Akita famous for their special breed of hunting dogs beloved all over the world and their winter hotpot soups. In ancient times Akita was an important city in a large maritime trading network on the backside of Japan spanning from Hokkaido, Aomori, Niigata in the north all the way down to cities in Kyushu.
Oga, a small town in the countryside of Akita hardly worthy of note but the harsh conditions often breed physically and mentally hardy people. Sometimes even hardy mythology like the Namahage.
Hirosaki capital of a wealthy province during feudal times. Remains of its beautiful and impressive castle grounds survive to modern times. Now it functions as both a large city park and open-air museum much like Pompeii Italy. Its also favorite spot for viewing the blossoming of cherry trees each spring.
AloJapan.com