Top Akita Prefecture Private Sightseeing Tours

Get off the beaten path and immerse yourself in Akita's unique culture and landscapes on this guided tour from the Akita port cruise terminal. With a private vehicle, the day reaches deep into the Semboku area (roughly 45-70km from the port) to take in the full range of highlights: the well-preserved samurai district of Kakunodate, known as the 'Little Kyoto of Tohoku'; Lake Tazawa, Japan's deepest lake, famed for its sapphire-blue water and the golden Tatsuko statue; and the red torii gate of Gozanoishi Shrine on the lake's northern shore. Without a private vehicle, the tour stays close to the port and Akita City itself, visiting Senshu Park, built on the site of the former Kubota Castle, and the adjoining Kubota Castle ruins, including the reconstructed Front Gate and Osumiyagura Turret — a same-day round trip to the Semboku sights is not realistic by public transport within this tour's time frame.

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. (This house is open to the public until November 2026) 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.

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.

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.

Begin your private shore excursion with pickup from Akita Port. Travel comfortably in your own private vehicle. Unlike a large group tour, there is no need to keep pace with other travelers, allowing you to enjoy each destination at your own pace. Travel to the Oga Peninsula and visit Mt. Kanpuzan for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Continue to the Namahage Museum to discover the unique traditions and culture of Oga’s famous Namahage. Stop at Roadside Station Oga Ogare for local products and food, then visit Unosaki Beach, known for its scenic coastline and shallow waters. If time permits, stop at Port Tower Selion for views over Akita before returning to the port. The driver speaks Japanese, with communication assisted by a translation app. Before your tour, you will receive an English digital guidebook about the itinerary and sightseeing locations. Pre-tour customer support is available in English. Return to Akita Port in time for your ship’s departure.

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

Premiere Half-Day Tour of Akita. In this tour, you can see how samurais 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. (This house is open to the public until November 2026) At next samurai house, you can witness samurai swords, armor, kimonos, etc. You can take a nice photo wearing samurai helmets. There are cute shops in the street, 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.

Immerse yourself in the magical world of the Yokote Kamakura Snow Hut Festival with our exclusive 2-day, 1-night tour! This enchanting festival, held for over 450 years, transforms the snow-covered city of Yokote into a winter wonderland, with hundreds of snow huts (kamakura) glowing with candlelight. Guided by a knowledgeable English-speaking guide, you’ll explore the festival’s rich traditions, enjoy local specialties like mochi and amazake, and experience the unique warmth and hospitality found within each snow hut. With expertly arranged accommodations and front-row access to the festival’s highlights, this tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and winter charm—an unforgettable experience in the heart of Japan’s snowy landscapes.

Enjoy the original scenery of Japan from the train window on a one-car one-man train. Once you get off the train at an unmanned station, you can start cycling from there! You will pedal toward an area lined with samurai residences, stopping at temples, shrines, farmhouses, cafes, and other places to enjoy the countryside.

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.

Why not spend a special day in Yurihonjo City? Feel the weight of 800 years of history and faith at the majestic Akada Great Buddha, rediscover the joy of childhood with heartwarming wooden toys at the Chokaisan Wooden Toy Museum, and savor exquisite sake crafted by Tenju Sake Brewery, nurtured by the local nature. Visiting these hidden gems, still relatively unknown nationwide, offers the added delight of feeling like a seasoned traveler. You'll undoubtedly find yourself wanting to boast to friends and family, saying, "I found such an amazing place!" Come and experience a journey in Yurihonjo City, filled with quiet charm, healing, inspiration, and a touch of pride. We promise you a truly special time, only possible with this unique tour!

Begin your private shore excursion with pickup directly from Akita Port. Travel comfortably in your own private vehicle. Unlike a large group tour, there is no need to keep pace with other travelers, allowing you to enjoy each destination at your own pace. Visit Senshu Park, built on the former site of Kubota Castle, and discover Akita’s samurai-era history. Continue to the Akita City Folk Performing Arts Heritage Center, also known as Neburi Nagashi Kan, to learn about traditional festivals, including the famous Kanto Festival. Next, explore ancient local history at the Akita Castle Ruins History Museum and see the reconstructed East Gate. If time permits, visit Port Tower Selion for panoramic views over Akita City and the Sea of Japan. The driver speaks Japanese, with communication assisted by a translation app. Before your tour, you will receive an English digital guidebook about the itinerary and sightseeing locations. Pre-tour customer support is available in English.

