🗺️ Akita City Folk Arts and Crafts Heritage Center, Former Kaneko Residence秋田市民俗芸能伝承館（ねぶり流し館）・旧金子家住宅

The "Akita Kanto Festival," held in early August each year, features glowing pole lanterns that represent rice ears dancing in the night sky. This festival is one of the three major festivals in the Tohoku region and is a symbol of summer in Akita. For those who cannot attend the Kanto Festival in person, it is recommended to visit the Akita City Folk Arts and Crafts Heritage Center and the former Kaneko family residence, where you can also touch real Kanto lanterns. The Akita City Folk Arts and Crafts Heritage Center was established in 1992 (Heisei 4) with the aim of preserving and passing down the Kanto and Akita folk activities and traditional crafts. It later became affectionately known as the "Kanto Hall" due to its association with the Kanto Festival, and it is popular among both tourists and locals. In addition to the Kanto lanterns, the center also introduces the "Tsuchizaki Shinhiki Yama Festival" and the "Mikoshi Bonten Festival," as well as traditional performing arts representative of the Akita region, such as "Akita Banzai" and "Kurokawa Banraku." Next to the facility is the "Former Kaneko Family Residence," a shop and residence built in a merchant town under the domain, which retains the characteristics of a "machiya" from the late Edo period. The interior is open for viewing, showcasing highlights such as a warehouse built during the Bakumatsu period and a rainwater jar installed on the roof for fire prevention, creating a profound atmosphere reminiscent of a period drama.

Introducing traditional events such as the Akita Kanto Matsuri held every August, as well as the folk performing arts culture representative of the Akita region. There are life-sized Kanto displays, and visitors can also participate in hands-on experiences. The old Kaneko family residence, which preserves traditional houses, is also a must-see.