Ako City is located in the southwest of Hyogo Prefecture, on the border with Okayama Prefecture. The Chikusa River, which has been selected as one of Japan's 100 best water sources, flows through the town. The city center, centered around Ako Castle, retains the scenery of a castle town near its mouth where it flows into the Harima Sea. It also has the appearance of an old port town. The Seto Inland Sea climate, with many sunny days throughout the year, has led to the flourishing of salt fields since ancient times. Salt from these fields is branded as Ako Salt and distributed nationwide. Other industries in the town include oyster farming in Sakae and the Ako Onsen hot springs in Misaki. In addition to Ako Salt, other local specialties include salt products such as salty buns, simmered sand lance, and Ako Unkayaki.