Things To Do
in Akita
Akita Prefecture sits on the Sea of Japan coast in the Tohoku region, offering mountains, forests, and rugged coastlines. It is renowned for sake, kiritanpo, and serene rural towns alongside lively regional festivals. Inland valleys and the Oga Peninsula provide a blend of nature, history, and seafood-rich cuisine.
Visitors are drawn by a relaxed pace, seasonal traditions, and authentic hospitality that showcases rural Japan at its best.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a visit to the Akita Museum of Art, where you can admire both traditional and contemporary Japanese art. After soaking in the culture, stroll through the beautiful Akita Senshu Park, which is home to the ruins of Akita Castle and offers stunning views. The morning light brings the cherry blossoms to life, making it a perfect time for photography.
In the afternoon, head to the Akita City Folklore and History Museum to learn about the region's rich history and unique traditions. Following the museum, enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local izakaya, where you can savor dishes made with Akita's famous kiritanpo rice. As you explore the area, don’t miss the chance to visit the nearby traditional craft shops to pick up unique souvenirs.
As the sun sets, make your way to Lake Tazawako, where you can enjoy a peaceful evening by the water. Consider renting a paddleboat or simply taking a walk along the shore while enjoying the breathtaking views. Finish your day with a delightful dinner at a lakeside restaurant, sampling local specialties such as Akita beef.
Start your morning with a scenic drive to Lake Tazawako, known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning mountain backdrop. Once there, take a refreshing hike along the lakeshore trail, where you can soak in the natural beauty and perhaps even spot local wildlife. The crisp morning air will invigorate you as you take in the serene surroundings.
After your hike, enjoy a picnic lunch by the lake, featuring local delicacies such as freshly grilled fish and seasonal fruits. Spend your afternoon exploring the area, including a visit to the famous statue of the legendary Princess Atsuko, which overlooks the lake. You can also take a boat tour to fully appreciate the breathtaking views from the water.
As dusk approaches, find a cozy spot along the lakeside to watch the sunset paint the sky in hues of orange and pink. Treat yourself to a traditional kaiseki dinner at a nearby ryokan, where each dish is a work of art. After your meal, relax in an onsen (hot spring) to unwind and reflect on the day’s adventures.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🚆Public transit day pass | $4-6 |
| ☕️Coffee or tea | $3-5 |
| 🍜Ramen or local dish | $8-12 |
| 🛍️Casual shopping or snacks | $20-50 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich nature and cultural heritage
- Delicious regional cuisine and sake
- Compact,Walkable city centers with easy transport
- Weather can be very cold in winter and remote areas may have limited English
- Some rural areas have fewer dining and nightlife options
- "こんにちは" - Hello
- "すみません" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "ありがとうございます" - Thank you
- "いくらですか？" - How much is this?
- "トイレはどこですか？" - Where is the toilet?
- "英語を話せますか？" - Do you speak English?
- "これをお願いします" - This, please
- "おすすめは何ですか？" - What do you recommend?
Places to Visit in Akita
Visit one of these nice places.
A well-preserved historic street with traditional merchant houses, stone walls, and cherry trees, ideal for atmospheric daytime and twilight photography.
Waterways, historic ruins, and seasonal foliage provide classic landscape shots in the heart of the city.
Dramatic cliffs, tidal pools, and rustic fishing villages offer coastal photography with strong light and sea drama.
Shimmering reflections of the surrounding hills on a tranquil lake; morning light is especially striking.
Food in Akita
Akita Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Mashed rice formed onto skewers, grilled, and traditionally served in a hot pot called kiritanpo nabe with vegetables and meat.
Must-Try!
Very thin, smooth udon noodles known for a delicate texture; best enjoyed at dedicated udon shops in Akita.
Seasonal small fish often prepared as grilled or simmered dishes; a staple winter delicacy in coastal areas.
Premiere sake produced by multiple breweries; sample courses pair well with meals in Akita City and Kakunodate.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A friendly market atmosphere offering fresh seafood, seasonal produce, pickles, and prepared street bites; try grilled fish and mochi.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a slight bow or nod; polite language is appreciated; remove shoes where required and handle items with both hands when giving or receiving.
Keep voices down on trains and in quiet spaces; avoid talking loudly on public transport.
Many dishes use fish stock; if avoiding, clearly communicate no dashi when ordering.
Safety
Tipping in Akita
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Japan and may be refused or confused; instead, excellent service is expected as standard.
Cash is widely used, especially in rural areas; major hotels and urban shops accept credit cards; ATMs with English options are common in banks and convenience stores.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Pleasant temperatures with cherry blossoms in Kakunodate and urban parks; light jackets recommended.
Warm days with occasional humidity; participate in summer festivals and keep hydrated; rainfall can occur.
Spectacular autumn foliage across parks and rural trails; ideal for scenic drives and photography.
Cold with heavy snowfall in many areas; great for snowy landscapes and onsen experiences; dress warmly.
Akita at Night
Hiking in Akita
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Volcanic mountain on the Akita-Yamagata border with multiple trails of varying difficulty and expansive alpine views.
Coastal hikes along rugged cliffs and sea views, with opportunities for wildlife watching and photography.
Airports
How to reach Akita by plane.
Located north of Akita City; domestic flights to Tokyo, Sapporo, and other major Japanese cities; accessible by bus and taxi.
Smaller regional airport with limited routes; convenient for reaching northern Akita areas; access by car or bus.
Major international gateway in the region; about 3-4 hours by train or bus to reach Akita; good for onward connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Rural areas show aging demographics with younger residents concentrated in cities; this shapes services and local tempo.
Growing interest from travelers seeking nature, onsen, and cultural heritage, particularly during festival seasons.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely followed in schools and regional leagues; summer games and local tournaments add to the seasonal energy.
Skiing and snowboarding opportunities in nearby mountains during winter.
Local clubs and school teams contribute to a vibrant community sports scene.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Akita.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many dishes rely on dashi (fish stock). To navigate, request no dashi and look for tofu, vegetables, rice dishes, and tempura. In cities, vegetarian-friendly cafes and lunch spots are increasingly available; when in doubt, ask for simply prepared vegetable dishes.