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Kakunodatemachi

Kakunodatemachi, Semboku, Akita, Japan

Kakunodatemachi

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Kakunodatemachi

Welcome to Kakunodatemachi, a charming town in Semboku, Akita, Japan! Get ready to step into a fairytale as you stroll through its historic samurai district, complete with magnificent wooden houses and ancient temples. Don't leave without trying the local delicacy, "kakuni" pork belly, guaranteed to make your taste buds dance with delight. Akita-licious!

Recommendations

Landmark4.3/5

Kakunodate Historical Village – Aoyagi Residence

Landmark4.2/5

Ishiguro-ke Samurai House

Landmark4/5

Iwahashi-ke Samurai House

Landmark4.3/5

Kawarada-ke Samurai House

Landmark4.2/5

Matsumoto-ke Samurai House

Moss grows across this thatched samurai house, low enough to resemble a farmhouse. A broad yard leads to its gate.

Landmark4.1/5

Odano-ke Samurai House

Landmark4.4/5

Kakunodate Samurai Residence Street

Culture4.1/5

Kakunodate Cherry Bark Woodcraft Museum

Transport4/5

Kakunodate Station

Landmark4.4/5

Somei-yoshino Cherry Trees on the Hinokinai River Embankment

Landmark4.1/5

Kakunodate Castle Remains

Culture4/5

Hirafuku Memorial Museum of Art

Culture3.9/5

Shinchosha Memorial Literature Museum

Kakunodate's Shinchosha literature museum traces the publisher through author timelines and relationship charts, with Snow Country carved into stone.

Landmark4.6/5

Andō-ke renga-kura

Landmark3.9/5

Nishinomiya House

Landmark4.2/5

Tourist Information Center Kakunodate

Landmark5/5

和のゐ 角館(武士蔵、ガッコ蔵)

Eat$$$3.9/5

Oshokujidokoro Tōhachidō / Cafe Pania

Cafe$$5/5

WARAN

Kakunodate cafe with coffee, tea, matcha lattes and scone sets.

Eat$$$4.2/5

Sakura no Sato

This Kakunodate restaurant serves Inaniwa udon with thin noodles and fresh mushrooms. Hinai chicken gives its oyakodon a charcoal-grilled flavor.

Stays

Stay$$$4.2/5

Hotel B4T Kakunodate

The property features air-conditioned rooms and free private parking. Each room has a flat-screen TV. You will find a kettle in the room. Rooms have a private bathroom fitted with a bath. Extras include slippers and free toiletries. The property features free WiFi throughout the building. There is luggage storage space at the property. JR Kakunodate Station is a a minute's walk away from the hotel. Akita Airport is 30 km away.

Stay$4.15/5

Kakunodate guest house Choux

Kakunodate Guest House Choux in Senboku offers family rooms with private bathrooms. Each room includes air-conditioning, a bath, and a work desk. Guests enjoy free WiFi, a minimarket, and an outdoor play area. Additional amenities include a coffee shop, outdoor seating, and a picnic area. Located 42 km from Akita Airport, the hostel is near shops and attractions. Activities available include skiing and cycling. Highly rated for its convenient location and nearby shops.

Stay4.05/5

HOTEL Reise Basis / ホテル ライゼ ベイシス

Hotel Reise Basis in Senboku offers comfortable rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and free WiFi. Each room includes a work desk, bidet, hairdryer, and free toiletries. Guests benefit from a 24-hour front desk, free on-site private parking, and free toiletries. Additional amenities include a shower and slippers, ensuring a pleasant stay. Located 42 km from Akita Airport, the hotel provides easy access to local attractions. Reception staff communicate in Japanese, assisting guests with their needs.

Stay4.1/5

Tamachi Bukeyashiki Hotel

Situated in Daisen, 39 km from Nyuto Hot Spring, Tamachi Bukeyashiki Hotel - Vacation STAY 20163v features accommodation with free WiFi and free private parking. The property is located less than 1 km from Kakunodate Station, 18 km from Omagari Station and 21 km from Tazawako Station. All guest rooms in the hotel are fitted with a TV. Rooms are fitted with a private bathroom with a shower, free toiletries and a hairdryer. The rooms at Tamachi Bukeyashiki Hotel - Vacation STAY 20163v have air conditioning and a desk. Lake Tazawa is 22 km from the accommodation, while Shizukuishi Station is 49 km from the property. The nearest airport is Akita Airport, 41 km from Tamachi Bukeyashiki Hotel - Vacation STAY 20163v.

Stay4.6/5

wanoi KAKUNODATE

Stay4.5/5

Wabizakura

Stay4.1/5

Machiya Hotel Kakunodate

Stay4.1/5

Samurai Street House

Stay3.8/5

Kakunodate Onsen Kayokan

Hot-spring inn with a bathhouse, sauna, electric bath and open-air bath. The baths draw naturally flowing spring water.

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Stay

Kakunodate Guesthouse Fuga

Guesthouse in Kakunodate, Akita.

Things To Do
Provided byViator

5/5
6 h

Akita Private Custom Tour with Local Guide

Get off the beaten path and immerse yourself in Akita's unique culture and landscapes on this guided tour from the Akita port cruise terminal. With a private vehicle, the day reaches deep into the Semboku area (roughly 45-70km from the port) to take in the full range of highlights: the well-preserved samurai district of Kakunodate, known as the 'Little Kyoto of Tohoku'; Lake Tazawa, Japan's deepest lake, famed for its sapphire-blue water and the golden Tatsuko statue; and the red torii gate of Gozanoishi Shrine on the lake's northern shore. Without a private vehicle, the tour stays close to the port and Akita City itself, visiting Senshu Park, built on the site of the former Kubota Castle, and the adjoining Kubota Castle ruins, including the reconstructed Front Gate and Osumiyagura Turret — a same-day round trip to the Semboku sights is not realistic by public transport within this tour's time frame.

$227.57
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5/5
3 h

Half Day Kakunodate Tour of Crafts Culture and Cuisine

Kakunodate is a former castle town which flourished during the Edo period. Known as the “Little Kyoto of Tohoku”, the town is home to a district 800-meters in radius consisting of samurai residences and traditional architecture popular with both domestic and international tourists. The samurai residences lining the town’s most famous street are nationally protected Traditional Buildings. But no one really cared about the merchant district that also has history and culture that is also passed down for generations. In this tour, with an experienced local guide, we will take you to both the merchant district and the samurai district. It will show you the contrast between the 2 distinct lifestyles of people and how the tradition has been passed down to current days. We picked up the best of the best in town, so we are confident that you will acknowledge the beauty of traditional style of living which people admired from the samurai era.

$204.81
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5/5

Full Day Tour to Akita, Samurai Town and Lake Tazawa with Guide

Premiere Tour of Akita. Our first stop is Lake Tazawa. Lake Tazawa is a mysterious Lake and the deepest one in Japan. The golden statue of Tatsuko is a must-see spot in Akita. Please take memorial photos at the shore of Lake Tazawa. Next we visit Kakunodate town. You can see how samurai lived in samurai residences. At one Samurai house, the head of the family will tell us about the residence, where it is still used for living. (This house is open to the public until November 2026) You can witness samurai swords, armor, kimonos, etc. You can take a nice photo wearing a samurai helmet. There are cute shops in the street of Samurai residences, such as a miso and soy sauce shop, a local craft shop, a Japanese sake shop, and a traditional snack shop. You may pet Akita dogs at one spot with admission fare. You can enjoy lunch at Kakunodate town or near Lake Tazawa.

$390.12
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5/5
3 h

3 Hour Cycling Tour in Kakunodate

Enjoy the original scenery of Japan from the train window on a one-car one-man train. Once you get off the train at an unmanned station, you can start cycling from there! You will pedal toward an area lined with samurai residences, stopping at temples, shrines, farmhouses, cafes, and other places to enjoy the countryside.

$125.49
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5/5
2 h 30 mins

Sword Martial Art Experience in Kakunodate

In Kakunodate, where samurai culture is deeply rooted, dojos still face the samurai residence street, and the area is home to many martial artists. Many people make martial arts a part of their lives, learning and living in the spirit of the samurai. Iaido is one of the most popular of these and uses the sword, which is said to be the spirit of the samurai. In this two-hour experience, participants will put on a dogi (a special outfit for martial art), master one of the kata of iaido, and learn about etiquette and manners. At the end of the experience, there is a test cutting with a cardboard doll, which is the most exciting part for the participants.

$292.59
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5/5
8 h

Akita Private Customizable Full Day Tour

This private and customizable tour for Akita city (in Akita Prefecture) is perfect for guests who would like to have their own itinerary planned based on their interests and preferences, allowing guests to experience the city at their own pace. Discover 4-5 attractions in Akita City at your own pace on this fully customizable 8-hour full day private tour with an English-speaking (or other language) tour guide. Create a dream tour that’s perfect for your interests and preferences. After booking, you'll receive a form with varied themes, allowing easy selection based on your interests. Whether it's culture, history, cuisine, nature, or special events, you can highlight your preferences and must-see spots, streamlining our planning process.

$332.25
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5/5
2 h 30 mins

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 karaoke with the local mama-san who runs these bars! The best way to spend the night while learning more about Kakunodate with an English speaking guide! We will contact you for your choice of izakaya and snack bar. Please let us know if you have any dietary restrictions or allergies. It is best to book at least a week in advance if you are planning to take the tour during high peak seasons, as many izakaya and snack bars can be fully booked. Please do understand there may be a limited number of izakaya options due to regular holidays or short reserving times. Due to the nature of the event, all participants must be 20 years or older. This is the legal drinking age under Japanese law.

$185.31
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4.9/5

Kanazawa Private Tour with a Local – Highlights & Hidden Gems

Explore Kanazawa your way on a private, fully customizable half-day tour designed around your interests. This isn’t a rigid itinerary—it’s a flexible, immersive experience led by a passionate local who brings the city to life through personal insight and expert knowledge. Visit iconic sites and uncover hidden gems, from samurai districts and traditional markets to peaceful gardens and geisha quarters. Your host will share meaningful stories, cultural context, and insider tips you won’t find in any guidebook. Before you meet, you'll receive a short Personalization Form so we can tailor the experience to your interests and pair you with a local guide. The true luxury is having their expertise and undivided attention, with the flexibility to explore at your own pace and focus on what interests you most.

$65.23
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4.9/5
2 h 30 mins

Samurai Food Walk in Kakunodate

This is a guided culinary tour through the unique cultural and undiscovered sights of Kakunodate in Akita Prefecture. The tour will take you to places such as Japanese sweets stores, sake shops with different sake tastings, miso and soy sauce brewery, the one and only Samurai Street, and much more!

$100.13
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3 h

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 the woods like a mirror. At the entry point of this tour, you will be able to see steam spouting through the rocks in the Fuke-no-yu Onsen. We also have a coffee break. After walking, take a day bathing of Fuke-no-yu Onsen recommended. * From Apil to May, we will take a stroll wearing snowshoes as snow still remains. Not only the mountain trails but discover the deep primeval forests that are normally inaccessible.

$39.01
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Rental Bicycle with Electric Assist / Satoyama Cycling Tour

This is a rental cycle provided by Kakunodate Guest House Choux. It is a tour where you can enjoy the charm of Akita while enjoying the culture and nature. You can see the historical sights and beautiful scenery of Kakunodate. You can experience the history and culture of Kakunodate while walking around the old townscape and traditional buildings starting from the inn. You can if you add a paid bicycle delivery option, you can start from Tazawako Station. Enjoy the beautiful nature of Akita. You can feel the fresh air while cycling through the seasonal scenery such as mountains, rivers, and lakes. A long ride from Lake Tazawa will be a luxurious experience where you can feel the breath of nature. You will be able to fully enjoy the charm of Akita and experience a memorable trip.

$13.00
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2 h 30 mins

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 destination Oyunuma, you can see close up the whizzing steam rising up. It is a rare spot where you can feel with allbody and soul the planet Earth itself. We also have a coffee break. After walking, take a day-time bathing of Goshougake Onsen recommended.　＊The short course is suitable for beginners and those that are not confident in their physical ability. ＊The long course is the scenic route with more up-down trails. Recommended for the more adventurous and those that want to fully immerse in the snow experience.

$45.51
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5 h

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 samurai house, you can witness samurai swords, armor, kimonos, etc. You can take a nice photo wearing samurai helmets. There are cute shops in the street, such as a miso and soy sauce shop, a local craft shop, a Japanese sake shop, and a traditional snack shop. At Japanese Sake shop, you can try tasting of a couple of Japanese sake for free. If you have time, you can visit Kabazaiku museum where a craft man is demonstrating to make local handy craft beautiful "Kabazaiku." I promise you can enjoy this half day tour totally. *** Additional info **** If you are 4 guests including one or more child who is younger than 10 years old, it will be ok with four guests. In this case please let me know.

$357.61
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2 h

2 Hours Private Zen Meditation Experience in Kakunodate

You may be thinking, "Samurai and Zen?" However, many warlords took refuge in Buddhism, including Zen Buddhists, and countless Zen priests who worked with warlords as military strategists and educators. It is no exaggeration to say that the spirit of samurai bushido aims to reach the state of Zen. The Soto denomination of Buddhism, the temple where this experience is held, places particular emphasis on Zen meditation among the various denominations of Buddhism. It has been the spiritual center of the community for 350 years. It is an extremely valuable experience to learn some of the spirit of Zen that has been passed down from generation to generation and in which Samurai also used to incline

$185.31
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8 h 40 mins

Kakunodate Samurai Iaido Experience Private Tour from Morioka

Step back in time to Edo-period Japan with a private tour in Kakunodate, the "Little Kyoto of Tohoku." Stroll through historic streets lined with authentic samurai residences, like over the 400-year-old Aoyagi Samurai Manor Museum, feeling the profound connection to samurai culture. This exclusive 2.5-hour Iaido experience offers a deep dive into Japanese martial arts. Don a training uniform and learn the spirit, manners, and basic sword handling from a skilled instructor. Master drawing and sheathing techniques, enhancing concentration and body control. Immerse yourself in the traditional aesthetic and discipline of the samurai in a truly unique setting.

$572.18
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48 h

Snowshoe Experience in Akita Yuzawa Winter Park with an Akita Dog

Enjoy snowshoeing in a park near the city covered white world with your guide. You may even find the footprints of rabbits and other animals. After a 15-minute snowshoeing, you can take photos and interact with an Akita dog. Known as the loyal dog Hachiko, the Akita dog is designated as a natural monument of Japan. Although it is a large dog, it is said to be loyal, obedient, obedient to commands, and close to its owner. You can have a special experience interacting with an Akita dog in Akita, the birthplace of the Akita dog. Be fascinated by the snow country and the cuteness of the Akita dog. After interacting with the Akita dog and snowshoeing, you can return to the hotel and see the hotel's snowplow. You can also play in the snow. This is a two-day tour that includes accommodation at a hotel and allows you to experience Japan's snow country.

$162.55
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8 h

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 such as the Ishiguro and Aoyagi houses. Savor Akita specialties including Hinai chicken and Inaniwa udon, and stop at Ando Jozo to discover locally made fermented products. Back in Akita City, explore local festival culture at the Neburi Nagashi Kan and take a relaxing walk through Senshu Park. This private tour offers a well-rounded introduction to Akita beyond the port. If your ship’s port time is less than 8 hours, we will adjust the itinerary accordingly to ensure you return to the port on time.

$1,111.30
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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 about key historical figures and the transformation from conflict to stable governance. Experience guided visits to multiple samurai residences, where the architecture and lifestyle reflect the intricate social order of the time. - In-depth exploration of Kakunodate’s samurai history - Guided visits inside various samurai residences - Two participation options: direct join or from Kakunodate Station - Tours available on days when residences are open, excluding Tuesdays

$197.99
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