Half Day Tour to Akita, Samurai Town with Lisenced Guide

Akita Prefecture , Japan

Half Day Tour to Akita, Samurai Town with Lisenced Guide

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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

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.

Available options

Half Day Tour to Akita, Samurai Town with Lisenced Guide

What's included

English Guiding

Detailed itinerary

We will visit two samurai houses still remain from feudal era.
The time include transportation from the port to Kakunodate Town and lunch.
To have a Lunch or not is depends on you.

From Akita city to Kakunodate town, it takes about 1 hour and half one way.
So you have approximately 2 hours at Kakunodate samurai town
In this 2 hours, you can visit Ishiguro Samurai house first.
You can hear about Ishiguro house from a staff member.
There is a museum to see on the backside.
After 1 hour stay in Ishiguro house, we move to another Samurai house "Aoyagi Samurai House."
Aoyagi house has large area which consists of a main buildinge and other several old Japanese buildings.
You can see lots of samurai armors, matchlock guns, Japanese swords and kimonos.
You can also try samurai helmets on and take pictures.
If you are redey to eat lunch, there is an udon restaurant serving local Inaniwa Udon.
Enjoy your time in Kakunodate Samurai town.

What's not included

Lunch

Admission fee(1,100 JPY/ person for two Samurai houses)

Expressway fee (approximately 2,000 JPY)

Guide's Private car (5,000 JPY) less than 4 pax

Hired van taxi (around 60,000 JPY) more than 3 Pax

Lunch (If you need)

Kakunodate

gratuity(Optional)

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

I'll be holding a sign of your name.

About Akita Prefecture

Akita Prefecture, located in the northern part of Japan's main island Honshu, is known for its rich natural beauty, hot springs, and traditional festivals. The region offers a blend of rural charm and modern attractions, making it a unique destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and cultural experiences.

Top Attractions

Kakunodate

Kakunodate is a well-preserved samurai district known for its traditional houses and beautiful cherry blossoms. It offers a glimpse into the Edo period.

Historical Half day Free to explore, some houses may charge an entry fee

Tazawako

Lake Tazawa is the deepest lake in Japan and offers stunning views, especially during autumn. It's a popular spot for hiking and water activities.

Nature Half day to full day Free to explore, some activities may have fees

Akita Museum of Art

This museum showcases the works of local artist Toshi Koshiba and other contemporary artists. It's a must-visit for art enthusiasts.

Museum 1-2 hours ¥500 - ¥1,000

Must-Try Local Dishes

Kiritanpo

Pounded rice skewers grilled over an open flame, often served with hot pot or miso soup.

Dinner Contains gluten

Inakayaki

Small, round dumplings filled with minced meat and vegetables, grilled over an open flame.

Snack Contains gluten and meat

Akita Sake

High-quality sake produced in Akita, known for its smooth and refined taste.

Drink Contains alcohol

Popular Activities

Hiking Mountain biking Onsen (hot spring) visits Temple stays Samurai district tours Traditional craft workshops Boat tours on Lake Tazawa Fishing

Best Time to Visit

September to November

Autumn is the best time to visit Akita for its pleasant weather and stunning fall foliage. It's also a great time for outdoor activities and cultural festivals.

10°C to 20°C 50°F to 68°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

GMT+9

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Akita is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates and a peaceful atmosphere. However, as with any destination, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Be cautious when using ATMs
• Avoid walking alone at night in isolated areas

Getting there

By air

Akita Airport • 14 km from Akita City

By train

Akita Station

By bus

Akita Station Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the primary mode of public transport in Akita. They are reliable and cover most areas of the city.

Taxis

Available • Apps:

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Akita City Kakunodate Tazawako

Day trips

Nyuto Onsen

60 km from Akita City • Full day

A collection of traditional hot spring inns nestled in the mountains, offering a relaxing and rejuvenating experience.

Oga Peninsula

70 km from Akita City • Full day

A scenic peninsula known for its rugged coastline, lighthouses, and traditional fishing villages.

Festivals

Namahage Festival • February 2nd Akita Kanto Festival • August 3rd to 6th

Pro tips

Visit during the autumn for stunning fall foliage and pleasant weather
Try local specialties like kiritanpo and inakayaki for an authentic culinary experience
Stay in a traditional ryokan for a unique cultural experience
Explore the rural areas for a glimpse of traditional Japanese life
Be prepared for winter conditions if traveling during the snowy season