Akita City Akarenga Kyodokan (Akita City Red Brick Museum)

Akita City Red Brick Local History Museum

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The majestic red-brick building, constructed in the Meiji era, is a designated Important Cultural Property of Japan. Experience Akita's rich history and culture.

Historic Sites
National Treasure
Cultural Assets

Tourist destination images of Akita City Akarenga Kyodokan (Akita City Red Brick Museum)(1)

HighlightsExplore the imposing red-brick building
Admire Akita's traditional crafts
Visit the memorial room of Shiro Sekiya, a Living National Treasure
Appreciate the works of printmaker Tokuyuki Katsuhira
Learn about Akita's folk performing arts

Basic Information

Address: 3-3-21 Omachi, Akita City, Akita Prefecture Search for tourist attractions in Akita

Access: About a 15-minute walk from JR Akita Station, or a short walk from the "Akarenga Kyodokan-mae" bus stop (served by Akita Chuo Kotsu Shin'ya Line, Kawajiri Warayama Line, and others) or the "Kawabata-iriguchi" bus stop (served by Kencho Chuo Kotsu Line and others). Show route

Op.Hours: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Cld.Days: Year-end and New Year holidays (December 29th - January 3rd) and during exhibit changes

Fee: Akarenga Kyodo-kan (Red Brick Local History Museum): General admission (High school students and above) ¥200 Akarenga Kyodo-kan & Nebuta Float Museum: General admission (High school students and above) ¥250 Nebuta Float Museum: General admission (High school students and above) ¥100 *Free admission for junior high school students and younger.

INFO: Photography is permitted inside the museum, however, some areas are designated as no-photography zones. Please follow the instructions of the staff.

HP: https://www.city.akita.lg.jp/kanko/kanrenshisetsu/1003617/index.html

Overview

Akita City Akarenga Kyodokan is a municipal museum of local history and art located in Akita City, Akita Prefecture. It comprises the main red-brick building (an Important Cultural Property) – the former Akita Bank headquarters completed in 1912 (Meiji 45) – a new building, a storage facility, and a branch museum, the Akita City Folk Performing Arts Preservation Hall (commonly known as Nebuta-nagashi-kan), located a short distance away. The interior of the red-brick main building retains much of its original bank features. The former library showcases permanent exhibitions of traditional Akita crafts, such as *ginsen zaiku* (silver wire crafts). The former meeting room houses a memorial room dedicated to Shiro Sekiya, a *jūyō mukei bunkazai* (Important Intangible Cultural Property) holder (Living National Treasure) and metalworker. His home atelier is recreated here, displaying his works and offering insights into his life. The new building features a memorial room for Tokuyuki Katsuhira, a printmaker from Akita. His works, focusing on the local nature and customs, are exhibited alongside his biography and achievements. The Folk Performing Arts Preservation Hall (Nebuta-nagashi-kan), a branch museum, faces Omachi-dori street alongside the red-brick building, separated by Kanto-dori Street. It's about a 5-minute walk from the main building and features a large display of a * Kanto* float at the entrance. The building boasts a spacious atrium. On the first floor, you'll find exhibits of *dashi* floats used in the Tosaki Shinmei Shrine festival and *bon-ten* (large ornamental balls) from the Taiheizan San-kichi Shrine festival. The second floor showcases Akita City's folk events and performing arts. The atrium also provides opportunities to experience the raising of *kanto* lanterns. Akita City Akarenga Kyodokan offers a deep dive into Akita's history and culture. From the imposing red-brick architecture to traditional crafts and works by renowned artists, there's something for everyone. Be sure to visit!