Semboku, Mountain city in Akita Prefecture, Japan
Semboku is a city in central Akita Prefecture that spreads across a mountainous region with Lake Tazawa as its natural center. The area is hilly and forested, with towns and villages scattered throughout the landscape.
The city was established in 2005 when several surrounding towns and villages merged into one larger administrative unit. This merger brought together different local communities and their traditions under a single governance structure.
The Paper Balloon Festival happens each winter in Kamihinokinai, where local artisans create and release glowing paper balloons into the night sky. Visitors can watch craftspeople prepare these fragile creations by hand before they float upward.
Train service on the Shinkansen line connects the area to larger cities, and national highways cross the region for driving access. Visitors should note that many villages are small, and local advice can help with navigation and getting around.
A traditional winter ritual requires pilgrims to walk across snowy mountains wearing simple clothing and seeking spiritual strength through hardship. This ancient practice of testing oneself through exposure has been part of local belief in this alpine region for generations.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
