Senshu Park
Senshu Park
4
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.0
394 reviews
Excellent
93
Very good
200
Average
98
Poor
3
Terrible
0
Julie M
Ottawa, Canada26 contributions
Apr 2017 • Solo
Very pleasantly surprised by this park! Includes a couple of shrines, and the remnants of a former castle, which have been meticulously restored.
Very relaxing to stroll around. Great views of a nearby mountain range. I was here a little too early for hanami (cherry blossom watching) but it would be beautiful at that time as well as in autumn when the leaves change colour.
Very relaxing to stroll around. Great views of a nearby mountain range. I was here a little too early for hanami (cherry blossom watching) but it would be beautiful at that time as well as in autumn when the leaves change colour.
Written April 1, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
MrCustoms
Hillsboro, OR333 contributions
Oct 2015 • Solo
Senshu Park is a fun place to enjoy sightseeing in Akita city! I don't agree with the negative comments on Trip Advisor. This is an EXCELLENT attraction any time of the year. I suggest visiting on a clear day so you can see panoramic views of the city.
This is a fun and enjoyable park. But, don't try to compare it to parks in Tokyo. The parks an museums in Tokyo are world class, but they are so extremely overcrowded! Akita is completely different. You can explore the park and enjoy the view from the top of the small castle alone. Attractions in Akita are not crazy crowded like in Tokyo or Osaka.
The park has museums, shrines, a small castle, gift shop, fountains, old gates, gardens, water features, and beautiful views from the top of the hill in the center of the park. I have a fear of heights, but I was not afraid to walk around the top outside deck of the castle.
Although the park is free, and the castle museum admission is less than $3.00. If you are polite to the staff, they will be happy to give you a private tour in English of the first floor. Akita people appreciate foreign visitors!
Akita is NOT a huge crazy city like Tokyo or Osaka. If you are from the United States I would say that if you compare Tokyo to New York, then Akita is like Portland, OR. Akita people are much more relaxed compared to Tokyo or Osaka. Once you understand that Akita is not Tokyo, you will appreciate and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere!
This is a fun and enjoyable park. But, don't try to compare it to parks in Tokyo. The parks an museums in Tokyo are world class, but they are so extremely overcrowded! Akita is completely different. You can explore the park and enjoy the view from the top of the small castle alone. Attractions in Akita are not crazy crowded like in Tokyo or Osaka.
The park has museums, shrines, a small castle, gift shop, fountains, old gates, gardens, water features, and beautiful views from the top of the hill in the center of the park. I have a fear of heights, but I was not afraid to walk around the top outside deck of the castle.
Although the park is free, and the castle museum admission is less than $3.00. If you are polite to the staff, they will be happy to give you a private tour in English of the first floor. Akita people appreciate foreign visitors!
Akita is NOT a huge crazy city like Tokyo or Osaka. If you are from the United States I would say that if you compare Tokyo to New York, then Akita is like Portland, OR. Akita people are much more relaxed compared to Tokyo or Osaka. Once you understand that Akita is not Tokyo, you will appreciate and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere!
Written October 16, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Stanleymak7777
Singapore, Singapore66 contributions
Nov 2019
This is a large and beautiful park in the middle of Akita City. It is very important that you have to spare enough time for visiting this park. I recommend that you should walk from Akita Station to this park and see all the buildings and sites along the way.
It is one of the few places, where you can see the famous Akita Dog. However, the Akita Dogs are only available when their owners bring them there during
12.00 noon - 2.00 pm.
It is one of the few places, where you can see the famous Akita Dog. However, the Akita Dogs are only available when their owners bring them there during
12.00 noon - 2.00 pm.
Written December 24, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
vickiebypass
Stamford, CT202 contributions
Apr 2019 • Solo
Senshu Park. What a great park - I was there on April 22nd and now I get the whole cherry blossom thing! The tourist info lady said today was the day that all the blossoms would be in bloom and she was right - the blooms were fluffy and trees layered in front of or next to each other looked like clouds. Just tree after tree after tree.
The park was having a cherry blossom festival so lots of food stalls and even some arcade games in the center. Almost all locals, having picnics on the grassy areas. There were side paths, panoramic areas overlooking the city, a pond & fountain, plus an attractive shrine & temple that many locals visited. I stopped by their shop and bought two little wooden carved boars on a red string w gold amulet. It’s the year of the boar in Japan and these are good luck charms. There was no one manning the stall so I rang the bell, the rice paper door slid open and a man (maybe a monk) came out. I paid and asked him if they were good fortune but he didn’t understand.
