JR EAST Travel Service Center (Akita)

Akita City, Akita Prefecture

Akita Welcomes You With Fluffy Dogs, Lively Festivals and Exceptional Guidance

25 March 2024

Akita is a northern prefecture of the main island, Honshu, situated on the western coast of Japan. You may have heard of Akita in a different context: the friendly, fluffy dog that has a deep history with the region. You'll be reminded of this endearing connection when you see the massive inflatable dog right after the gate to the right of the Namahage masks, another symbol of Akita culture and its many festivals. While these eye-catching icons are impartial to the region, Akita boasts a myriad of culture making it a significant place to visit, especially if you have the Japan Rail Pass that is great for travel throughout Japan.

Lanterns lighting up the night at the Kanto Festival. One of Tohoku’s Three Great Festivals held every August
One of the oldest hot spring baths at Nyuto Onsen (Tsuruno-yu)
A convenient and user-friendly travel service center

Akita Station is accessible from other major cities by Shinkansen and is home to the travel service center which can be found easily just outside the main ticket gate. Its convenient location is no mistake, as it is a part of the JR East Railway Company. The branch operates largely with the longevity and extensive resources of the company and is centered around its Akita born staff.

Each member contributes significant knowledge of the area and goes above and beyond by arranging seasonal cultural learning experiences for any intrigued travelers. Lantern painting and Onsen seminars are a couple examples of events that are held from time to time. There is also a handy website called and trip. that compiles information about the region to help guests decide what they want to do in Akita. The area is kept clean and welcoming, dotted with various symbolic decorations that create an authentic atmosphere as well as various conversation opportunities. A recurring theme here is their attention to detail and thoughtful care.
The remarkably handy (and cute) ticket envelope that was made to help prevent losing tickets
Inside JR EAST Travel Service Center (Akita)
These qualities are not only visible in their pamphlets and other informational material, but also in their hospitality for which they were awarded first place of the Category 1 information centers in the 2023 JNTO category “Communication and Hospitality.” Category 1 centers refer to those that offer some English support and information about the local area. They designed a simple, yet useful (and cute) ticket envelope to help travelers avoid losing or mixing up their tickets (pictured above). As these Akita dog ticket cases have become more well known, some people even make their way to the travel service center just to get one. On that note, they also excel at helping travelers select ideal seating arrangements for their trips. For example, for guests who have big luggage, they are able to give information about which specific cars on the train offer space for bigger luggage among other things. On multiple occasions, admiration for efforts has been enough to compel travelers to return and vocalize their appreciation.
Ms. Sugawara (right) and other staff in front of the Travel Service Center
Ms. Sugawara is kind and maintains a professional demeanor; she excels at assisting travelers with any inquiry and is always happy to do so. Originally from Akita’s Katagami city, her lifelong knowledge of the area is well suited for helping travelers enjoy their time there. A typical day for her consists of managing reservations, interacting with the visitors who made them, as well as helping those who drop in. Arranging ticket purchases and organizing travel itineraries are a couple of the primary duties of each interaction. A hard day's work comes to fruition for her when customers’ plans are settled, and when she feels she's truly helped someone - one of the main reasons she enjoys her career.
Travel service center staff welcoming visitors as Namahage
Other than feeling a sense of joy after successfully helping someone, Ms. Sugawara has chosen this line of expertise as she enjoyed working in Sendai at a travel agency where she helped manage group tours and arranged accommodations. With her comfort and knowledge of Akita, returning and continuing her career in Akita was ideal for her. Comfort aside, it's clear that she is proud of where she was born and raised and loves to help others enjoy it to the fullest as well.
Ms. Sugawara showcasing the ticket envelope
Q：When is the best time to visit Akita, and what are some of the seasonal events?

A：Akita is known for having many festivals throughout the year. In spring, you can enjoy cherry blossom festivals in Kakunodate, Bukeyashiki Street, and Akita City’s Senshu Park. During the summer, the Kanto Festival and the Omagari Fireworks Festival are highly recommended. Additionally, the hydrangeas at Unsho-ji Temple on the Oga Peninsula are splendid. Autumn brings the beautiful fall foliage around Lake Tazawa and Kakunodate, and it's the season for new rice, so be sure not to miss out on enjoying some delicious rice. Winter offers the Yokote Kamakura Festival, the Namahage Sedo Festival, and the Odate Amekko Fair as exciting options. Of course, Tazawako Ski Resort is also a great choice.
Omagari Fireworks Festival held on the last Saturday of August every year. The fireworks festival is held in spring, fall, and winter as well, but the summer festival is considered one of the three biggest firework festivals in all of Japan
Q：Have you had any noteworthy experiences with customers visiting the travel service center?

A：There is a popular Japanese train called 'Resort Shirakami,' and due to the influence of the movie 'Slam Dunk,' it has gained popularity particularly among Asian travelers. Many of them visit for pilgrimage purposes. They often take commemorative photos with the train. Furthermore, although it's no longer on display, we used to have a real Namahage borrowed from the city of Oga at the travel service center. It was a source of delight for overseas visitors who came to the center. Some overseas visitors might refer to Namahage as 'monsters,' but we introduce them as deities. While Namahage have a scary image for Japanese people, many overseas visitors are fascinated and often approach them with curiosity.
The Resort Shirakami train running along the coast
Q：What is your favorite place in Akita?

A：I really like the sight of the many wind turbines for wind power generation in Akita. They are visible from almost everywhere, making it feel like you’ve traveled to the future (Akita Prefecture is considered one of the most ideal locations for wind power plants in Japan because of its favorable wind conditions and low typhoon exposure.)
Wind power generation visible from Akita Port
Q：What are your favorite foods special to Akita?

A：Kiritanpo and Iburi-gakko. Kiritanpo is freshly cooked rice that is partially smashed to the point where the grains are still visible, wrapped around cedarwood, and then cooked over a hearth, resulting in the signature cylindrical shape. When you make Kiritanpo at home, it's often even more delicious when you let it sit for a day or so. The sauce soaks in, enhancing the flavor! Iburi-gakko is a type of pickled radish; it being smoked rather than sun dried is the unique point of the delicacy. It’s a great choice for souvenirs. You can enjoy it by sandwiching it with cream cheese or dicing it and adding it to potato salad. It's a versatile and tasty option.
Kiritanpo, one of Akitas specialties
Q：What would be your message to travelers from overseas?

A：While I may not be very proficient in English, I am committed to providing you with a warm and welcoming experience. So, please don't hesitate to visit us anytime!