Akita Prefecture offers more than just scenic landscapes and delicious sake—it’s a place where history, food, and local life come together in a way that’s perfect for walking tours. Whether you’re wandering through Edo-period merchant towns, exploring samurai residences, or getting a taste of city life, Akita’s compact size and rich heritage make it ideal for exploring on foot. We’re especially fond of the Samurai Food Walk in Kakunodate for its combination of culinary delights and samurai history, and the Walking Tour of Wealthy Merchant’s Storehouses in Akita for an intimate look at old merchant wealth. Both give a taste of local life that’s hard to find in more cookie-cutter destinations.
If you’re after a broader city experience with a mix of parks, museums, and local markets, the Half Day Private Guided Walking Tour in Akita City Center offers a flexible way to see the highlights with a personal touch. Each of these tours offers a different window into Akita’s culture, making this list a great starting point whether you want to savor sake, wander historic streets, or explore old merchant homes.
1. Samurai Food Walk in Kakunodate
At number one, the Samurai Food Walk in Kakunodate combines culinary exploration with cultural discovery in one of Japan’s most beautifully preserved samurai towns. For about $106.88 per person, you’ll spend roughly two and a half hours touring Kakunodate, a town often called “Mitchinoku’s Little Kyoto.” This guided experience takes you to traditional sake shops, Japanese sweets stores, and even a miso and soy sauce brewery—where you can sample local flavors you won’t find in supermarkets. The highlight is walking along the famous Samurai Street, lined with well-preserved samurai residences, some of which you enter to see how these samurai families lived.
The guide shares fascinating stories about the Edo-period houses, making history come alive through personal anecdotes. Visitors love the opportunity to taste a variety of sakes and local snacks, all while strolling through an area designated as a National Important Preservation District. This tour is perfect for travelers who enjoy food, history, and scenery rolled into one. It’s a thorough introduction to Kakunodate’s unique culture without feeling rushed.
Bottom line: This tour offers exceptional value for a memorable mix of food and history in a scenic setting. It’s ideal if you want to sample local flavors and learn about samurai life firsthand.
2. Walking Tour of Wealthy Merchant’s Storehouses in Akita
Coming in at number two, the Walking Tour of Wealthy Merchant’s Storehouses in Akita costs just $29.43 per person and lasts about two hours. The tour begins with a short transfer from JR Jumonji Station to Masuda Town, an old merchant hub that prospered during the Edo period. As you walk through this quiet, historic town, you’ll see mansion homes built by wealthy merchants, each with its own Kura, or storehouse, used to store documents and household treasures.
What makes this tour stand out is the chance to step inside some of these inhabited storehouses, which are rare survivors of a bygone era. The guide shares stories about the merchants’ prosperity and how these buildings symbolize their financial strength. One of the highlights is talking with the current owners, which makes the history feel very real. Visitors note that they appreciate the relaxed pace and the chance to explore a less-touristed part of Akita.
Review quote: “Very professional, friendly, and insightful. The guide took me to the manga museum afterward, which wasn’t planned but was a lovely bonus.”
Bottom line: This tour is suited for history buffs and those interested in traditional architecture, offering an authentic glimpse into merchant life that’s both educational and charming.
3. Half Day Private Guided Walking Tour in Akita City Center
Finally, the Half Day Private Guided Walking Tour in Akita City Center provides a flexible, personalized way to explore Japan’s northern capital. At roughly $333 for a group of up to seven people, this four- to six-hour tour covers a mix of cultural sites, parks, markets, and museums—ideal for travelers who want a taste of city life combined with rich sights.
Your tour includes visits to Akita Akarenga Kyodokan, a red-brick former bank with art displays, and the bustling Public Market, where you can mingle with locals and try street food. You’ll also see the Folk Museum and Castle Park, where you can stroll amid historic ruins. On Saturdays, there’s an optional Maiko show and tea service, which requires prior reservation but adds a uniquely Japanese experience.
Because this is a private tour, your guide can tailor the stops based on your interests, making it a versatile choice for those who want to combine history, art, and local life in a single walk. Visitors have noted that the guide’s flexibility and local insights make this a very enjoyable experience.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers wanting a customized and comfortable city tour, this is perfect if you want to cover a lot in a half day without feeling rushed.
$332.96 per group (up to 7)
How to Choose
When selecting the best walking tour in Akita, consider your budget, interests, and time constraints. If food and samurai history appeal most, the Samurai Food Walk in Kakunodate offers a rich, tasty experience. For those interested in architecture and merchant stories, the Walking Tour of Wealthy Merchant’s Storehouses provides a deep dive into local history with minimal cost. If city sights and flexible scheduling are your priorities, the Private Akita City tour delivers tailored experiences with added comfort.
Think about the logistics as well: all tours require some planning around transportation, especially the merchant tour that starts at a bus stop, while the private city tour offers the advantage of customizing your schedule. Booking early is recommended, especially for popular tours or those with limited availability like the Maiko show.
Final Thoughts
Akita Prefecture offers a surprising variety of walking experiences that reveal its unique blend of history, food, and city life. The Samurai Food Walk in Kakunodate stands out for its combination of culinary delights and Edo-era architecture, making it perfect for history and food lovers. Meanwhile, the Merchant Storehouse tour gives a rare peek into Japan’s commercial past, ideal for architecture fans and history buffs on a budget. The City Center private tour suits those wanting a flexible, personalized experience of Akita’s urban charm.
No matter which tour you choose, booking ahead will ensure you get the most out of your visit. These walks offer a chance to see Akita through the eyes of locals and history, making your trip richer and more memorable. Now’s the time to plan your walk—Akita awaits with its quiet streets and stories waiting to be uncovered.