All Akita Prefecture Tours & Excursions in 2026

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.

Take a tour with your guide through the quaint street lined with Japanese old houses! Masuda Town has prospered as a merchant town since the Edo period. Because this town has been the transportation hub, a variety of agricultural products gathered here. Merchants amassed wealth in their fields and created mansion towns. Inside these mansions, "Kura'' or a storehouse was built by wealthy merchants to store documents and household furniture. This storehouse is still inhabited and rare even in Japan. Feel the elegance in the detailed decorations such as white plaster, polished black plaster and lacquered interior. The townscape is home to many historic buildings of this area. Masuda town was designated as a National Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings in 2013. Find the storehouses of each mansion with its unique structure and decoration. In this guided tour, you will be able to visit two to three mansions with storehouse while receiving an explanation.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This private and customizable tour for Akita city (in Akita Prefecture) is perfect for guests who would like to have their own itinerary planned based on their interests and preferences, allowing guests to experience the city at their own pace. Discover 4-5 attractions in Akita City at your own pace on this fully customizable 8-hour full day private tour with an English-speaking (or other language) tour guide. Create a dream tour that’s perfect for your interests and preferences. After booking, you'll receive a form with varied themes, allowing easy selection based on your interests. Whether it's culture, history, cuisine, nature, or special events, you can highlight your preferences and must-see spots, streamlining our planning process.

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!

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.

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.

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.

“Goshougake Nature Research Route” is a walking trail by Goshougake Onsen, where you can observe geothermal activities associated with volcanoes. The snowshoes route leads you through fluffy new snow at an altitude of 1000m. The sight can make you want to dive into the snow right away! At the destination Oyunuma, you can see close up the whizzing steam rising up. It is a rare spot where you can feel with allbody and soul the planet Earth itself. We also have a coffee break. After walking, take a day-time bathing of Goshougake Onsen recommended.　＊The short course is suitable for beginners and those that are not confident in their physical ability. ＊The long course is the scenic route with more up-down trails. Recommended for the more adventurous and those that want to fully immerse in the snow experience.

Enjoy snowshoeing in a park near the city covered white world with your guide. You may even find the footprints of rabbits and other animals. After a 15-minute snowshoeing, you can take photos and interact with an Akita dog. Known as the loyal dog Hachiko, the Akita dog is designated as a natural monument of Japan. Although it is a large dog, it is said to be loyal, obedient, obedient to commands, and close to its owner. You can have a special experience interacting with an Akita dog in Akita, the birthplace of the Akita dog. Be fascinated by the snow country and the cuteness of the Akita dog. After interacting with the Akita dog and snowshoeing, you can return to the hotel and see the hotel's snowplow. You can also play in the snow. This is a two-day tour that includes accommodation at a hotel and allows you to experience Japan's snow country.

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.

This is a guided culinary tour through the unique cultural and undiscovered sights of Kakunodate in Akita Prefecture. The tour will take you to places such as Japanese sweets stores, sake shops with different sake tastings, miso and soy sauce brewery, the one and only Samurai Street, and much more!

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.

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.

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.