The Akita prefecture of Japan is not exactly at the top of a lot of to-do lists for travelers of Japan, foreign and domestic alike. While that sense of being "untouched" is part of the prefecture's charm, it's rather unfortunate because Akita may be one of the most shining examples of pure and genuine countryside life in Japan.

One of the simple but beautiful everyday sights of Akita prefecture.

Famous for its production of high quality rice, sake, and of course the assumed origin of the wonderful Akita dog breed, the prefecture offers a glimpse of beautiful bare-bones life in Japan. Perhaps what Akita can be proud of the most is that its tourist attractions are natural and traditional, as they feature wonderful hot springs, preserved samurai houses in the town of Kakunodate (known as "Little Kyoto"), and seasonal festivals. To capture that sense of traditional countryside beauty, Japanese filmmaker Hidetaka Ino was commissioned by the Akita prefectural government to make a two-part (currently) promotional video. By focusing on local people and places surrounded by natural splendor, the video instills in its viewers a feeling of nostalgia and warmth for a home they never knew they had.

Here is the first video, followed by a Winter-themed one below.

Refreshing mountain streams.

Scenic foresty mountains.

The source of Akita's prized rice.

Traditional housing.

And of course, traditional food!

And now, the second part of this gorgeously filmed feature has been released. In "True North, Akita" part two, Ino explores the harsh but impossibly pure and white Winter wonderland that the prefecture becomes once snow falls. Perhaps one of the deterrents from popular tourism that Akita suffers from is the unrelenting cold of the Tohoku region, but is thanks to its strongly accented Winter season that such a picturesque serenity is created. If anything, the lack of typical tourist attractions allows for insight into Akita's rich regional culture, and the charming nature of the video will warm your heart like a blanket and bottle of hot Akita sake would.

By focusing on everyday life in Akita, particular those of schoolchildren, Ino is able to show how the people of the northeastern prefecture stay warm through the harsh Winter--with strong community and seasonal festivals.

At school, children play together,

and of course work together!

They are preparing for the Kamifusen (paper balloon) festival, where large lanterns are constructed out of traditional Japanese paper and then adorned with calligraphy and artwork of traditional warriors and women. They are released into the sky at night as part of a fireworks celebration to beautifully light up the night sky.

It wouldn't be a festival without dancing.

So perhaps when filling out a checklist of places to visit in Japan, you may want to consider a simple, but undoubtedly rewarding journey through the prefecture of Akita. Just remember to bring a jacket!