Places to Visit

Excursion to the Mountains

Gojome is surrounded by forests in Mt. Maehira, Babame-dake and others. All mountains have distinctive features depending on their nature circumstances, so it is very enjoyable to experience every one of them. In Mt. Maehira, there are walking paths and dikes where you can enjoy the nature by light walking. At the top, there is the Gojome Castle, which also serves as a forest museum where you can learn about the history of the town and transition of the timber industry.
The Bell of Hope stands in the second peak in Mt. Moriyama. As anyone can strike the big bell, please try it when you visit.

Excursion to the River

The stream of Babame River comes from Babame-dake. Fishing is a good way to fully enjoy the river. The Babame River is rich in iwana and yamame (kinds of mountain trout), and you can enjoy stream fishing in the upper course. Please make sure you purchase the tickets when you do the fishing. Please also be aware that there is no-fishing zone and follow the direction on the boards.
It is also very enjoyable to harmonize with nature in a quiet atmosphere. Sennyuu-bridge park located by the upper stream is a secret spot you can enjoy camping and river play, hearing a quiet sound of stream.

Environment and Cultural Village

There are three facilities where you can learn about the folk culture harmonizing with the blessing of local wildlife. Environment and Cultural Village is a place exhibiting local lifestyle from ancient times, and how they have been established harmonizing with local nature. Aicho Lodge is a place to learn about birds with fun videos and quiz styled game activities. The Shizen Freai Center is a place you can join a free craft workshop using natural materials including nuts and plants. There are also walking paths and a wild bird forest where you can observe various kinds of animals, plants and insects depending on the season. There is also a camping cite, well equipped with kitchen and toilets.

Nekobari Rock

Nekobari Rock is located by upper stream of the Babame River, which is about 2 km away from Kitanomata Village. The site was chosen as a location for the film “Tsurikichi Sanpei” with “Sanpei-no-ie (A house of Aanpei), ” an old thatched-roofed house in Kitanomata Village. It was named as “Negobari (Deep-rooted rock) because a giant tree strikes deep root over the rock and reaches the ground. You will enjoy fully sensing a vital force of the giant tree in a very tranquil atmosphere with the stream sound and the aromas of the woods. You may also enjoy getting touch with surrounding nature by trekking or cycling in a path, only 30 minutes walk from Kitanomata Village.

Festivals

There are many seasonal events in Gojome-machi held throughout the year.
In the Farmers’ Morning Market, the mountain vegetable festival and Ichigami (God of the market) Festival are held in spring, and there is the mushroom festival in autumn. There are more events organized in each season, and every event creates different atmosphere at the morning market street.
In May, Bangaku Contest is held in Shinmeisya Kaguraden (a hall for Shinto music and dances). Bangaku is a kind of Shinto music and an Akita folk performing art with 400-year history. The performance is filled with a passionate spirit of farmers.
In August, there are summery events like the Kyadokko Festival and Babame River Rafting Festival.

Gojome Map

Places to Visit

Excursion to the Mountains

Excursion to the River

Environment and Cultural Village

Nekobari Rock

Festivals