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

Each location visited has its own distinct charm, and the operator will share interesting facts about each one!

• Kakunodate Bukeyashiki dōri (samurai residence street) - Kakunodate, a castle town that thrived during the Edo period, is often referred to as “Michinoku’s Little Kyoto.” Within a compact area of about 2 km in radius, numerous samurai residences and historical 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 treasure.
  This tour delves into the homes of both lower and upper-class warriors and includes access to actual samurai residences. The history of the Samurai, which endures to this day, will be presented in an engaging and informative manner.
• 地酒のふじた - Akita Prefecture is renowned for its extensive variety of Japanese sake. At Fujita, visitors can sample three different types of Japanese sake through a sake tasting experience. Fujita offers various Japanese sake brands originating from Akita Prefecture that are exclusively available in the region. They also sell local beer, which can be purchased as souvenirs along with the sake bottles.
• Ando Jozo Brewery Honten - Kakunodate is divided into an inner town with samurai residences and an outer town with rows of 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 the traditional flavors passed down through generations. The main store, rebuilt in 1883, maintains its original appearance.
  On this tour, participants will enjoy tasting miso and pickles and comparing three different types of soy sauce. They can choose between soy sauce ice cream or a miso macaron, a specialty made at Ando Brewery.
• Goto Fukushindo - Tucked away on a back street of Samurai street is Fukushindo, a traditional Japanese sweet shop that has been in operation for over 140 years. Visitors can try manju, dorayaki, and other mochi sweets that 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 until 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 was abolished in 1871.
  The Iwahashi manor house was remodeled in the late Edo period. Originally thatched, the roof was later changed to its current shingled style during a subsequent renovation.
• Bukeyashiki no chaya - Located across the street 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, like the samurai, made 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 austere and deep colors, is widely used as a daily material.
  This will be the final stop of the tour.

• Snacks provided
• Three-drink comparison at local liquor store
• Entrance to Samurai House
• Insurance included
• Umbrella and boot rentals for rainy days

• Private transportation

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