Akita: Getting there and around

How to travel between Akita and Tokyo

By air

JAL and ANA operate multiple flights per day between Tokyo's Haneda Airport and Akita Airport. Flight duration is about 70 minutes. The regular one way fare is around 28,000 yen, however, discount tickets are usually available for between 14,000 and 18,000 yen. With an air pass you can fly for even less. Buses connect Akita Airport with Akita Station in the city center (40 minutes, 950 yen one way).

By train

Direct Komachi trains on the JR Akita Shinkansen travel between Tokyo and Akita. The one way trip takes around four hours, costs about 18,000 yen and all seats require seat reservations. There are hourly departures, and the trip is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass, JR East Tohoku Area Pass and JR East South Hokkaido Pass.

By night bus

Akita Chuo Kotsu and Odakyu Bus operate overnight buses between Tokyo and Akita. The one way journey takes about eight hours and costs around 9,500 yen, while a round trip ticket costs 17,000 yen and must be used within ten days. The route is also served by discount bus companies, such as Willer Express, with one way fares from around 5,000 yen. If used effectively, the Japan Bus Pass can reduce the cost for the bus trip to around 3,000 yen. Online reservations can be made through Willer and Japan Bus Online.

How to travel between Akita and Osaka

By air

JAL operates several flights per day between Osaka's Itami Airport and Akita Airport. Flight duration is about 80 minutes. The regular one way fare is around 37,000 yen, however, discount tickets are usually available for between 10,000 and 20,000 yen. With an air pass you can fly for even less. Buses connect Akita Airport with Akita Station in the city center (40 minutes, 950 yen one way).

By train

Take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen from Osaka (Shin-Osaka Station) to Tokyo (2.5 hours) and transfer to the JR Akita Shinkansen for Akita (4 hours). The entire one way trip costs takes about seven hours, costs around 28,000 yen and is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass if using a Hikari train between Osaka and Tokyo. Seat reservations are mandatory on the Akita Shinkansen between Tokyo and Akita. There is about one connection per hour.

How to travel between Akita and Kyoto

By air

JAL operates several flights per day between Itami Airport near Kyoto and Akita Airport. Flight duration is about 80 minutes. The regular one way fare is around 37,000 yen, however, discount tickets are usually available for between 10,000 and 20,000 yen. With an air pass you can fly for even less. Buses connect Akita Airport with Akita Station in the city center (40 minutes, 950 yen one way).

By train

Take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen from Kyoto to Tokyo (2.5 hours) and transfer to the JR Akita Shinkansen for Akita (4 hours). The entire one way trip costs takes about seven hours, costs around 27,500 yen and is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass if using a Hikari train between Kyoto and Tokyo. Seat reservations are mandatory on the Akita Shinkansen between Tokyo and Akita. There is about one connection per hour.