Akita - Kakunodate the Samurai District

Field trip day ~ ~ ~ !

First stop - Lake Tazawa (田沢湖)

Ok, so according to the almighty Wikipedia, Lake Tazawa is the deepest lake in Japan (423 metres). I think you need half to an hour to go around the lake. 

BUT!

It's actually famous because of ...(drum roll)... the korean drama 'IRIS'! There's a mysterious Legend of Tatsuko behind the gold statue. Ready for some typical story?

Once upon a time, a girl named Tatsuko wanted to preserve her beauty and thus was told to "Go North. Find the holy spring. Take a sip from there." Then! when she did what was told by the God of Mercy, She turned into a DRAGON and protect the lake ever since. The End.

Lee Byung Hyun and Kim Tae Hee at Lake Tazawa in ‘IRIS’

The reality >.<

Ring 3 times and make a wish

Second Stop - Kakunodate the Samurai District

It's a pity that we came bit late for the sakura (do your homework before you come yeah), but it's pretty amazing as the whole street was surrounded by these samurai houses, some you need to pay but there are some museums that are free to visit.

Supposed to look like this with sakura trees along.

a fireplace at the centre.

After the Samurai District, there's cafe and shops around the area to be discovered.

Lunch time !!!

This is by far, the BEST soba I have tasted, no joke! Even their tempura is just peerrrffeecctt. Fresh, crispy, not oily. (unfortunately I don't know the name, it's inside the Samurai Disctrict)

Second floor

Behold, the glorious yummilicious sobaaaaa

Itadakimas ~

Since the place is famous for the sakura, have to try as well right ; )

Sakura sake

Sakura flavored ice-cream, yummy!

Then like the typical students on a field trip, we sang along this very very nice/positive Japanese song on the bus,Miracle / キセキ' by GReeeeN.

"There are days where it doesn't go well

but together we can make it shine

For we can forget anger and lonliness"

Till then, adiós.