Last reviewed: · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview & City Profile
Akita (秋田市, Akita-shi; Japanese pronunciation: [ä́.k̟ʲi̥.tä̀, ä̀.k̟ʲi̥.tä́.ɕì]) is the capital and most populous city of Akita Prefecture, Japan, and has been designated a core city since 1 April 1997. As of 1 August 2023, the city has an estimated population of 300,502 persons in 136,628 households and a population density of 332 persons per km2. The total area of the city is 906.07 square kilometres (349.84 sq mi).
Within Akita Prefecture (Tohoku region), Akita (秋田市) serves as a prefectural capital of akita prefecture. Travelers exploring Akita often combine a stop in Akita with regional highlights such as Kakunodate samurai district, milky hot springs of Nyuto Onsenkyo, cobalt-blue Lake Tazawa (Japan's deepest lake), Oga Peninsula Namahage folklore, and Shirakami-Sanchi.
| Fact | Details for Akita (秋田市) |
|---|---|
| Japanese Name | 秋田市 (Akita) |
| Administrative Status | Prefectural capital of Akita Prefecture |
| Prefecture & Capital | Akita Prefecture (Capital: Akita) |
| Region of Japan | Tohoku |
| Population | 329,287 residents |
| Total Area / Density | 905.67 km² · 364 people per km² |
| Municipal Incorporation | 1889-04-01 |
| Coordinates | 39.72°N, 140.1026°E |
Getting to Akita & Getting Around
Via the regional hub (Akita Station (Akita Shinkansen) & Akita Airport (AXT)): 3h 50m direct from Tokyo Station on the JR Akita Shinkansen Komachi via Morioka, stopping at Kakunodate and Tazawako.
- Local rail & IC cards: Once in Akita Prefecture, JR regional lines and local private railways connect Akita with Akita. Nationwide IC cards (Suica, Pasmo, Icoca) work on major urban and JR commuter gates; for rural branch lines or local buses, keep ¥1,000 bills and ¥100 coins handy for the onboard fare box.
- Luggage & station lockers: Main stations in Akita have coin lockers for day-trippers. If you are stopping in Akita en route between larger bases, check your suitcase dimensions in our Luggage & Locker Checker or forward big bags ahead with Takkyubin.
- Driving & car rental: While city centers around Akita are accessible by train and taxi, renting a car from a major Shinkansen station or airport in Akita can be rewarding for reaching mountain gorges, coastal viewpoints, and countryside onsen. Read our Renting a Car in Japan Guide.
What to Eat in Akita & Akita
Akita shares the culinary traditions of Akita Prefecture and the wider Tohoku region. Don't miss these local specialties during your visit:
- Kiritanpo nabe (toasted rice skewers in Hinai-jidori chicken broth) — a signature specialty across Akita Prefecture.
- Inaniwa udon (silky hand-stretched noodles) — a signature specialty across Akita Prefecture.
- Hatahata (sailfin sandfish) & shottsuru broth — a signature specialty across Akita Prefecture.
- Iburigakko (smoked daikon pickles) — a signature specialty across Akita Prefecture.
For dietary restrictions or food allergies, open our Japanese Phrasebook & Show-to-Staff Cards to display clear Japanese dietary explanations at restaurants in Akita.
Best Time to Visit & Seasonal Highlights
Late April–early May for Kakunodate weeping cherry blossoms; August 3–6 for Akita Kanto lantern festival; mid-October for Nyuto Onsen autumn leaves; February for Yokote kamakura snow huts.
Regional highlights across Akita Prefecture that pair well with a visit to Akita include: Kakunodate samurai district, milky hot springs of Nyuto Onsenkyo, cobalt-blue Lake Tazawa (Japan's deepest lake), Oga Peninsula Namahage folklore, and Shirakami-Sanchi.
Practical Travel Tips for Akita
- Tourist information center (観光案内所): Look for the Kankō Annaijo counter inside or right outside the main train station in Akita (or at Akita Station (Akita Shinkansen) & Akita Airport (AXT)) for free walking maps, bus timetables, and festival calendars.
- Cash & ATMs: While hotels, chain stores, and convenience stores in Akita accept international cards and IC payment, smaller family-run restaurants, shrines, and rural buses often prefer cash. 7-Eleven (Seven Bank) and Japan Post ATMs accept foreign debit cards reliably.
- Dining hours: Outside major metropolitan hubs, lunch typically runs 11:30 AM–2:00 PM and dinner spots open around 5:30 PM, with earlier last orders (around 8:00–9:00 PM) in smaller cities.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Akita (秋田市) located in Japan?
Akita (秋田市) is a core city located in Akita Prefecture in the Tohoku region of Japan (coordinates: 39.72°N, 140.1026°E). It has a population of approximately 329,287 across an area of 905.67 km².
How do I get to Akita by train?
Most visitors reach Akita via the main prefectural gateway of Akita Station (Akita Shinkansen) & Akita Airport (AXT). 3h 50m direct from Tokyo Station on the JR Akita Shinkansen Komachi via Morioka, stopping at Kakunodate and Tazawako. From the regional hub, connect by JR local/rapid lines, private commuter railways, or local bus to Akita. You can estimate long-distance rail costs using our Shinkansen Fare Calculator.
What local food is Akita and Akita known for?
In Akita and across Akita Prefecture, top local dishes include Kiritanpo nabe (toasted rice skewers in Hinai-jidori chicken broth), Inaniwa udon (silky hand-stretched noodles), Hatahata (sailfin sandfish) & shottsuru broth, as well as Iburigakko (smoked daikon pickles). Look for local ekiben (station bento boxes), morning markets, and family-run shokudo near the main station.
When is the best time of year to visit Akita?
Late April–early May for Kakunodate weeping cherry blossoms; August 3–6 for Akita Kanto lantern festival; mid-October for Nyuto Onsen autumn leaves; February for Yokote kamakura snow huts. Check our Japan Seasonal Calendar to compare month-by-month weather and crowd levels.
Official sources & further reading
Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: