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Akita: Exploring Japan’s Best-Kept Secret
As a National Geographic journalist, I’ve been lucky to travel all over the world and experience some of the most breathtaking scenery on the planet. However, some of my most unforgettable moments have been right here in Akita, a city that’s often overlooked by foreign tourists but is an absolute gem of Japan.
Nestled in the Tohoku region in Japan’s northern Honshu Island, Akita’s landscape is one of the most striking things about it. It’s a place where you can see towering mountains, picturesque rice paddies, and serene lakes all in one day. The city is also known for its hot springs, or onsen, where you can relax and soak in therapeutic waters while surrounded by nature.
What I love most about Akita is the peacefulness that engulfs the city. Even in the hustle and bustle of life, Akita manages to maintain its natural charm and tranquillity. The only thing I dislike about Akita is that it’s somewhat less popular compared to other cities in Japan, which means there aren’t as many English signs around. Still, it’s a small price to pay for the chance to explore such an undiscovered beauty.
If you’re planning to visit Akita, it’s essential to have a realistic idea of the average daily cost of living. Generally speaking, you can expect to spend around 7,500 JPY ($69 USD) for a single day of moderate expenses. You can reduce your spending by using public transportation instead of taxis, limiting your souvenirs, and opting for more affordable street food options.
To help you get started on your Akita adventure, here are 20 popular tourist destinations in the city, along with their addresses, websites, Yelp reviews, and ratings:
1. Akita Castle Ruins -1-1 Oiwake-cho, Akita
2. Omachi Folklore Museum -1-35 O-machi, Akita
3. Senshu Park -4-4-6 Ote-machi, Akita
4. Atorian -1-1-1 Nakadori, Akita
5. Akita City Museum of Art -1-1-1 Oiwake-cho, Akita
6. Akita Platform – Akita Train Station
7. Kanto Festival Museum -Honjikimachi, Akita
8. Scuderi’s Collection -5-5 Senshuoji-machi, Akita
9. Akita Museum of Art -1-2-5 Omachi, Akita
10. Akita Senshu Museum of Archaeology -20 Senshukubo, Akita
11. Michi-no-Eki Edo Center -Harada-44-1, Akita
12. Yokote Masuda-no-Oku Winter Event Site -54-1 Masuda, Yokote
13. Kakunodate Samurai District -Kakunodatemachi, Senboku
14. Akita Museum of Northern History -1-6 Nakajima-cho, Akita
15. Natsui River Swimming Area -318-1, Noshiro
16. Iwakiyama Shrine -167 Iwakita, Akita
17. Tamagawa Hot Springs -Sannai-2-6, Oga
18. Goshado Community Center Oroki Hot Spring -17 Togashizawa, Oga
19. Omagari Fireworks Museum -8-1 Higashi Hon-cho, Daisen
20. Taiheizan Miyoshi Shrine -15-1 Miyoshi-cho Tamachi, Akita
Moreover, Akita has an abundance of street food, which is a must-try experience. Here are the top 20 street foods, their prices, and where to find them:
1. Kiritampo -Izakayas
2. Imonikai-yaki -street vendors
3. Hinai Jidori -restaurants
4. Shottsuru Ramen -restaurants
5. Ikura-don -seafood stands
6. Kaki-no-Hane -specialty stores
7. Akita Bijin -street vendors, craft beer shops
8. Torisashi -Oden specialty shops, yakiniku restaurants
9. Kiritanpo Hot Pot -Izakayas
10. Inaniwa Udon -Noodle shops, souvenir shops
11. Nokkedon -Seafood shops
12. Koinobori (Carp Streamer) -street vendors, Takoyaki stands
13. Hatahata-Zushi -convenience stores, supermarkets
14. Kikyo Shingen Mochi -specialty shops
15. Saba-Sugatazushi -convenience stores
16. Senbei -traditional snack shops, supermarkets
17. Akitamachi Oshokuji-dokoro -market stalls
