Noshiro City

From Akita Wiki

Location of Noshiro within Akita prefecture
Location of Noshiro within Akita prefecture

Noshiro (能代市; -shi) is located in northwestern Akita Prefecture. It is 426.74km2 with a 2007 population of 63,691, for a population density of 147.31 persons/km2. The city merged with the town of Futatsui (二ツ井町) in 2006 to form the new city of Noshiro.

Noshiro is known throughout Japan for the basketball team of Noshiro Kōgyō (Technical) High School (能代工業高校).


Contents

Access

Train

Noshiro Station (能代駅) serves central Noshiro. Note that Noshiro Station is not on the Ou Line to Akita, requiring a transfer at Higashi-Noshiro Station (東能代駅). Noshiro and Higashi-Noshiro are connected by a 5-minute shuttle train which is usually timed to coincide with the Ou Line trains headed for Akita City or Odate.

Car

Noshiro is situated both on Route 7 and the Akita Expressway for relatively easy access from other parts of northern Akita. Note that the expressway is free starting at the Hachiryu interchange, making for quick travel between Hachiryu and Futatsui.

Air

  • Odate-Noshiro Airport in Kita Akita City is the nearest airport serving Noshiro, about 20 minutes from Futatsui or 45 minutes from central Noshiro by car. This airport is a JET favorite thanks to its free parking.
  • Akita Airport is the other option, with many more flights to choose from.


Government Information

The mayor of Noshiro is Saitō Shigenobu (斉藤滋宣).

City Hall is located at:

〒０１６−０８９５ (map)
秋田県能代市
上町1−3
Uemachi 1-3
Noshiro-shi Akita-ken
016-0895 JAPAN
Phone: 0185-52-2111

Festivals & Events*

Image:Noshiro-tanabata-float.jpg
Noshiro Tanabata, Aug 6
  • Noshiro New Bride Marching Festival, April 8
  • Noshiro Kite Making Competition, April 26
  • Cherry Blossoms, Late April, early May
    Best viewing in Noshiro Park [1] or Kimimachizaka [2]
  • Futatsui Omikoshi Festival, May 3
    It takes over 40 people to haul Futatsui's supremely heavy shrine all over town while partaking in drink. The portable shrine is one of the heaviest in the area, weighing in at over a ton!
  • Noshiro Basketball Tournament, Golden Week
    Noshiro is famous for its basketball prowess. During Golden Week, the home team takes on a gaijin team from America.
  • Noshiro Taiko Festival, early June
    All day festival down at the port, by the Hamanasu wall. Groups from all over Akita attend, including the Namahage group from Oga. Festival runs from 10am to 3pm.
    Previous festival dates: June 8, 2008 (Sunday)
  • Noshiro Omikoshi Festival, July 27 (2008)
    Starting from Hiyoshi Shrine (日吉神社) men carry a heavy portable shrine throughout town. This is followed by several huge heavy pedestals on wheels, which are pulled through the streets on ropes. Opening festivites start around 9:30 am, and the shrine is returned to Hiyoshi around 7pm after spending a few hours at the shrine in Noshiro Park.
  • Children's Tanabata, Aug 3
    Whimsical floats, based on cartoon characters and made by hand in each neighborhood, are pulled around town. Opening ceremonies at 6:20, float pulling from 7-8pm.
  • Tanabata, Aug 6-7
    Observed all over Japan, come see how we celebrate Tanabata in Noshiro with huge castle-shaped floats lit from within and pulled through the streets at night. The second night, the fish-shaped top of the floats are taken to the Yoneshiro river and burned on the water. First night float pulling at 7:20, second night fire at 8:30.
  • Mini Tanabata, Aug 7 or 8
    Based out of Nibuna, a small outskirt village of Futatsui, a miniaturized version of the Noshiro Tanabata. Each section of the village prepares and brings its own float, some coming from as far as Tashiro (near Kamikoani). Nibuna also holds bon-odori by the Yoneshiro River.
  • Futatsui's Nibuna Dance Festival(仁鮒ささら踊), Aug 13-14 (2008)
    To pray for a bountiful year. South of the river on the 203
  • Futatsui's Mokkun Festival, Aug 15
    A small-town affair with food stalls, yosakoi, and fireworks.
  • Onagori Festival, second weekend in September
    Say goodbye to summer in this smorgasbord festival, a medley of festival activities from Tohoku (and slightly beyond). Yearly favorites include a float from Aomori's Nebuta Festival and scantily-cladBrazillian dancers from Tokyo.
  • Kazenomatsubara Festival, last weekend in September
    Takes place by the 大森稲荷神社 on this map. Join townspeople in a forest clearing to enjoy Kiritanpo and listen to taiko.
  • Kimimachi Marathon, third weekend in October, in Futatsui
    Cost to register: ¥2500
    21km, 10km, 4km routes to run. Also includes festival with mochi pounding, taiko, yosakoi, food stalls, and local craft sales.

