Akita City 秋田市 Prefecture

Akita (Japanese: 秋田市), also called Akita City, is the capital of Akita Prefecture, Japan. It covers 905.67 sq km (349.68 sq mi) and has a population of 323,000 people (2012 estimate). The city is on the northwestern coast of Honshu island facing the Sea of Japan.

The Akita area has been inhabited since the Paleolithic period. This is based on the discovery of the Jizouden site of Paleolithic culture in 1985. The site yielded artifacts from the Late Paleolithic Period including knife-shaped tools, axes and other artifacts. A reconstruction of the dwelling of that period is now open to visitors.

Akita City was founded on 1 April, 1889. The city however dates to the Edo period, when a settlement was established in 1604. Under the Meiji period, the city as we know today was officially established. It was devastated by an air raid on 14 August, 1945 which killed 137 people. In 2001 it was the venue of The World Games and site of the opening ceremony. On 11 January, 2005, Akita City absorbed the towns of Kawabe and Yuwa. Festivals in Akita City
Akita City celebrates the Akita Kanto Festival, which has its origin some 350 years ago. During this festival, participants balance 15-meter poles with lanterns on their chins.

Akita City Gymnasium, Akita City, Japan


Jizouden Paleolithic Site, Akita City, Japan


Hitotsumori Park, Akita City, Japan

Planning your trip to Japan

You can fly to Akita from Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka and Sapporo. The Akita Shinkansen connects the city with Tokyo. As it passes through areas which were affected by the 2011 Tsunami where reconstruction is ongoing, allow an extra hour of travel time.

Sights & Attractions to visit in Japan

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