Noshiro

Noshiro City
能代市
Noshiro in Akita
Location
Country	Japan
Region	Tōhoku
Prefecture	Akita
Physical characteristics
Area	526.95 km²
Population	54,576 (as of 2016-02-01)
Symbols
City Hall
Address	1-3 Uemachi, Noshiro Akita 016-8501 (〒016-8501 秋田県 能代市上町1番3号)
Telephone	☎ 0185-52-2111
Website	Homepage

Noshiro (能代市; -shi) is a city located in northwestern Akita Prefecture. The city merged with the town of Futatsui in 2006 to form the new city of Noshiro.
This page primarily contains information about the city of Noshiro. For information of Futatsui Machi, please see the Futatsui page.

Noshiro is known throughout Japan for the basketball team of Noshiro Technical High School.
Visitors should note that Noshiro Station serves central Noshiro, but note that Noshiro Station is not on the Ou Line to Akita, meaning a transfer at Higashi-Noshiro Station is needed. 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 Ōdate.

Festivals & Events

• Noshiro New Bride Marching Festival, April 8

• Noshiro Kite Making Competition, April 26

• Cherry Blossoms, Late April, early May

  Best viewing in Noshiro Park Map or Kimimachizaka Map

• Noshiro Basketball Tournament, Golden Week (late April, early May)

  Noshiro is famous for its basketball prowess. During Golden Week, the home team takes on a gaikokujin team from America.

• 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 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) 〒016-0815 秋田県能代市御指南町３−２４(Map) 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 festivities 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. (Hiyoshi Shrine blog)

• 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-clad Brazillian 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.

• Noshiroichi Halloween Festival, October 30th, in Noshiro

  Held on Route 205 from Noshiro JR Station to Hatamachi Odori. Includes a costume competition, stamp rally, activities and games for children, and street food vendors.

  This festival was first held on October 30, 2021.

Note: Exact yearly dates subject to change.

Sightseeing & Activities

• Kazenomatsubara (風の松原). website. 秋田県能代市元町１４−６. (map). Over 1km wide and 14km long, "Wind of Matsubara", this Japanese black pine forest was planted to protect Noshiro from coastal erosion. Now features beautiful and seemingly endless trails for walking and cycling complete with maps, a square, field athletics course and one or two shrines. In 1996 it was designated as one of the 100 Soundscapes of Japan (日本の音風景100選) by the Ministry of the Environment.

• Noshiro Kankō-Kōkai (観光協会). website. ☎ 0185-88-8802. 〒016-0831 秋田県能代市元町１３−１４. (map). Noshiro's tourism information centre. The guy here worked as a taxi driver in Tokyo for years, and his English is excellent. He also has an encyclopedic knowledge of Noshiro. 09:00-17:30.

• Noshiro Sports Center (能代スポーツセンター). website. ☎ 0185-52-0154. 秋田県能代市元町１４−６ 能代スポーツセンター. (map). Noshiro's bowling alley complete with baseball batting cages. Reasonable prices and a fun time every time!

• Noshiro Yamamoto Sports Resort Center Arinas (能代山本スポーツリゾートセンター アリナス). website. ☎ 0185-54-9200. 〒016-0014 秋田県能代市落合字下台２番地１. (map). More simply known as "Arinas", this is the sports centre for the area. Facility includes a training room, large gymnasium, indoor running track and swimming pool. Equipment access: ￥300.

• Noshiro Community Swimming Pool (能代市役所 市民プール). website. ☎ 0185-54-9445. 〒016-0804 秋田県能代市万町８−５０. (map). City swimming pool, that also has a large outdoor pool. Closes for the winter months. 10:00-19:00 on weekends, 13:00-19:00 on weekdays. The outdoor pool is open from 10:00-sunset.

• Energium Park (エナジアムパーク). website. ☎ 0185-52-2955. 〒016-0807 秋田県能代市大森山１−６. (map). 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.

