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.



Half Day Kakunodate Tour of Crafts Culture and Cuisine

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!

Samurai Food Walk in Kakunodate

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.

3 Hour Cycling Tour in Kakunodate

Premiere Tour of Akita.
In this tour, 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.

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.

We enjoy lunch at Kakunodate town or near Lake Tazawa.

Full Day Tour to Akita, Samurai Town and Lake Tazawa with Guide

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!

Savor Fresh Sake and Discover the Charms of Yurihonjo City Akita

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.

Akita Private Customizable Full Day Tour

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.

Sword Martial Art Experience in Kakunodate

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 witness the captivating Bonden Ceremony, where elaborately decorated poles are paraded through the streets in a centuries-old spiritual ritual. 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.

2 Days Private Tour in Yokote Kamakura Snow Hut Festival

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.

Oirase Gorge and Lake Towada Day Hike with Government-Licensed Guide

This is a guided culinary tour through the unique cultural and undiscovered sights of Kakunodate. In this tour, the participants will hike on the mountain to see the ruins of the castle of the lords who ruled Kakunodate during the Samurai reign.

Along the way, you can expect to see animal tracks, take a tea break, enjoy a spectacular view of the castle town of Kakunodate, and finally slide down the mountain!

You can definitely take in picturesque landscapes and Instagram-able checkpoints on your way through the heavy snowfalls in this region.

Shared Snowshoe Hiking Tour in Semboku

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.

Walking Tour of Wealthy Merchant's Storehouses in Akita

Take a walk along the Kakunodate Buke Yashiki Street, which still retains strong traces of the Edo period, for a special journey into history and culture.
Visitors can tour the prestigious samurai residences surrounded by blackboard fences and catch a glimpse of the lifestyle of the samurai of the time. Visitors can also admire swords, armor, and other valuable items.
At the long-established Ando Brewery, visitors can enjoy the aroma of traditional miso and soy sauce, sample the products, and tour the brewery. The oldest brick warehouse in Tohoku is also a must-see. At Chiaki Park, visitors will enjoy a panoramic view of Akita City from the ruins of Kubota Castle, and tour the restored Osumi Yagura and Omote-mon Gate. Finally, at the Neburi Nagashi Museum, visitors will experience the actual Akita Kanto Festival and traditional crafts, and deeply appreciate the local culture.
We offer you a luxurious time to enjoy the historic cityscape and traditions with all five senses.

Akita Shore Excursion Tour By Private Car

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.

Premium Sake Sommelier Train

Walking tour in the center of Akita city.
Akita city is a capital city of Akita prefecture which is located on the sea of Japan side in northern Japan.
This prefecture is famous for its rice production, Japanese sake brew and lots of local attractions.
In this tour, you can visit beautiful spots such as an old bank building, local market, castle park and folklore museum.
You may enjoy Maiko show and tea service available only on Saturdays(reservation is needed)
Let's enjoy pleasant walk with tour guide.

Half Day Private Guided Walking Tour in Akita City Center 

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."
In addition, you can choose cute kabazaiku products from lots of varieties in the shop.

On the way back to the Akita city, we can drop in a roadside station for a restroom break and shopping.
I promise you can enjoy this half day tour totally.

Half Day Tour to Akita, Samurai Town with Lisenced Guide

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.

 Private Half Day Akita Namahage Tour with Licensed Guide

You may be thinking, "Samurai and Zen?" However, many warlords took refuge in Buddhism, including Zen Buddhists, and countless Zen priests who worked with warlords as military strategists and educators.

It is no exaggeration to say that the spirit of samurai bushido aims to reach the state of Zen.

The Soto denomination of Buddhism, the temple where this experience is held, places particular emphasis on Zen meditation among the various denominations of Buddhism.

It has been the spiritual center of the community for 350 years. It is an extremely valuable experience to learn some of the spirit of Zen that has been passed down from generation to generation and in which Samurai also used to incline

2 Hours Private Zen Meditation Experience in Kakunodate

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.

Snowshoe Experience in Akita Yuzawa Winter Park with an Akita Dog

Did you all know that there are bicycles that can be ridden in the snow?
Many people have never seen, heard of, or thought about it.
You don't need any special skills to do it.
At first, you may feel a little bewildered by the unfamiliar sensation of riding a bicycle, but as you get used to it, you will be able to enjoy the scenery around you.
You can also stop at checkpoints along the way to play in the snow! Walk on the snow, slide down the slope, or find animal tracks.

If skiing and snowboarding are intense snow games, this is quiet snow play.
But the thrill is still there!

The new sensation will surely make you want to repeat the experience.

Snowbike Tour in Tazawako

・Experience the unforgettable Akita’s Kanto Festival as giant lantern towers sway gracefully against the night sky.
・During the day, enjoy the 'Hiru-Kanto' where performers compete in their Kanto skills, and at night, watch the main event from reserved seats as illuminated lanterns light up Akita’s summer skies. 
・You can choose a night-only plan or a plan that includes both the daytime Kanto performances and the main night event.
・You’ll be guided to your seat by an English speaking staff ensuring a smooth and worry-free Akita Kanto Festival experience.

Akita Kanto Festival Ticket and Cultural Tour

“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.



Fluffy New Snow and the Earth beating, Goshougake Oyunuma Snowshoeing Tour

This tour goes through varied sceneries such as untouched forest mixed with broadleaf and coniferous trees and quiet marshland. As you explore the forest,the hidden pond of Naganuma suddenly appears.It is superb relaxation spot surrounded by primeval flora. With no wind, the pond’s surface reflect the woods like a mirror. At the entry point of this tour, you will be able to see steam spouting through the rocks in the Fuke-no-yu Onsen. We also have a coffee break. After walking, take a day bathing of Fuke-no-yu Onsen recommended.
* From Apil to May, we will take a stroll wearing snowshoes as snow still remains. Not only the mountain trails but discover the deep primeval forests that are normally inaccessible. 


Towards silent unexplored pond, Naganuma Guided Walk

This is a rental cycle provided by Kakunodate Guest House Choux.
It is a tour where you can enjoy the charm of Akita while enjoying the culture and nature.
You can see the historical sights and beautiful scenery of Kakunodate. You can experience the history and culture of Kakunodate while walking around the old townscape and traditional buildings starting from the inn.
You can if you add a paid bicycle delivery option, you can start from Tazawako Station.
Enjoy the beautiful nature of Akita.
You can feel the fresh air while cycling through the seasonal scenery such as mountains, rivers, and lakes.
A long ride from Lake Tazawa will be a luxurious experience where you can feel the breath of nature. 
You will be able to fully enjoy the charm of Akita and experience a memorable trip.

Experiences in Akita, Japan