Izakaya and Japanese “Snack Bar” Tour in Kakunodate(Akita)

Experience Summary

You’ve come to Japan in search of the drinking culture that we have.

You’ve planned or have already gone to an izakaya at your local destination.

You feel that you’ve checked off your bucket list for drinking like a local…But have you ever visited a snack bar in Japan? Have you ever heard of it?

Welcome to Kakunodate, a samurai town in the center of Akita Prefecture. With

its unique history, the town is one of the top destinations within Akita to visit, yet

at night, it becomes a quiet town after the day visitors depart with their trains.

This is when the locals come out, when a tourist town shifts back to the locals’

life.

On this tour you will discover izakayas and snack bars with a local guide. We

will take you to places that are hidden to tourists and where only locals go. Find

out for yourself what a Japanese snack bar is, and finish the night the way the

locals do.

*For those who are unfamiliar with the term “Snack Bar,” it is a very unique type

of bar with “Mama-san” who is the bartender that goes around hosting the

guests. They will chat with you and may even sing karaoke with you as well, so

bring your perfect voice if you do want to please the crowd!

※Due to the overcrowded nature of Izakayas on tours departing on Fridays,

Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays, the number of Izakayas we visit will

be reduced from 3 to 2. You will still be able to enjoy a total of 3 drinks and the

volume/quality of food will be the sam

OUTLINE

MEETING PLACE

TOUR COURSE

18:00

Your guide will be waiting for you at Tachimachi Pocket Park, a small roadside venue in front of

the Post Office of Kakunodate.

We will be holding a sign with the tour name.

**The booking will be automatically cancelled if you do not arrive at the meeting point 30 minutes

after the start time.**

After a quick introduction we will head towards the first izakaya. You will have a chance to learn

about the snack bar culture in Japan as we go along some of the snack bars.

18:10

Arrive at the first izakaya! Drinking will commence with the local’s favorite dish to welcome

guests.

 

18:55

Head off to an izakaya of your choice.

Your choices are:

-Naruhodo

Local izakaya that focuses on traditional Japanese dishes and local sake. Great place for groups

wanting a Japanese based dining experience.

 

-Goninhyakusho

Local izakaya for groups on a budget but still want great Japanese style dining. A place for locals

to gather for any occasion.

-Fukuya

Local izakaya that serves Japanese yakiniku and korean style recipes. Great for those who enjoy

beer and have Japanese style barbecue.

 

-Sushi “Hide”

Local izakaya that serves sushi and sashimi. Great location for those craving to eat sushi and

have local sake.

-GenbeiLocal izakaya that is usually a favorite pick for lunch but open specially for reserved diners.

Genbei serves a special “egg sake” that locals like to drink.

For the best experience, please tell us 3 days beforehand so we can reserve a seat for you.

Especially during peak seasons, it may be even difficult to book 1 month in advance. When you

reserve, please state your top 3 picks so that it would be easier for us to book quickly.

19:45

After having dinner at the 2 izakayas, we will head to our final destination, the Japanese “Snack

Bar.”

This will be the “deeper” part of the Japanese night experience, where you will be able to meet

“mama-san” at the local snack bar. Usually open only to the locals, snack bars are hidden gems

of Japanese night life. As local guides, we will help you talk with mama-san so that you will get to

know local insights of the people in Kakunodate while enjoying your favorite drink.

We will visit the snack bar of your choice:

-Kyara

A snack bar that is a favorite for locals, may be completely booked from being their favorite!

The mama-san here is great at singing classic Japanese songs.

-Hang Out Night

A relatively new snack bar that has been renovated and a more Western-like atmosphere.

 

-Katakuri Makito Kochihira

A snack bar that is only known to locals, with a wonderful mama-san to talk with.

-Egoist Makito Kochihira

Another small snack that is run by a lovely mama-san.

Please do understand that all snack bars will be smoker-friendly.

If you do not wish to go to a snack bar, we will extend our time in the first 2 izakayas instead, so

please tell us beforehand when you reserve our tour.

 

20:30

This will be the end of our tour!

By now you should have mastered the true drinking way of the locals in Kakunodate.

Taking a step through the doors of a snack bar can be one of the most anxious moments in

Japan, but once you go in, you will be welcomed by the best Mama-sans.