• Noshiro Rocket Testing Center (能代ロケット実験場; Noshiro Roketto Jikkenjo). website. ☎ 0185-52-7123. 〒016-0179 秋田県能代市浅内字下西山1. (map). A Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) facility. This is also the site of the legendary Noshiro Space Event which happens in August every year. Tours are available for free, but reservations must be made.

• Noshiro City General Gymnasium (能代総合体育館). website. ☎ 0185-54-3607‎. 〒016-0803 秋田県能代市大町９−５３. (map). A large gymnasium that hosts a variety of sporting events. The Akita Northern Happinets also play a few games every year here. 09:00-21:30.

• Noshiro Basketball Library and Museum (能代バスケミュージアム). website. ☎ 0185-88-8876. 〒016-0821 秋田県能代市畠町１１−２３. (map). Learn about the basketball town of Noshiro and basketball. All the local and regional basketball news and events can be found here. 09:30-18:00.

• Community Center (文化会館). website. ☎ 0185-54-8141. 〒016-0842 秋田県能代市追分町４−２６. (map). The cultural center of Noshiro. Venue for a variety of cultural events including several concerts.

• Yoneshiro River (米代川). This is the main river than runs through the city and offers pleasant bike paths along both sides of the river.

Bars & Restaurants

Restaurants

• Genkiya Ramen (元気屋). website. ☎ 0185-55-3051. 〒016-0186 秋田県能代市字下野13−4. (map). Great ramen shop with an even greater ramen selection. 11:00-22:00.

• Jūhachi-ban Ramen (十八番ラーメン). website. ☎ 0185-52-7535. 〒016-0842 秋田県能代市追分町２−５０. (map). Noshiro's famous and legendary ramen shop. If you are lucky enough to get one of the 16 seats (usually there is a queue out the door) you will be lucky enough to try one of the 3 types of ramen this shop offers. The owners may refuse to serve noisy children or students in uniform. 11:00-14:00 (Lunch only). Closed on Wednesdays, weekends and holidays.

• Nonki (能紀). ☎ 0185-54-4461. 〒016-0891 能代市西道理町２－３. (map). This is an absolutely fantastic yakitori restaurant that is guaranteed to be busy. If you are in a group phoning ahead is recommended to get seats. If you are a fan of yakitori this is absolutely not to be missed.

• Katsuretsu An (かつれつ庵). ☎ 0185-54-8446. 住所： 〒016-0183 秋田県能代市中柳２１−７. (map). Great family run restaurant that is well known for its quality and generous portions. As the name suggests, pork katsu is their specialty. If you are truly hungry, the katsu curry will not disappoint.

• Meat Factory (ミートファクトリー). ☎ 0185-88-8388. 〒016-0103 秋田県能代市字宮ノ前51−1. (map). High quality steakhouse, definitely some of the best steaks in town. 11:30～14:30(L.O.14:00) 17:30～21:00(L.O.20:30) Open for lunch on Sundays, closed on Mondays.

• Beau Neige (ボーネージュ). ☎ 0185-54-4452. 〒016-0878 秋田県能代市臥竜山３６−９. (map). 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. 10:00-22:00. Closed on Mon.

• Defer (デュフェール). ☎ 0185-88-8336. As you exit Noshiro Station turn right and walk north for one minute.. 〒016-0816、秋田県能代市富町５５−７. (map). Discreet and classy French restaurant in central Noshiro. The chef/master trained in France which makes for a spectacularly delicious menu. The maximum occupancy is around 12 people, so if in a group or on a Saturday night reservations might be best.

• Ogawatei (おがわ亭). ☎ 0185-52-1916. 〒016-0891 能代市西どり町1-7. (map). Cozy place to get some good, hand-made grub. Chef Ogawa spent the years after college hitchhiking through North America, Europe and India, and brought back tasty cuisine 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. Mon-Fri 11:30-14:00, 17:00-23:00. Sat 17:00-23:00. Closed on Sun.

