Blogs from Tazawako, Akita, Japan, Asia

Tazawako, in the north of Honshu, was one of our favourite stops. We stayed in the superb youth hostel by Lake Tazawako where we ate the most incredible traditional Japanese food and found some great company. It was a very peaceful and tranquil place, with the most beautiful onsens you'll ever find. We'd love to come back and experience this in winter! ... read more

The Naniwa hotel was a comfy nights rest, and the hosts as helpful as ever, despite their limited english and yesterdays misunderstanding! I am certainly glad I speak some lingo - several people I have met have had no or limited ability, and even in the major cities like Tokyo, have struggled to get their needs met or point across. A bit of charades always comes in handy, but anything slightly complicated can get mixed up, even if you do speak Japanese!! A gorgeous, clear warm mornning dawned, and I decided after my early waking habit to get the earlier train just before 9am. The Akita shinkansen, originating and terminating at Akita (Tokyo bound/ from) means the trip to Tazawako and nearby Kakunodate is quick and painless, but reservations are a must. Being a monday morning, ... read more