Summary of Ways to Kill Time at Akita Airport | Famous Akita Confections Also Available!?

Introducing Ways to Kill Time at Akita Airport

Akita Prefecture is located on the Sea of Japan side of the Tohoku region. Known for its rich cultural heritage since ancient times, it is home to unique traditions such as the "Kanto Festival," one of the three major festivals in Tohoku, and the famous "Namahage." Throughout the four seasons, Akita offers various events and attractions.

Akita Airport is situated south of Akita City, the prefecture's central area, and is easily accessible by bus from many parts of the city. If you need to adjust your schedule, wait for someone, or arrive early, the airport’s shops are a great place to pass the time. Check out what kinds of shops are available.

1: Akita Airport Souvenir Plaza "Aeru"

The first spot to kill time at Akita Airport is "Akita Airport Souvenir Plaza Aeru." As the name suggests, this shop offers a wide selection of souvenirs from Akita Prefecture.

Akita is a region rich in nature, but it is also known for its unique local specialties and cultural heritage. This shop is packed with the charm of Akita, making it a great place to explore. If you forgot to buy souvenirs, you might find everything you need here.

Enjoy the charm of Akita right at the airport—this shop may even bring you new discoveries!

2. ANAFESTA

ANAFESTA is a shop with locations in airports across Japan. Each store offers products that reflect the local characteristics of its region, and the ANAFESTA at Akita Airport is no exception—it features a lineup unique to Akita.

The shop sells local delicacies, collaboration products, seafood, agricultural products, and even ANA merchandise. A standout product is the "Instant Hinai Jidori Chicken Ramen (Soy Sauce Flavor)" from Ashiato Chuka Soba. The soup is made using Hinai Jidori chicken extract, carefully simmered from chicken bones at the factory. This flavorful broth has maintained its delicious taste for 30 years.

Another must-try item is the "Iburi Gakko and Cheese Crispy Senbei." This snack blends Akita’s famous iburi gakko (smoked pickled radish) powder into the senbei dough, creating a uniquely crunchy and tasty treat—perfect as a souvenir or for personal enjoyment.

3. Inaniwa Honpo Meiji Sasuke Shoten

For those who want to enjoy local Akita cuisine at Akita Airport, Inaniwa Honpo Meiji Sasuke Shoten, located on the second floor, is highly recommended.

The restaurant offers traditional Akita dishes, local sake, and authentic flavors of Akita. One of Japan’s three major udon varieties, Inaniwa Udon, is available in both hot and cold versions. Other specialties include "Akita Chameshi" (tea rice), "Gomoku Wappa Meshi" (a dish inherited from a long-established Akita restaurant), Kiritanpo, Hinai Natto, Dengaku, and Tsukudani—all showcasing the true flavors of Akita. This is the perfect place to experience a full course of Akita's best dishes.

For dessert, unique Akita sweets are also available, such as Kiritanpo Ice Cream, Akita Oga Soy Sauce Soft Serve, and Sake Lees Ice Cream. Enjoy the full taste of Akita!

4. Akita Sabo

Next on the list of recommended spots to pass the time at Akita Airport is a café and restaurant located inside the airport.

Akita Sabo offers a cozy Asian-inspired atmosphere where you can enjoy dishes made with locally sourced ingredients from Akita Prefecture. While it's a great place to relax like a café, it also serves hearty meals such as demi-glace hamburger steak set meal, stone-grilled fried rice, and mapo tofu rice. One of the restaurant's specialties is its original local Akita ramen, "Kiritanpo Ramen." The menu also includes a wide selection of local sake and beer.

Located near the runway, some seats in the restaurant offer a great view of the airport, making it an ideal place to spend time before your flight.

How to Access Akita Airport

Here’s how to access Akita Airport. As mentioned earlier, Akita Airport is located slightly south of Akita City. A limousine bus runs between the city center and the airport, with stops at Akita Station (West Exit), the prefectural office, and city hall. The journey between Akita Airport and Akita Station takes approximately 40 minutes.

For shared taxi services, the "Airport Liner" provides convenient access to various destinations, including Nyuto Onsen, Tamagawa Onsen, Kakunodate, and the Oga Peninsula. If you plan to sightsee directly from the airport, this is a great option.

◎ Summary of Time-Killing Spots at Akita Airport

We have introduced various ways to pass the time at Akita Airport. Akita is known for its unique food culture, festivals, and traditions, and the airport itself is a condensed showcase of these local charms. From meals to souvenirs, you can find dishes and sweets made from Akita’s finest ingredients, allowing you to discover new aspects of Akita even with a short visit.

If you find yourself with extra time at Akita Airport, be sure to check out the shops introduced in this article.