Flying with Tigerair Taiwan to Akita Airport to Begin a Cherry Blossom Trip in Japan’s Tohoku Region

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In April this year, we had already planned a cherry blossom trip to Japan’s Tohoku region. This time, my family flew directly from Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport to Akita Airport with Tigerair Taiwan. The main part of our trip was an 11-day cherry blossom tour around Tohoku, followed by a domestic ANA flight back to Tokyo. We spent another three days exploring Tokyo before returning to Taiwan.

Food at the Plaza Premium Lounge, Zone C, Terminal 1 of Taoyuan International Airport

On Sunday morning, we arrived at the Plaza Premium Lounge in Zone C of Terminal 1 at Taoyuan International Airport. Our elders had given us lounge meal vouchers, so we enjoyed breakfast before boarding. Our meal included mixed vegetables, hash brown patties, sweet potato balls, Taiwanese-style beef noodles with satay sauce, braised pork rice with preserved mustard greens, Japanese udon noodle soup with fried tofu, and spinach noodles with sesame dressing. Since Tigerair Taiwan does not provide complimentary meals, we made sure to eat our fill before getting on the plane.

Arriving at Akita Airport with Tigerair Taiwan

After a 3.5-hour flight, we arrived at Akita Airport around noon local time. As soon as we cleared immigration and entered the arrivals hall, we spotted some adorable Akita dog plush toys. There was also a Namahage display, which looked quite frightening!

The Namahage of the Oga Peninsula inside Akita Airport

The famous Namahage of the Oga Peninsula look like fearsome demons and can be a little intimidating. However, in local culture, Namahage are believed to ward off misfortune and bring good harvests and good fortune.

Cherry blossoms from Kakunodate’s samurai district and Akita dog plush toys at Akita Airport

Of course, visiting Tohoku in Japan during this season means enjoying the cherry blossoms! Akita Airport had a display featuring cherry blossoms from Kakunodate’s samurai district alongside Akita dog plush toys. Kakunodate is one of the must-visit cherry blossom destinations in the region.

Before long, a shuttle from ORIX Rent-A-Car arrived to take our family to the rental office to pick up our car. We were ready to begin our self-drive adventure around Japan’s Tohoku region!