Located in southern Semboku and dubbed the “Little Kyoto of Tohoku,” Kakunodate is a former castle town where the atmosphere of the Edo period (1603–1868) still pervades everyday life. Although Kakunodate Castle no longer exists, the town still retains its traditional architecture. In fact, Kakunodate’s appearance is relatively the same as it was when the town was founded in 1620.
Kakunodate is more than just its history though; it is an aesthetic experience that changes with seasons. During spring—arguably the district’s most popular time of year—pastel cherry blossoms unfurl, decorating the district in pink petals. Summer brings lush verdancy, and autumn creates elegant mosaics of red, yellow, and orange. Winter offers the greatest contrast, showcasing snow against the black-walled samurai residences. The white and black canvas acts as a perfect backdrop for red rickshaw rides.
The old-timey ambience makes the town an ideal place to rent a kimono and explore the history of a street frozen in the past.
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Called Aoyagi-ke in Japanese, the Aoyagi house is a complex of buildings featuring museum collections, restaurants, gift shops, and a garden. With its displays in English and Japanese, the house is an excellent place to learn about Kakunodate’s samurai legacy and admire the traditional craftsmanship firsthand. If you are hungry, be sure to try some Inaniwa udon—a local delicacy!
The Ishiguro house, Ishiguro-ke in Japanese, is still largely used as a residence. However, the residing family does open a small portion of the home to guests where they display samurai armor and clothing, as well as anatomical drawings and studies.
One of Kakunodate’s greatest draws is its dozens of weeping cherry trees, which typically bloom in early May. As a result, the town has earned the reputation of being one of Japan’s most famous cherry blossom viewing spots. Many of the weeping cherry trees in the samurai district were brought from Kyoto and planted in the 17th century.
Opened in 1978, this museum promotes and displays cherry-bark crafts, which are designated as a national traditional craft.
The Kakunodate Samurai District is about a 20-minute walk from Kakunodate Station on the Tazawako Line and serviced by the Akita Shinkansen.