18. Oma Tuna -Seafood specialty shops
19. Tamagaki Dango -street vendors
20. Yaki Manju -Specialty shops, festival stands
When it comes to accommodation, Akita is home to both popular hotel chains and affordable Airbnbs. Here are the top 10 hotels and Airbnbs with details on price, ratings, and reviews:
Hotels:
1. Daiwa Roynet Hotel Akita-$$-4/5
2. Hotel Pearl City Akita Kanto Odori-$$-3.9/5
3. Dormy Inn Akita Natural Hot Spring-$$$-4.3/5
4. Art Hotel Aspam-$$$-4/5
5. Hotel Metropolitan Akita -$ -3.9/5
6. Akita Onsen Plaza-$$-3.5/5
7. Apa Hotel Akita Station-$$-3.6/5
8. Richmond Hotel Akita Ekimae -$$-4.4/5
9. Hotel Route-Inn Akita Ekimae-$$-3.9/5
10. Akita View Hotel -$$-4.4/5
Airbnbs:
1. Hostel Old Folk’s Inn Akita-$$-4.8/5
2. Stay in the World Heritage Area of Lake Tazawa-$$$-4.7/5
3. Futatsui Sports – Guest House – $$ -5/5
4. Imonakanoya – Lake View – $$$ – 5/5
5. Samurai House at Kakunodate, Semboku City, Akita-$$-5/5
6. Cozy Modern Japanese Apartment-$$-5/5
7. Japanese house in Kako-$$-5/5
8. Yama no Ie-$$$-5/5
9. Yoyokaku-$$-4.9/5
10. Akita Juku no Mori-$$$-5/5
In my opinion, the top five accommodation options in Akita, which is cost-effective and deliver value for their price, are as follows:
1. Daiwa Roynet Hotel Akita: The hotel offers a great range of modestly priced rooms and outstanding reviews, making it an ideal choice for budget-conscious travellers.
2. Dormy Inn Akita Natural Hot Spring: This hotel has excellent customer service and a top-rated in-house hot spring facility, which perfectly caters to individuals seeking comfort at a modest fee.
3. Stay in the World Heritage Area of Lake Tazawa: With stunning views of Lake Tazawa and excellent amenities, this Airbnb offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience that is worth every penny.
4. Samurai House at Kakunodate, Semboku City, Akita: A 250-year-old house with authentic architecture, this Airbnb is ideal for travellers looking to soak in the charms of traditional Japanese living.
5. Apa Hotel Akita Station: For business travelers who prefer comfortable and peaceful lodgings, this budget-friendly hotel is perfect, with quick access to the nearest train station.
Overall, Akita is an excellent destination for those who seek peace, quiet, and a deep cultural immersion. With its magnificent natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and delightful cuisine, Akita will leave you amazed and enchanted. I would rate this city eight out of ten stars.
Now, if you’re planning a three-day trip to Akita, let me give you a sample itinerary that doesn’t compromise on places to go and delicious foods to eat.
Day 1:
Morning – Visit the stunning Akita Castle Ruins and Senshu Park.
Afternoon – Explore the picturesque Omachi Folklore Museum and Atorian.
Evening – Indulge in the famous Imonikai-yaki and Hinai Jidori at any street vendors you can find.
Day 2:
Morning – Head to the Kakunodate Samurai District to see traditional Japanese architecture.
Afternoon – Visit the Scuderi’s Collection and Akita Museum of Northern History. End the day with a nice Kiritanpo hot pot dinner.
Evening – Chill at a local izakaya you find.
Day 3:
Morning – Visit Taiheizan Miyoshi Shrine and Natsui River Swimming Area.
Afternoon – Soak in one of the multiple onsens spread through the city.
Evening – Grab some budget-friendly Tamagaki Dango and locally brewed Akita Bijin with a view of the city.
Akita is a city that deserves to be explored and appreciated. Come here, and you will breach the beaten path and witness the unique beauty of Japan.
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