Hafen
Akita

OVERVIEW

Walk through the castle city of Kakunodate and browse residences that wealthy samurai families once owned. About 80 families lived in the samurai district in the 17th and 18th centuries and several of their homes are still largely intact. The descendants of the Ishiguro family continue to reside in their family house so only part of it is open. Still, it is impressive architecturally and for its furnishings, which include a collection of samurai armor. The larger Aoyagi house next door contains a complex of buildings with displays that explain samurai traditions, lifestyles and why Kakunodate rose to prominence as samurai city. A leisurely walk down the district’s wide, tree-lined streets will bring you to the Kakunodate Cherry Bark Craft Center. The artisans there craft items such as jewelry boxes and furniture using the highly durable bark from cherry trees, which have the ability to regenerate their bark so no harm is done.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore the well-preserved samurai district in the 17th-century castle town Kakunodate.
• Visit two samurai residences, one still occupied by the samurai’s descendants.
• See original artifacts that shed light on the traditions and lifestyles of the samurai.
• Browse a craft center with pieces made with cherry bark, a skill that samurai developed.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Get a glimpse into Akita’s intriguing history by meandering through the ruins of a 17th-century castle and by browsing a folk art museum. Constructed in 1604 as home to the powerful Satake clan, Kubota Castle protected the surrounding area for centuries, which encouraged the city of Kubota – now known as Akita – to develop around it. The castle eventually suffered a series of devastating fires and years of neglect before being partially reconstructed in the late 1980s. Even though only the watchtower, main gate and moat remain, Kubota Castle stands as a reminder of how Akita came to be. The Akita City Folk Art Center reveals a different aspect of the city’s past, mostly centered around the annual Kanto Festival. During this celebration, participants parade through the streets while hoisting towering bamboo poles decorated with dozens of lanterns. You will see some of the lanterns used in past festivals and an affluent merchant’s house from the Edo Period.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Walk among the remains of Kubota Castle, around which the city of Akita developed.
• Browse a folk art center that showcases lanterns and displays from the Kanto Festival.
• See a restored merchant’s home that lends great insight into local life in the Edo Period.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Delve into the culture of the Oga Peninsula by watching a highly unusual folkloric performance and then enjoy a 360° view of the gorgeous peninsula from atop a revolving observatory. At the Namahage Museum, you will see a rare collection of demonic masks and straw capes worn during an annual New Year’s ritual that dates to ancient times. During the ritual, young men dressed as ogre deities in frightening-looking costumes burst into random houses and berate children for being lazy or ill-mannered. To enhance your understanding of this odd tradition – which ironically is meant to chase away evil spirits – you will watch a rousing Namahage performance at the adjoining folkloric museum. It will give you plenty to reflect upon as you take in the panoramic views from the observatory on volcanically formed Mount Kanpuzan. As the observatory revolves, you will see the Nyudozaki Lighthouse, the Sea of Japan, Mount Chokai and Japan’s sole remaining virgin beech forest.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Browse museum exhibits related to a Namahage ritual unique to the Oga Peninsula.
• Watch a performance of demonic-looking Namahage actors at a folkloric museum.
• Behold the peninsula’s ever-changing landscape from a revolving observatory.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Explore the history, culture, and stunning natural splendour of the Oga Peninsula during this panoramic, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Namahage Museum

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 30-minute coastal drive along the Oga Peninsula to the Namahage Museum, and take in splendid views of crags and boulders en route. Before reaching the Namahage Museum, make a brief photo stop at the Statues of Namahage. The Namahage Museum highlights the Namahage Festival, a New Year's Eve ritual that involves young men donning devil masks and traditional straw garments to raid local houses in search of children and young women. The devils take them as captives, and are then offered sake, food, and assured that the children and women are good people. Discover the importance of this dramatic festival for the local people and their culture through exhibits, displays of Namahage masks, and a show demonstrating festival-related events.

Mt. Kanpu Observatory, Lake Hachirogata, Nyudozaki Lighthouse, Sea of Japan, Mt. Chokai

Next, re-board your coach and head to the Mt. Kanpu Observatory, situated on an approximately 1,164-foot-high (about 355-metre-high) volcano covered with green fields. This iconic observatory makes a full rotation every 13 minutes. Enjoy 360-degree panoramic views stretching out to the paddy fields on the reclaimed land of Lake Hachirogata to the east, Nyudozaki Lighthouse and the Sea of Japan to the west, snow-capped Mount Chokai to the south, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Shirakami Sanchi to the north. In addition, see an exhibit depicting the history of the Oga Peninsula and its natural environment. Afterward, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 40-minute drive back to the pier.

Indulge your senses with the exquisite natural beauty and soothing hot springs of Japan during this immersive, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Akita, Senshu Park, Wooden Gate, Old Guard Post, Cherry Tree Valley

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive to beautiful Senshu Park. Built in 1603 on castle grounds, Senshu Park impresses with its serene landscape and historical importance. The wooden gate and old guard post remain from the Old Citadel as a reminder of ancient times. Upon arrival, take a guided stroll around the lake and marvel at the lotuses blooming on its surface. Famous for its valley of 800 cherry trees, the park hosts an annual spring festival when in bloom.

