Land of Akita Beauties: The Secret of Beautiful Skin Nurtured by Rice, Snow, and Hot Springs

Land of Akita Beauties

As the phrase "Akita Bijin" (Akita beauty) suggests, Akita has long been said to produce many beautiful women. Attributed reasons include a diet rich in rice, low UV exposure due to snow-covered winters, and a hot spring culture with skin-beautifying properties.

Akita's Skin-Nurturing Environment

- Low UV in Snow Country: Winters covered in snow mean reduced UV exposure - Quality Hot Springs: Hot spring waters benefit the skin - Rice and Sake: Rice bran and sake lees culture said to support collagen production

Skin-Friendly Hot Spring Areas

- Nyuto Onsen Village: Weakly alkaline springs (pH 8–9) known for skin beauty effects - Akiu Onsen (Miyagi border): Sodium-chloride spring - Hanamaki Onsen Village: Multiple spring types at a cluster of hot spring areas

Akita Beauty Foods

- Rice Bran: Used in local cosmetics and foods - Sake: Many famous breweries including Aramasa sake - Mountain Produce (Wild Vegetables, Mushrooms): Rich in antioxidants

Getting There

- JR Akita Shinkansen Akita Station as starting point

Tips

Akita hot springs are generally high quality with extensive day-trip bathing options. After bathing, try local amazake (sweet rice drink) and rice bran cosmetics.