Mato Park is one of the top sakura spots in Akita. The park was established in 1917 and is home to azalea, irises, and plum and apple trees as well as 2,000 sakura, mainly somei yoshino and yamazakura. The park attracts families and couples when the sakura are in bloom and lit up at night in late April and early May. The Mato Park Sakura Festival is also held around this time.