Ōdate: Woodcraft, Shrines, and Akita Dogs

In Ōdate, woodcraft, historic architecture, Akita dogs, and regional food culture come together. These varied themes span from the early modern period to more recent city history, offering different ways to get to know the city’s cultural side.

Shrines and Wooden Architecture

Sakura Yagurakan is a rare surviving wooden building from the early Shōwa period in Ōdate’s historic old town. It represents a more recent period alongside the city’s older shrine architecture. The main buildings of Shō Hachimangū and Wakamiya Hachimangū are each single-aisle structures in the Nagare-zukuri style, dating from 1687. The two main buildings of Ōdate Hachiman Shrine are also notable: they are designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan.

Ōdate Magewappa: History and Craftsmanship

Ōdate Magewappa began to develop in the second half of the 17th century. The Satake-nishi family, lords of Ōdate Castle, promoted the craft as a sideline for lower-ranking samurai. Today, Ōdate Magewappa is designated a traditional Japanese craft; its history connects the craft tradition with the history of the city.

The craft uses natural Akita cedar, known for its elasticity and beautiful grain. The thinly shaved wood is softened in hot water, bent, and stitched together with mountain cherry bark. You can learn about the craft not only through its history, but also through the practical steps involved: from shaving the wood to bending and stitching it.

Akita Dogs and Cultural Traditions

Akita Inu no Sato is a tourist exchange and information center operated by the City of Ōdate, a one-minute walk from Ōdate Station. Visitors can learn about the origins of Akita dogs in its museum. Akita dogs belonging to members of the Akita Dog Preservation Society take turns welcoming visitors to Akita Inu no Sato each day; check the current dog schedule before your trip. The society’s headquarters are located in the Akita Dog Hall. Ōdate-bayashi is also designated an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of the City of Ōdate.

The Ōdate Amekko Market features a procession of Shirahige Ōkami, the White-Bearded God, and a parade with Akita dogs. According to tradition, the procession depicts a deity coming down from Mount Tashiro to buy sweets. Some program elements may change from one edition to the next; if you plan to attend the market, check the event date and program.

Kiritanpo and Food Culture

From the mid-Meiji period onward, restaurants and inns in Ōdate began serving Kiritanpo-nabe as a meal for guests, and each establishment developed its own flavors and ingredients. In the wider Ōdate area, Kiritanpo is cherished in households as a traditional home-cooked dish and as food for festive occasions. The city’s history of serving guests and the wider area’s home food culture thus sit side by side.

Guidance for Choosing Accommodation

The central area of Ōdate City is home to the station, city hall, municipal hospital, and other public facilities. When choosing a vacation rental in Ōdate, you can start with what matters most to you: architectural history and Magewappa, Akita dogs and customs, or cuisine.

Discover more destinations: Daisen, Yurihonjō, Yokote, Kazuno, Yuzawa, Oga, Fujisato, Kosaka

For the broader travel overview: Akita Prefecture.