Covers around 11,637.54 square kilometres, Akita is the sixth-largest Japanese prefecture by area located in the north of Honshu. This prefecture is facing the Sea of Japan in the west and is bordered by four other prefectures: Aomori in the north, Iwate in the east, Miyagi in the southeast, and Yamagata in the south. It is known for the rectangular shape and Ou Mountains makes the eastern border of the prefecture and the higher Dewa Mountains run parallel through the centre of the prefecture.

Akita is famous for its natural beauty, which features mountains, sea and hot springs. Besides that, this town is widely known for cuisines such as Kiritanpo are pounded-rice skewers with miso and are often served in a hotpot, alongside maitake mushroom and Hinai chicken. This breed of chicken is native to Akita and tastes great in any number of dishes, including yakitori. In addition, Inaniwa udon is a thin and chewy variant of this well-known noodle and considered one of the top 3 for udon brands across Japan.

Airports in Akita

1. Akita Airport

Opened on October 1st, 1951, Akita Airport is situated on the Omonogawa coast of the Sea of Japan approximately 20 kilometers southeast of the center of Akita City. In 1967, the airport extended its 1200 metres to 1500 metres in 1967 and 1625 metres in 1969. The current Akita Airport was opened at its present location on June 26th, 1981 and was the first civilian airport in the Tohoku region of Japan to have a 2500-meter runway. In 1985, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force established a search and rescue unit based at Akita Airport. After that, an international terminal was established on July 5th, 1993 and the flight starts scheduled to South Korea.

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When is the Best Time to Fly to Akita?

The best times to fly to Akita are during summer, spring and winter. During winter, the best time to ski in Akita is often around February 12th. One of the famous festivals to go is The Yokote Kamakura Festival Yokote no Yuki Matsuri which held every year on February 15 and 16 in the city of Yokote in southeastern Akita Prefecture. The festival features many igloo-like snow houses, called kamakura, which are built at various locations across the city. Besides that, The Kanto Festival in Akita is held from August 3rd to 6 and features performers that balance long poles with dozens of lanterns on their hands, heads, and shoulders, day and night during the festival. During autumn, the surrounding trees are full of autumn colour which attracts numerous visitors.

What are the Top 3 Things to Do in Akita?

1. Namahage Sendo Festival - The Namahage is a traditional folklore symbol for the Oga region of Akita. Even though the appearance may terrify people, the symbol is considered messengers of the mountain gods. The festival held on February and features kagura-like performance takes place at Shinzan Shrine. Throughout the rest of the year, the Namahage Museum in central Oga is the best place to learn all about this local custom and even try on the costumes for yourself. The entrance fee is 300 yen or 143 pesos for adults and kids are 150 yen or 72 pesos.

2. Tazawako Lake - Lake Tazawa in Akita is a famous attraction for the natural beauty of northern Japan. With a rich history and variety of activities for tourists, this lake offers various activities such as hiking, swimming, boating, eating, or even just a relaxing stay at a hot springs inn. It is Japan's deepest lake at 423 metres and the admission fee for a round trip is 1200 yen or 573 pesos. The round trip consumes around 40 minutes and the facilities provided are shops, restaurants, rental bicycles and the sightseeing boat pier.

3. Akita Dog Museum - The museum was founded by the Akita Dog Preservation Society which aims to breed and maintain the pure full blooded Akita dog amidst widespread cross breeding. The Akita dog is designated as a Japanese Natural Treasure and the museum was constructed on the 50th anniversary of the Society's foundation. Visitors can learn about the Akita dog through the photos, information and exhibits at the Akita Dog Museum. One of the most famous Akita dogs is Hachiko, whose memorial statue near Shibuya Crossing. The fee for a visitor is 300 yen or 143 pesos.