*Exact yearly dates subject to change.

Sightseeing & Activities

While a great place to live, Noshiro is not exactly bustling with tourist activities. Here's what's available to you:

Noshiro Proper

  • Energium Park (エナジアムパーク)
字大森山１−６ [3]
0185-52-2956
Half park, half power station, so you get the best of both worlds. Includes an indoor arboretum under a glass dome, as well as an outdoor wading pool and free stilts! There's also a small museum here dedicated to Noshiro's festivals and famous kites.
  • Kazenomatsubara [4]
This functional forest keeps wind from ransacking Noshiro. Little walking paths run through the trees and you'll also find a shrine or two.
  • Yoneshiro River [5]
Pleasant bike paths go east along both sides of the river.
  • Arinasu (アリナス)
落合字下台２−１[6]
0185-54-2322
Our sports gym. Pool, sports courts, upstairs track. Equipment access: 300Y.
  • Community Center (文化会館)
上町１−３[7]
0185-89-2148
On the top floor of Jusco

Futatsui

  • Futatsui's Kimimachizaka （きみまち坂公園）

Named "The Hill that is Waiting for You" by the Meiji Emperor, Kimimachizaka is located at a picturesque bend in the Yoneshiro River and boasts a large, well-maintained park on the eastern side of the hill. There are trails that lead all the way to the summit, which boasts a pitifully small shrine and gaudy NHK tower.

Still, Kimimachizaka's Park is an ideal place both for Autumn Leaf viewing and Cherry Blossom viewing, complete with polka music pumped in over the park's loudspeakers to enhance the experience.[9]


  • Bairin-ji Temple

Located on a hill and visible from Route 7, Bairin-ji is a Zen Buddhist Temple. The walk up the hill is lined with a series of small statues, adorned with seasonably appropriate offerings year-round. The temple grounds has several statues, a bell, and the interior is exquisite.

The entire temple and graveyard were moved onto the hill to make room for the construction of Route 7.

  • The One Million Dollar Toilet

A true monument to government pork spending, the Million Dollar Toilet is located at the Futatsui Road Station, alongside Route 7. The toilet is large and spacious, features nature sounds and a small waterfall on the inside. As the last seven ALT's in Futatsui have been male, the female side of the toilet remains an absolute mystery unto itself.

The floor above the toilet houses the town museum.


  • Futatsui free bikes　（チャリン車）

Just outside of Futatsui Station is the main base for Charinja Public Bikes, a bicycle program operated by the local government. Bikes are free to borrow for traveling around town, and there are numerous stations to park them around Futatsui, should you want to leave your bike for speedier modes of transport.


  • Futatsui's Yakushi skijo　（薬師スキー場）

The only ski slope in the area that offers night skiing. While small, admission is 400 yen. Night skiing is available from 6-9p.m. The slope is small, and runs using a series of ropeways (as opposed to lifts). It also boasts a relatively new snowboard park near the top. The manager is friendly and speaks English.

The slope also boasts a large Sugichi-kun during the summer.


  • Tallest Cedar Tree　（日本ー高い杉の木）

Officially the Largest Virgin Cedar Tree in Japan, Futatsui has banked its reputation on this giant hunk of wood. Located in the south of Futatsui's southern-most village (Tashiro), the tree can easily be found after a short hike. The only thing distinguishing it from the other trees in the woods is a rope and a sign.

A must see if you are into cedar trees.


  • Bambi Bowling: In the same building as YaYa Dining [10]

Noshiro Outskirts

  • Tsurugata Zen Temple (鶴形のお寺)

Newly renovated to celebrate its 444th anniversary, this temple has an astonishing collection of statues, a nice gate, and even a small bamboo grove on its grounds. The interior is also in excellent condition. The temple is currently run by a very friendly female monk (yes, her head is shaven) who speaks excellent English and will happily unlock the secrets of Zen Buddhism for you with a smile.

The temple is loaced deep in Tsurugata Village, replete with dangerously narrow roads and suicidal old women trying to cross them. Either entering the village by bicycle or by train are strongly recommended. The temple can be found opposite the train station exit.

