[Gateway to Akita] Akita Prefecture, Akita City, JR Akita Station A city aiming for regional revitalization

I regularly visit my hometown of Akita Prefecture, but I usually travel by car. This time, however, I decided to take the train to JR Akita Station. Opened in 1902, it is one of the largest stations in the prefecture, with the Akita Shinkansen, Ou Main Line, Uetsu Main Line, and Oga Line all stopping there. The current station building was renovated in 2017 to mark the 20th anniversary of the Akita Shinkansen's opening, and is directly connected to fashion department stores and commercial facilities, giving it a very convenient impression. When you exit the station, you will be greeted by a giant Akita dog and Namahage monument 😹🤍 There is a waiting room in front of the central ticket gate, where I saw many people relaxing before the Shinkansen departs or coming to see off their trains. The station is a wooden space that makes generous use of Akita materials, and the design is warm with sunlight streaming in during the day. There are plenty of nearby facilities, such as shops where you can buy souvenirs, cafes and restaurants, so it's perfect for a short break. There is a downtown area towards the west exit, and at night, there were many office workers and students. There are many express buses and major route buses that connect to Akita Airport, so I'm sure that all Akita residents have used it at least once. There are also rest areas everywhere, and it has become an indispensable place for local people to relax. Akita Prefecture is experiencing a continued population decline, but this station made me want to continue watching over this kind of regional revitalization and urban development that leads to attracting tourists. I think it's a lively station for a regional city, so it's a spot I would recommend for solo travelers or small group trips 🤍 #wintertrip #domestictrip #familytrip #girlstrip #solotrip #akitatrip #akitastation #akita #akitatourism #winterbreak #shinkansen #routebus #tohokutrip #hotspringtrip 📍1-2 Nakadori 7-chome, Akita City, Akita Prefecture