Hot Meals from the Cold North: Three Homegrown Akita Stews

The Komachi Akita Shinkansen powers its way through the snow that is part and parcel of the harsh Akita winter. (Courtesy Akita Tourism Federation)

Kiritanpo are flame-toasted before finding their way into the stew pot.

Customers can order kiritanpo-nabe in servings for one or more persons.

At ping-pong-ball size, damakko dumplings make a perfect mouthful.

This dish provides the total taste experience of hatahata (Japanese sandfish). (Courtesy Akita Kawabata Isariya Sakaba)

An assortment of distinctive local sake worthy of the brewing powerhouse that is Akita.