My Experience in Akita at Oyasukyō: Max Rayz, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Russia

Max (rear, center) and friends at Oyasukyō

By the time one month had passed since I came to Japan, I already have lots of precious memories of people and places. One of these memories is my trip to Oyasukyō, which was held on the 22nd of September.

I cherish this reminiscence because I adore the atmosphere of traveling with friends, especially by car. When I was younger, my family and I used to go hiking together. It always took lots of time to prepare everything, but once all was ready, we left our Moscow apartments and started moving to Cola Peninsula, the wild and astonishing place with tundra, cold rivers, hills and stones covered with moss. These days are long since gone, but I still remember them and know that one day this tradition will be revived.

During the late September trip to Oyasukyō, I felt something I had once experienced with my parents. When we were riding there, I enjoyed looking out of the window. Green and yellow fields were all around us, and I suddenly thought that I am so lucky to be here and now. I think it is really necessary to be able to catch the moment, because our lives are nothing but it.

Taking time to catch the moment

I like this place in Akita Prefecture, Japan. It is surrounded with clouds of steam, hot waterfalls and beautiful leaves of yellow, orange and red. I think it is probably even more picturesque in October or November, so certainly go there and see it with your own eyes. No word is exact enough to express the beauty of Oyasukyō. I visited it with my friends, and this is one more reason I have such a strong impression.

No word is exact enough to express the beauty of Oyasukyō.

We went there by car, and our way from AIU to Oyasukyō took almost two hours. This place is not easily accessible, but definitely worth visiting. It is located not far from Yuzawa town, which is considered a famous resort in Akita. If one wants to go there, she or he can use the Akita highway (秋田自動車道, Akita Jidōshadō). There is a possibility to travel by train, but it takes more time. However, those who love trains will probably enjoy the views of Wada, Ou and Yuzawa-Oyasu railway lines. My advice is to go there while leaves are still on the tress, in other words before the heavy snows of December.

My advice is to go there while leaves are still on the tress, in other words before the heavy snows of December.