Kosaka 小坂町

One of the most beautiful villages in Tohoku

Bordering Aomori Prefecture, Kosaka, literally "little hill", is a somewhat isolated town in a small valley. The neighboring municipalities are indeed located 20 kilometers to the south and west; enough to make convinced city dwellers dizzy! But getting there is worth it; so much the city knew how to preserve its heritage and the beauty of its natural landscapes .

Kosaka's membership of the Nihon de mottomo utsukushii mura (" The most beautiful villages in Japan ") association in 2009 is further proof of this recognition. During the Meiji era (1868-1912), Kosaka was an important industrial center thanks to the exploitation of silver, copper and other mineral mines since the end of the 19th century. Prosperity is such that the city becomes the 2nd most important city of the prefecture. It thus attracts many Europeans who recognize its technological advance in mining . Its inhabitants are among the first in the country to benefit from the luxury and comfort offered by electricity and plumbing. The old electricity distribution station dating from 1904 is still in place. Transformed into a café since 2015, it offers a small gourmet stopover in a brick and wooden building characteristic of the Meiji era.

The building, which still houses period furniture, adjoins another jewel of Kosaka: the Korakukan theatre . This "Important Cultural Property" of the country is one of the oldest wooden theaters still in use. The western-facing establishment with a traditional Japanese interior has hosted regular performances since it opened in 1910.

Another famous attraction in the city, the Kosaka Tetsudo Rail Park plays the card of nostalgia. In this theme park dedicated to trains , a true paradise for the many densha otaku (train enthusiasts) in the archipelago, you will discover the old railway installations and experience cycling on railway tracks and even driving a diesel locomotive! This latter experience is rare enough to require advance reservation. You can also spend a night in a carriage of the famous blue Akekono train which served 44 years during the Ueno-Akita route, now converted into an atypical hotel.

• Read also: Top Japanese railway museums

On the way to Lake Towada, enjoy a break at Nanataki Falls . With a height of 60 meters, these are divided into seven distinct waterfalls for a very beautiful natural spectacle. The acacia festival, which is held every year on the second weekend of June, celebrates the tree planted in abundance at the beginning of the 20th century to fight against the sulfur dioxide released by mining. At this time of year, the three million acacia trees perfume the whole city with their sweet fragrance. Gourmets will not fail to taste acacia honey, Kosaka's delight!

Discover our travel guide: the Tohoku region