Restaurants

Noshiro-proper Restaurants

  • Le Tablier(タブリエ)
Japanese with French flair
13-13 Yanagimachi [11]
ph: 0185-54-2111
5:30-11pm, closed Sun
Exquisitely prepared food by a chef who's studied in France and can speak to you in French! Make no mistake, though, the menu has a distinct Japanese agenda. The restraunt specializes in a skewer course, where you're served 10 unique and deliciously prepared items on sticks. If that's too much of a commitment for you, try the pizza which is, oddly enough, the absolute best in town.
  • Beau Niege(ボーネージュ)
Italian
garyuzan 36-9 [12]
ph: 0185-54-4452
10am to 11pm , closed M
This is the place to go for decent Italian food. The garlic toast is nigh on the best in Japan, and the "Sicilian" eggplant pasta is particularly tasty as well.
  • Bamboo House(バンブー　ハウス)
Eclectic, karaoke
8-5 Yanagimachi [13]
ph: 0185-55-3777
5:30-midnight, open til 2am on weekends
This is the hangout spot in town. Dining is upstairs(which technically has a different name, Iwaya), where you'll dine in swanky decor with melancholy jazz in the background. English menu available. Try the "marinade of deep frying" (Japanese name "tofu marinee") or the "tanderly chicken" (creative spelling of "tandoori"). Huge jokis of beer available, though they're considerably cheaper downstairs. The first floor houses a bar and a set of karaoke rooms with a decent repetoire.
  • Ogawatei(おがわ亭)
Eclectic
1-7 Nishi Tōri [14]
ph: 0185-52-1916
11:30-2, 6-11, closed Sun
Cozy place to get some good, hand-made grub. Chef Ogawa spent the years after college hitchiking through North America, Europe and India, and brought back tasty cuisines from each. He also speaks a fair bit of English. Try the Indo Curry, which is actually spicy, crab croquettes, and spring rolls, which are sublime. Other unique offerings on hand include: pig's ear, grilled lamb, and Newcastle beer.
  • Isshin Zushi(一心寿司)
Sushi
出戸本町７−３３ [15]
ph: 0185-52-3435
11am-9pm
Don't let the conveyor belt throw you, this sushi joint is great. Plate color indicates the price of the sushi, to be tabulated when you're done. One of the few places in Japan with free refills on soda. Give a shout out to the sushi chef if you don't see what your heart desires float past you. Try the kanpachi or the tai carpaccio, it's delish.
  • R-Fact
Yoshoku, Cafe
6-40 ousemamasita [16]
ph:0185-89-5337
Open 10:30-10:30, closed W
Excellent sandwiches and coffee. This place has an actual honest to god cafe atmosphere and plays pretty kickin' and eclectic music to boot. The omuraiu plate and the karaage sandwiches are winners.
  • Curry and Salad Picnic(ピクニック)
Yoshoku
追分町２−２６ [17]
ph: 0185-52-6123
11:30-7pm, 1st and 3rd Tu closed, 2nd 4th Tu open only for lunch
Don't let the huge orange bunny head over the awning or the straight-from-grandma's-house craft-owl décor scare you away. This is a delightful mom and pop shop that serves up your typical omuraisu and curry faire. Everything here is great, but particularly the pumpkin-cream-sauce short pasta and the chahan.
  • Bali-ya(バリ島雑貨)
Cafe
落合字上前田179 [18]
ph: 0185-54-1045
11am-10pm, closed M and 4th Sunday of each month
Great Bali-themed cafe to beat the heat in the summertime. Creative coffees served, small food plates available. Great mango kaki-gori in the summertime.
  • Hisaya(ヒサヤ大食堂)
Chinese
上町7-18 [19]
ph: 0185-54-3229
11:45-2:00, 5:30-10:30 , closed 2nd, 4th, and 5th Sundays of every month
Little hole in the wall with an intimate feel. Has a small but excellent menu of Chinese food. The master lived in Hong Kong for 5 years, and can speak some Cantonese. Also try some of the red Chinese liquor he's got in a big earthen jug on the bar.
  • Bluebery(ブルーベリー)
Cafe
河戸川字前山４０−５ [20]
ph: 0185-53-3946‎
11am-9pm, closed M and other random times at the owner's discretion
Noshiro's best kept secret. Hidden among the backstreets, this cute (and I do mean *cute*) little eatery serves great pasta and lunch sets.

