Kosaka: Railway Heritage, Nature and Cultural Heritage

Kosaka brings together railway and road history, nature, cultural heritage and wine made from local mountain grapes. If you are looking for a hotel in Kosaka, it helps to first decide on the main purpose of your stay: Would you like to experience former railway infrastructure, explore a scenic route, discover a waterfall and mountain landscape, or focus on culture and wine? This makes it easier to choose where to stay based on your specific interests.

Rail Park and Scenic Route

Kosaka Railway Rail Park uses the tracks and facilities of the former Kosaka Railway; rides on railbikes are among the activities on offer. The railway’s past is therefore not only a historical reference but also part of what visitors can experience today. If railway history is one of your interests, this gives you a specific reason to include Kosaka in your travel plans from that perspective, too.

The Jukai Line offers a different focus. This 42.5-kilometer scenic route runs from Ōdate through central Kosaka and Nanataki to Hakka Pass. It is open year-round, although weather and road conditions may affect the drive. Unlike the railbike rides at Rail Park, the Jukai Line is a road route with several named points along the way. If you want to plan your trip around a route, you can take into account the locations of the town center and Nanataki along this connection.

Waterfall and Mountain Landscape

Nanataki is about 60 meters high and cascades over seven tiers. A walking path and bridge lead to the foot of the waterfall, allowing you to approach it for a visit. Take care on wet or uneven ground. These details give you both an impression of the waterfall’s terraced form and a specific point of reference for your visit.

At 1,034 meters, Shirojisan (白地山) is Kosaka’s highest mountain and is one of the 100 famous mountains of the Tōhoku region. The difference is clear when choosing a nature-focused visit: At Nanataki, a path and bridge leading to the foot are noted, while Shirojisan is distinguished by its elevation and regional designation. This lets you consider whether you would prefer to visit a waterfall with a designated path or focus on a mountain landscape.

Cultural History at Kourakukan

Kourakukan was completed in 1910 and designated a National Important Cultural Property of Japan in 2002. The two dates mark different milestones: 1910 is the year of completion, while 2002 is the year of its national designation. Visits are guided and take place at specific tour times; they are not possible during performances. An operator notice dated April 25, 2026, lists these conditions. Check the current tour times before your visit, especially if seeing the building is a fixed part of your plans.

Wine Made from Local Mountain Grapes

Kosaka Nanataki Winery focuses on wine made from local mountain grapes, Yamabudō, developing it as a distinctive Japanese wine. Cellar Door Nanataki, the shop attached to the winery, offers wine tastings and stocks a large portion of the products made there. This gives you a chance to explore the winery’s distinctive approach to wine production as well as the shop’s offerings. If you are planning a tasting or shop visit, confirm the opening days in advance.

Each of these reasons for visiting offers a different focus: the former railway and its railbike rides, a scenic route, a waterfall and mountain, or cultural history and wine. Consider which of these themes you want to shape your stay before comparing hotels in Kosaka.

Discover more destinations: Yamamoto District, Daisen, Noshiro, Ōdate, Yuzawa, Semboku, Uwamuki, Yokote

For the broader travel overview: Akita Prefecture.