Reasons to Choose Japan
Life in Japan by Specific Areas
Akita
Summary
Akita has many attractions with magnificent nature such as Shirakami Mountains and Lake Tazawa, many famous hot springs with various spring qualities, and food culture rooted in the climate such as sake. It has 17 important intangible folk cultural properties, which is the largest number in Japan, and some events are registered as UNESCO intangible cultural heritage such as "Oga Namahage". In addition, "Akita Inu", which originated in Odate City, is a dog breed that is very popular both in Japan and overseas, and there are many facilities in Akita Prefecture where you can enjoy interacting with Akita Inu.
*This map does not include topographical features and island areas and does not cover the entire area of Japan.
Access
- If arriving by plane
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There is also Odate-Noshiro Airport in Akita Prefecture's Odate/Noshiro area.
From Tokyo
Haneda Airport
1 hour 5 minutesAkita Airport
- If arriving by Shinkansen or train
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The other Shinkansen station in the prefecture is Omagari Station.
From Tokyo
Tokyo Station
3 hours 48 minutesAkita Station
Famous places / spots recommended by locals
Kakunodate / Samurai residence street
The samurai residence street in Kakunodate, Semboku City, is lined with historic samurai residences that have been around since the Han-administration era, and is called "Michinoku's Little Kyoto." Known as one of Japan's most famous cherry blossom viewing spots, weeping cherry trees over 200 years old spread out in a row along the blackboard fence in spring, creating a beautiful contrast between black and pale pink. In addition, it is the best scenic spot in the prefecture with fresh green in summer, colored leaves in autumn, and snowy scenery in winter.
Yokoteno-snow igloo
"Yokote Kamakura" is a Little New Year event held every February in Yokote City. It is a festival that enshrines the god of water and prays for the safety of the family, prosperity of business, and abundant harvest of five grains. During the event period, about 100 snow shrines "Kamakura" with a height of 3m line up in the city, and children will serve amazake and rice cakes inside. At the Kamakura Museum in Yokote City, you can enter the real Kamakura all year round in a room kept at -10°C.
Namahage
"Namahage" is a well-known folk-cultural event in Akitaprefecture. At a Oga Peninsula, Namahage emerge and walk around from home to home with yelling "Any bad kids?!" to cream neglect mind people have. Namahage has been scared by people, but actually it is a god bring about sound health mainly to Oga Peninsula, thou, it also has been respected. An Akita's PR poster opened in 2019 was designed mainly Namahage picture taken by a French photographer Charles Freger.
Foods recommended by locals
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Kiritanpo-nabe
A hot pot dish that represents Akita. Kiritanpo, which is made by mashing half of the rice and baking it on a stick, served with ingredients such as Japanese parsley and green onions simmered in a soup made from Hinai chicken soup. In Akita, it is a standard autumn / winter menu that can be found as home-cooked meals or school lunches.
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Iburigakko
"Iburigakko" is "Gakko" (pickled in Akita dialect), which is smoked and pickled radish. Daikon radishes are hung in a special hut called the Ibushi hut and smoked with firewood from cherry blossoms and apples. The unique smoky flavor is perfect as a snack for sake. It is delicious to eat with cream cheese.
Climate (temperature / precipitation)
Located on the Sea of Japan side of northeastern Japan, Akita Prefecture has a pleasant climate without long periods of intense heat. The winters (mainly February) are cold, with an average temperature of 0.9 degrees Celsius (2023), and seasonal winds from the northwest (Sea of Japan) cause heavy snowfall, making heating equipment, cold-weather gear, and snow shoes essential.
Monthly temperature/precipitation
(Source: Japan Meteorological Agency)
Cost of living
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Rent
39,089 yen
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Electricity, gas, and water costs
12,896 yen
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Ramen
(Eating out)
633 yen
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White bread (1 kg)
380 yen
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Milk (1ℓ)
233 yen
*Source
- Rent
“Housing and Land Survey: 2023,” Portal Site of Official Statistics of Japan
Average rent per month (excluding free rent) for privately rented apartments/houses (exclusively residential dwelling) with a total floor area of 29m2 or less in each prefectural capital - Electricity, gas, and water costs
“Family Income and Expenditure Survey: 2023,” Portal Site of Official Statistics of Japan
Per capita expenditure calculated as the monthly average of total annual expenditures on utilities (electricity, gas, and water) per household in each prefectural capital, divided by the average number of members in each household - Eating out (Ramen) / White bread (1kg) / Milk (1ℓ)
“Retail Price Survey (Trend Survey): August 2024,” Portal Site of Official Statistics of Japan
Related links
Number of international students by country
China
Vietnam
U.S.
Total number of international students in Japan: 279,274
Total number of international students in Akita Prefecture: 481
Based on 2023 “Annual Survey of International Students in Japan”
List of universities in each area
If an area has nine schools or less with information published in the “School/Major Search” section of the website, the names of the schools are listed in no particular order. If there are 10 or more schools, those schools will not be posted on this page. Click the “Search for School/Major” button and use the search function to see a list of the schools.