Masuda

Masuda (増田) is a district in Yokote, Akita, Japan.

Outline

Masuda is the hometown of Takao Yaguchi, creator of 'Sanpei.' In his honor, there stands the Masuda Manga Museum that displays an outstanding array of Sanpei imagery in addition to works by many key artists in the manga world, including the creator of Anpanman!

Getting there is simple. From Yokote: take apple road (no, not the official Apple Rd, but the apple road that takes you by all the orchards. It starts in Yokote at the Sunkus near AQA. If you don't know AQA, I suggest you skip the museum and make finding the greatest karaoke station your goal right now.) and turn right at the intersection with the large gym in Masuda. You will soon see a sign telling you to turn right to reach the museum. It is helpful if you have in the car with you a person who knows the kanji for museum. There is no way you can miss the large brownish museum at that point. From 13 going S: turn left on Masuda's main road and look for the sign.

Masuda is also known for it's apples. If you've ever wanted to experience harvesting apples, show up here in the fall and you are sure to land a place to volunteer.

History

• April 1st, 1889, the Masuda Village, Kameda Village, and the Yagi Village all merged into Masuda Village.
• 1895, Masuda Village became Masuda Town.
• October 1st, 2005, along with Hiraka Town, Omonogawa Town, Omori Town, Jumonji Town, Sannai Village, and Taiyu Village, Masuda Town merged with the city of Yokote to form the new Yokote City.

Sightseeing

Masuda, a town located in the southeastern part of Yokote City in Akita Prefecture, was a leading commercial center back in the days.

Events in Masuda:

• Masuda Morning Market (Held on dates ending in 2, 5, and 9)
  
• Masuda Bon Dance (Mid August)
  
• Masuda Firework (Mid September)
  
• Masuda Bonden Festival (Mid Feburary)
  

Hidden Storehouses (内蔵) map

Located around the shopping street of Masuda, the Hidden Storehouses, or kura, are buildings from the Meiji, Taisho, and Showa eras. These storehouses represent the town's once-thriving merchant economy and culture. They are built directly into the living spaces of merchants who resided in the town of Masuda. These historical structures are still actively used in daily life, providing a living glimpse into the past. Visitors to Masuda can experience the enduring spirit of the merchants who once thrived here, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in Japan's architectural and cultural heritage.

Some storehouses require an entrance fee and some are free

• Kura Day (Early October)
  

Hours: 9:00 AM ~ 4:00 PM
Fee  : ￥500
With a small entrance fee of ￥500, you can enjoy all the storehouses in the town of Masuda. It is usually held on the first Sunday of October. On that day, the local Junior High School students will be guides and introduce the different storehouses to the tourists. There will also be brass band, taiko, and bon-odoriperformances by the JHS kids around noontime.

Masuda Manga Museum (増田まんが美術館) map

Opened in 1995, the Masuda Manga Museum is Japan's first manga-original-drawing-themed museum. The museum offers an exciting experience with exhibits, original artwork displays, a comprehensive library of manga books, various workshops, as well as a cafe that introduces collaboration menus from time to time.

Admission is free
Exhibitions are usually around ￥1000

Hours: 10:00 AM ~ 6:00 PM (Last entry 5:30 PM)
Cafe : 10:00 AM ~ 4:00 PM (Last order 3:30 PM)
Closed on the third Tuesday of every month

Mato Park (真人公園) map

Chosen as one of the 100 Famous Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan in 1990, Mato Park is a beautiful destination for nature lovers. In spring, the park is filled with a variety of flowers including the famous cherry blossom, iris flowers, plum blossoms and much more!

Events in Mato Park:

• Cherry Blossom Festival (Late April ~ Early May)
  
• Taraikogi Boat Racing (Late April & Mid August)
  
• Apple Festival (Mid October)
  

Tengamori Ski Area (天下森スキー場) map

The Tengamori Ski Area offers 2 slopes suitable for beginners and intermediate athletes. Many local kids will enjoy their winter here with their friends and families when the resort opens for the season.

Restaurants

Koryu (紅龍, lit. The Red Dragon) | map

Koryu is a Chinese Restaurant that specializes in ramen. The most well-known dish there is the Mapo Ramen, a hybrid dish made with spicy mapo tofu and ramen.
Open 11:00 AM ~ 2:00 PM ; 5:00 PM ~ 8:00 PM
Closes on Sundays

NS. coffee stand | map

Like the name states, NS. coffee stand specializes in coffee, but that doesn't mean their food isn't just as good. They have a weekly set menu that is definitely worth more than you pay for. Check it out if you're a coffee lover or just enjoys good food in general.
Open 10:00 AM ~ 6:00 PM
Closes on Tuedays

Sasahei (佐々平商店, lit. Sasahei's Store) | map

Opened in 1919, Sasahei is definitely a local favourite. Their soft cream in the summer is what made them famous but heir croissant taiyaki will warm your body as well as your heart in the harsh winter of Masuda.
Open 11:00 AM ~ 2:00 PM
Closes irregularly

Hayashi Ryokan (林旅館, lit. Hayashi Japanese Inn) | map

Hayashi Ryokan, also known as そば処　はやし, is where you can get delicious soba noodles in the town of Masuda. If you work at Masuda as an ALT, you'll for sure eat at Hayashi Ryokan at least once for school parties.
Open 11:00 AM ~ 2:00 PM
Closes irregularly

Education

Masuda is a small town with a less than 10,000 population. According to the 2020 census, the population of Masuda Town was 6,309. This means that there aren't many classes in schools and you'll probably have a lot of downtime if you work there as an ALT.

• Masuda Nusery School (ますだ保育園)
  
• Masuda Elementary School (増田小学校)
  
• Masuda Junior High School (増田中学校)
  
• Masuda Senior High School (増田高等学校)
  

Getting There

• Route 13
• Fruits Line

See also

• Website
• Yokote