Private multi-day tour · Multi-day from Tokyo
From Tokyo: 3-Day Akita Matagi Village Customizable Tour
Ride the rural Akita Nairiku Line from Kakunodate into the mountains and learn the life of the matagi, Akita's traditional mountain hunters, in Ani.
Private · your group only◆3 days◆Up to 6 guests◆Pickup included
Road-day snapshot
This is your private tour, so the route is flexible: tell us if you want to skip a stop, stay longer somewhere or add a place nearby.
The experience
A private journey, thoughtfully paced
The matagi are the traditional hunters of the deep mountains of northern Japan. For centuries they lived by strict rules and prayers to the mountain god. They took only what they needed and shared everything. The village of Ani in Kita-Akita is one of their best-known homes. This 3-day trip takes you there by a small local railway.
On day 1 your driver-guide picks you up at your hotel in central Tokyo and drives north on the Tohoku Expressway, with rest stops. You reach Kakunodate in the evening.
On day 2 you board the Akita Nairiku Line at Kakunodate. This one-carriage local train runs north through rice fields, forests and river valleys. You ride to Ani-Matagi Station, and your driver-guide meets you there with the van. Next you visit the Matagi Museum. Its displays show the hunters' tools, clothing, the way they moved through deep snow, and their beliefs about the mountain. Your guide explains the matagi story with respect for the people and their way of life. After lunch you enjoy the quiet mountain scenery of Ani, then return to Kakunodate.
On day 3 you take a short morning walk in Kakunodate's old samurai district before you drive back south to your Tokyo hotel, arriving in the evening.
This is a private tour. Only your group. One van, 1 to 6 guests, never shared with strangers. Your driver-guide speaks English, and also Hindi and Urdu. If the Matagi Museum is closed on your date, you can take a full refund of your booking, guaranteed. If you prefer, we can instead visit a samurai house museum in Kakunodate.
Day 1 Pickup in Tokyo, drive to Kakunodate
Day 2 Akita Nairiku Line train to Ani-Matagi, Matagi Museum, Ani mountain scenery
Day 3 Morning walk in Kakunodate samurai district, drive back to your Tokyo hotel
Choose with confidence
Is this the right journey for your group?
Excellent fit if
- Ride the one-carriage Akita Nairiku Line into the mountains
- Learn the matagi hunters' way of life at the Matagi Museum
- Get off at Ani-Matagi, a small station deep in the hills
- See the quiet rivers and forests of Ani
- Walk Kakunodate's old samurai district
Said plainly
Kakunodate is about 550 km from Tokyo. Day 1 and day 3 are mostly travel days The museum shows hunting tools and traditions. Some displays show animal skins If the Matagi Museum is closed or cancelled on your date, you can take a full refund of your booking, guaranteed. If you prefer, we can instead visit a samurai house museum in Kakunodate Bears live in these mountains. We stay on roads, stations and village paths
Your day
Suggested itinerary
Times are approximate. Your driver-guide adjusts the order for traffic, weather, opening hours and the best light.
Ride the one-carriage Akita Nairiku Line into the mountains
Learn the matagi hunters' way of life at the Matagi Museum
Get off at Ani-Matagi, a small station deep in the hills
See the quiet rivers and forests of Ani
Walk Kakunodate's old samurai district
What is covered
What you see is what you pay
Ours — included
- Private van and English-speaking driver-guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in central Tokyo
- All parking, fuel and road tolls
- Akita Nairiku Line train ticket from Kakunodate to Ani-Matagi
- Matagi Museum entry
Yours — paid on the day
- Hotel accommodation (you book your own hotel in Kakunodate)
- Meals and drinks unless listed as included
- Gratuities, which are never expected in Japan
- Optional souvenir purchases
Good to know
Before you book
Languages
English, Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi
Pickup
Pickup and drop-off at your Tokyo hotel or accommodation (23 wards).
Group and vehicle
Private for up to 6 guests. Enter adults, children, infants and child seats separately at booking.
Dietary and mobility needs
Halal, vegetarian, allergy, walking or other practical requests go in your booking notes and are planned before the day.
Questions
Frequently asked
Can we change the route on the day?
Yes. It is a private tour in our own van, so your driver-guide can skip, extend or add stops where time allows.
Is the price per person?
No. The price is for your whole private group of up to 6 people, including the van, fuel, tolls, parking and your driver-guide.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancel at least 24 hours before departure for an automatic full refund to the original payment method. Within 24 hours, contact us directly so we can help. If a typhoon or official weather warning stops the trip, we offer a new date or a full refund. For a GetYourGuide booking, the terms shown on that booking apply.
Somewhere else in mind?
Any destination in Japan
If this route is not exactly what you need, tell us the destination, dates and group. We confirm the plan and the exact price before any payment is taken.
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From¥259,000
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