Akita Prefecture stretches along Japan's northwestern Tohoku coast, offering a remarkable blend of preserved feudal heritage, volcanic landscapes, and centuries-old culinary traditions. The samurai townscape of Kakunodate rivals Kyoto for beauty, while the impossibly blue Lake Tazawa—Japan's deepest—draws visitors year-round. Akita is famed for its Kanto Festival, when hundreds of performers balance towering bamboo poles hung with paper lanterns; for Namahage demon lore on the rugged Oga Peninsula; for steaming mountain onsen clusters at Nyuto; and for producing some of Japan's most celebrated sake and the uniquely tender Inaniwa udon.
Top food tours
Guided experiences that show you Akita through its food.
Akita City Izakaya Sake Crawl
Kakunodate Samurai District Food & Craft Walk
Inaniwa Udon Making Experience
Akita Morning Market & Local Food Tour
Foodie tips
Get more out of every meal.
Book tours and cooking classes at least a few days in advance — small-group experiences sell out quickly.
Come hungry — most food tours include 5-8 tastings.
Bring cash for unscheduled stops the guide may recommend.