Daisen Akitakomachi: Harvest Festival in Japan's Premier Rice Country

Daisen City and Akitakomachi

The Senboku Plain where Daisen City in Akita is located is one of Japan's premier rice-producing areas, nationally known as the production area for the "Akitakomachi" brand rice. The summer fireworks festival (National Fireworks Competition) and the autumn golden paddy field scenery are Daisen's two great attractions.

Highlights

- Omagari Fireworks (National Fireworks Competition): Held late August — Japan's highest-caliber fireworks competition - Autumn Golden Paddy Fields: September–October golden rice ears extending across the landscape - Agricultural Experiences: Rice harvesting experiences (available at farmstay accommodations) - Senboku Plain Viewpoints: Rice paddy art and panoramic farmland views from farm roads

Food

- Akitakomachi: Akita's signature brand rice characterized by stickiness and sweetness - Kiritanpo Nabe: Akita's representative regional dish - Inaniwa Udon (Senboku area): One of Akita's three great gourmet items

Getting There

- Alight at JR Ou Main Line Omagari Station (Akita Shinkansen stop) - About 20 minutes from Akita Station by Shinkansen

Tips

Omagari Fireworks is Japan's most prestigious fireworks competition. Accommodation must be secured very early for the late August event day.