Kakunodate & Sake Brewery

Tour Overview

This full-day shore excursion introduces travelers to the cultural soul of Akita through its preserved samurai heritage and centuries-old sake traditions. This Akita shore excursion takes guests to Kakunodate, one of Japan’s best-preserved samurai towns, where historic residences and quiet streets reflect feudal Japan, before continuing to a local sake brewery to discover the craftsmanship behind Japan’s iconic rice wine. The experience offers a balanced blend of history, culture, and local flavor at a relaxed pace.

This Akita shore tour is ideal for:

• Cruise passengers docking in Akita
• History lovers interested in samurai culture
• Travelers curious about Japanese sake and local traditions
• Guests seeking an authentic and scenic cultural experience

Full Itinerary

Port Pickup & Welcome

Meet your English-speaking guide and driver at the port with a welcome board. Depart by private chartered car or coach and begin your journey into Akita’s cultural heart. During the drive, your guide introduces the region’s history, climate, and role in preserving traditional Japanese lifestyles.

Kakunodate Samurai House District

Arrive in Kakunodate, often referred to as “the Little Kyoto of Tohoku”. This historic town flourished during the Edo period as a castle town and remains famous for its beautifully preserved samurai residences lining wide, tree-shaded streets.

Stroll through the Samurai House District, where black wooden fences, traditional gates, and cherry trees create an atmosphere frozen in time. Your guide explains the social structure of samurai families, their daily lives, and how Kakunodate became one of Japan’s most important preservation areas.

Visit a Samurai House

Step inside a traditional samurai residence to gain a deeper understanding of feudal life. Explore tatami rooms, weapon displays, family artifacts, and serene inner gardens that reflect the values of discipline, simplicity, and harmony. This visit provides rare insight into how samurai families lived beyond the battlefield.

Suzuki Sake Brewery

Continue to Suzuki Brewery, a local sake producer with generations of history. Learn about the sake-making process, from rice polishing and fermentation to aging techniques influenced by Akita’s pure water and cold climate. Guests may enjoy a tasting session (subject to local regulations), offering a chance to sample regional sake flavors and appreciate the craftsmanship behind this traditional beverage.

Akita City Port Tower Selion (If Time Permits)

If time allows, stop at Akita City Port Tower Selion, a waterfront complex offering souvenir shopping and local products. Guests can browse Akita specialties such as rice products, snacks, and crafts, making it a pleasant final stop before returning to port.

Return to Port

Relax on the drive back to the port, arriving comfortably in time for your ship’s departure, with lasting impressions of Akita’s samurai legacy and sake culture.

Inquire about this tour now with Japan Shore Excursions – Your local experts in unforgettable journeys!