overview
Kakunodate Samurai Residence Street is a preserved district where the townscape of the Edo period remains. Scattered among the area are museums showcasing the residences, earthen walls, and weapons of feudal lords, and visitors can enjoy the changing atmosphere of the seasons. In particular, the rows of cherry blossom trees in spring create a landscape that has earned the area the nickname "Little Kyoto of the Michinoku region."
Highlights
- Tour the interiors and gardens of preserved samurai residences such as the Aoyagi residence
- Cherry blossom trees along the Hinai River and the Kakunodate Cherry Blossom Festival (usually held from late April to early May)
- Experience local culture at a local museum and a machiya cafe
access
It's about a 10-minute walk from Kakunodate Station on the JR Tazawako Line. You can also access it by taking the Akita Shinkansen. If you are coming from the Tohoku Expressway via the national highway, please use the parking lot.
Estimated stay
The walk takes 1.5 to 3 hours, and including sightseeing in the surrounding area it will take half a day to a full day.
Nearby spots
- Lake Tazawa (Semboku City)
- Dakigaeri Valley (Semboku City, Akita Prefecture)
- Nyuto Onsenkyo (Semboku City, Akita Prefecture)
Points to note
It gets very crowded during the cherry blossom season. The estate is privately owned and contains many important cultural properties, so please observe proper etiquette when entering and taking photographs, and be quiet when visiting. Be careful of frozen roads in winter.
