bubblesqueaker Posted August 22, 2017 #1 Share Posted August 22, 2017 Ship: Diamond Princess Month: August 2017 We arrived in Akita and as we had an early shore excursion we watched the ship dock. Even though it was 7am when we docked, there was a great welcome for us. There were musicians to welcome us. The weather was beautiful – blue skies and already 28c at 8am. We went on the ‘Best of Akita’ tour which started by going to the Sake factory. They only produce during a few months of the year, but we did get to see all the different processes that it takes to arrive at the finished product. We arrived around 9am so it was a bit early to try the samples, but we went with it. After the Sake factory we went to a local market which we loved. It was small and looked a little like a supermarket would at home but you could buy everything. We purchased an apple and a pear as they looked delicious – this was the nicest fruit we had ever tasted. It was expensive but worth trying it. The lady at the counter even peeled and cut the fruit up for us! The was also food stalls offering authentic Japanese food and other stalls selling locally made items which were interesting to see. After the market we headed to the museum. The museum was very warm and we found it a little boring but we didn’t stay there too long so didn’t find this a big deal. We returned to the ship by lunchtime. (Make sure you try the apples!! Expensive but so worth it!) The Akita Kanto festival was on the day we were there. This is when they carry huge poles with lanterns in them through the streets. As our holiday was booked so late we couldn’t get on to the English guided tour in the evening. It was a 30 minute walk each way to the festival from the coach too and as it was so warm we were glad that we hadn’t committed to the tour. If you are planing to visit Akita, I would recommend booking a tour. As the port isn’t close to the town it might be difficult to get around. When we were ready to sail there were fireworks – a huge amount of fireworks! These were superb! Akita was a beautiful place to visit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Keith1010 Posted August 22, 2017 #2 Share Posted August 22, 2017 Thank you for the report and the recommendation to book a tour. Have not visited this area to date. Keith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loeb Posted August 22, 2017 #3 Share Posted August 22, 2017 Thanks for posting and your recommendation, we are on next year's cruise of four of the summer festivals including Akita. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bubblesqueaker Posted August 22, 2017 Author #4 Share Posted August 22, 2017 Loeb - you'll have an amazing time. It's the trip of a lifetime! Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lyna Posted August 22, 2017 #5 Share Posted August 22, 2017 Were coaches put on so you could get into town? Sent from my SM-G900F using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bubblesqueaker Posted August 22, 2017 Author #6 Share Posted August 22, 2017 There were return transfers (about $10 each) - however, during the festival it was about a 30 min walk each way to the Main Street as the area was closed to traffic. We decided against it as it was just too warm for us (about 31c the day we visited). We did the tour in the morning then enjoyed the quiet ship. The fireworks were right beside the ship just as we sailed. The horn signalled them to go. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
easyboy Posted August 23, 2017 #7 Share Posted August 23, 2017 Very interesting. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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