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Ride a railbike, slurp some soba, and spend time with Akita dogs in northern Japan

Ride a railbike, slurp some soba, and spend time with Akita dogs in northern Japan

Last updated: 13 March 2020

If you're a dog lover or are interested in riding a rail bike, then Odate City in Akita prefecture should be on your must-visit list. Noodle lovers, too, will likely warm to the city's charms - soba noodles are a major part of the food culture here.

Table of Contents
  1. Make your own soba noodles or tanpo at The Cheerful Mother shop
  2. See the local area on a railbike
  3. Akita Inu no Sato: Celebrating canine loyalty and independence

Make your own soba noodles or tanpo at The Cheerful Mother shop

The Cheerful Mother
The Cheerful Mother

Drive approximately 10 kilometers south of Odate Station and you'll find Youkina Okaasan (Cheerful Mother), a shop that specializes in local produce and fruits. With prominent signage and an endearing logo, you can't miss it. The shop is divided into two sections: the product-selling area, and a smaller building that serves as a classroom for teaching visitors how to make soba noodles and tanpo (a kind of sausage-shaped rice snack). As you enter the main building, you'll notice a variety of locally grown fruits and vegetables. The bright colors of the different vegetables conjure a fresh, visually striking image.

Cheerful Mother proprietor Kazuko Ishigaki
Cheerful Mother proprietor Kazuko Ishigaki

The Cheerful Mother moniker takes its inspiration from Kazuko Ishigaki, the ever-smiling proprietor. “These pears are the northernmost pears grown in Japan that maintain their sweetness,” she says, pointing toward a heaving pile of Japanese pears (Pyrus pyrifolia) near the entrance. After taking a bite, it's hard to disagree. The shop also sells ready-made tanpo, takeout lunch boxes, and assorted fruit juices, including a delicious 100% apple juice made with fruit from local orchards. The difference in taste between the locally produced product and well-known commercial brands is striking.

100% apple juice made in Odate
100% apple juice made in Odate

In addition to kiritanpo and Akita Komachi rice, the Odate area is also famous for soba (buckwheat) noodles. Kazuko explains that making soba noodles requires a delicate hand to ensure an even texture when cooked. Guests can try their hand at making their own noodles under Kazuko's tutelage, which is both informative and fun.

Enjoying both cold and hot varieties of soba at The Cheerful Mother
Enjoying both cold and hot varieties of soba at The Cheerful Mother

It's customary to eat the cold noodles first, testing a strand for taste before slurping the rest with dipping sauce. Unlike the store-bought versions of soba available in supermarkets, the soba created here has a much chewier texture and brims with freshness.

Homemade soba noodles
Homemade soba noodles

The noodles are served with several pieces of tempura, which help balance the noodles' consistency. The hot version includes a delicious broth with soy sauce flavoring that warms the heart and is perfect for eating on a cold day.

  • Youkina Okaasan (Cheerful Mother)
    陽気な母さんの店
    • Address 97-1 Aza Ienoushiro, Magata, Odate, Akita
    • Business hours:9 a.m.–5 p.m.
      Closed:Tuesdays (January and February only)
      Fees:2,200 yen for soba-making; 2,750 yen for kiritanpo-making (tax included)
      Requirements:Reservations must be made in advance by email (groups of four or more only)
      Email:marugoto.odate@gmail.com
      Languages available:Japanese

See the local area on a railbike

An Odate-Kosaka railbike in action
An Odate-Kosaka railbike in action

If you'd prefer a more energetic activity, pay a visit to Odate-Kosaka Railbike (around 10 kilometers east of Odate Station) where you can enjoy a ride along an unused railway track. The "bikes" are basically manual trains that combine fun with exercise. There are only a few other places in Japan with similar attractions, including Gifu and Hokkaido.

A fun ride on a railbike
A fun ride on a railbike

Originally, the track was the Kosaka Smelting & Refining Kosaka Line, which operated between Odate and Kosaka, transporting both passengers and freight (it closed in 2009). The Odate-Kosaka Railbike offers several different types of bikes for you to ride: two- and four-people versions, and a carriage for people who are unable to pedal.

Crossing a bridge on a railbike
Crossing a bridge on a railbike

Rail-biking is the perfect activity for family and friends. Not only do you get to enjoy each other's company, you also get to enjoy the scenic views along the trail. Depending on how fast you pedal, you'll likely finish the course within 30 to 40 minutes.

Getting out in the Akita countryside on a railbike
Getting out in the Akita countryside on a railbike

Prices range from 2,500 yen to 3,500 per bike. Note that specific bikes may be unavailable on certain days, so be sure to phone ahead before arrival (inclement weather can also affect services).

  • Odate-Kosaka Railbike
    大館・小坂鉄道レールバイク
    • Address 30-2 Aza Otaki, Yukisawa, Odate, Akita
    • Closed:Tuesdays, Wednesdays (No service from late November to mid-April)
      Railbike fees:2,500 yen for two people; 3,500 yen for four people; 1,200 per person to ride the carriage
      Requirements:Reservations must be made in advance (website only)
      Languages available:Japanese

Akita Inu no Sato: Celebrating canine loyalty and independence

Akita Inu Visitor Center in front of JR Odate Station
Akita Inu Visitor Center in front of JR Odate Station

Akita Prefecture is famous for its Akita dog breed. To help promote tourism, Odate City municipal office established Akita Inu no Sato (Akita Dog Visitor Center) in May 2019, immediately across from JR Odate Station. A statue of Hachiko - the most famous Akita dog - sits in front of the building. Hachiko was a loyal canine who waited nine years at Shibuya Station for his owner, Hidesaburo Ueno, following Ueno's death. Due to this loyalty, Hachiko was given the title, "chuken Hachiko" or “faithful-dog Hachiko.”

Win a stuffed Akita Inu dog
Win a stuffed Akita Inu dog

Akita Inu Visitor Center sells a variety of themed souvenirs and snacks. You can also play a game to try and win a stuffed Akita dog by picking a number from a large container. Although a little pricey at 1,000 yen a go, you're guaranteed to win one of four differently sized soft toys.

Learn all about Akita dogs
Learn all about Akita dogs

There's also a museum area with explanations (in Japanese and English) about the Akita breed. One of the highlights of the facility is an observation area where you can observe real Akita dogs, though you can't actually pet them.

Owners sometimes bring their Akita dogs to play at the museum
Owners sometimes bring their Akita dogs to play at the museum

Note that the dogs are brought to the facility by their owners, so there may be times when the facility is canine-free. Nevertheless, Akita Dog Visitor Center is an excellent way to learn more about the breed and serves as a good start or end point to your Akita adventure.

  • Akita Dog Visitor Center
    大館市観光交流施設 「秋田犬の里」
    • Address 1-13-1 Onari-cho, Odate, Akita
    • Phone Number 0186-59-4649
    • Open:9 a.m.–6 p.m. (November–March from 9 a.m.–5 p.m.); dog-observation area operates 9:30 a.m.–4:15 p.m. (dogs may not be visible when resting)
      Closed:Dec. 31–Jan 1; dog observation area closed Monday and the weekday following public/national holidays
      Fee:Free
      Languages available:Japanese

*This information is from the time of this article's publication.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.

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