After a visit to Senshu Park this past weekend, I realized I have never written about such a beautiful area right here in Akita City. Having now visited the park in all four seasons, I have to say it truly is a nice place to take a stroll and unwind for the day. With shrines, … Continue reading Senshu Park

Hamada Forest Park, vast and serene, is just south of Omoriyama Zoo. While I am not complaining, I have to say that I am a bit surprised that I was the only person there. Not far from the city center, it seems to me that it would be an enjoyable place to go on a … Continue reading Hamada Forest Park

I thought after visiting Dakigaeri Gorge that my hunt for autumn leaves was over, but I was wrong! Sunday, I went to Oyasukyo, a beautiful area in Yuzawa. The magnificent autumn colors took my breath away. Stunning, beautiful, and breathtaking are all words that describe the fall leaves in the gorge. As you enter the … Continue reading The Hunt Continues in Oyasukyo!

This past Sunday, I followed a Japanese tradition that dates back to the Heian Period, momijigari, or “red leaf hunting.” Searching for beautiful shades of autumn leaves is featured in and made famous by classic Japanese literature, such as The Tale of Genji, and waka, or “short poem.” I began my search at Dakigaeri Gorge. … Continue reading Red Leaf Hunting

Some of you may be wondering, what does the BES Adventurer do on his “downtime?” Well, truthfully, the adventure never stops! On a typical day off, I wake up in the morning, pour a cup of coffee and pull up Google Maps. I search for an area that seems interesting, usually somewhere mountainous or countryside, … Continue reading A Day in the Life of the BES Adventurer

For over 100 years, the Handaen tea shop has provided the people of Akita with a vast selection of quality tea. During my most recent visit, I sipped gyokuro green tea, which has a natural sweet taste and an invigorating smell. As autumn and cooler evenings approach, I find myself drawn to the soothing sensation … Continue reading Handaen Tea Shop

The morning to Mount Akitakomagatake began with an old bus and an overly confident driver taking hairpin turns at high speed. Fully awake from the journey to the parking lot, my friends and I began our trek into the eerie mist. Clouds covered the mountain, and we could barely see further than 30 meters in … Continue reading Mount Akitakomagatake

I know this sounds crazy, but I biked to Otakiyama park! Last weekend, I was looking for something to do and found this area on the map. It took about 45 minutes by bike with one grueling hill I had to walk up. When I arrived at the entrance to the park, the Otakiyama hot … Continue reading The Mystery of Otakiyama Park

I left for Oga reasonably early to make sure I would beat the crowd. Arriving at Oga Marine Park around 3:00 pm, I found a spot under a tree to get out of the hot afternoon sun. Having gone alone, I have to say I got fortunate. A family nearby invited me to join them, … Continue reading Oga Fireworks