Discover Daisen: A Hidden Gem in Japan’s Tōhoku Region
Spending the night in an historic onsen ryokan, tasting some of Japan’s finest sake, and cycling quiet roads through the rice fields are just a few reasons to visit Daisen, an undertouristed pocket of Japan’s northern region of Tōhoku. At just three hours from Tokyo by bullet train, it makes for an easy retreat from urban life.
Staying in Onsen Ryokan Shōhōen
A stay at Shōhōen is a Daisen highlight, offering travellers a traditional onsen ryokan (hot-spring inn) experience in off-the-beaten-path Japan. Originally built in 1917, the structure is a testament to earthquake-resistant design and local craftsmanship. The 103-year-old building meets Japan’s current earthquake-proofing standards.
Crafted from sturdy local cedar, the interiors feature long floorboards and ingenious removable pillars. Sliding doors lead to a garden surrounding 400-year-old firs, offering tranquility. The ryokan, run by the 16th generation of the Oyamada family, has only seven guest rooms, ensuring an intimate experience.
Each stay includes exquisite dinner and breakfast, with a multi-course array of seasonal dishes—fish and crab from the nearby Omono-gawa river, mountain vegetables, and local Akita rice highlight the menu.
Perhaps the most alluring feature of Shōhōen is its outdoor baths, or rotemburo. Surrounded by nature, guests can soak in mineral-rich hot-spring water, relishing the aroma of cypress while gazing at the trees. Reservations for private bath usage can be made for a unique experience.
Cycling Through the Fields
In the heart of Akita Prefecture, Daisen is characterized by vast expanses of rice farmland, ideal for leisurely exploration on bicycles. With its picturesque scenery of soft greens and golds, the landscape is perfect for cycling enthusiasts, particularly during the luminous summer months.
Bikes can be rented from the Daisen Tourist Information Centre in Ōmagari, where visitors can obtain detailed maps of suggested routes that traverse the countryside and follow the Omono-gawa riverbanks. For additional routing, resources like NorthTime Bikeway offer downloadable cycling maps.
Touring Daisen’s Sake Breweries
Akita Prefecture is renowned for its high-quality sake, thanks to its ideal climate and abundance of fresh water. Daisen boasts nine breweries, each offering unique sake experiences. Many breweries utilize traditional methods, such as sakafune, to maintain the quality of their products. Winter is an exciting time to visit, as breweries are fully operational during this season.
Discovering Local Culture and History
The Ikeda Family Gardens offer a serene environment for reflection, especially during spring and autumn. This historical site features a mix of traditional Japanese flora and architecture, including a 1922 Western-style manor and Japan’s tallest yukimi stone lantern.
Trying and Buying Local Specialties
Daisen’s quiet charm extends to its local products, with unique offerings throughout the town. The historic sweet shop Tsujiya is known for its tofu-kamaboko, while the Kyowa Michi-no-Eki roadside stop features a plethora of local crafts, delicacies, and even pottery workshops.
Getting There and Around
Daisen is easily accessible via shinkansen from Tokyo, with connections available at Ōmagari to explore the Ōu main line. Renting a car is advisable for those wishing to discover the beauty of the surrounding areas. For visitors heading to Shōhōen ryokan, free pick-up services are available from the station.
