Things to Do in Noshiro (能代市), Akita: Sights, Train Access & Travel Guide

Last reviewed: October 27, 2026 · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.

Overview & City Profile

Noshiro (能代市) in Akita Prefecture (Tohoku, Japan) is anchored by local sights including Kaze no Matsubara, Noshiro Onsen, Noshiro Swimming Beach and served by Noshiro Railway Station (能代駅) (0.8 km) via the regional hub at Akita Station (Akita Shinkansen) & Akita Airport (AXT). Set at 13 m elevation (40.2121°N, 140.0266°E), Noshiro offers travelers a base for sampling regional Kiritanpo nabe (toasted rice skewers in Hinai-jidori chicken broth), Inaniwa udon (silky hand-stretched noodles), Hatahata (sailfin sandfish) & shottsuru broth cuisine and exploring neighboring Happō (八峰町) (17.1 km), Mitane (三種町) (17.1 km), Ōgata (大潟村) (23.5 km), Fujisato (藤里町) (25.1 km).

Noshiro is located in the flat coastal plains northwestern Akita Prefecture, bordered by the Sea of Japan to the west, but there are hills near the border with Mitane and along the coast. Much of the eastern part of the city is mountainous. Per the Nihon Shoki and other ancient chronicles, Noshiro is the location where an expedition sent by the imperial court led by Abe no Hirafu landed in 658 AD with orders to force the local Emishi tribes into submission. Trade vessels from Balhae were calling at Noshiro Port as late as 771 AD. The economy of Noshiro is based on agriculture and commercial fishing. Within Akita Prefecture, Noshiro (能代市) serves as a city in Akita Prefecture (municipal incorporation: 2006-03-21) and pairs naturally with wider prefectural highlights such as Kakunodate samurai district, milky hot springs of Nyuto Onsenkyo, cobalt-blue Lake Tazawa (Japan's deepest lake), Oga Peninsula Namahage folklore, and Shirakami-Sanchi.

What to See & Do in Noshiro (能代市): Landmarks & Sights

Visitors exploring Noshiro (能代市) from Noshiro Railway Station (能代駅) (0.8 km) at 13 m elevation (40.2121°N, 140.0266°E) can visit these nearby shrines, temples, parks, and geographic landmarks (with straight-line distances from central Noshiro):

• Kaze no Matsubara — local sightseeing landmark near Noshiro (能代市).
• Noshiro Onsen — local sightseeing landmark near Noshiro (能代市).
• Noshiro Swimming Beach — local sightseeing landmark near Noshiro (能代市).
• Asanai Numa (7.2 km) — local sightseeing landmark near Noshiro (能代市).
• Takamine Yama (12.9 km) — local sightseeing landmark near Noshiro (能代市).
• Primary Rail Gateway for Noshiro: Noshiro Railway Station (能代駅) (0.8 km) (connecting to Akita Station (Akita Shinkansen) & Akita Airport (AXT)).

Closest Neighboring Municipalities to Noshiro

When planning a regional rail or driving loop around Noshiro (能代市) and Noshiro Railway Station (能代駅) (0.8 km), consider pairing your stop with the 5 closest neighboring municipalities across Akita Prefecture and Tohoku:

• Happō (八峰町) — 17.1 km from Noshiro (Akita Prefecture)
• Mitane (三種町) — 17.1 km from Noshiro (Akita Prefecture)
• Ōgata (大潟村) — 23.5 km from Noshiro (Akita Prefecture)
• Fujisato (藤里町) — 25.1 km from Noshiro (Akita Prefecture)
• Hachirōgata (八郎潟町) — 28.5 km from Noshiro (Akita Prefecture)

Getting to Noshiro & Getting Around

Train & hub access to Noshiro (能代市) via Noshiro Railway Station (能代駅) (0.8 km): 3h 50m direct from Tokyo Station on the JR Akita Shinkansen Komachi via Morioka, stopping at Kakunodate and Tazawako. From Akita Station (Akita Shinkansen) & Akita Airport (AXT), transfer to local JR or private rail lines serving Noshiro Railway Station (能代駅) (0.8 km) to reach central Noshiro (40.2121°N, 140.0266°E).

