Akita

Introduction

You will find Akita serving as the capital and most populous city of Akita Prefecture. Designated as a core city, it offers you an expansive urban landscape across its large territory.

Before you go

Prepare for your visit by noting the local climate patterns; while late June through late July marks the rainy season, the periods before and after offer moderate rainfall suitable for outdoor activities. You may encounter cold weather thunderstorms in November, which signal the transition into the hatahata fish season. While you will see snow during the winter months, inland areas receive more snowfall than the city center.

When exploring the semi-rural outskirts, such as Akita Onsen or the Our Lady of Akita Convent, you must remain aware of local wildlife. Bears inhabit the region, and while they are generally retiring creatures, you should make noise while walking to avoid startling them. Since warning signs may not be legible if you cannot read Japanese, it is best to assume bears are present in the area during all seasons.

Getting there

You can reach Akita by air via Akita Airport, which hosts domestic flights from major cities like Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, and Sapporo, as well as an international link to Taipei. From the airport, you can take a bus to reach Akita Station. While Odate-Noshiro Airport serves the nearby city of Kita-Akita, it lacks direct public transport to Akita city.

For rail travel, the Akita Shinkansen provides a route from Tokyo or Ueno stations. While the train travels at high speeds through northern Japan, it slows down on conventional lines to offer views of the Tohoku interior. You can also reach the city by bus, with overnight options departing from Yokohama, Tokyo, and Shinjuku, as well as daytime services from Sendai. If traveling by sea, ferries operate from the local terminal to destinations including Niigata, Tsuruga, and Tomakomai.

Getting around

You can navigate the area using various modes of transport, including taxis, cars, and bicycles. Many bus routes begin directly in front of Akita Station to help you reach your destinations.

If you prefer to cycle, you can arrange for a bicycle at the Tourist Information office located on the second level of the JR Akita train station. When traveling during the winter months, be aware that snow and ice may be present on the roads, requiring drivers to reduce their speeds.

Where to stay

You can find various accommodations in central Akita City, ranging from basic business hotels to more expansive options. For those seeking a standard experience, several hotels offer clean and simple rooms in the heart of the city. Some locations provide convenient access to local amenities or are situated near major transit hubs, while others offer consistent standards with included breakfast.

If you prefer a unique experience, stay at a property featuring an onsen on the roof where you can soak in naturally heated spring water. Other options include hotels located in tall buildings that provide views of the surrounding area or those situated near local parks and ponds. You can also choose from establishments with diverse dining options, including buffet restaurants, Chinese cuisine, and bars.

Food & drink

Savor the local flavors of Akita by trying kiritanpo, a traditional dish made from rice tubes that are often roasted or smothered in miso paste. During the winter months, you can enjoy these rice tubes in a hearty nabe stew featuring vegetables and chicken or fish. Beyond local specialties, your palate can explore diverse options within the city, including various styles of ramen and Indian cuisine.

Explore the region's rich agricultural heritage through its sake, as Akita is renowned for producing some of the best rice-based sake in Japan. You can find a variety of bottles to sample and purchase at the Prefectural Goods Shop located in the basement of the Atorion Concert Hall.

What to see and do

Explore the cultural landscape of Akita by visiting historic sites and museums. Stroll through Senshū Park, where you can see a replica of a watchtower from Kubota Castle that offers panoramic views of the city from its upper floors. For a look at local history and craftsmanship, visit the Akarengakan Museum, a red brick building originally serving as a bank headquarters, or the Kanto Museum to experience the heritage of the traditional Kanto festival. If you prefer art, the Senshū Museum of Art features regional works year-round, while the Akita Art Museum focuses on the works of Tsuguji (Leonard) Fujita.

Experience the local atmosphere through diverse landmarks and scenic surroundings:

• Visit Hitotsumori Park to see a relocated samurai house or Koizumigata Park to view a 300-year-old rich farmer's house.
• Explore the Akita Prefectural Museum for hands-on exhibits on science and history, or visit Ōmoriyama Zoo to see animals such as giraffes, elephants, and lesser pandas.
• Find quiet reflection in the expansive gardens and Japanese-style architecture of the Our Lady of Akita Convent.
• Admire the cedar wood interior and unique half-dome roof of the Nakajima Library at Akita International University.

Three days in Akita

Day one, you arrive in the region and begin your journey through Akita Prefecture. You can explore the local area near Akita Station or settle into the surroundings of Akita Onsen.

Day two, you travel further to experience the character of different areas. You might visit the sites associated with Our Lady or the Akita Convent.

Day three, you enjoy the remaining sights of the region before preparing for your departure from Akita Airport or other local transit points.