Top Akita Prefecture Historical Tours

Join Hachiko, Akita's legendary loyal dog, on a self-guided adventure through Akita City's historic heart! Explore samurai castles, art museums, merchant homes, and meet real Akita Inu. Savor local cuisine and discover centuries of loyalty, artistry, and fun, all at your own pace. Perfect for families, dog-lovers, and history buffs! Solve puzzles, explore the city, and find hidden gems at your own pace. Try a new type of experience with your smartphone, the perfect mix between a walking tour, sightseeing, and a scavenger hunt.

Premiere Tour of Akita. Our first stop is Lake Tazawa. Lake Tazawa is a mysterious Lake and the deepest one in Japan. The golden statue of Tatsuko is a must-see spot in Akita. Please take memorial photos at the shore of Lake Tazawa. Next we visit Kakunodate town. You can see how samurai lived in samurai residences. At one Samurai house, the head of the family will tell us about the residence, where it is still used for living. You can witness samurai swords, armor, kimonos, etc. You can take a nice photo wearing a samurai helmet. There are cute shops in the street of Samurai residences, such as a miso and soy sauce shop, a local craft shop, a Japanese sake shop, and a traditional snack shop. You may pet Akita dogs at one spot with admission fare. You can enjoy lunch at Kakunodate town or near Lake Tazawa.

Discover the diverse character of Akita on a private shore excursion combining beautiful landscapes, samurai heritage, local cuisine, and traditional culture. Enjoy views of Lake Tazawa before exploring Kakunodate, one of Japan’s best-preserved samurai districts, with visits to historic residences such as the Ishiguro and Aoyagi houses. Savor Akita specialties including Hinai chicken and Inaniwa udon, and stop at Ando Jozo to discover locally made fermented products. Back in Akita City, explore local festival culture at the Neburi Nagashi Kan and take a relaxing walk through Senshu Park. This private tour offers a well-rounded introduction to Akita beyond the port. If your ship’s port time is less than 8 hours, we will adjust the itinerary accordingly to ensure you return to the port on time.

Explore the fascinating samurai district of Kakunodate, one of northern Japan’s best-preserved historical sites. This walking tour delves into the rich tapestry of the Edo period, revealing how social hierarchies shaped everyday life for the samurai class. With insights from your expert guide, learn about key historical figures and the transformation from conflict to stable governance. Experience guided visits to multiple samurai residences, where the architecture and lifestyle reflect the intricate social order of the time. - In-depth exploration of Kakunodate’s samurai history - Guided visits inside various samurai residences - Two participation options: direct join or from Kakunodate Station - Tours available on days when residences are open, excluding Tuesdays

Namahage is designated an intangible cultural asset by UNESCO. On this tour, you can enjoy various local spots in the Oga peninsula facing the Sea of Japan. The highlight is, of course, the Namahage show played in the Oga Shinzan folklore museum. You can't miss it when you visit Akita. You can also visit Mt.Kanpuzan observatory and Nyuodo-zaki. Those are nice photo spots of Oga. Finally, we stop at Michinoeki-Oga(roadside station Oga) to enjoy a pleasant shopping time. *** Additional information **** This tour is up to 3 guests, because the car I can provide is a small car. But if you are 4 guests including one or more child who is younger than 10 years old, it will be ok with four guests. Three people should be packed in the back seat. In this case please let me know.

Premiere Half-Day Tour of Akita. In this tour, you can see how samurais(warriors) lived in samurai residences. At one Samurai house, the head of the family or a staff member will tell us about the residence, where it is still used for living. You can witness samurai swords, armor, kimonos, etc. You can take a nice photo wearing a samurai helmet. There are cute shops in the street of Samurai residences, such as a miso and soy sauce shop, a local craft shop, a Japanese sake shop, and a traditional snack shop. At Japanese Sake shop, you can try tasting of a couple of Japanese sake for free. If you have time, you can visit Kabazaiku museum where a craft man is demonstrating to make local handy craft beautiful "Kabazaiku." I promise you can enjoy this half day tour totally. *** Additional info **** If you are 4 guests including one or more child who is younger than 10 years old, it will be ok with four guests. In this case please let me know.

Kakunodate is a former castle town which flourished during the Edo period. Known as the “Little Kyoto of Tohoku”, the town is home to a district 800-meters in radius consisting of samurai residences and traditional architecture popular with both domestic and international tourists. The samurai residences lining the town’s most famous street are nationally protected Traditional Buildings. But no one really cared about the merchant district that also has history and culture that is also passed down for generations. In this tour, with an experienced local guide, we will take you to both the merchant district and the samurai district. It will show you the contrast between the 2 distinct lifestyles of people and how the tradition has been passed down to current days. We picked up the best of the best in town, so we are confident that you will acknowledge the beauty of traditional style of living which people admired from the samurai era.

At Kinmon Akita Sake Brewery in Daisen, delve into the art of sake brewing where tradition meets innovation. This unique experience emphasizes sensory exploration over standard tours, inviting you to understand sake through taste, aroma, and texture. Engage with the brewery’s philosophy of umami-driven brewing as you taste a curated selection of innovative sakes, each crafted with precision and purpose. This isn't just about sipping; it’s about discovering how sake can enhance culinary experiences. Ideal for chefs and serious enthusiasts, this tasting session offers insights and flavors that redefine what sake can be, making it a true culinary partner.

In Kakunodate, where samurai culture is deeply rooted, dojos still face the samurai residence street, and the area is home to many martial artists. Many people make martial arts a part of their lives, learning and living in the spirit of the samurai. Iaido is one of the most popular of these and uses the sword, which is said to be the spirit of the samurai. In this two-hour experience, participants will put on a dogi (a special outfit for martial art), master one of the kata of iaido, and learn about etiquette and manners. At the end of the experience, there is a test cutting with a cardboard doll, which is the most exciting part for the participants.