I walked up the stairs to the upper park area which had a variety of landscapes – a stream, rocks, cherries, and two more shrines. One of them had nice wooden prayer signs with cherry blossoms which I bought since this was the place that sold me on the whole cherry blossom experience. I spent about 2 ½ hours here, wandering and people watching (at home, I’d eavesdrop on conversations but no chance of that here!)
The park was having a cherry blossom festival so lots of food stalls and even some arcade games in the center. Almost all locals, having picnics on the grassy areas. There were side paths, panoramic areas overlooking the city, a pond & fountain, plus an attractive shrine & temple that many locals visited. I stopped by their shop and bought two little wooden carved boars on a red string w gold amulet. It’s the year of the boar in Japan and these are good luck charms. There was no one manning the stall so I rang the bell, the rice paper door slid open and a man (maybe a monk) came out. I paid and asked him if they were good fortune but he didn’t understand.
I walked up the stairs to the upper park area which had a variety of landscapes – a stream, rocks, cherries, and two more shrines. One of them had nice wooden prayer signs with cherry blossoms which I bought since this was the place that sold me on the whole cherry blossom experience. I spent about 2 ½ hours here, wandering and people watching (at home, I’d eavesdrop on conversations but no chance of that here!)
Written May 17, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
hfot2 🌸🍁🌸
Vermont7,036 contributions
Apr 2018 • Couples
The sakura was just about finished but the cherry blossom festival was still going on at the end of April.
We were a bit late to catch sakura at peak, in fact, most of the trees had lost most of their blossoms. Nevertheless, the locals were out for a pleasant day at the park. Food stalls lined the open space on the lower level. Tarps were spread and folks were enjoying picnics. On the stage at one end presentations included traditional dance groups, singing and instrumental performances. Everyone was having a good time.
We walked the grounds up to the castle tower and beyond. There were view points and many photo ops. The grounds themselves had a few monuments and markers explaining the history of the castle. It is too bad that we missed the sakura at peak.
The various levels of the park include a pond, numerous trees, meandering waterways, paths, bridges and various plantings. The azalea hill was not in bloom, but must be glorious when it is. The cherry trees were past bloom but still hinted at what had been.
We were a bit late to catch sakura at peak, in fact, most of the trees had lost most of their blossoms. Nevertheless, the locals were out for a pleasant day at the park. Food stalls lined the open space on the lower level. Tarps were spread and folks were enjoying picnics. On the stage at one end presentations included traditional dance groups, singing and instrumental performances. Everyone was having a good time.
We walked the grounds up to the castle tower and beyond. There were view points and many photo ops. The grounds themselves had a few monuments and markers explaining the history of the castle. It is too bad that we missed the sakura at peak.
The various levels of the park include a pond, numerous trees, meandering waterways, paths, bridges and various plantings. The azalea hill was not in bloom, but must be glorious when it is. The cherry trees were past bloom but still hinted at what had been.
Written March 12, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
NiXilGav
36 contributions
Jan 2019 • Business
Visited the garden at the end of Jan. Do note that some of the the shrines were closed when I was there, not sure if it because it was snowing heavily or its just closed during winter. The sights were great snowed over but I imagine it will be better in spring. We enjoyed our walk into the park while it snowed. This is a stones throw from the city center. Fully recommend the visit.
Written January 29, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
bglhvn
So. California1,195 contributions
Oct 2017 • Couples
This park is large and although we spent over an hour strolling the paths, we didn't cover the entire area. Statues, gates, shrines, a castle turret, ponds, and a museum are here in a beautiful setting. The small museum and some other buildings charge a small fee. We visited early on a cool and breezy Fall day and the park was not crowded.
Written November 9, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
janani s
177 contributions
Nov 2017 • Solo
The place is a good representation of the history of Akita and also a casual neighborhood to stroll or picnic with friends and family. I went in Autumn and spent almost half a day in Senshu park. You can spend even more time here. It includes parks, play area for children, museums, observation tower and temples.
It is also easily accessible from the Akita station, around 10 minutes by walk.
It is also easily accessible from the Akita station, around 10 minutes by walk.
Written November 5, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
PJLtravel
Ohakune, New Zealand53 contributions
Jan 2016 • Family
We have now visited Akita's Senshu Park in all seasons and can say it is absolutely gorgeous in Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall! This park is massive, with loads of areas to explore including historic sites and tea rooms and a modern cafe for refreshments. It is dog friendly and a great place for a quiet stroll, or a run, or a moment of contemplation in any of the Japanese pavilions. Great for kids to run around there is also a park with swings and a slide. Great to be right in the centre of town as well, we would absolutely recommend visiting this park when you come to Akita.