Futatsui-area Restaurants

  • Azuma-zushi (吾妻寿司)
Sushi Bar
Location is well hidden, it is highly advised just to ask around for directions.
opens 6pm, closed on Sundays
Quality sushi, operated by a sushi chef with more than 30 years experience. The master served sushi in Tokyo for several years as well. The restaurant boasts both a small counter and tatami rooms if you are with a group.
The staff is very foreigner friendly.


  • Daikon-te (だいこん亭)
Bar
From the station, turn left at the second intersection, bar with the yellow sign on the right.
6pm-late
Good food, particularly the kara-age and eggplant dishes.


  • Kutsurogi (くつろぎ)
Bar
From the station, turn right at the second intersection, bar with the yellow sign on the right.
7pm-late, closed on Wednesdays
Bar with quality beer and food, including a rotating list of premium beers, both foreign and domestic. Foreign beers include a few European beers and Bass Pale Ale. Food is of good scope and quality, including a large selection of gratins, salads, sashimi, yakitori, nabes, and fried goodies- all reasonably priced. The restaurant offers a long counter, one table, and several private tatami rooms. The bar is very popular with the locals and is often booked full on weekends. Reservations highly recommended if going with a large group.
The bar also hosts a small shrine to its most-valued customer, north-Akitan sumo wrestler Takekaze, and is the headquarters for the local Takekaze Support Committee.


  • Manpukku (満腹)
Ramen shop
From the station, turn left at the second intersection, shop with the yellow sign on the left.
11am-6pm, closed on Mondays
The shop's name literally translates to 'full stomach,' and it delivers on its promise. Prices are low and portions are huge. The shop offers a variety of ramen and rice-bowl dishes, all of which are guaranteed to conquer your hunger. The perenniel ALT favorite is its patented 'Heart-attack in a Bowl' Tantanmen. Unlike normal tantanmen, the dish includes no sesame, and instead is packed with chilis, eggs, meat, and an assortment of mystery ingredients to make your arteries squeal with delight.
  • Akebono (あけぼの)
Ramen Shop
From the station, turn left at the second intersection, shop with the wooden sign on your right.
11am-7pm
The shop has a limited menu, but is known primarily for its horse-meat ramen.
  • Negi-bouzu (ねぎぼうず)
Ramen shop
Down the street from the Futatsui Library, a hole-in-the-wall defined by the long line of patrons waiting to get in.
Its hours are more unpredictable than Akitan weather.
Entirely hand-made, hand-crafted ramen-- deservedly the most popular ramen shop in town. The miso ramen comes seasoned with lemon.
  • Kanchan (かんちゃん)
Tempura shop, closed on Thursdays
On Route 7, between Futatsui and Noshiro. The red and black shop on the left.
An excellent tempura shop with a wide menu and great service. The menu also includes the "Cho-Tokumori-Tendon" (超特盛天丼) which comes in a gigantic bowl and is large enough to feed three people. It is also the only store if its kind in the area to offer tempura ice cream and Taiwanese shaved ice. The master is very foreign friendly.

Chains

Gusto

Mos Burger

Murasaki(村さ来)

Daishoen(大昌園)

Trenta(トレンタ)

Onsen

There aren't really any onsen in Noshiro proper, but there are several decent choices on the outskirts:

Shopping

  • Minami Dentist (みなみ歯医）
From the 南能代 Expressway exit, turn right. After you pass a Lawson's, it will be a little ways down the street, turn into the parking lot with a sign in blue marked with 歯, and enter the buliding with a red door.
While not really shopping, this guy is one of the best dentists in the area and well worth a visit before your teeth turn into a state somewhat resembling those of an unkempt obaachan. He speaks great English, has state of the art equipment, and will get you in and out in a hurry. A cleaning and polishing of your teeth should run between 2000-3000 yen.
It is also worth noting that the dentist, like most qualified dentists in Japan, is also a gums specialist-- so if you have any gum problems he is worth consulting as well.
  • JUSCO (ジャスコ)
柳町１１−１[21]
0185-55-2355
  • Itoku
3 locations in Noshiro [22]
  • Tsutaya(ツタヤ)
字芝童森５−１ [23]
0185-54-6996
  • Book-Off (ブックオフ)
字芝童森５−１３ [24]
0185-89-7060
  • Takeda Sports (タケダスポーツ)
字西大瀬３０−３ [25]
0185-52-5122
  • Homac (ホーマック)
字西大瀬１８−１[26]
0185-54-2641

External links

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