Experience Akita’s Traditional Culture and Natural Beauty
Akita University organizes bus tours that give international students opportunities to experience Akita’s culture and natural environment firsthand. In 2026, the tour took students to the Oga area. Before the trip, a special lecture introduced the geographical features and history of the Oga Peninsula, as well as the origins and cultural significance of the Namahage tradition.
The tour included visits to the Namahage Museum, Oga Shinzan Folklore Museum, Mt. Kanpuzan, Dairyuji Temple, and other local sites. These visits gave students a closer look at Akita’s traditional culture and natural scenery, while also helping them deepen their understanding of the region and connect with one another.
Experience Rural Life through a Farm Stay in Semboku City
As part of the activities organized by the Akita Regional Council for International Student Exchange, Akita University has offered the “Finding Your Third Hometown” Farm Stay Program for international students in Akita Prefecture since 2012.
During this two-day, one-night program, students stay with local farming families in Nishiki, Semboku City. They take part in farm activities during the day and prepare meals together using local ingredients in the evening. By spending time with their host families and members of the local community, students can gain a deeper appreciation of life and culture in Akita.
With its secretariat located in the international Affairs Division of Akita University, the conference discusses measures to promote the acceptance of international students and international exchanges once a year, with members including higher education institutions, local governments, economic organizations, and organizations related to international exchanges in the prefecture.
The people involved in this committee work together to proactively promote international exchanges, including the acceptance of international students in the prefecture and exchange activities with the local residents.



Take part in one of Akita’s most famous summer festivals
The Akita Kanto Festival, one of the three major festivals of the Tohoku region, is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan and is held annually from August 3 to 6. With a long history as an event to ward off misfortune and pray for a good harvest, the festival features around 280 kanto lantern poles filling the city’s main avenue.
During this event, international students wear Hanten (traditional festival jackets) and experience the excitement of the festival alongside members of the Akita University Kanto Club while watching the spectacular kanto performances up close.



A Two-Day Ski Camp in Akita
Akita University organizes a two-day, one-night ski camp for international and Japanese students at a ski resort in Akita Prefecture. Students receive instruction in skiing and also take part in winter activities such as building Kamakura snow huts and making mochi rice cakes. The program offers a fun opportunity to connect with fellow students and local residents while enjoying Akita’s winter culture and snowy landscapes.



Learn about Akita’s culture through interaction with local residents
Through these experiences, the program helps them gain a deeper understanding of Akita’s traditional and local culture while promoting multicultural awareness and mutual understanding among both international students and local residents.

International and Japanese students connect through languages and cultures
The Multilingual Café is an event where students with different linguistic backgrounds interact while teaching and learning each other’s languages. The program primarily consists of group-based activities that encourage communication and cultural exchange.
The café currently focuses on Chinese and Korean, with plans to expand to other languages in the future.

Event details will be posted on anet or sent by email to eligible students. To participate, please follow the application instructions provided.