Akita

Akita is on the Sea of Japan coast in northern Honshu. The cruise terminal sits about five kilometres from the city centre, with bus links to Akita Station. The Selion Port Tower has a 100-metre observation deck with views of the city, the sea, and distant mountains. Below it, the Selion Lista is a climate-controlled garden worth a look before heading further. Senshu Park, built on the ruins of Kubota Castle, is popular for cherry blossoms in spring and lotus flowers in summer. The nearby Kakunodate Samurai District has preserved residences and cobbled lanes. Lake Tazawa, Japan's deepest lake, and the Dakigaeri Gorge are within reach for nature trips. Food highlights include kiritanpo-nabe (hot pot with grilled rice skewers) and Inaniwa Udon, Akita's thin silky noodles. The prefecture's rice fields also produce some of Japan's best sake.