Last reviewed: · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview of Akita Prefecture (秋田県)
Akita Prefecture (秋田県) is located in the Tohoku region of Japan, with its prefectural capital at Akita. Key sights and travel highlights across the prefecture 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.
How to get to Akita Prefecture
3h 50m direct from Tokyo Station on the JR Akita Shinkansen Komachi via Morioka, stopping at Kakunodate and Tazawako. Use our Shinkansen Fare & Route Calculator and JR Pass Value Helper to compare rail tickets and regional passes.
Signature local food in Akita
When visiting cities across Akita, look out for these regional specialties at station restaurants, markets, and local izakaya:
- Kiritanpo nabe (toasted rice skewers in Hinai-jidori chicken broth)
- Inaniwa udon (silky hand-stretched noodles)
- Hatahata (sailfin sandfish) & shottsuru broth
- Iburigakko (smoked daikon pickles)
Best time 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.
All 13 cities & municipalities in Akita Prefecture
Click any city below for its individual travel guide, demographics, rail access, food specialties, and nearby stops:
| City (Kanji) | Type / Status | Population | Area | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Akita 秋田市 | Core city | 329,287 | 905.67 km² | City guide → |
| Ōdate 大館市 | City | 80,587 | 913.70 km² | City guide → |
| Kazuno 鹿角市 | City | 35,543 | 707.34 km² | City guide → |
| Daisen 大仙市 | City | 91,143 | 866.67 km² | City guide → |
| Katagami 潟上市 | City | 35,460 | 97.96 km² | City guide → |
| Kitaakita 北秋田市 | City | 38,543 | 1,152.57 km² | City guide → |
| Oga 男鹿市 | City | 34,194 | 240.80 km² | City guide → |
| Yurihonjō 由利本荘市 | City | 87,525 | 1,209.04 km² | City guide → |
| Yuzawa 湯沢市 | City | 53,588 | 790.72 km² | City guide → |
| Semboku 仙北市 | City | 30,885 | 1,093.64 km² | City guide → |
| Yokote 横手市 | City | 101,234 | 693.60 km² | City guide → |
| Nikaho にかほ市 | City | 28,422 | 240.61 km² | City guide → |
| Noshiro 能代市 | City | 61,295 | 426.74 km² | City guide → |