Nikaho

Nikaho City
にかほ市
Nikaho in Akita
Location
Country	Japan
Region	Tōhoku
Prefecture	Akita
Physical characteristics
Area	240.65 km²
Population	21,834 (as of 2025)
Symbols
Tree	Cedar (むら杉)
Flower	Mimosa tree (Albizia julibrissin) (合歓木)
City Hall
Address	1 Aza-Hamanota, Kisakata Nikaho, Akita 018-0113 (〒018-0192 秋田県にかほ市 象潟町字浜ノ田1番地)
Telephone	☎ 0184-43-3200
Website	Homepage

Nikaho (にかほ市; -shi) is a city in southwestern Akita Prefecture, nestled between the Sea of Japan and the towering slopes of Mount Chōkai. Formed by the merger of the towns of Nikaho (仁賀保), Konoura (金浦), and Kisakata (象潟), the city is known for its dramatic natural scenery, abundant spring water, coastal views, and easy access to one of Tōhoku's most iconic mountains. Whether you're looking to hike, visit waterfalls, explore wetlands, or simply enjoy a quiet drive along the coast, Nikaho offers a peaceful escape into nature. The city of Nikaho is written in hiragana (にかほ), while the former town of Nikaho, now a district within the city, is written in kanji (仁賀保). This distinction can occasionally cause confusion when reading maps or local information.

Festivals & Events

Main article: Nikaho festivals

• Nikaho Summer Fireworks Festival (August) – A local fireworks display held each summer featuring food stalls and community festivities.
• Kisakata Fireworks Festival (August) – A popular summer event along the coast with fireworks over the Sea of Japan.
• Chōkai Mountain Opening (May) – Marks the beginning of the hiking season for Mount Chōkai, one of Tōhoku's most famous mountains.
• Various shrine festivals (祭り) and seasonal events are held throughout the year across Nikaho, Konoura, and Kisakata.
• For details on upcoming events, check with your PA, the Nikaho City website, local tourism resources, or the monthly Akita JET newsletter.

Do

• Mount Chōkai (鳥海山) – Nikaho is home to one of the primary trailheads for climbing Mount Chōkai, one of Tōhoku's most iconic mountains. The Kisakata Trail offers spectacular alpine scenery, wildflowers in summer, and panoramic views stretching from the Sea of Japan to inland Akita. The round-trip hike typically takes 6–9 hours and should only be attempted with appropriate preparation.

• Mototaki Springs (元滝伏流水) – One of Nikaho's most famous natural attractions. Hundreds of liters of crystal-clear spring water flow from the base of a moss-covered cliff every second, creating a breathtaking scene that feels almost otherworldly. A short, easy walk from the parking area makes this an accessible destination for visitors of all ages.

• Nakajimadai–Shishigahana Wetlands (中島台・獅子ヶ鼻湿原) – A beautiful protected beech forest and wetland area at the base of Mount Chōkai. Elevated boardwalks wind through pristine forests, streams, and wetlands, eventually leading to the famous Agariko Daiō (あがりこ大王), a centuries-old giant beech tree shaped by generations of heavy snowfall.

• Naso Waterfall (奈曽の白滝) – One of Akita Prefecture's most scenic waterfalls and a designated National Place of Scenic Beauty. The waterfall is especially popular during the autumn foliage season.

• TDK History Museum – Learn about the history of TDK, one of Nikaho's largest companies, through interactive exhibits showcasing electronics, magnetics, and modern technology. The museum also features a popular TeamLab digital art installation.

• Tsuchida Farm (土田牧場) – Located on the slopes of Mount Chōkai, Tsuchida Farm is a favorite stop for locally produced Jersey milk ice cream, Jingisukan (grilled lamb), and sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and coastline.

• Children's Ferrite & Science Museum (フェライト子ども科学館) – A family-friendly science museum featuring hands-on exhibits about magnets, ferrite, electricity, and other scientific concepts.

Restaurants

• Remède nikaho. An award-winning fine dining restaurant specializing in contemporary French cuisine inspired by the natural springs and seasonal ingredients of the Chōkai region. Reservations are required.

