Akita JapanCruise Port Guide
Getting Around from the Port
The cruise terminal is located about 5 kilometers from downtown Akita. To reach the city center, you can take the Selion bus, which has a stop near the ship's berth. City buses also run from the port directly to Akita Station, with an approximate travel time of 25 minutes. From Akita Station, you gain access to the Akita Shinkansen (bullet train), local railway lines, and highway buses, allowing for broader exploration within Akita Prefecture and beyond.
Attractions and Activities
- At the Port:
- Selion Port Tower: Ascend to the 100-meter-high observation deck for impressive panoramic views of the port and the surrounding Akita landscape.
- Selion Lista: Explore this unique and lush covered green area located right at the port, offering a pleasant environment year-round.
- In Akita City (accessible via bus to Akita Station, then local transport/walk):
- Akita City Folklore Museum: Housed in a former 20th-century bank building, this museum boasts a striking red brick Renaissance exterior and a beautiful baroque interior, showcasing works by two celebrated local artisans.
- Senshu Park: A wonderful location for a leisurely stroll, particularly picturesque during the spring season when the cherry blossoms are in bloom.
- Day Trips (accessible via Akita Station's Shinkansen/local lines/highway buses):
- Kakunodate: Often called one of Japan's last true historical towns, Kakunodate is renowned for its well-preserved samurai houses, many of which are open to the public. It's approximately an hour away from Akita Station by shinkansen.
- Lake Tazawa: Situated in eastern Akita Prefecture, this is Japan's deepest lake, plunging almost 1,400 feet, and is notable for its perfectly circular shape.
- Mt. Kanpuzan Observatory: Experience a unique perspective from its 360-degree rotating observation deck, offering continuously changing views of the treeless, expansive landscape, providing numerous photo opportunities.
Dining & Shopping
As one of Japan's most famous rice-growing regions, Akita is an excellent place to sample some of the finest local sake. While specific dining and shopping options directly at the cruise terminal are limited to the Selion facilities, downtown Akita and the area around Akita Station will offer a wider array of restaurants, cafes, and shops where you can find local specialties, including Akita's renowned sake.
Weather
Akita's cruise season is scheduled around the mild spring and crisp, colorful autumn, with coastal breezes from the Sea of Japan making layers essential even on sunny days. Summers can be warm with temperatures reaching the low 80s°F (27–30°C), while winters are harsh with significant snowfall that makes the port inaccessible for cruising. Pack comfortable layers and a windproof jacket for cooler coastal conditions.
Currency and Language
The local currency is the Japanese Yen (¥). Banknotes are available in denominations of ¥10,000, ¥5,000, and ¥1,000. Coins come in ¥500, ¥100, ¥50, ¥10, ¥5, and ¥1. Credit cards are widely accepted in major establishments, and ATMs are readily available throughout the city.