• Merukato (メルカート). website. ☎ 0185-54-7500. 能代市下瀬33-5. (map). Restaurant

• Bali-ya (バリ島雑貨). website. ☎ 0185-54-1045. 秋田県能代市落合上前田179. (map). 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. 11:00-20:00.
• Iki (粋). website. ☎ 0185-53-5243. 〒016-0822, 秋田県能代市東町８−９. (map). Quality Japanese restaurant, very popular on weekends so making a reservation is advised. 17:00-0.00.

• Hokkai-ya (北海屋). ☎ 0185-52-9064. Just off Yanagimachi. 〒016-0825 秋田県能代市柳町８−１０. (map). Hokkaido themed ramen restaurant. 11:00-14:00, 15:30-20:30.

• Hisaya (ヒサヤ大食堂). website. ☎ 0185-54-3229. 秋田県能代市上町７−１８ ヒサヤ大食堂. (map). 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. 11:45-14:00, 17:30-22:30, closed 2nd, 4th, and 5th Sundays of every month.

• Blueberry (ブルーベリー). ☎ 0185-53-3946. (map). Noshiro's best kept secret. Hidden among the backstreets, this cute (and I do mean *cute*) little eatery serves great pasta and lunch sets. 11:00-15:00, 17:00-21:00, closed Mondays and other times that vary at the owners discretion.

• Himaru (インドカレーヒマール). ☎ 0185-74-6550. 2F, ８-１ 柳町 能代市 秋田県 016-0825. (map). Curry restaurant ran by Nepalese immigrants. What makes this place special is the large portions and the amount of nan you are served with your meal. 11:00-14:30, 17:00-21:30.

• Orion-3. ☎ 0185-55-0428. 〒016-0842 Akita Prefecture, Noshiro, Oiwakemachi, 3−17 MKビル 1F. (map). A tiny cafe located near the Culture Center. This shop offers tasty curry meals and coffee. Their Bikkuri Parfaits are huge!

• Saki (咲). ☎ 0185-73-2506. 〒018-3102 秋田県, 能代市, 二ツ井町小繋恋沢33-3. (map). A restaurant right along the seven, Saki is a ramen shop at lunch and a western style restaurant by night. The prices are on the higher side, but the flavor and portions are well worth it. 11:00-21:00, closed Tuesdays.

Bars

• Hinata (とまり木ひなた). 〒016-0822 能代市東町2-24. (map). Cool modern bar in the centre of Noshiro with friendly staff. The honey pizza is recommended.

• July's B (ジュライズビー). ☎ 0185-54-1036. Hidden in the backstreets off of Yanagimachi.. 〒016-0824 秋田県能代市、住吉町１−１８. (map). Very classy and high quality cocktail bar that also does a small selection of Italian foods. The master here ran a cocktail bar in Tokyo before coming to set up in Noshiro. 18:00-22:00.

• Bamboo House (バンブーハウス). website. ☎ 0185-55-3777. 〒016-0825 秋田県能代市柳町８-５. (map). Karaoke bar with several rooms and a decent repertoire. Recommended. 11:00-02:00.

• Hustler (ハスラー). ☎ 0185-54-5905. 〒016-0825 秋田県能代市柳町１０−７. (map). Late night bar that has a pool table and darts, as well as the obligatory karaoke. 22:00-until late.

• Mushroom (マッシュルーム). ☎ 0185-55-3915. 〒016-0825秋田県能代市柳町９－３７. (map). Tiny little family run bar with karaoke. Super friendly and always a fun time. 22:00-until late.

• Totoya (焼き鳥ダイニングととや). ☎ 0185-88-8550. 秋田県 能代市 南元町 2-35. (map). A small bar seemingly run by one guy. The yakitori is very delicious, but a bit small. The best description for Totoya is nostalgia; the room is plastered with things that are nostalgic for the Japanese. Big standouts are things like Doraemon and the original Gundam. There are two arcade cabinets that might be out of order, and a famicom and super famicom that you can play. 18:00-23:30 closed Sunday.