• KNC Burger. A popular American-style diner serving gourmet burgers, sandwiches, and craft drinks in a relaxed atmosphere. A favorite among both locals and visitors.

• CRUST. A bakery and bistro in Konoura offering artisan breads, sandwiches, pastries, and seasonal lunch specials made with local ingredients. They have a weekly pizza night on Wednesdays.

• Masaen Zero. A well-loved pizzeria serving authentic wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizzas prepared with carefully selected local ingredients.

• Ame to Inu Café (雨と犬). A cozy café known for its specialty coffee, homemade desserts, and delicious pasta. An ideal stop for a relaxing break while exploring the Konoura area.

• Nikahotto(にかほっと). Located inside the Nikaho Tourist Base Center, the Nikahotto food court offers local specialties, light meals, desserts, and regional products, making it a convenient stop before or after sightseeing.

Onsen

Kisakata

• Nemu no Yu (ねむの湯). Located on the 4th floor of the Kisakata Road station. There is a beautiful view of the Sea of Japan. Facilities include a cold bath, a bubbling hot bath and a hot bath with red-tinted water. 秋田県にかほ市象潟町字大塩越７３−１
• Kakusensou (鶴泉荘). Also known as: Yunotai onsen (湯の台温泉). 秋田県にかほ市象潟町横岡字目貫谷地1
• Ushū Onsen Seaside Hotel (羽州温泉 シーサイド　ホテル). 秋田県 にかほ市象潟町字琴和喜58-23
• Tatsumi Kanyou Hotel (たつみ寛洋ホテル). 秋田県 にかほ市象潟町後田116-5
• Kaien Shōbū Sō (海苑焦風荘). 秋田県にかほ市象潟町字中橋町50
• Sun Nemunoki (サン・ねむの木). 秋田県にかほ市象潟町字才の神31

Konoura

• Hamanasu Onsen (はまなす). Onsen, rotenburo and sauna. Located in Konoura Town. Tel: 0184-38-2246. Homepage.
• Konoura Onsen (金浦温泉). This onsen used to be a school!

Nikaho

• Ichie (いちゑ). Access to this onsen is restricted to people who have lunch (11am-1pm) or stay overnight. Lunch costs about ¥ 900 and includes price of onsen.
• Gonohama Onsen (午ノ浜温泉). Open 9:00-21:00, closed on Wednesdays. 秋田県にかほ市三森字午ノ浜144-1
• Kami no Yu Onsen (神の湯温泉). Open 13:00-22:00. Facilities include a power jet massager, point massager and a denkiburo (electric bath) sauna and cold bath. For washing only bars of soap are provided, but you can buy liquid soap at the reception. Male and female bath change daily between genki no yu (元気の湯) and chōju no yu (長寿の湯). 秋田県にかほ市平沢字家ノ後３

Accommodation

• Ichie (いちゑ). A fancy and expensive onsen ryokan. Tel: 0184-37-2000 Homepage

Schools

Elementary Schools

• Hirasawa Elementary School (平沢小学校). Central Nikaho.
• Innai Elementary School (院内小学校). Just east of Nikaho.
• Konoura Elementary School (金浦小学校)
• Kisakata Elementary School (象潟小学校)

Junior High Schools

• Kisakata Junior High School (象潟中学校).
• Konoura Junior High School (金浦中学校).
• Nikaho Junior High School (仁賀保中学校).

Senior High Schools

• Nikaho High School (仁賀保高等学校). Central Nikaho.

Former schools

• Kamagadai Elementary School (釜ヶ台小学校). Closed in 2010.
• Kamagadai Junior High School (釜ヶ台中学校). Closed in 2010.
• Koide Elementary School (小出小学校). East of Konoura. Closed in 2015.
• Kamihama Elementary School (上浜小学校). Southern Kisakata. Closed in 2018.
• Kamigo Elementary School (上郷小学校). East of Kisakata. Closed in 2018.

See also

• Nikaho official site (Japanese).
• Wikitravel Nikaho.