Last reviewed: · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview & City Profile
Kitaakita (Japanese: 北秋田市, Hepburn: Kitaakita-shi) is a city located in Akita Prefecture, Japan. As of 28 February 2023, the city had an estimated population of 29,201, and a population density of 25 persons per km2. The total area of the city is 1,152.76 square kilometres (445.08 sq mi).
Within Akita Prefecture (Tohoku region), Kitaakita (北秋田市) serves as a city in akita prefecture. Travelers exploring Akita often combine a stop in Kitaakita with regional highlights such as Kakunodate samurai district, milky hot springs of Nyuto Onsenkyo, cobalt-blue Lake Tazawa (Japan's deepest lake), Oga Peninsula Namahage folklore, and Shirakami-Sanchi.
| Fact | Details for Kitaakita (北秋田市) |
|---|---|
| Japanese Name | 北秋田市 (Kitaakita) |
| Administrative Status | City in Akita Prefecture |
| Prefecture & Capital | Akita Prefecture (Capital: Akita) |
| Region of Japan | Tohoku |
| Population | 38,543 residents |
| Total Area / Density | 1,152.57 km² · 33.4 people per km² |
| Municipal Incorporation | 2005-03-22 |
| Coordinates | 40.226°N, 140.3708°E |
Getting to Kitaakita & Getting Around
Via the regional hub (Akita Station (Akita Shinkansen) & Akita Airport (AXT)): 3h 50m direct from Tokyo Station on the JR Akita Shinkansen Komachi via Morioka, stopping at Kakunodate and Tazawako.
- Local rail & IC cards: Once in Akita Prefecture, JR regional lines and local private railways connect Akita with Kitaakita. Nationwide IC cards (Suica, Pasmo, Icoca) work on major urban and JR commuter gates; for rural branch lines or local buses, keep ¥1,000 bills and ¥100 coins handy for the onboard fare box.
- Luggage & station lockers: Main stations in Akita have coin lockers for day-trippers. If you are stopping in Kitaakita en route between larger bases, check your suitcase dimensions in our Luggage & Locker Checker or forward big bags ahead with Takkyubin.
- Driving & car rental: While city centers around Kitaakita are accessible by train and taxi, renting a car from a major Shinkansen station or airport in Akita can be rewarding for reaching mountain gorges, coastal viewpoints, and countryside onsen. Read our Renting a Car in Japan Guide.
What to Eat in Kitaakita & Akita
Kitaakita shares the culinary traditions of Akita Prefecture and the wider Tohoku region. Don't miss these local specialties during your visit:
- Kiritanpo nabe (toasted rice skewers in Hinai-jidori chicken broth) — a signature specialty across Akita Prefecture.
- Inaniwa udon (silky hand-stretched noodles) — a signature specialty across Akita Prefecture.
- Hatahata (sailfin sandfish) & shottsuru broth — a signature specialty across Akita Prefecture.
- Iburigakko (smoked daikon pickles) — a signature specialty across Akita Prefecture.
For dietary restrictions or food allergies, open our Japanese Phrasebook & Show-to-Staff Cards to display clear Japanese dietary explanations at restaurants in Kitaakita.
Best Time to Visit & Seasonal Highlights
Late April–early May for Kakunodate weeping cherry blossoms; August 3–6 for Akita Kanto lantern festival; mid-October for Nyuto Onsen autumn leaves; February for Yokote kamakura snow huts.
Regional highlights across Akita Prefecture that pair well with a visit to Kitaakita include: Kakunodate samurai district, milky hot springs of Nyuto Onsenkyo, cobalt-blue Lake Tazawa (Japan's deepest lake), Oga Peninsula Namahage folklore, and Shirakami-Sanchi.
Practical Travel Tips for Kitaakita
- Tourist information center (観光案内所): Look for the Kankō Annaijo counter inside or right outside the main train station in Kitaakita (or at Akita Station (Akita Shinkansen) & Akita Airport (AXT)) for free walking maps, bus timetables, and festival calendars.
- Cash & ATMs: While hotels, chain stores, and convenience stores in Kitaakita accept international cards and IC payment, smaller family-run restaurants, shrines, and rural buses often prefer cash. 7-Eleven (Seven Bank) and Japan Post ATMs accept foreign debit cards reliably.
- Dining hours: Outside major metropolitan hubs, lunch typically runs 11:30 AM–2:00 PM and dinner spots open around 5:30 PM, with earlier last orders (around 8:00–9:00 PM) in smaller cities.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Kitaakita (北秋田市) located in Japan?
Kitaakita (北秋田市) is a city located in Akita Prefecture in the Tohoku region of Japan (coordinates: 40.226°N, 140.3708°E). It has a population of approximately 38,543 across an area of 1,152.57 km².
How do I get to Kitaakita by train?
Most visitors reach Kitaakita via the main prefectural gateway of Akita Station (Akita Shinkansen) & Akita Airport (AXT). 3h 50m direct from Tokyo Station on the JR Akita Shinkansen Komachi via Morioka, stopping at Kakunodate and Tazawako. From the regional hub, connect by JR local/rapid lines, private commuter railways, or local bus to Kitaakita. You can estimate long-distance rail costs using our Shinkansen Fare Calculator.
What local food is Kitaakita and Akita known for?
In Kitaakita and across Akita Prefecture, top local dishes include Kiritanpo nabe (toasted rice skewers in Hinai-jidori chicken broth), Inaniwa udon (silky hand-stretched noodles), Hatahata (sailfin sandfish) & shottsuru broth, as well as Iburigakko (smoked daikon pickles). Look for local ekiben (station bento boxes), morning markets, and family-run shokudo near the main station.
When is the best time of year to visit Kitaakita?
Late April–early May for Kakunodate weeping cherry blossoms; August 3–6 for Akita Kanto lantern festival; mid-October for Nyuto Onsen autumn leaves; February for Yokote kamakura snow huts. Check our Japan Seasonal Calendar to compare month-by-month weather and crowd levels.
Official sources & further reading
Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: