Odate is an unspoiled natural beauty in Akita Prefecture and is the home of the birthplace of Hachiko, the dog breed Akita. You can travel to Odate a variety of ways; however, you should drive and take the scenic route as you’re able to travel through the Lake Towada area and take advantage of the gorgeous observation points. While in Odate, ensure you visit the Akita Dog Museum, which is one of the best museums I have visited. Afterwards, you should visit the Tourist Information Center where you can view and interact with the precious Akita dogs, and if you have kids, allow them to play in the child learning center and take home a stuffed “Akita” dog. By this time, if you have an appetite, you should grab something to eat at the Akita Hinaiya Odate Honten. The menu is not huge, but the food is delicious as it’s the second best restaurant in the city. Parking is limited at the restaurant, but you can find parking in any of the dozen city public parking lots. Before you travel home, you should visit the Air Hole Museum where you can enjoy the cold air from the mountains. This is a place where plants would grow, locals would store food to ensure it did not spoil, and animals would go to avoid the heat, but you should be aware of the bears as the trail takes you into the mountains.