• Local rail & IC cards at Noshiro Railway Station (能代駅) (0.8 km): JR regional trains and private commuter lines link Akita with Noshiro (能代市) and neighboring Happō, Mitane, Ōgata. Nationwide IC cards (Suica, PASMO, ICOCA) work at major urban gates; for rural branch stations or local buses around Noshiro, carry ¥1,000 bills and ¥100 coins for the onboard fare box.
• Luggage & station coin lockers: Travelers exploring Noshiro and continuing toward Happō can store bags at major transfer stations or check suitcase dimensions in our Luggage & Locker Checker and ship large bags ahead via Takkyubin.
• Driving & car rental around Noshiro: While Noshiro Railway Station (能代駅) (0.8 km) anchors public transit for Noshiro, picking up a rental car at Akita Station (Akita Shinkansen) & Akita Airport (AXT) makes it easy to link Kaze no Matsubara and Noshiro Onsen with nearby Happō (八峰町) (17.1 km), Mitane (三種町) (17.1 km), Ōgata (大潟村) (23.5 km), Fujisato (藤里町) (25.1 km). See our Renting a Car in Japan Guide.

What to Eat in Noshiro (能代市) & Akita

Dining near Noshiro Railway Station (能代駅) (0.8 km) and across Noshiro (能代市) highlights the regional food culture of Akita Prefecture and Tohoku. Look for these local specialties at station restaurants, family-run shokudo, and markets in Noshiro:

• Local specialty & terroir of Noshiro (能代市): geothermal hot-spring (onsen) ryokan hospitality and mountain tourism alongside coastal fishing ports, marine aquaculture, and fresh seafood markets.
• Kiritanpo nabe (toasted rice skewers in Hinai-jidori chicken broth) — regional specialty enjoyed across Noshiro (能代市) and Akita Prefecture.
• Inaniwa udon (silky hand-stretched noodles) — regional specialty enjoyed across Noshiro (能代市) and Akita Prefecture.
• Hatahata (sailfin sandfish) & shottsuru broth — regional specialty enjoyed across Noshiro (能代市) and Akita Prefecture.
• Iburigakko (smoked daikon pickles) — regional specialty enjoyed across Noshiro (能代市) and Akita Prefecture.

If you are dining in Noshiro (能代市) with food allergies or dietary restrictions, use our Japanese Phrasebook & Allergy Show-Cards at restaurants around Noshiro Railway Station (能代駅) (0.8 km).

Where to Stay in Noshiro (能代市)

Visitors staying overnight in Noshiro (能代市) can look for business hotels, traditional ryokan, or family-run minshuku near Noshiro Railway Station (能代駅) (0.8 km), or base at major rail hubs in Akita (Akita Station (Akita Shinkansen) & Akita Airport (AXT)) or neighboring Happō, Mitane, Ōgata for quick train access into Noshiro. Compare hotel tiers and ryokan etiquette in our Japan Accommodation Guide.

Best Time to Visit Noshiro & Seasonal Highlights

Seasonal guide for Noshiro (能代市, 13 m elevation at 40.2121°N, 140.0266°E): Late April–early May for Kakunodate weeping cherry blossoms; August 3–6 for Akita Kanto lantern festival; mid-October for Nyuto Onsen autumn leaves; February for Yokote kamakura snow huts.

Wider sightseeing across Akita Prefecture that pairs well with visiting Kaze no Matsubara in Noshiro (能代市) includes: Kakunodate samurai district, milky hot springs of Nyuto Onsenkyo, cobalt-blue Lake Tazawa (Japan's deepest lake), Oga Peninsula Namahage folklore, and Shirakami-Sanchi.

Practical Travel Tips for Noshiro (能代市)

• Tourist information (観光案内所) for Noshiro: Stop by the Kankō Annaijo desk at Akita Station (Akita Shinkansen) & Akita Airport (AXT) or Noshiro Railway Station (能代駅) (0.8 km) for local bus schedules to Kaze no Matsubara and walking maps of Noshiro (能代市).
• Cash & ATMs in Noshiro: Convenience stores and major hotels around Noshiro Railway Station (能代駅) (0.8 km) accept international cards, while smaller eateries and shrines near Kaze no Matsubara often prefer yen cash; 7-Eleven (Seven Bank) and Japan Post ATMs in Noshiro accept foreign debit cards.
• Local dining hours in Noshiro: Around Noshiro Railway Station (能代駅) (0.8 km) and neighboring Happō, Mitane, Ōgata, lunch service typically runs 11:30 AM–2:00 PM and dinner spots open around 5:30 PM with last orders between 8:00 PM and 9:00 PM.