Kakunodate is a former castle town which flourished during the Edo period. Known as the “Little Kyoto of Tohoku,” the town has a district of 800 meters radius with samurai residences and traditional architecture.
On this tour, an experienced local guide will take you to both the merchant and samurai districts. You will have the opportunity to see and experience local craftsmanship and be guided inside a samurai house.
The full-day tour includes a visit to Suzuki Brewery, where you can try sake with pairings.
Please wear clothes suitable for walking outdoors.
In case of natural disasters, we may cancel the tour. (A refund will be provided.)
Luggage storage is available, but only until 5:00 PM.
To reduce plastic waste, we ask that you bring your own water bottle.
Website
Kabazaiku craft has been passed down for 200 years since the late Edo period (1603–1868).
During this tour, you can make your own coaster by scraping the mountain cherry bark yourself.
Time duration: 1 hour
Website
The Ando family has been brewing since 1853. A seventh-generation family member will guide you through historic buildings and the soy sauce storage warehouse, normally closed to the public.
Taste and compare three types of soy sauce and receive a personalized bottle at the end of the tour.
Time duration: 1 hour
Website
The samurai residences on this street are nationally protected traditional buildings. Visit one samurai residence and learn about life in that era.
Time duration: 1 hour
Website
Founded in 1689, Suzuki Brewery has historic ties to the feudal lord of Akita. You will tour the sake-making facilities and taste sake with appetizers.
Time duration: 1.5 hours
(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
43,600 JPY per person
(Solo travelers must pay for 2 people)
Fee includes:
8 hours in-person guiding fee
Kabazaiku craft experience
Entrance to one samurai residence
Ando Brewery visit and tasting
Suzuki Brewery visit and tasting
Lunch
Insurance fee
Available Days: Monday to Saturday
Participants: Private 1–8 people
Available Period: Full Year
Start Time / Duration: 9:00am – 16:30pm
Example Schedule:
9:00 – Meet and introduction
9:15 – Kabazaiku workshop
10:30 – Ando Brewery
11:30 – Bukeyashiki
12:30 – Lunch
13:30 – Transfer by private car
14:00 – Suzuki Brewery
16:00 – Return by private car
16:30 – End of tour
Meeting Point: Co-Working Space ORENCHI
(Pick-up at JR Kakunodate Station available)
Pay on site or by invoice
Payment Methods: Cash, credit card, QR code, transportation IC system
Inform us in advance of food allergies or preferences (vegan, gluten-free, etc.)
Up to 1 week before tour: Free of charge
6–4 days prior: 20%
3–2 days prior: 30%
Day before tour: 50%
Day of tour: 100%
Yumeijin Co., Ltd.
Access: Same as address above
Wi-Fi: Within office
Reservations: Direct or via agent