Onsen

• Yurakunoshuku Noshiro (湯らくの宿のしろ). website. ☎ 185-54-2121. 〒016-0014 秋田県能代市落合字亀谷地1-11. (map). ¥400 Male and female baths change daily and are different. Also has a stone sauna (facility where one rests on towels laid on a slab of heated natural rock). 7:00-22:00.
• Noshiro Yamamoto Sports Resort Center Arinas (能代山本スポーツリゾートセンター アリナス). website. ☎ 0185-54-9200. 〒016-0014 秋田県能代市落合字下台２番地１. (map). ¥300 More simply known as "Arinas", this is the sports centre for the area. Onsen has one bath and a sauna room. Facility includes a training room, large gymnasium, indoor running track and swimming pool.
• Funasawa Onsen (船沢温泉). ☎ 0185-54-4838. 〒016-0179 秋田県能代市浅内字船沢73-125. (map). Email: funazawa-onsen@chive.ocn.ne.jp

Shopping

• AEON TOWN Noshiro (イオンタウン能代). website. ☎ 0185-70-1311. 〒016-0121 秋田県能代市鰄渕古屋布１−番. (map). One of the newer malls that opened up in 2021, AEON TOWN, despite being smaller than the main AEON Mall in the center of Noshiro, has many newer shops and that newer car smell. Though it has a unique layout compared to other AEON malls in Akita, you'll find a small court with nothing but largely noodle shops, a lemonade stand and a Baskin Robbins, as well as an arcade in the middle. There's also a brand new Starbucks outside the mall as well as a a Home Center Sunday, Yamada Electronics and even a Korean pantry. One notable feature of this mall is that you'll find different types of pop-up stores throughout the year. 09:00-23:59.

• TOAmart (イオンタウン能代). website. ☎ 0185-70-1311. 〒016-0186 秋田県能代市下野13ｰ2. (map). An overstock discount shop carrying everything from food to thermometers to pillows to foot massagers to childrens' toys to office supplies. This is just a place where you could find almost anything you might need for sometimes deep discounts. This is a very no-frills store, so don't expect any fancy signs or decor. There is no Google Maps location yet and will point you to the former tenant, Mac House (which is now closed). 09:00-22:00.

• Takeda Kikū-ya Okiname (武田桔梗屋翁飴本舗). website. ☎ 0185-52-5853. 〒016-0821 秋田県能代市畠町６−８. (map). Headquarters of the famous Noshiro confectionary, Okiname (翁飴). Founded in 1592, every year Okiname is given to the Emperor of Japan. Production techniques mean mass production is not possible, and as it is a popular gift it can be very difficult to get at the end of the year. 09:00-18:30. Closed on Sundays.

• Noshiro Woodwork Market (のしろ木工品市場). website. ☎ 0185-88-8592. 〒016-0831 秋田県能代市元町５−１６. (map). Fantastically friendly shop that makes wood products made from local timber. Perfect place to come for genuine mementos of Noshiro. 10:00-18:00.

• Bike Shop Oga (自転車のおが). website. ☎ 0185-52-5574. 〒016-0825 秋田県能代市柳町６−１４. (map). Sells the standard mamachari style bikes (with a wide selection of colours), as well as many types of high end and specialist bikes. Don't be confused by the name of the shop; it is in central Noshiro on Yanagimachi. Also does repairs and maintenance. Open until 7pm most days.

• Asahi Gakki (アサヒ楽器). website. ☎ 0185-52-2275. 〒016-0821 秋田県能代市畠町９−３. (map). Music shop that sells instruments, equipment, sheet music. There is also a music studio that you can rent by the hour. Studio includes a drum kit, piano, and amps. Book ahead to turn it up to eleven. 09:00-18:00.

• Tenyō Sake Ten (天洋酒店). website. ☎ 0185-52-3722. 〒016-0824 秋田県能代市住吉町９−２２. (map). Noshiro's finest Sake shop. The owner, Mr Asano, is generous and will offer you a taster of just about everything in store before you buy. Open until 7pm.

