Hi everyone! Summer has finally arrived up here in Akita and that is just fine with me. We had a bit of delayed spring as I mentioned in one of my previous blogs. The lingering winter just wouldn’t let go! But now the rainy season is just about over, the Agisai (hydrangeas) are all in full bloom and it’s time to unpack my bikini for some real beach fun!

And do we ever have some nice beaches! All along uor southern coastline, way up to the Oga peninsula! From there it gets a bit rocky but no less beautiful. As the entire western length of our prefecture faces the Sea of Japan we have a particular fondness for our costal areas. I remember as a kid, my dad would take me out to the beach at night and we’d watch the lights of the ships as they left the port of Akita bound for some great adventures I imagined.

Yep, summertime and the living is indeed easy here in Akita. Sunshine, clean air, the deep blue waters and the white sparkling sand, this is Akita summer to me. And don’t forget the beer! We even have our own locally produced delicious versions, which definitely hit the spot on these hot summer days!

Well, I’m off to slip in something a bit more comfortable AND a lot more revealing- hehehe! You’ll have to wait outside or better yet, come on up here this summer and you’ll feel like you are in paradise- Akita style! See you at the beach! ……… mata ne!