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There are not many observation decks or observation facilities that offer a panoramic view of Akita City, but there are some points that we would like to recommend to tourists visiting from other prefectures.
Among them, we visited three places that were recommended in Jalan's "Top 3 Rankings of Observation Decks and Viewing Facilities in Akita."
Please note that the prices listed in the article are current as of the end of September 2025.
"PORT TOWER SELION" at Roadside Station Akita Port SELION
Port Tower Selion
Port Tower Selion is 143 meters tall, and its observation deck (free admission) is 100 meters above ground, offering a 360-degree panoramic view.
Akita Port (ferry terminal) seen from the observation deck, with the Oga Peninsula in the distance
It is a spectacular observation spot with views of Akita city and Akita Port below, the Sea of Japan to the west, the Oga Peninsula to the north, Mount Taihei to the east, and Mount Chokai in the distance to the south.
If you sit on the couple's bench, you'll be in your own world
At the apex of the triangle in the observation deck, there is a bench called the Couple Bench
It is a popular date spot where couples can relax without worrying too much about their surroundings while enjoying the night view of Akita city.
Selion Cafe offers a spectacular view of Akita city and the Sea of Japan below.
The entrance to Selion Cafe
There are several restaurants in Port Tower Selion, but we especially recommend Selion Cafe
We especially recommend the corner tables with a bright and scenic view.
Akita city and the Sea of Japan feel a little closer here than in the observation deck, and the tables located at the corners of the triangular tower are particularly bright, allowing you to enjoy your meal while enjoying the wide view.
Recommended menu items include lunch sets with various pasta dishes and beef stew, and there is also a wide selection of sweets and desserts such as cakes and parfaits.
Lactic acid bacteria soft serve ice cream in a coffee cup
Our recommended sweet treat is the " Lactic Acid Bacteria Soft Serve Ice Cream ," a unique soft serve ice cream served generously in a coffee cup with a subtle yogurt scent.
The only downside is that this cafe is only open until 4pm, so it would be nice if you could enjoy your meal while looking at the night view.
Senshu Park located in the city center just a short walk from JR Akita Station , is the site of Kubota Castle, which was the castle of the Satake lords, ancestors of Satake Norihisa, the former governor of Akita Prefecture.
Akita city as seen from the observation room of Osumi-yagura
Osumi , which served as a lookout post and armory, offers a panoramic view of Akita city from the observation deck on the fourth floor.
The Osumi Yagura was restored in 1989 as part of the 100th anniversary of Akita City's incorporation, and the first and second floors are now a museum with panel exhibits explaining the history of Kubota Castle and the Satake clan.
There is an elevator inside the tower, so even people with mobility issues can go up to the observation deck.
Because it is located in the city center, the view from the 4th floor makes the city feel closer than from Port Tower Selion or Omoriyama Observatory.
There is a fee to enter the tower, which is reasonable at 150 yen for adults, but the viewing hours are until 4:30 pm, so it's a shame that you can't enjoy the sunset or night view.
Address: 1-39 Senshu Park, Akita City, Akita Prefecture
Phone number: 018-832-1298 (Akita City Hall, Board of Education, Kubota Castle Osumiyagura)
Opening hours: Osumi Yagura 9:00-16:30 (Admission fee: 150 yen for adults, free for high school students and younger, free for people with disabilities and their caregivers)
Closed: Osumiyagura is closed from December 1st to March 31st of the following year (please check with the store for closing days)
After climbing the castle, have a drink in Kawabata, Akita's long-established entertainment district!
The "Shinsei" sign, a symbol of Kawabata
Kawabata located across the Asahi River that runs through Akita City from the Kubota Castle ruins , was once the busiest shopping district in Akita City.
Because it is a little far from Akita Station, it is said that it has become quite deserted recently, in inverse proportion to the liveliness of the area around the station.
The entrance facing the street is flanked by other shops on both sides, and Tori Ni Kyu is at the very back.
However, even in Kawabata, there are lively shops bustling with young people, and the " Iimonya Torifuku Omachi Branch" that we will introduce here is one such popular shop.
senbero bar boasts yakitori , but everything on the menu is "cheap, delicious, and filling," so even at late hours, there is a constant stream of young people visiting.
