Off-the-beaten-path Akita Prefecture delivers authentic Japanese experiences through its standout tours. The medieval samurai district of Kakunodate and pristine Lake Tazawa form the backbone of most guided excursions. I’m particularly fond of the cycling tours through rural villages and walking tours featuring the fearsome Namahage demons – both offer intimate glimpses into local traditions you won’t find in guidebooks.
The snowshoe hiking tours in winter and electric bike rides in warmer months let you experience Akita’s natural beauty at a perfect pace. What I love: tours include all the essentials – transportation, gear, entry fees, and typically some local snacks. Most operators offer reasonable cancellation policies and prices ranging from budget to premium options.
Browse our carefully selected tour recommendations below to start planning your Akita adventure.
Key Points
- Akita Prefecture offers a diverse range of tours, including cycling, cultural, walking, and private guided tours, catering to various interests and fitness levels.
- Tour inclusions feature electric-assist bicycles, English-speaking guides, admission fees, lunch, and transportation, providing a comprehensive and convenient experience for visitors.
- Most tours are not wheelchair accessible, and some may not be suitable for those with back problems or heart conditions, so it’s important to check the accessibility requirements.
- Booking flexibility, free cancellation, and a lowest price guarantee make it easier for travelers to plan and customize their Akita Prefecture tour experience.
- Refreshments and amenities, such as snacks, regional culinary offerings, and cozy meeting spaces, enhance the overall participant experience during the tours.
3 Hour Cycling Tour in Kakunodate
The 3-hour cycling tour in Kakunodate, Akita Prefecture, Japan, offers visitors a unique and immersive way to explore the historic town. This private tour allows participants to enjoy the journey alongside their own group, providing a personalized experience.
Priced at $128.21 per person, the tour includes a range of convenient inclusions, such as snacks, use of electric-assist bicycles, a train ticket, insurance, and transportation to the starting point at Kakunodate Station.
The tour can be joined at either the station or an alternative meeting point, with the experience returning to the original meeting location. While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s suitable for those with a moderate level of physical fitness.
Guests should note that the tour isn’t recommended for travelers with specific medical conditions. Based on positive reviews, the tour guide’s expertise and the engaging nature of the experience are highlights, with the Sakura season being an especially recommended time to join.
Read our full review: 3 Hour Cycling Tour in Kakunodate Review
Book now: Check availability
Full Day Tour to Akita, Samurai Town and Lake Tazawa With Guide
For those seeking a comprehensive exploration of Akita Prefecture‘s cultural heritage and natural wonders, the Full Day Tour to Akita, Samurai Town, and Lake Tazawa with Guide offers an immersive experience.
Priced from $341.89 per group (up to 7 people), this 6-hour private tour allows guests to explore the region’s rich history and stunning landscapes. The tour includes English-speaking guide services, admission fees, and lunch.
Highlights include visiting the Samurai district, where guests can explore two historic Samurai houses, and admiring the serene Lake Tazawa, a crater lake renowned for its deep blue hue.
The guide, Tomio Yokouchi, is praised for their extensive knowledge, patience, and ability to provide local insights, enhancing the overall tour experience.
With a 5.0 rating from 3 reviews, this tour is recommended for its unique culture and opportunity to savor local delicacies.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is suitable for most travelers.
Read our full review: Full Day Tour to Akita, Samurai Town and Lake Tazawa With Guide Review
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Rental Bicycle With Electric Assist / Satoyama Cycling Tour
Though it may not have the grand cultural significance of the previous tour, the Rental Bicycle with Electric Assist / Satoyama Cycling Tour in Akita Prefecture offers visitors an immersive opportunity to explore the region’s scenic rural landscapes.
Priced from $13.15 per person, this private tour allows your group to rent bicycles with electric assistance and cycle through the picturesque Satoyama countryside. The tour includes the use of a bicycle, insurance, and a helmet, with the meeting point at Kakunodate guest house Choux.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is suitable for most travelers, with confirmation provided within 48 hours of booking. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the experience, and guests can reserve their spot with the option to pay later.
With its focus on the natural beauty of Akita, this cycling tour offers a unique and engaging way to discover the region’s rural charms.
Read our full review: Rental Bicycle With Electric Assist / Satoyama Cycling Tour Review
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Walking Tour of Wealthy Merchants Storehouses in Akita
This walking tour offers visitors a unique chance to explore the impressive storehouses of Akita Prefecture‘s wealthy merchants. Priced from $29.59 per person, the tour takes travelers on a journey through these historic structures, with a maximum group size of 8.
The meeting point is the Masuda Kuranoeki-mae bus stop, though participants can also opt to meet the guide at JR Jumonji Station with prior notice. Private transportation is included.
Visitors will have the opportunity to access up to 3 mansion interiors as part of the entrance fee. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and it’s not recommended for those with back problems or serious medical conditions. Most travelers, however, can participate.
Flexible scheduling is available if no other group has booked the tour at the chosen time. Confirmation is received at the time of booking, and travelers can take advantage of the reserve now, pay later option.
