During the Asuka period, Abe no Hirafu conquered the native Emishi tribes at what are now the cities of Akita and Noshiro in 658 and established a fortification on the Mogami River.

Abe no Yakamaro was sent as Chinjufu-Shōgun, and Akita Castle became a base of operations to colonize the region and to subdue the native Emishi peoples.

In 878, a major rebellion known as the Ganki Disturbance (元慶の乱) erupted in the region against Yamato rule, which resulted in the destruction of a large part of Akita Castle.

Because of the irregularity and unpredictability with which those delegations arrived, the dynasty once decided to abolish the Akita Castle in 770 but withdrew the decision ten years later.

Archaeological excavations have found the foundations of the barracks as well as official buildings for the government of Dewa Province, as well as ceramic roof tiles, wooden tally boards and documents on varnished paper.