Kakunodate & Sake Brewery Tour Cruise Shore Excursion

Overview

Journey back to the Edo period with a 6-hour cultural immersion in Akita Prefecture. This excursion focuses on Kakunodate, often called the “Little Kyoto of Tohoku,” home to one of Japan’s most well-preserved samurai districts. You will walk beneath ancient weeping cherry trees and enter the actual homes of high-ranking warriors before venturing to the historic Suzuki Sake Brewery (Hideyoshi) to taste the craftsmanship of a 300-year-old family legacy.

Designed for those who appreciate history and traditional craftsmanship, this tour provides a balance of architectural beauty and culinary heritage. From the black-walled residences of the samurai to the panoramic modern skyline at Port Tower Selion, you will experience the resilience and elegance of Akita. With our “Back-to-Ship Guarantee,” you can explore the depths of Tohoku’s history with the assurance of a punctual return to your ship.

Highlights

• Kakunodate Samurai District: Explore a National Important Preservation District featuring wide streets and authentic samurai manors like the Aoyagi and Ishiguro houses.
• Suzuki Sake Brewery (Hideyoshi): Visit a brewery founded in 1689, famous for its “Hideyoshi” brand, and enjoy a guided tasting of award-winning Akita sake.
• Akita City Port Tower Selion: Ascend to a free 100-meter observation deck for 360-degree views of the Sea of Japan, Oga Peninsula, and Mount Chokai.
• Aoyagi Samurai Manor: Step inside an expansive complex containing museum collections of armor, weapons, and traditional household items.

Cruise Information

This 6-hour excursion is specifically timed for the Diamond Princess and other major vessels docking at the Port of Akita (Tsuchizaki). Kakunodate is approximately 50–60 minutes from the port by private vehicle. We synchronize our schedule with your ship’s arrival and “all aboard” times, ensuring you are back at the pier at least one hour before departure.

Complete Details

Your day begins at the Akita Port, where your licensed English-speaking guide will meet you at the terminal. A comfortable drive takes you inland to Kakunodate. You will spend time in the Samurai House District, characterized by its distinctive black wooden fences. You’ll visit the Aoyagi House, a massive estate that serves as a living museum, and the Ishiguro House, where descendants of the original samurai family still reside today.

Next, you will travel to the Suzuki Sake Brewery, located in nearby Daisen. This brewery has been in operation for over 300 years and was once the official supplier to the Satake lords of Akita. You will see the traditional brewing equipment and learn why Akita’s soft water and high-quality rice produce some of Japan’s finest sake. The visit concludes with a curated tasting session. On the way back to the port, you will stop at the Akita City Port Tower Selion. After taking in the panoramic views and perhaps picking up some local Inaniwa Udon or Iburigakko (smoked pickles) at the gift shop, your driver will return you directly to the ship’s gangway.

Booking with Jasumo

To join one of our Upcoming Shared Tours for 2026 or to request a private vehicle for your family, please contact us via our Contact Us Form. Our travel consultants will verify your ship’s docking schedule to ensure a seamless experience.

Jasumo also operates as a Destination Management Company (DMC), providing end-to-end support and reliable local coordination for individual travelers and travel agencies.

Complimentary 10GB eSIM with Every Jasumo Tour Booking

When you book your tour through Jasumo, we make your journey even smoother by giving you a free 10GB eSIM. Stay connected as you travel deep into the Akita countryside—use maps to explore the samurai backstreets, message your group, and share photos of your sake tasting instantly without worrying about finding Wi-Fi. It’s our way of ensuring a stress-free and fully connected travel experience.

FAQs

How long is the drive to Kakunodate?

The drive from Akita Port to Kakunodate takes approximately 50 to 60 minutes each way. Using a private vehicle is significantly faster and more direct than taking the local train or bus, maximizing your time for sightseeing.

Can we buy sake at the brewery to bring back to the ship?

Yes, the Suzuki Sake Brewery has a full retail shop. However, please check your specific cruise line’s alcohol policy, as most ships will collect duty-free alcohol at the gangway and return it to you on the final night of the cruise.

Is the Port Tower Selion far from the ship?

No, the Selion Tower is located right at the Akita Port area (Tsuchizaki), making it a perfect final stop before boarding. It is within sight of the cruise terminal.

What happens during the winter months?

In winter, Kakunodate is famously beautiful under a blanket of snow. While some smaller houses may have limited access, the major manors like Aoyagi-ke and Ishiguro-ke remain open, offering a magical, “frozen-in-time” atmosphere.

Does the “Back-to-Ship Guarantee” cover traffic?

Yes. We monitor traffic on the main highways between Akita and Kakunodate in real-time. We always build a generous time buffer into our 6-hour itinerary to ensure you are back at the pier at least one hour before departure.

Location