Written December 1, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Leah D
Akita, Japan27 contributions
May 2014 • Solo
Despite being voted as one of the best 100 parks in Japan, I really think Senshu Park is pretty average as far as tourists go. It's a great park to live next to, but there's nothing unique about it.
It has a small reproduction of a castle at the far end of the park. Inside are the usual displays of antiques and armour and there are some pleasant views of the city.
However, it's really, very beautiful when the azalea bloom in mid to late May. I defiinitely recommend taking the time to visit Senshu if you are around Akita near that period. The cherry blossoms are nice as well, but nearby Kakunodate is nicer. Fall is also pretty, and less crowded. In the summer, the park is a pleasantly cool break from the city.
You can see the entire park in under an hour at a leisurely pace.
Facilities:
There is a small gift shop and a museum inside the park and several toilets. The gift shop sells a really limited range of items. It's not really a place to eat. However, the park is situated in downtown Akita, so there are many restaurants, museums and other interesting attractions nearby.
The park is wheelchair accessible from two entrances. However, parts of the grounds are not paved.
There aren't any specific play areas for children but, there is a large grassy area where children and/or pets can run about. Letting your pets off the leash is not techincally allowed, although I've seen many pet owners doing it.
Senshu Park does not have its own parking. Tthere are many cheap pay parking lots nearby in downtown Akita. The closest one is near the Dormi Inn on Otemon Dori (大手門通り, Route 28.) You can also visit the library and park there.
It has a small reproduction of a castle at the far end of the park. Inside are the usual displays of antiques and armour and there are some pleasant views of the city.
However, it's really, very beautiful when the azalea bloom in mid to late May. I defiinitely recommend taking the time to visit Senshu if you are around Akita near that period. The cherry blossoms are nice as well, but nearby Kakunodate is nicer. Fall is also pretty, and less crowded. In the summer, the park is a pleasantly cool break from the city.
You can see the entire park in under an hour at a leisurely pace.
Facilities:
There is a small gift shop and a museum inside the park and several toilets. The gift shop sells a really limited range of items. It's not really a place to eat. However, the park is situated in downtown Akita, so there are many restaurants, museums and other interesting attractions nearby.
The park is wheelchair accessible from two entrances. However, parts of the grounds are not paved.
There aren't any specific play areas for children but, there is a large grassy area where children and/or pets can run about. Letting your pets off the leash is not techincally allowed, although I've seen many pet owners doing it.
Senshu Park does not have its own parking. Tthere are many cheap pay parking lots nearby in downtown Akita. The closest one is near the Dormi Inn on Otemon Dori (大手門通り, Route 28.) You can also visit the library and park there.
Written December 11, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Alan B
Akita, Japan10 contributions
Hi,
Taking a cruise ship from the port would be expensive. I think that public transportation, buses and trains, should be available and they will take you to Akita Station. You can easily walk to the park from the station. Please check with the ship's information center. There should be guides from Akita who will be able to help you when you get off the ship in Akita.
Best,
Alan
Tracey S
Kauai, HI18 contributions
Greetings,
We are arriving in Akita on a cruise ship. Can you please tell me far the park is from the cruise ship port? Would you recommend taking a taxi?
Thank you. : )
TassieTripping
Hobart, Australia546 contributions
Hi, I was coming from Akita station (as I was travelling by train). It does appear there is a city bus stop about a 10 minute walk from the terminal and a less regular service from Port Tower Selion - both to Akita station which is only a short walk away from the Park. I would guess a taxi would be much quicker than the buses.
Senshu Park (Akita) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Senshu Park
- Senshu Park is open:
- Sun - Sat 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
- We recommend booking Senshu Park tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 2 Senshu Park tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Senshu Park:
- (0.29 mi) Hotel Dormy Inn Akita
- (0.38 mi) Richmond Hotel Akita Ekimae
- (0.31 mi) ANA Crowne Plaza Akita, an IHG Hotel
- (0.32 mi) Comfort Hotel Akita
- (0.34 mi) Akita Castle Hotel
- Restaurants near Senshu Park:
- (0.03 mi) Koichaya
- (0.08 mi) Matsushita Saryo
- (0.10 mi) French Restaurant Senshutei
- (0.13 mi) Ouchida
- (0.19 mi) Marusen
- Attractions near Senshu Park:
- (0.00 mi) Jisho
- (0.03 mi) Kogetsu Pond
- (0.08 mi) Akita Maiko Theater
- (0.10 mi) The Satake Historical Material Museum
- (0.04 mi) Kubota Castle Front Gate