Akita Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the northern part of Honshu, Japan's main island, Akita is a captivating city that boasts a rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty. Known for its vibrant festivals, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality, Akita offers a unique and authentic experience for travelers seeking to explore the less-trodden paths of Japan.

Akita's charm lies in its ability to seamlessly blend old-world traditions with modern advancements. The city's historic district, Kakunodate, is a living testament to this harmonious fusion. Stroll through its picturesque streets lined with well-preserved samurai residences, known as bukeyashiki, and immerse yourself in the feudal era. The tranquil Bukeyashiki Street, with its traditional wooden houses and beautifully manicured gardens, provides a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

For nature enthusiasts, Akita offers a myriad of breathtaking landscapes that showcase the area's natural wonders. The majestic Lake Tazawa, located just outside the city, is a must-visit destination. Surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills, the lake's crystal-clear waters reflect the vibrant colors of the changing seasons, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. Take a leisurely boat ride or hike along the tranquil trails that encircle the lake to fully appreciate its beauty.

No visit to Akita would be complete without experiencing one of its renowned festivals. The Kanto Festival, held annually in August, is a captivating display of skill and strength as performers balance long bamboo poles adorned with glowing paper lanterns on various parts of their bodies. The sight of these illuminated poles dancing through the night sky is truly mesmerizing and will leave you in awe.

To satisfy your taste buds, Akita offers a unique culinary experience that highlights the region's local delicacies. Indulge in the city's famous Akita Kiritanpo, a dish made from pounded rice molded around a skewer and grilled to perfection. Pair it with Akita's renowned sake, brewed using the region's pure and pristine water, for a truly authentic gastronomic adventure.

Local name: 秋田市 Population: 306.2 thous. (2019)Area: 349.68 mi²Elevation: 39 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 39°43'6"N, 140°7'19"E

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Region: AkitaJapan

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Akita Top Attractions

Akita Attractions - What to See and Explore

Akita offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Port Tower Selion, Satake Historical Museum, Kubota Castle, Akita Omoriyama Zoo. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Tower • Modernist architecture
Port Tower Selion
The Akita City Port Tower Selion is one of the landmarks in the city of Akita, Japan. The sightseeing tower with 6,272 tempered glasses was completed in 1994. It is located in the Tsuchizaki District, Akita, Akita Prefecture, Japan.
Museum
Satake Historical Museum
Satake Historical Museum opened in Akita, Akita Prefecture, Japan in 1990. Located in the grounds of Kubota Castle in Senshū Park, the collection relates to the Satake clan, daimyō of the Akita Domain.
Museum • Forts and castles
Kubota Castle
Kubota Castle is a Japanese castle in the city Akita, Akita Prefecture, Japan. Throughout the Edo period, Kubota Castle was home to the Satake clan, daimyō of Kubota Domain, rulers of northern Dewa Province.

