Akita City is the capital of Akita Prefecture, a renowned inland city in the Tohoku region, famous for Akita dogs, the Akita Kanto Festival, and fine sake. Senshu Park (site of Kubota Castle) is charming with cherry blossoms and fresh greenery. The Akita Museum of Art (designed by Tadao Ando) houses exquisite collections. In August, the Kanto Festival (one of the three major festivals of Tohoku) features young men skillfully balancing long poles with lanterns. A highlight is the top-tier cuisine: Hinai-jidori chicken (one of Japan's three major local chicken breeds, served as oyakodon or grilled), Kiritanpo nabe (rice stick hot pot), Inaniwa udon (one of Japan's three major udon noodles), and Akita seafood (sandfish and oysters) offer premium flavours.