Read our full review: Walking Tour of Wealthy Merchants Storehouses in Akita Review
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Private Half Day Akita Namahage Tour With Licensed Guide
Set out on a captivating half-day expedition into the cultural heart of Akita Prefecture with a private Namahage tour led by a licensed guide. Priced at $309.02 for a group of up to 7, this tour explores the fascinating Namahage tradition, including visits to Mt. Kanpuan, the Namahage Museum, and Ogashinzan.
The tour includes English guiding, lunch, and admission fees. Transportation is provided via a private car for 1 to 3 participants or a hired van taxi for 4 to 7 participants.
The meeting point is at the JR Akita Station, where you’ll be greeted by the guide holding a sign with your name.
This private tour ensures an exclusive experience, with your group being the only participants. The tour starts at 9:00 am and ends back at the meeting point.
Travelers should note that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and may not be suitable for those with back problems, but most visitors can comfortably participate.
Read our full review: Private Half Day Akita Namahage Tour With Licensed Guide Review
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Half Day Tour to Akita, Samurai Town With Lisenced Guide
On this half-day tour to Akita’s Samurai Town, a licensed guide takes visitors on an immersive exploration of the region’s rich historical and cultural heritage.
The tour departs from a selected meeting point in Akita Prefecture, Japan, and provides private transportation for the group. Whether traveling by private car or hired van taxi, the experience is tailored to the group size.
During the tour, guests visit two renowned Samurai houses, with admission fees included in the price. The guide provides English-language commentary, shedding light on the life and traditions of Akita’s Samurai past.
Lunch can be arranged upon request, and the tour also covers the expressway fees.
The half-day experience begins at 9 AM and concludes back at the original meeting point.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours prior and a lowest price guarantee, this tour offers an accessible and budget-friendly way to explore Akita’s Samurai legacy.
Read our full review: Half Day Tour to Akita, Samurai Town With Lisenced Guide Review
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Fluffy New Snow and the Earth Beating, Goshougake Oyunuma Snowshoeing Tour
Venture into the pristine winter landscapes of Akita Prefecture with the Fluffy New Snow and the Earth Beating, Goshougake Oyunuma Snowshoeing Tour. This guided snowshoeing adventure allows you to explore the captivating Goshougake Hot Spring area, including the Oyunuma pond.
The tour departs from the Goshougake Hot Spring Hotel, providing easy access to the snowshoe trails. Visitors can rent essential equipment like snowshoes, poles, boots, and warm wear for an additional fee. Coffee and tea are complimentary during the tour.
The private tour ensures your group enjoys an exclusive experience. Prices start from $17.87 per person, depending on group size. Advance booking is recommended, as cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the activity.
However, the tour isn’t suitable for those with physical limitations or serious medical conditions. This snowshoeing tour offers a serene winter escape amidst Akita’s breathtaking landscapes.
Read our full review: Fluffy New Snow and the Earth Beating, Goshougake Oyunuma Snowshoeing Tour Review
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Half Day Private Guided Walking Tour in Akita City Center
Visitors to Akita City can explore the city’s cultural highlights on the Half Day Private Guided Walking Tour in Akita City Center. This 4-hour tour, operated by local guide Tomio Yokouchi, takes participants on a journey through the heart of Akita.
The tour includes English guidance, lunch for the group, entrance fees, and public transportation fares, all for a price of €297.41 per group. Groups are limited to up to 7 participants, ensuring a personalized experience.
The tour begins at Akita Station, where the guide will meet the group. Highlights may include cultural sites and landmarks around the city center.
The tour isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems, but most others can participate. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the tour, and a Reserve Now and Pay Later option is available.
With a lowest price guarantee, this tour offers an excellent way to discover Akita City’s rich cultural heritage.
Read our full review: Half Day Private Guided Walking Tour in Akita City Center Review
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Travelers seeking a unique winter adventure in Akita Prefecture can embark on the Shared Snowshoe Hiking Tour in Semboku. This moderate-difficulty tour accommodates a maximum of 8 participants and provides all necessary equipment, including snowshoes, boots, and poles.
The tour also includes waterproof outerwear, insurance, and refreshments such as coffee, tea, snacks, and local sweets.
The meeting point for the tour is the cozy ORENCHI (俺ん家) coworking space, known for its cedar wood structure and tour poster at the front. The tour isn’t recommended for travelers with certain medical conditions, such as back problems or heart conditions, nor is it suitable for pregnant individuals or those in wheelchairs.
Booking this tour is straightforward, with confirmation received within 48 hours, subject to availability. Travelers can enjoy the flexibility of free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience and the convenience of the Reserve Now and Pay Later option.
The tour is priced at $85.47 per person, with a lowest price guarantee.
Read our full review: Shared Snowshoe Hiking Tour in Semboku Review
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The Sum Up
Akita Prefecture offers a variety of tours to suit different interests. From cycling through historical Kakunodate to snowshoeing in the winter wonderland of Goshougake Oyunuma, visitors can experience the natural beauty and cultural heritage of this region. With guided tours, rental bicycles, and private experiences, there’s something for all looking to explore Akita’s top attractions.