Zoo • Outdoor activities • Park
Akita Omoriyama Zoo
The Akita Omoriyama Zoo, also known as “Milve”, is a municipal zoo opened in July 1967 in the city of Akita, Akita Prefecture, Japan. Opened in 1972, the zoo covers 15 hectares, with 114 species on display. It is accredited by the Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Forts and castles
Akita Castle
Akita Castle refers to the ruins of a Nara period fortified settlement located in what is now the city Akita, Akita Prefecture, Japan. It is also sometimes referred to as “Fort Akita”.
Concert hall
Akita City Culture Hall
The Akita City Culture Hall is a multi-purpose public cultural facility in Akita, Japan. It hosted the 2001 World Games for powerlifting and bodybuilding. The main concert hall has a seating capacity of 1,188. Notable past performers include Helloween.
Universities and schools
Akita University
Akita University is a Japanese national university in Akita City, Japan. Established in 1949, it comprises four graduate schools and four undergraduate faculties.
Park
Joshitei
The Joshitei, also known as the Former Akita Domain Satake Clan Villa Gardens is a Japanese landscape garden and nationally designated Place of Scenic Beauty in the city of Akita, Akita Prefecture, Japan.
Museum • Art museum
Akita Senshū Museum of Art
Akita Senshū Museum of Art opened in Akita, Japan in 1989. It is located within the Atorion Building, more formally the Akita Integrated Life Cultural Hall・Museum. The Museum is the successor of the Akita City Museum of Art, which opened in 1958. The collection includes many works of the Akita ranga school.
Library
Akita Prefectural Library
Akita Prefectural Library opened in Akita, Akita Prefecture, Japan in 1899, and it is the one of the oldest libraries in the country. The facilities reopened in a new building in 1993. The collection numbers some 805,000 items in 2012.
Concerts and shows • Concert hall
Akita Prefectural Hall
The Akita Prefectural Hall was a multi-purpose public cultural facility in Akita, Japan, which operated from 30 April 1961 to 31 May 2018. The main concert hall had a seating capacity of 1,839. Notable past performers include Rainbow.
Museum • Specialty museum
Akita Prefectural Museum
Akita Prefectural Museum is a prefectural museum in the city of Akita, Japan. It houses a comprehensive display of archaeological artifacts, crafts, biological and geological samples pertaining to the history and folklore of Akita Prefecture.
Museum • Art museum
Akita Museum of Art
Akita Museum of Art is an art museum in the city of Akita. The original Akita Prefectural Museum of Art was opened on May 5, 1967. The new museum was opened on September 28, 2013. The main exhibit is a collection of works by Tsuguharu Foujita from the collection of the Masakichi Hirano Art Foundation.
Monuments and statues
Our Lady of Akita
Our Lady of Akita is the Catholic title of the Blessed Virgin Mary associated with a wooden statue venerated by faithful Japanese who hold it to be miraculous. The image is known due to the Marian apparitions reported in 1973 by Sister Agnes Katsuko Sasagawa in the remote area of Yuzawadai, an outskirt of Akita, Japan.
Universities and schools
Akita International University
Akita International University, or AIU, is a public university located in Akita City, Akita Prefecture, Japan. Established in 2004 and modeled on American liberal arts colleges, AIU is one of the few universities in Japan offering all of its courses in English.
39°43'2"N • 140°7'20"E
Boules sports at the 2001 World Games
The boules sports events at the 2001 World Games in Akita was played between 17 and 19 August. 54 competitors, from 14 nations, participated in the tournament. The boules sports competition took place at World Games Plaza.
Neighbourhood
Hiroomote
Hiroomote is a neighbourhood located in Akita City, Akita Prefecture, Japan. Annexed by the city in 1941, it borders the neighborhoods of Shimokitate on the east, Yanagida on the north, Tegata on the west and Sakura and Yokomori on the south that is bounded by Taihei River.
39°43'23"N • 140°7'30"E
Mi gao shen she
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Universities and schools
Akita University of Art
Akita University of Art is a public university, located in the city of Akita, Japan.

Things to See and Do in Akita by Category

Sights, interesting and unusual places and attractions valued by most tourists. See the list of places to visit in Akita.

Active

Akita Prefectural General Pool
Akita
SportSport venue
Akita Prefectural Budokan
Akita
SportSport venue
Akigin Stadium
Akita
Sport venueSportArenas and stadiums
CNA Arena Akita
Akita
Sport venueSport
Akita Prefectural Skating Rink
Akita
Ice skatingIce rink

Other categories

Museum Universities and schools

Day trips

Akita – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Akita, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Oga Aquarium GAO (Oga Quasi-National Park), Naso Falls (Nikaho), Nipro Hachiko Dome (Odate).

27 milesNW
Aquarium, Park, Zoo
Oga Aquarium GAO, Oga Quasi-National Park
Nestled within the scenic landscapes of Oga Quasi-National Park in Japan, the Oga Aquarium GAO offers a mesmerizing glimpse into the aquatic life of the region and beyond. This aquarium, a highlight of the city of Oga, is a must-visit destination for families, marine...
38 milesS
Waterfall
Naso Falls, Nikaho
The Naso Falls, nestled in the serene city of Nikaho in Japan, offers a tranquil escape to nature enthusiasts and tourists alike. This picturesque waterfall is part of the larger Nikaho Green Park, which is a haven for outdoor activities and relaxation.
47 milesNE
Arenas and stadiums, Baseball field, Sport venue
Nipro Hachiko Dome, Odate
The Nipro Hachiko Dome is a large wooden stadium in Ōdate, Akita, in northern Japan. The stadium covers an area of 12,915 m2. It was completed in June 1997 and is made from 25,000 Akita cypress trees which are covered with a special double Teflon-coated membrane.
30 milesNW
Lighthouse
Nyūdōzaki Lighthouse, Oga
Nyudozaki Lighthouse, or Nyūdō Saki Lighthouse, is a lighthouse on the northwest top of Oga Peninsula in the city of Oga, Akita Prefecture, Japan.
48 milesE
Nature, Natural attraction, Volcano
Mount Iwate, Shizukuishi
Mount Iwate is a stratovolcano complex in the Ōu Mountains of western Iwate Prefecture, in the Tōhoku region of northern Honshū, Japan. With an elevation of 2,038 metres, it is the highest in Iwate Prefecture.

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Best Time To Visit Akita

Learn when is the best time to travel to Akita weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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May, June, July, August, September and October are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in April.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in March, April and May. Most of it rains in July, September and December.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Akita?

The top attractions to visit in Akita are:

What is the best time to visit Akita?

May, June, July, August, September and October are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in April. The highest air temperature is in July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.