Azaleas, Lotus Flowers, Wooden Structures, Reconstructed Buildings

Other enchanting highlights offered by the gardens include the blooming azalea shrubs framing Kogetsu Pond from mid-to-late-May, lotus flowers floating on the water of Otemon Moat in July, and scarlet autumn leaves that turn into a picturesque scene covered in snowy winter scenes. Most of the retro-looking wooden structures around are reconstructed buildings, with one exception; the original Omonogashiragobansho. Believed to have been completed around 1758, it and served as an accommodation for the headman in charge of security and fire extinguishing in the area.

Japanese-Style Onsen (Hot Spring) Experience

Leaving Senshu Park, re-board your coach and transfer to the nearby Japanese Onsen (hot spring). The custom of bathing in hot springs have been part of the Japanese culture for centuries, and is so much more than simply cleaning oneself. In Akita, the water quality features salt springs that leave your skin smooth as silk and provide warm comfort for weary muscles. These natural waters are not only soothing, but also said to provide numerous health and beauty-related benefits. After enjoying these relaxing hot springs and experiencing a part of centuries-old Japanese culture, re-board your coach and commence the short drive back to the pier.  

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Authentic Japanese onsen (hot springs) baths are enjoyed naked; swimsuits are not permitted. To enhance your onsen experience and out of respect to the other bathers, participating guests are required to follow the traditional customs of a Japanese onsen bath. Prepare for the onsen by taking a Japanese bath before entering the hot springs. Sit on a small stool, and scrub yourself with soap and water to ensure that you are very clean. When it is time to enter the onsen, you are permitted to bring a small towel into the bathing area to enhance your privacy whilst out of the water. Traditionally, this towel is placed on your head upon entering the onsen, but it is acceptable to set it on a rock beside the bath as well. Once you have entered the bath, the towel must be kept outside of the water. Never submerge your towel in the onsen or wring it out, as this is considered rude. An onsen is a quiet place for relaxation and contemplation, so it is important to enter the hot spring slowly, without any splashing, and avoid conversation. A bath towel, face towel, shampoo, conditioner, body soap, a hair dryer, and storage are provided at the hot springs’ location. The relaxing room after the onsen experience is Japanese-style (seated on tatami mats on the floor). The onsen bathing area is not exclusive to Silversea guests. The hot springs are separated for female-only and male-only. Guests who have consumed alcoholic beverages are not permitted inside the onsen. Guests with tattoos are not permitted inside the onsen. Photography/videography is not permitted inside the onsen, its changing rooms, and/or bathrooms. Guests are advised not to bring valuables, or wear accessories, as the colour may change due to the water from the hot springs. The Onsen venue visited in this tour is public.

Discover the highlights of Akita during this picturesque, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Akita, Akita Folk Art Museum, Akita's Traditional Festival, Kaneko Family House  

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive to the Akita Folk Art Museum. Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour of the museum. Along the way, marvel at festive poles and other items related to Akita’s traditional festival, the Kanto Festival (Pole Lantern Festival). The highlight of this bustling, lively festival is an impressive display of skill in which performers balance Kanto (long bamboo poles) with arrays of paper lanterns attached to the end, and the museum staff demonstrates this action for your entertainment.  

Historic Kaneko Family House, Sake Brewery & Tasting (replaced by Senshu Park on Weekends)

Following your visit, explore the former Kaneko family house, which is located nearby. The Kaneko family started pawn shop and old clothing businesses during the Edo Era, then a kimono ship in the Meiji Period. Kaneko House is now a Cultural Property owned by the city of Akita. Afterward, re-board your coach and head to one of the many local fukurokuju (sake breweries) utilising the renowned Akita rice. Akita Prefecture is famous for its high-quality rice, and called the ‘Empire of Beautiful Sake’. Akita is also noted for its natural water, and local legend states that in days of old, people came here to get Akita water for tea ceremonies. Following your tour, proceed for a sake tasting, then browse the sake and items available for sale.

Local Market

Leaving the Sake Brewery, re-board your coach for the short transfer to your final stop, the local market (Akita shimin). Local families, and even chefs, gather at this bustling, popular market seeking their daily staples, including fresh seafood, meat, vegetables, fruit, and everyday necessities. Browse the many stalls and garner a unique glimpse into daily Japanese life. At the conclusion of your tour, re-board your coach and commence the short drive to the pier.

Take a stroll back in time to one of Japan’s most well-preserved historical areas during this bespoke, full-day sightseeing excursion to the Kakunodate Samurai District with lunch.

Akita, Kakunodate Old Town

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 1.5-hour drive to one of Japan's most well-preserved historical areas, the Kakunodate Samurai District. Around 80 Samurai families once lived here, and six of their houses are open to the public. Explore a magnificent Samurai house barely touched by time, and get a glimpse of their lives through the architecture of the buildings and items scattered around the homes. Afterward, take a stroll along the winding, historical streets of the merchant district, which are lined with dozens of weeping cherry trees planted in the 17th century, and considered a status symbol by locals. In the springtime, the blooms in the streets of the Samurai Quarter offer a uniquely authentic cherry blossom-viewing experience.