• Smoker's House (スモーカーズハウス). ☎ 0185-52-6620. On the 101 opposite Second Street.. 〒016-0862 秋田県能代市寿域長根２６−７. (map). A Tobacco and Liquor shop that also has a small selection of cigars.

• Tokyo Shoe Outlet Center (東京靴流通センター). website. ☎ 0185-89-1112. At the Across Shopping Plaza next to Daiso. 〒016-0188 秋田県能代市寺向87 アクロス能代内. (map). A large shoe department store with a large selection of shoes and boots for men and women. The place to come for everything from snow boots, to shoes to sports shoes. Even has some larger western sizes and at reasonable prices. 10am-8pm.

• Takeda Sports (タケダスポーツ). website. ☎ 0185-52-5201. 〒016-0855 秋田県能代市西大瀬３０−３. (map). The nationwide sports store 10:00-20:00.

• AEON (イオン). ☎ 0185-55-2355. 〒016-0825 秋田県能代市柳町１１−１. (map). Multi storey department store that includes a supermarket on the ground floor. Formerly Justco, and often still referred to as such.

• Second Street (セカンドストリート). website. ☎ 0185-54-7771. 016-0872 5-1 Shidōmori, Noshiro-shi, Akita-ken 016-0872. (map). The national chain of used shops that buys and sells clothes, furniture, musical instruments, white goods, and much more. 10:00-20:00.

• Itoku (イトク　). There are three Itokus in Noshiro. All three are grocery stores. The Itoku in Across has a small arcade and clothing. The Itoku near the Aeon Department Store has a second floor Daiso and a smaller arcade. The third Itoku, the one in between the two, is very new and features a wider variety and some hard to find foods like taco ingredients.

• Tsutaya (ツタや). ☎ 0185-54-6996. 字芝童森５−１. (map). 　Tsutaya is a national chain. They sell books, stationary goods, and entertainment goods like CDs, DVDs, and Video Games. They also have a rental service.

• Book Off (ブックオフ). ☎ 0185-89-7060. 〒016-0872, 秋田県能代市字芝童森4−3. (map). Used-book store selling (& buying) literary titles to comics & magazines, plus DVDs, CDs & games

• Chinda (チンダ). website. ☎ 0185-55-0550. 〒016-0816　秋田県能代市富町１５－１５詳細位置. (map). A used store, specializing in video games and Magic the Gathering. The store is filled with old SNES games, and sells Magic The Gathering goods for great prices. There is a small number of other goods like traditional board games and books. They do not hold the events typical of a trading card store.

• Homac (DCMホーマッく). ☎ 0185-54-2641. 〒016-0855 秋田県能代市西大瀬、字西大瀬18-1. (map).

Schools

Senior high schools

• Noshiro High School (能代高等学校)
• Noshiro Shoyo High School (能代松陽高等学校)
• Noshiro Technical High School (能代工業高等学校)
• Noshiro Nishi High School (能代西高等学校)

Junior high schools

• Noshiro Dai Ichi Junior High School (能代第一中学校)
• Noshiro Dai Ni Junior High School (能代第二中学校)
• Noshiro Higashi Junior High School (能代東中学校)
• Shinonome Junior High School (東雲中学校)
• Noshiro Minami Junior High School (能代南中学校)
• Tokiwa Junior High School (常盤中学校)
• Futatsui Junior High School (二ツ井中学校)

Elementary schools

• Teijō Nishi Elementary School (渟城西小学校)
• Teijō Minami Elementary School (渟城南小学校)
• Daiyon Elementary School (第四小学校)
• Daigo Elementary School (第五小学校)
• Mukai Noshiro Elementary School (向能代小学校)
• Asanai Elementary School (浅内小学校)
• Futatsui Elementary School (二ツ井小学校)

Special Schools

• Noshiro Support School (能代支援学校)

External links

• Noshiro Official Website (English)
• Noshiro official website (Japanese)
• Welcome to Noshiro
• Noshiro Super Links (Japanese) Extremely comprehensive list of links to just about every store and restaurant in Noshiro, separated by category.

Noshiro City
Noshiro • Futatsui