• Kakunodate - The tour will include visits to a local sake shop, green grocery, Japanese sweet shop, local snack vendors, and more in the town!

Each location visited has its own distinct charm, and all the interesting facts about them will be shared!

• Kakunodate Bukeyashiki dōri (samurai residence street) - Known as “Michinoku’s Little Kyoto,” Kakunodate is a castle town that thrived during the Edo period. Within a compact area of about 2 km in radius, numerous samurai residences and historic buildings remain, attracting both Japanese and international tourists who come to admire the graceful townscape. The main street of the samurai residences is recognized as a National Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings and is safeguarded as a cultural asset. This tour includes visits to the homes of both lower and upper-class warriors, with entry into actual samurai residences. The enduring history of the Samurai will be presented in an engaging and informative manner.
• 地酒のふじた - Akita Prefecture is renowned for its diverse selection of Japanese sake. At Fujita, visitors can enjoy a sake tasting experience featuring three different types of Japanese sake. Fujita offers various sake brands unique to Akita Prefecture, available only in the region. They also sell local beer, which can be purchased as souvenirs along with sake bottles.
• Ando Jozo Brewery Honten - Kakunodate is divided into an inner town with samurai residences and an outer town with merchant houses. Ando Brewery is situated in the outer town. Since the end of World War II, Ando Brewery has focused on producing miso, soy sauce, and pickles, preserving traditional flavors passed down through generations. The main store, rebuilt in 1883, maintains its original appearance. On this tour, participants will enjoy tastings of miso and pickles, along with a comparison of three different soy sauces. Options include soy sauce ice cream or a miso macaron, specialties of Ando Brewery.
• Goto Fukushindo - Tucked away on a back street of Samurai street is Fukushindo, a traditional Japanese sweet shop with over 140 years of history. Visitors can sample manju, dorayaki, and other mochi sweets, which are local favorites.
• Iwahashi Samurai House - The Iwahashi family, a mid-level samurai family, served as chief retainers of the Ashina clan, rulers of Kakunodate from 1603 to 1653. After the Ashina clan’s dissolution, the Iwahashi family served the North Satake clan, who governed Kakunodate from the 1650s until the feudal domain system ended in 1871. The Iwahashi manor house was remodeled in the late Edo period, with its original thatched roof replaced by the current shingled style during a later renovation.
• Bukeyashiki no chaya - Located across from Aoyagi Samurai Manor, the Samurai Street Teahouse offers Akita local dishes and sweets. Visitors can try kiritanpo, an Akita classic typically made at home.
• Kakunodate Kabazaiku Center Bukeyashikidori - Kaba-zaiku is a craft made from the bark of mountain cherry trees. During the Edo period (1603-1867), kabazaiku developed as a handcraft for low-ranked samurai, who crafted items like inro, eyeglass cases, netsuke, and oshime with a unique, one-of-a-kind style. The distinctive technique used to create the unique luster of mountain cherry bark, with its rich and deep colors, is widely used as a daily material. This will be the final stop of the tour.

• Entrance Fee of Samurai House
• Umbrellas and boots for rainy days available for rent
• Snacks
• Alcoholic beverages
• Insurance

• Private transportation

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