Aoyagi Manor, Scrolls, Paintings, Samurai Swords, Spears, Kabuto Helmet, Kago-Lifting, Lunch

Next, head to the Aoyagi Manor, a 400-year-old local Samurai home that once belonged to the prominent Aoyagi Family. Restored in 1860, the Aoyagi Samurai manor offers a wonderful opportunity to explore Japan's feudal period through its dynamic displays. Items on display include the precious hanging scrolls, paintings, and ancient documents. In addition to the displays, other experiences you can try including using Samurai swords, spears, a Kabuto helmet, and Kago-lifting (ancient Edo-period carriage), all of which enable you to experience part of the local history. Leaving the Aoyagi Manor, re-board your coach and proceed for a set-menu Japanese lunch at a local restaurant.

Miso Brewery, Sake Brewery, Guided Tours and Tastings

After lunch, re-board the coach for the short drive to the nearby Miso Brewery. Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour of the brewery. Experience and learn about the traditional brewing techniques still utilised today, as well as the brewing process and health benefits of miso. Following your tour, enjoy a miso-tasting. Your final stop is at a nearby Sake Brewery. During a guided tour and tasting, learn about the history, manufacturing process, and unique flavour of sake, Japan’s national drink. At the conclusion of your tour, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 1.25-hour drive back to the pier.  

Explore Akita at your leisure during your full-day (8-hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your driver and English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Akita at your leisure during your half-day (4-hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your driver and English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Akita at your leisure during your full-day (8-hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your driver and English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Akita at your leisure during your half-day (4-hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your driver and English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Embrace the history and traditions of Akita during this bespoke, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Akita, Geisha House, Traditional Entertainment, Dancing & Tea Ceremony, Tearoom, Tatami Floor

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive to the Geisha House. Geishas are Japanese women who entertain through performing the ancient traditions of art, dance and singing, and are distinctively characterised through their wearing of kimonos and oshiroi make-up. Observe these mysterious beauties perform their time-honoured, traditional dances and a Japanese tradition steeped in history, the tea ceremony. It is a ceremonial way of preparing and drinking green tea in a traditional tearoom with a tatami floor. After observing the art of the tea ceremony, enjoy some free time to take photos of your surrounds.

Senshu Park, Cherry Blossom (season permitting), Autumn Leaves (season permitting)

Next, re-board your coach for a short transfer to Senshu Park. The park is located on the ruins of Kubota Castle, which was built as the residence of the Satake clan, the feudal lord of the Akita Domain. The Domain, was developed into a large castle site park covering an area of 16.29 hectares. Senshu Park impress with its serene landscape and historical value. The wooden gate and old guard post remain from the old citadel as a reminder of ancient times. Stroll around the lake and admire the lotuses blooming on its surface. Famous for its valley of 800 cherry trees, the park hosts an annual spring festival when in bloom. Other enchanting spectacles offered by the gardens include blooming azalea shrubs framing Kogetsu Pond from mid to late May, lotus flowers floating on the water of Otemon moat in July, and later scarlet autumn leaves that turns into a picturesque scene covered in snowy winter scenes. Most of the retro-looking wooden structures around are reconstructed buildings, with the exception of the remaining original - the "Omonogashiragobansho". It is believed to have been completed around 1758 and served as accommodation for a headman in charge of security and fire extinguishing in the area.

After your visit, re-board your coach to return to the pier.

Explore the traditions and art of Akita during this scenic and informative, half-day museum excursion.

Akita, Akita Museum of Art, Tsuguharu Artwork & Mural, Masakichi Collection, Other Exhibitions

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive to the Akita Museum of Art. The building itself is a concrete work of art designed by renowned architect Ando Tadao and houses a large collection of works by Fujita Tsuguharu, arguably Japan's most famous western-style painter. His approximately 65.6-foot-long (about 20-metre-long) mural, Annual Events in Akita, illustrates Akita life in the four seasons and is the museum's focal piece. The museum also exhibits pieces from the collection of Hirano Masakichi, an Akita-born art lover. Temporary exhibitions, including works by local citizens and various other projects, are also exhibited in the gallery on the museum's ground floor.

Akita Sightseeing Drive, Rice Fields, Verdant Mountains, Tsuchizaki Museum, Festival Float

Next, re-board your coach for a short drive through Akita, renowned for its rice fields, verdant mountains, and art traditions, en route to the Tsuchizaki Museum. Upon arrival, take a guided tour of the museum and see its highlight, an iconic float utilised in Akita's Traditional Float Festival. Held annually each July, the festival was designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property in 1997.

Permanent Exhibition Room, Kitamaebune Ship Model, Wartime Artefacts

During your guided tour of the museum, view the approximately 38-foot-high (about 11.5-metre-high) float, which features intricate characters and is a true work of art. In addition, see the permanent exhibition room displaying the history of the Tsuchizaki area, including a scale model of the Kitamaebune ship. The museum also preserves items related to an air attack during World War II. That section is housed in a former oil factory, a target of the air attack. Leaving the Tsuchizaki Museum, re-board your coach and commence the short drive back to the pier.