Akita City Akarenga Kyodokan (Akita City Red Brick 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
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Highlights
Explore 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
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.
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!
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