Akita City Old Castle Town and Senshu Park: Kubota Castle Ruins, Cherry Blossoms, and Local Sake

Akita City Old Castle Town

Akita City in Akita is a castle town once ruled by the Satake clan's Akita domain in the Edo period. Senshu Park, developed on the ruins of Kubota Castle at the city center, is beloved as a spring cherry blossom site.

Highlights

- Senshu Park: Former main and secondary keeps of Kubota Castle developed into a park; cherry blossoms in late April are breathtaking - Satake Historical Museum: Exhibits materials on the history of the Akita domain - Akita Folk Performing Arts Museum (Neburi-nagashi-kan): Introduces Akita folk performing arts centered on the Kanto Festival - Akita City Red Brick Local Museum: Local historical museum utilizing a Meiji-period red brick building

Food

- Inaniwa Udon: Premium udon available throughout Akita City - Kiritanpo Nabe: Akita's regional hot pot - Akita Local Sake: Many famous breweries including Aramasa, Takashimizu, and Kariho

Getting There

- From JR Akita Shinkansen Akita Station to Senshu Park: 15-minute walk

Tips

Kanto Festival (August 3–6) is Akita's biggest event — you can watch the elaborate pole-balancing performances up close. Accommodation near Akita Station is convenient.