be on hand to assist you, so even first-timers can ski with confidence.
Even if you are new to snow activities or have tried skiing or snowboarding but were not very good at it, you can still "easily glide down the slopes."
Full staff support included!
A word from the participants
I don't usually ski or snowboard, but even I was able to do it easily! On the first try! I was a bit scared at first, but the staff were very kind and explained everything to me in detail. The scenery was also very beautiful, and I was very satisfied! I would definitely like to participate again.
Plan details
Experience Akita's first snow activity, "Snow Drive"! With support from staff, even beginners can easily glide down the slopes. Even those who have never been good at skiing or snowboarding can enjoy it! Everyone from children to adults can enjoy it. ~Experience process~ ①Meeting and check-in ②Changing clothes ③Explanation of snow drive ④Lift
| Plan fees | From 4,000 yen |
|---|---|
| What's included in the price | Experience fee, consumption tax (registered businesses only), snow drive fee, staff support fee *Lift fee not included |
| meal | Lunch (menu at ski resort rest house (for the number of people)) |
| Experience schedule and details |
[Meeting and Reception] 9:45 (12:45) 【Experience Schedule】 ①Changing clothes ②Explanation of snow driving ③ Instructions on how to ride the lift ④ Basic operation explanation on the slopes ⑤ Ride the lift and ski down the slopes |
access
| Meeting point |
Akita Hachimantai Ski Resort Kumazawa National Forest, Hachimantai, Kazuno City, Akita Prefecture, 018-5141 |
|---|---|
| Meeting point | Please check in at least 15 minutes before the start time. |
| Venue | Akita Hachimantai Ski Resort |
| Start time | 10:00/13:00 |
| Access methods | By car: 40 minutes from the Kazuno Hachimantai IC on the Tohoku Expressway |
| parking | 100 cars, free, no reservation required |
Ani, Kitaakita City "Learning from Matagi: A Mini Hunting Experience"
Ani in Kitaakita City is said to be the birthplace of Matagi, and the hunting culture remains today according to traditional customs.
This is an experience that can only be enjoyed in Kitaakita, where you can learn about hunting from an active Matagi instructor while experiencing Matagi culture and techniques.
[Experience content]
- Lecture: About animal footprints and traces
- Snowshoe walking experience (winter)
- Shooting experience
You will have the opportunity to experience shooting with a toy gun. You will gain highly specialized knowledge, including how to handle the gun, how to load a bolt-action gun, and what to be careful of when looking through a scope.
* Please note that due to age restrictions for toy guns, those under the age of 18 are not permitted to shoot the guns.
A word from the experience provider
Kitaakita City Planning and Tourism Association
Sho Matsuhashi, Experience-Based Product Development Manager
"This mini hunting experience with Matagi will take place in Ani, Kitaakita City, which is said to be the birthplace of Matagi. Enjoy winter mountain activities with active Matagi while learning about the wisdom passed down from generations of Matagi professionals and the history of Matagi! We offer a variety of experiences that can only be enjoyed here, such as traditional Matagi-style snow trekking using snowshoes and snow shovels, and the true thrill of hunting with a gun. Why not discover a different kind of winter fun in Kitaakita City with Matagi?"
Plan details
[Kitaakita City, Akita Prefecture] A mini hunting experience learning from Matagi
Ani in Kitaakita City is said to be the birthplace of Matagi, and the culture of hunting remains today according to traditional customs. With an active Matagi as the instructor, you can learn about hunting while experiencing Matagi culture and techniques, an experience that can only be enjoyed in Kitaakita. [Experience content] - Lecture - About animal footprints and traces - - Experience setting up a temporary snare trap (spring to autumn) - Walking on snow in snowshoes
| Plan fees | From 5,000 yen |
|---|---|
| What's included in the price | Guide fee, experience fee, leisure insurance fee, consumption tax, etc. |
| Experience schedule and details |
・Classroom lecture: About animal footprints and traces ・Snowshoe walking experience (winter) ・Shooting experience ■Morning session 9:30am Reception begins 10:00 Experience begins ■ Afternoon session 13:00 Reception begins 13:30 Experience begins |
access
| Meeting point |
Yuyu Garden Parking Lot Reception 1, Uchishitadai, Ani, Kitaakita City, Akita Prefecture, 018-4731 |
|---|---|
| Meeting time | Please check in at least 30 minutes before the start time. |
| Venue | Yuyu Garden |
| Start time | 10:00/13:30 |
| Access methods |
■ For those arriving by car You can park your car in the Yuyu Garden parking lot. ■ For those arriving by train 15 minutes walk from Ani Matagi Station on the Akita Nairiku Jukan Railway For those arriving by other means Guests staying at Utto Onsen Matagi no Yu can be picked up and dropped off by car. Please let us know your preference when you apply. |
*The content of this article is current as of October 2025.
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