It is said that ladies from Akita are especially beautiful. The credit might go to Onono Komachi, a tanka poet born in Akita. In fact, her influence is beyond beauty and literature. Even “Akita Komachi”, a brand of delicious rice grown in Akita is named after her. On New Year’s Eve, Namahage is practiced at each family. People dress with devil’s face and punish those who are lazy. This is recognized as country’s cultural treasure. There are a lot of ski slopes and grass ski slopes as well. Therefore skiing can be enjoyed both in summer and in winter!