Akita - Kakunodate Shore Excursion

We will explore Kakunodate, a small town with a well-preserved samurai district in Akita.

Kakunodate is a former castle town which flourished during the Edo period. Known as the “Little Kyoto of Tohoku”, the town is home to a district consisting of samurai residences and traditional architecture popular with both domestic and international tourists. The samurai residences lining the town's most famous street are nationally protected Traditional Buildings. Previously housing about 80 families, the Kakunodate samurai district is a fine example of samurai architecture. Its wide streets and large courtyards are shaded by weeping cherry trees that bloom in early May. The wide streets are filled with Hanami tourists during this time. 

It is possible to see how middle-class and wealthy samurai families might have lived in six of the samurai houses that remain intact. The Aoyagi House and the Ishiguro House stand out for their size and quality among the six open houses.

• Kakunodate Town
• Kakunodate Samurai House Museum 
•  Kakunodate Cherry Bark Woodcraft Museum 
• Kakunodate Kabazaiku Center Bukeyashikidori 

There are numerous centuries-old gardens and houses, including the Aoyagi Samurai House, one of the best-preserved samurai manor houses in Japan. Featuring a main house, armory, antique museum, tea room, gift shops, and a beautiful garden, this open-air museum is a must-see attraction. Ishiguro House, where descendants of samurai live, is another impressive building. Here, you can view a collection of samurai clothing and armor, along with some drawings and artwork.

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
With dozens of trees lined along the wide streets and thatched residences hidden behind black fences, the town has remained relatively unchanged since its founding in 1620.