1 / 12Veranda facing to a Japanese gardenPhoto: tour operator, via Viator
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Full Day Tour to Akita, Samurai Town and Lake Tazawa with Guide
A private full day from Akita Station to Lake Tazawa and the samurai houses of Kakunodate, with a local guide who drives.
US$194 per person for 2 · US$388 per car · Taxi ~15 min from the ship
Most listings let you reserve now and pay later, and cancel free up to 24 hours before. Your ship's berth or time can change; a reservation costs nothing to hold.
Checked · price, reviews and availability from the operator’s Viator listing · Takumi Yamada
The day, stop by stop
- 2 hr 30 minStatue of Tatsuko
- 1 hrTazawa Lake
- 4 hrKakunodate
Not at the pier: about 15 minutes by taxi
Measured from Akita Port Cruise Terminal.
- Taxi
- ~15 min · 9 kmAbout ¥4,500–5,700 (US$29–38) one way on the meter
- Meeting point
- JR Akita Station ticket gate →The taxi ride in Google Maps
- Show your driver
- JR秋田駅 改札口
- Other ways there
- Walk 10 min to Port Tower Selion, then Akita Chuo Kotsu Selion Line bus (routes 115/119) to Akita-eki Nishiguchi, about 30 min, ¥550 (weekdays 7 useful departures, weekends/holidays 3)
- Coming back
- The same ~15 minutes; be at the ship an hour before all-aboard.
Fare from the official meter tariff in force since 2026-06-01, for the road distance; traffic, tolls and night surcharges are extra.
- It pairs the site's number 5 and number 6 Akita picks, Kakunodate and Lake Tazawa, which are hard to combine by public transport on a ship's clock.
- At one samurai house the head of the family shows you the residence, with swords, armour and kimono on display.
- The guide meets you at the Akita Station ticket gate with a name sign and brings you back there; it holds a 5.0 rating across 6 reviews.
A couple or small group on a long Akita call who want both Tazawa and Kakunodate in one day.
The price covers guiding only. The operator lists extra costs: 6,000 yen for the guide's car (1 to 3 people) or about 25,000 yen for a rented van (4 to 6), 1,620 yen in expressway tolls, plus entry fees and lunch. At 7 to 8 hours from Akita Station it needs a call of about 11 hours, and 6 reviews is a thin record. It was not open on any of the 8 Akita ship days we checked on 12 October 2026.
What you will see
~6–7h with the trainKakunodate samurai town
Whole streets of samurai manors under weeping cherries, an hour inland — crafts, kimono rental and cellar museums.
Our guide to it
Full day, guidedLake Tazawa loop
Japan’s deepest lake — sapphire blue with a golden maiden statue at the waterline.
Our guide to itCheck dates and book
Booked through Viator (a Tripadvisor company); there is rarely a tour desk at the pier. We may earn a small commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.
What Princess Cruises charges for a day like this in Akita
Princess Cruises prices from its public Akita excursion page, 25 October 2026, per person. Tour prices here are the operator’s current from price.
Before you book
Is the Full Day Tour to Akita, Samurai Town and Lake Tazawa with Guide worth it from the Akita cruise port?
A private full day from Akita Station to Lake Tazawa and the samurai houses of Kakunodate, with a local guide who drives. Best for: A couple or small group on a long Akita call who want both Tazawa and Kakunodate in one day.
How long a port call do I need for this tour?
About 11 hours. The tour runs 7 hr – 8 hr; add half an hour to get off the ship, about 15 minutes each way between the pier and the start and keep the hour before all-aboard free. Add 25–30 minutes each way by taxi between the port and Akita Station (or about 40 minutes by the Selion bus, walk included).
Can I cancel if my ship skips the port?
The operator's policy: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time. The operator may cancel for bad weather, with a refund.
What should I know before booking?
The price covers guiding only. The operator lists extra costs: 6,000 yen for the guide's car (1 to 3 people) or about 25,000 yen for a rented van (4 to 6), 1,620 yen in expressway tolls, plus entry fees and lunch. At 7 to 8 hours from Akita Station it needs a call of about 11 hours, and 6 reviews is a thin record. It was not open on any of the 8 Akita ship days we checked on 12 October 2026.
Does this tour pick up at the cruise pier?
No: the start is at JR Akita Station ticket gate, about 15 minutes from the ship by taxi (about ¥4,500–5,700 on the meter).
Will I be back on board before all-aboard?
The operator makes no written on-time promise, so the margin is yours to keep. This site only shows the tour as fitting a call of about 11 hours or more, which already includes half an hour to get ashore and the hour before all-aboard. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before means a reservation costs nothing to hold if your ship’s hours change.
Is the price per person or per vehicle?
Per vehicle or group: from about US$388 for the car, so about US$194 a head for two, up to 6 travellers.
Other guided days in Akita
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Why it is here
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A three-hour private bicycle ride through the countryside and samurai streets around Kakunodate, starting with a local one-car train.
Why it is here
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Why it is here
Full Day Tour to Akita, Samurai TownUS$194 per person for 2 · US$388 per car · Free cancellation 24h ahead · needs an 11-hour call · New listing · 6 reviewsFrom US$388 per groupFree cancellation 24h · needs 11-h callCheck dates on Viator →Check dates →