Akita
Tohoku
Famous for Kakunodate samurai district, Lake Tazawa, and the spirited Kanto Festival.
Capital
Akita
Best Time to Visit
August for the Kanto Festival; late April for cherry blossoms at Kakunodate. Winter brings heavy snow that transforms the samurai district into a fairy-tale scene.
Getting There
Shinkansen from Tokyo to Akita (4h via Komachi route, ~¥18,000). The Shinkansen splits at Morioka — ensure you board the Akita-bound cars.
Top Highlights
Kanto Festival
Extraordinary August festival where performers balance enormous bamboo poles hung with 46 lanterns using only their foreheads, hips, or shoulders.
Kakunodate Samurai District
Remarkably preserved samurai quarter with black-walled samurai residences and weeping cherry trees lining the streets.
Lake Tazawa
Japan's deepest lake (423m) shimmers a brilliant Prussian blue year-round, surrounded by mountains ideal for hiking.
Nyuto Onsen
Remote mountain hot spring cluster deep in beech forests, famous for milky-white sulfurous waters and thatched-roof bathhouses.
Local Cuisine
Kiritanpo
Cylindrical grilled rice cakes skewered on cedar sticks, eaten alone or in a chicken and burdock root hot pot (kiritanpo nabe).
Inaniwa Udon
Japan's three great udon — silky thin, hand-stretched noodles with a smooth texture unlike the thick Sanuki style.
Akita Sake
Akita's pure snowmelt water and cold climate produce exceptionally smooth, slightly dry nihonshu beloved nationwide.
Stay Connected in Akita
Yesim eSIMs activate on arrival — no SIM swap needed. Japan data plans from $5.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Kakunodate from Akita city?+
Kakunodate is 40 minutes from Akita station by Shinkansen (the Komachi stops there), making it an easy half-day excursion.
Things to Do in Akita
12 sustainable experiences
Half Day Private Guided Walking Tour in Akita City Center
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 suc
From US$355.36
Half Day Private Guided Walking Tour in Akita City Center
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 suc
From US$355.48
Half Day Tour to Akita, Samurai Town with Lisenced Guide
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 samu
From US$355.36
Half Day Tour to Akita, Samurai Town with Lisenced Guide
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 samu
From US$355.48
Amazing Akita Adventures GPS App Walking Tour Mobile Game
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 famili
From US$13.12
Akita: Kakunodate Samurai District & Residence Tour
Explore the fascinating samurai district of Kakunodate, one of northern Japan’s best-preserved historical sites. This walking tour delves into the rich tapestry of the Edo period, revealing how social hierarchies shaped everyday life for the samurai class. With insights from your expert guide, learn
From US$196.74
Izakaya and Bar Hopping Tour in Kakunodate
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
From US$184.14
Izakaya and Bar Hopping Tour in Kakunodate
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
From US$184.2
Towards silent unexplored pond, Naganuma Guided Walk
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 t
From US$38.77
Private Half Day Akita Namahage Tour with Licensed 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
From US$335.98
Fluffy New Snow and the Earth beating, Goshougake Oyunuma Snowshoeing 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 destin
From US$45.23
Akita: Private Shore Excursion with Samurai District Visit
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 s
From US$1,111.3