Getting Around Akita


2017.10.13

NAVITIME TRAVEL EDITOR

Akita is a very well connected prefecture, with buses, planes and plenty of clear highways it’s a fantastic area to travel around, whether by one of the many available buses or by foot. Here are some transport options for every type of traveler.

  • 01

    Bus Terminal

    Bus Terminal

    Bus Terminal

    One of the highlights of visiting Akita is actually its bus terminal. Though it may sound like a bizarre tourist attraction, the Akita bus terminal is in fact a stunning piece of architecture. Built only recently, it’s constructed entirely from Akita Cedar that was harvested locally. Known as one of Japan’s finest woods, the architect behind the creation, Katsushi Nagumo wanted to make sure the terminal reflected the beauty of the area, which is why he enlisted the help of the area’s top cedar producers, thanks to Nagumo’s hard work and the work of the locals the terminal won a 2014 Good Design Award.

  • 02

    Akita JR Station

    Akita JR Station

    Akita JR Station

    Given that it’s such a popular tourist destination, Akita station is naturally well connected by train. The vast network of railroads connects the area to all over Japan. There’s the Akita Shinkansen line which links the city to wider Japan, the Oga line which is a direct route from the heart of the city to the stunning Oga peninsula, the Uetsu line which will take you to Ugo-Honjo, Sakata and Niigata and finally the Ou Main line which goes to Higashi-Noshiro, Odate and Aomori.

    Akita JR Station

    Akita JR Station

    One of the most common and easiest ways to get to Akita is by riding the Akita Shinkansen. It’s a mini-shinkansen that links passengers straight from Tokyo to the area. Along the route the train also makes stops at Sendai and Morioka, meaning that it’s one of the most beautiful train routes in Japan. Travelling through a number of sightseeing spots, including the deep Lake Tazawa, known for its stunningly clear water, the historic Kakunodate and a number of cherry tree forests a ride on the Akita shinkansen is one you won’t forget. Running regularly throughout the year, a trip from from Tokyo Station to Akita Station takes about four hours and costs about 17,800 yen each way (depending on peak season).

  • 03

    Tourist Bus

    Tourist Bus

    Tourist Bus

    Once you get to Akita a great way to explore the area is via the many busses that travel regularly throughout the prefecture. Akita city buses actually offer an unlimited rides day pass meaning you can hop off and hop back on anytime for a fixed ticket price. This unlimited day pass option is ideal for those expecting to catch a large number of busses throughout the day and those wanting to travel a long distance. You can pick up a day pass from one of the manned ticket kiosks that sit at the city bus terminal at the west exit of the JR Akita Railway station.

  • 04

    Driving around Akita

    Driving around Akita

    Driving around Akita

    If you’d rather explore the area at your own pace then perhaps getting a rental car is the best choice. In the heart of Akita there are a number of car rental options so whatever company you chose really just depends on your needs and car availabilities. It’s recommended you call up in advance to explore what’s available to you. You can pick up a car from Akita station or a number of other locations around the prefecture.

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