Kubota Castle@しずくいし Kubota Castle is a castle ruin located in Akita City, Akita Prefecture, built during the Warring States period. The castle prospered as the base of the Nanbu clan, and currently, some stone walls and earthen ramparts remain. Within the castle grounds, there are remains of the main enclosure, second enclosure, third enclosure, and a museum that conveys the prosperity of the castle town. Kubota Castle is beloved as a symbol of Akita City, and visited by locals and tourists as a place to learn about history and culture. [Text: @AI, Translation: @AI]

Kanto Festival (Akita)@一般社団法人　秋田県観光連盟 The Kanto Festival (Akita) is one of the most popular cultural and seasonal celebrations in Akita Prefecture in the Tohoku region of Japan. Every year during the autumn, the city of Akita comes alive with the Kanto Festival and it has become a true symbol of the region's traditions. The festival features men in traditional Japanese costume who skillfully balance rows over 7 metres of bamboo poles, known as “Kanto”, laden with up to 72 paper lanterns. The bright light from each lantern gives an atmosphere full of color and happiness. The festival also features parades with traditional dancers, singing and music, as well as many food stands selling local specialty dishes. The Kanto festival has been held for over 300 years and is a true celebration of Japanese culture, values and customs. It is extremely popular, with many thousands of people attending each year. It is a great way to experience the atmosphere of Akita during the autumn season, and to join the locals in celebrating their culture in a very special way. [Text: @AI, Translation: @AI]

Kumakuma Park@一般社団法人 秋田県観光連盟 The bear zoo opened in 1990. Visitors can enjoy feeding the bears, which are full of love, and meet them through the glass at the "bear house," which was newly opened in 2014. The adorable cubs are a must-see! Open on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays (Source: Akita Prefecture's official tourism site [Akita Fun])The bear zoo opened in 1990. Visitors can enjoy feeding the bears, which are full of love, and meet them through the glass at the "bear house," which was newly opened in 2014. The adorable cubs are a must-see! Open on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays (Source: Akita Prefecture's official tourism site [Akita Fun])

Akita Station (Ou Line) Located on the Ou Line, the station is a significant transportation hub in the Tohoku region. This central railway station, with its modern architecture, represents the perfect blend between tradition and modernity, symbolising the city it resides in - Akita. The station handles a variety of services, including the Akita Shinkansen bullet train, a local train service, buses, and a taxi stand. Inside, it houses several conveniences for travellers, including restaurants, shops, a tourist information center, and even a hotel. Located in northern Japan, the station offers gateways to the country's natural and cultural treasures, making it a key starting point for exploring Akita’s prominent tourism landscape, known for its hot springs, natural beauty, and cultural events, particularly the Kanto Matsuri lantern festival. This makes the station more than just a transportation hub, but a microcosm of the city and region itself. [Text: @AI, Translation: @AI]