Kakunodate Samurai Residences

(Source : pixta)

The townscape of Kakunodate is left largely as it was when it was built about 300 years ago. Kakunodate is officially registered as an important preservation district of historical buildings, and has a deep history kept within the rows of old samurai residences. We recommend exploring this area on foot, enjoying the samurai residences and beautiful natural surroundings that is called, “Michinoku Region’s little Kyoto.” Here, one can also find beautiful weeping cherry trees in spring and striking autumn colors in fall. Within the town are many shops with goods famous to the local area like Japanese sake made from Akita’s delicious rice, natto bean stores that have been around for ages, and also stores with traditional handmade crafts.

(Source: pixta)

Experience Old Japan in the Samurai Residences

Most of the samurai residences in Kakunodate are preserved as cultural assets and historical sites. Ishiguroke is the oldest of them all which has stood for over 160 years. For those interested in the traditional Japanese architecture of the samurai residences we recommend Aoyagike. (Ishiguroke: Adults 300 yen, Children 150 yen / Aoyagike: Adults 500 yen, Junior High School Students and High School Students 300 yen, Children 200 yen)

(Source: pixta)

Changing Scenery of the Seasons

One can see the many different expressions of Kakunodate’s samurai residences throughout the changing of the seasons. The cherry blossoms of spring, the green of summer, the autumn colors of fall, the white of winter … every season brings a different tinge to the spectacular trees that color the town. Please come and enjoy the changing of the seasons.

(Source: pixta)

Tour Hakunodate by Rickshaw

Exploring the town on foot is great, but we also recommend sightseeing Kakunodate by rickshaw. The drivers of these olden rickshaws act as guides and tell you all about the area on your tour. The traditional rickshaws are a perfect fit with the historical atmosphere Kakunodate’s samurai residences. The rickshaws can accommodate up to two passengers and cost 3,000 yen for a 15-minute tour.

(Source: pixta)

Handmade Crafts and Local Delicacies

Kakunodate’s traditional crafts are known as the “Kaba-zaiku,” nationally recognized traditional crafts made from the wood of cherry trees, as well as the “Itaya-zaiku,” crafts made from the wood of painted maple trees. There are also many delicious local delicacies to enjoy or choose as souvenirs like the local Akita sake and beer, as well as the area’s famous natto beans.