If you find a dish you like from the selection of appetizers, you can order a second serving.
Our recommendation is the "Selectable Appetizers" set, which includes two dishes to choose from 27 different dishes for 319 yen, and these can also be ordered individually.
Yakitori and Yakiton Menu
The shop's signature yakitori skewers are priced at 198 to 319 yen per skewer, while yakitori skewers are priced at 110 yen per skewer. Personally, I recommend the grilled chicken thigh skewers marinated in Nishikyo miso, which .
A lineup of Akita's local sake, reasonably priced so you can compare the tastes
There is also a wide variety of local sake available, with Junmai Ginjo and other sakes priced at just 429 yen. Even though the glasses are small, you can enjoy comparing different types.
From the entrance to Omoriyama Zoo, continue up the mountain and about 500-600m past Omoriyama Amusement Park Anipa, you will find the observation deck parking lot under the two TV towers.
The entrance to the observation deck seen from the parking lot (the observation deck is on top of the stone wall block on the left)
The entrance to the observation deck is across the road from the parking lot, and after climbing a well-maintained staircase you will come to a large observation deck where you will find a triangulation point and a "Group Statue of Mountains and Sea (Maiden Statue)."
Mountain and Sea Statue (Maiden Statue) and Oga Peninsula
The observation deck at the highest point in the park is 123.49m above sea level, slightly higher than the observation room at Port Tower Selion (100m), and offers views of Akita city, the Sea of Japan, the Oga Peninsula, and Mt. Chokai.
It is known locally as a famous spot for its night views, and there is adequate lighting on the stairs to the observation deck, so it is safe to visit even at night.
Akita City Omoriyama Zoo
Entrance to the zoo Source: Akita Prefecture official tourism site "Akita Fan"
On the way up to the Omoriyama Observatory, you will find the Akigin Omori Forest Zoo, which is home to around 100 species of animals, and the amusement park ANIPA.
Monument of a mother and child giraffe Source: Akita Prefecture official tourism site "Akita Fan"
It is extremely popular with children in Akita, and is always bustling with families, with the parking lot always full on weekends and holidays.
restaurant Mori no Komachi , there is also Polepole Anipa, which serves snacks and drinks at the visitor center at the entrance.
Playground equipment at ANIPA amusement park Source: Akita Prefecture official tourism website "Akita Fan"
Also popular is Patissier Magenta, where you can buy ice cream, soft serve ice cream, crepes, shaved ice, and other sweets.
Omoriyama Park Observation Deck and Akita City Omoriyama Zoo ＜Information＞
Facility name: Omoriyama Park Observation Deck, Akita City Omoriyama Zoo (Akigin Omori Forest)
Address: 29-1 Hamada Ishiyama, Akita City, Akita Prefecture
Phone number: 018-828-3754 (Omoriyama Park Office, Parks Division, Construction Department, Akita City Hall)
Phone number: 018-828-5508 (Akita City Tourism, Culture and Sports Department)
Opening hours (observation deck): 24 hours
Zoo opening hours (3rd Saturday of March to November 30th): 9:00-16:30 (entry until 16:00)
Snow Zoo Opening Hours (January 4th to February 28th, 2016): 10:00-15:00 (entry until 14:30)
Closed: December 1st to January 3rd, 2016, March 1st to March 19th (may vary from year to year, please check the official website for details)
Zoo admission fee: 730 yen for adults, 530 yen for groups of 20 or more adults, free for high school students and younger (show student ID)
ANIPA opening period: March 24th (Monday) to November 30th (Sunday) (Open every day during the opening period)
ANIPA Opening Hours: Weekdays 10:30-16:30, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays 10:00-16:30 (Ride tickets sold until 16:15)
The observation deck in Akita City not only offers spectacular views during the day, but also beautiful night views, but the most amazing of all is the sunset over the Sea of Japan.
Of the places introduced in this article, Port Tower Selion and Omoriyama Park Observatory offer spectacular sunset views if the weather is good.
I am a former Edo guy who loves Morioka, loves the six prefectures of Tohoku, and loves history, gourmet food, travel, sports, alcohol, and singing. We'll introduce you to some interesting, delicious, and good things about Tohoku!
