The Eclectic Northern Charm of Akita

📍 Tokyo Station to Kakunodate Station: 3 h

Today is a self-guided day.
Arrive in Akita Prefecture via bullet train and step into the charming town of Kakunodate, a historical jewel of the northern Tohoku area.
The remainder of the day is free at leisure to explore independently. 

Suggested Self-Guided Itinerary: 

Visit the Nishinomiya House, a former merchant residential compound that has been revitalized into a multipurpose facility. In the historic buildings visitors will find a café, museum, and several quaint shops selling local goods.

Work off the calories with a short climb up the hillside to the former site of Kakunodate Castle. Nothing remains of the structure, but the view of the town and its winding river is worth the trek.

Overnight in Kakunodate
                                                                      
 

Inclusions:

🍗 Dinner

📍 Distance and journey time (approximation): Kakunodate to Sake brewery: 20 min (Taxi)

Meet a local private guide in the hotel lobby at 9:00, and get ready for a full day exploring Kakunodate, a former castle town known for its 17th century aesthetic and beautiful old samurai residences. 

Enter the old samurai district, once home to 80 noble families, and discover some of the best samurai architecture one can find in Japan. With the guide, enjoy a walking tour of the historic area, with notable spots such as the Ando Jozo soy sauce and miso factory and the Aoyagike Samurai Museum. 

Make a brief stop at a local residence where several friendly Akita Inu dogs can be seen relaxing and playing in the garden. This famous breed is well-love in the region, and dog lovers can take some time to play with the pooches before continuing the tour.

After lunch, visit to a quaint shop filled with products created with kabazaiku woodworking techniques. This traditional art uses richly coloured bark of yamazakura cherry trees to produce elegant tea utensils, writing boxes, tea cabinets, and brooches. Get a hands-on appreciation for this craft by taking part in a kabazaiku demonstration and making a keepsake to take home.

The finale of the day, take a private car to a local sake brewery which is registered tangible cultural property of Japan. Enjoy a tasting experience and discover how the brewers continue to carefully preserve the sake creation process using local rice and water. Snacks prepared by the family will be paired with the sake.

Part ways with the guide and return to the hotel, or continue exploring Kakunodate independently.

Note:
- This tour is not available on Monday

Overnight in Kakunodate 

Time
Start: 9:00
Duration: 8 h
*including pick-up/drop-off and transit times 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

Today is a self-guided day. 

Today is free at leisure before heading to the next destination. 

Optional Tour (Countryside Cycling in Akita): 

Meet a local guide and embark on a serene journey on the Akita Nairiku Line, a scenic railway stretching through Akita's mountainous heartland. 

Disembark at a rural unmanned station and pedal through lush rice fields to a local farmer’s house. Here, guests will make yubeshi, a traditional sweet associated with ceremonies. Discover its rich history and create a unique version using glutinous rice flour, sugar, and optional nuts or sesame seeds.

Continue riding to a farm restaurant to savor local delicacies for lunch. Next, visit a local home to dye a handkerchief with seasonal plants, creating unique patterns using chopsticks and rubber bands. Experience this authentic rural lifestyle before an easy ride back to Kakunodate station, feeling like a true local. (L)

Note: This tour is only available between July and mid October. Departure daily except Sunday. Guests must be at least 10 years old and 140 cm in height.

Time
Start: 09:30
Duration: 7 h

Distance and journey time (approximation):
Kakunodate Station to Tokyo Station (600km): 3 hrs

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast