Welcome to Kakunodate, a samurai town in the center of Akita Prefecture. With its unique history, the town is one of the top destinations within Akita to visit.
At night, it becomes a quiet town after day visitors depart with their trains. This is when locals come out, and the tourist town shifts back to the locals’ life.
On this tour, you will discover izakayas and snack bars with a local guide. We will take you to places hidden from tourists and where only locals go.
Find out for yourself what a Japanese snack bar is, and finish the night the way the locals do.
Please wear clothes suitable for walking outdoors.
In case of natural disasters, we may cancel the tour. (A refund will be provided.)
We are not responsible for the health of individuals due to drinking alcohol. Please drink responsibly.
Your guide will be waiting at Tachimachi Pocket Park, a small roadside venue in front of the Kakunodate Post Office. We will hold a sign with the tour name.
After a quick introduction, we will head towards the first izakaya and you will have a chance to learn about the snack bar culture in Japan.
Time duration: 10 minutes
Note: The booking will be automatically cancelled if you do not arrive at the meeting point 30 minutes after the start time.
Drinking will commence with the local’s favorite dish to welcome guests.
Time duration: 45 minutes
Head off to an izakaya of your choice.
Your options:
Naruhodo: Traditional Japanese dishes and local sake. Great for groups wanting a Japanese dining experience.
Goninhyakusho: Budget-friendly local izakaya for groups, perfect for casual gatherings.
Fukuya: Japanese yakiniku and Korean-style recipes, ideal for beer lovers.
Sushi “Hide”: Sushi and sashimi with local sake, great for sushi enthusiasts.
Genbei: Usually a lunch favorite, open for reserved diners. Known for special “egg sake.”
Note: For the best experience, please provide your top 3 picks at least 3 days in advance for reservations. During peak season, reservations may require up to 1 month notice.
Time duration: 45 minutes
After dinner at the two izakayas, we will head to a Japanese “Snack Bar” – the deeper part of Japanese night life.
You will meet the “mama-san” at the local snack bar, usually open only to locals. Our guides will help you interact with her and gain local insights while enjoying your favorite drink.
Your options:
Kyara: Favorite among locals; the mama-san sings classic Japanese songs.
Hang Out Night: Renovated bar with a Western-like atmosphere.
Katakuri: Hidden gem known only to locals, great for conversation with the mama-san.
Egoist: Small bar run by a friendly mama-san.
Note: All snack bars are smoker-friendly. If you prefer not to go to a snack bar, extra time can be spent at the first two izakayas instead.
(Depending on the situation, other employees may be assigned to handle this service.)
Makito Kochihira (Guide name: Mac)
Born in Okinawa and raised in Nepal. Started living in Akita after entering university. After graduation, worked as a community-reactivating cooperator squad in Semboku City. Established Yumeijin Co., Ltd. in 2023.
Mikiya Sugawara (Guide name: Mickey)
Born and raised in Tokyo. Loved Akita since childhood, inspired by time with grandparents. After working in a manufacturer, changed career to become a nature-focused guide.
Daiki Nakada (Guide name: Daiki)
Born in Okinawa. Lived in France (2018–19) and Estonia (2022–23). Loves Akita’s nature and people, guiding with a focus on culture and environment.
Ginji Sugitani (Guide name: Ginji)
Born in Ibaraki, raised in Texas. Lived in Portugal and New Zealand, visited 30 countries. Returned to Akita for a slower lifestyle, passionate about rural culture.
1 minute walk from JR Kakunodate Station
Address:
Inside ORENCHI, 94-7 Nakasugasawa, Kakudate-machi,
Semboku City, Akita Prefecture, 〒014-0368
Phone: 090-4571-7792
Email: info@yumeijin.co.jp
22,000 JPY/person
(Solo travelers are required to pay for 2 people)
Fee includes:
2.5 hours in-person guiding
2,000 JPY/person covered at each spot (extra fees paid by guest)
Available Days: Monday to Saturday
Participants: 1–4 people (Private)
Available Year: Full year
Cut-off: 1 week prior
Start Time / Duration: 18:00 – 20:30
Example Schedule:
18:00 Meet & introduction
18:15 1st Izakaya (Domanin)
19:10 2nd Izakaya
20:00 Snack Bar
20:30 End of tour
On-site or by invoice
Methods: Cash, credit card, QR code, IC card
Inform us of food allergies or preferences (vegan, gluten-free, etc.)
Up to 1 week before: Free of charge
6–4 days prior: 20%
3–2 days prior: 30%
Day before: 50%
Same day: 100%
Yumeijin Co., Ltd.
(Access same as above)
Wi-Fi: Within office
Reservations: Direct or via agent