Eat and drink like a local in Kakunodate! Your guided tours provide in-person guides through two local izakayas and a snack bar at the end. All food and drinks will be included with the guides selecting the best of each izakayas to cater your cravings. Finish off at a snack bar and enjoy singing karaoke with the local mama-san who runs these bars! The best way to spend the night while learning more about Kakunodate with an English speaking guide! We will contact you for your choice of izakaya and snack bar. Please let us know if you have any dietary restrictions or allergies. It is best to book at least a week in advance if you are planning to take the tour during high peak seasons, as many izakaya and snack bars can be fully booked. Please do understand there may be a limited number of izakaya options due to regular holidays or short reserving times. Due to the nature of the event, all participants must be 20 years or older. This is the legal drinking age under Japanese law.

Begin your private shore excursion with pickup directly from Akita Port. Travel comfortably in your own private vehicle. Unlike a large group tour, there is no need to keep pace with other travelers, allowing you to enjoy each destination at your own pace. Visit the Kubota Castle Ruins in Senshu Park and discover Akita’s history before traveling to the Oga Peninsula. Explore the Namahage Museum to learn about Oga’s famous Namahage tradition through its distinctive masks, costumes, and cultural exhibits. Continue to Shinzan Shrine, a historic shrine closely connected with Namahage culture, before heading to Cape Nyudozaki at the northern tip of the peninsula for beautiful views of the Sea of Japan. If time permits, stop at Port Tower Selion before returning to Akita Port. The driver speaks Japanese, with communication assisted by a translation app. Before the tour, you will receive an English digital guidebook and audio guide. Pre-tour customer support is available in English.

In this tour, you will first experience the depth of sake brewing at the "Tenju Sake Brewery," which boasts over 200 years of history. While learning about the care and attention given to the water and rice used, you will have the opportunity to observe the sake brewing process up close. Next, enjoy a premium lunch on a chartered train from the Yurihonjo Kogen Railway. Indulge in an Italian course meal prepared with locally sourced ingredients from Akita Prefecture, while the chef provides insightful commentary. For drinks, "Tenju Sake" will be paired with the meal. The brewery's owner and staff will join the ride, offering direct explanations about the sake’s production process and history. This is a rare opportunity to deepen your understanding of sake and immerse yourself in the local culture and traditions.

Please note that even if you select “Tour Language: English(written),” the driver speaks Japanese only. Communication will be supported using a translation app, and English tour information will be provided in advance. This 6-hour route from Akita Port focuses on the highlights of the Oga Peninsula: a dramatic crater-view mountain, the famous Namahage folklore museum, local seafood shopping at a modern roadside station, and a photogenic seaside walk at Unosaki Coast. If time allows, end with harbor views from Port Tower Selion before returning to Akita Port.

Experience two distinctive sides of Akita in one private shore excursion: the centuries-old culture of Namahage and the dramatic coastal landscapes of the Oga Peninsula. Discover this fascinating local tradition through museum exhibits and an immersive cultural experience that brings Namahage customs to life. Continue to Cape Nyudozaki for expansive views across the Sea of Japan. After enjoying lunch in Oga, return toward Akita Port and visit Port Tower Selion for panoramic views of the area. With transportation from and back to Akita Port, this tour offers cruise travelers a convenient way to experience Akita’s culture, scenery, and local character in a single day. As a private tour, the itinerary can be adjusted flexibly to suit your interests and preferences.

The Oirase Gorge is a popular resort in the Northern Japan, offering some of Japan's most spectacular mountain scenery. With one of the most famous hiking paths in all Japan, we set foot there on our quest for traditional Japan. The gorge is marked by interesting rock formations on both sides while the river has icy rapids and a series of 14 plunging waterfalls along the way. If there’s only one thing you do in Aomori, do this. It really is a nature lovers paradise. It is about 2.5 kilometres (1.8 miles) long and has only gentle elevation changes which takes around 2-4 hours to easy walk at a leisurely pace. Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize a four-hours tour that's best for you! Note*1: National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.