Kakunodate Samurai District | LIVE STREAM with Matt Evans

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Kakunodate Samurai District | LIVE STREAM with Matt Evans | japan-guide.com

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Explore Kakunodate, a beautifully preserved samurai district in Akita Prefecture, known for its historic residences and cherry blossoms. This virtual tour also highlights other attractions in the Tohoku region, including festivals and onsen towns.

1 plan · 18 places · 1 experience

Plan · 2 places · Kakunodate, Japan

Kakunodate Samurai & Merchant District Walk

“Explore Kakunodate by walking through its distinct samurai and merchant districts. Start with the grand Aoyagi Residence, then visit the still-inhabited Ishiguro Residence, and finally head south to the Ando Miso Shop and Soy Sauce Brewery to experience the town's different cultural aspects.”

1
Aoyagi Residence
Heritage building · Semboku
4.2 (35)Closed · opens tomorrow 9 AM
Creator's voice
The grandest of all houses in the Kakunodate Samurai District, reflecting the high status of the Aoyagi family, whose history dates back to 1570. The estate covers about 10,000 square meters with a series of buildings. Admission is 500 yen.
Kakunodate Historical Village – Aoyagi Residence, ３ Kakunodatemachi Omotemachishimocho, Semboku, Akita 014-0331, Japan
- Arms and Armor Exhibition — A beautiful exhibition of arms, armor, and other artifacts housed in the old rice storehouse of the Aoyagi Residence. The suits of armor are fantastically preserved, with intricate details like brocade and interesting designs on every square inch.
- Colored Surcoats with Family Crests — Surcoats with family crests, worn over the armor, displayed in a glass case.
- Armored Hats — Various armored hats on display, part of the samurai attire.
- Spear Tip — An amazingly well-preserved spear tip, showcasing the quality of the artifacts.
- Polished Swords — A beautiful collection of amazingly polished samurai swords.
- Sword Fittings — Incredibly beautiful and detailed fittings for the swords, often treasures in their own right.
- Muskets — A collection of muskets, varying from basic to sophisticated. An illustrated book shows a running samurai gun battle on horseback.
- Detailed Town Map — A detailed map of Kakunodate town, with each family name inscribed on the houses in Kanji.
- Aoyagi Family Heirloom Armor — An armor set that is an Aoyagi family heirloom, with a helmet style referencing Takeda Shingen.
- 700-Year-Old White Banner — One of the oldest items in the collection, a 700-year-old white banner.
- Portraits of Last Samurai Family Head and Wife — Portraits of the last family head to wear the traditional samurai haircut and his wife, before the tradition ended with the Meiji Restoration.
- Family Artworks Gallery — An outbuilding in the Aoyagi Residence courtyard that has been turned into a gallery, showing artworks from the family's collection.
- Bust of Odano Naotake — A bust of Odano Naotake, a samurai from this domain who became a famous painter. He trained with foreign painters from Holland and became a source of pride for the region. Some of his paintings are displayed in the gallery.
- Samples of Cherry Tree Bark — Samples of cherry tree bark used to cover and decorate various items, especially tea containers, representing one of Kakunodate's most famous crafts.
- Rest Area with Garden View — A nice little rest area on the second floor of the Akita Folk Museum where you can take a breather and look out onto the gorgeous garden outside.
Experience here
Feel the Weight of a Samurai Spear and Tachi Sword
Coming out of the old rice storehouse at the Aoyagi Residence, I got the chance to feel the weight of an actual full-length spear. To the right of that, I also held an older form of katana swords called a tachi, designed to be used from horseback, which is a bit longer and has a more pronounced curve. It's a unique hands-on moment with samurai weaponry.
2
Japan Rail Cafe
Restaurant · Chiyoda City
3.8 (663)Open · until 9 PM
Creator's voice
Located in Tokyo Station, it's a great place to get travel information, buy JR passes (specifically the JR East Pass Tohoku Area), and even get a free travel consultation to plan your trip. Remember to bring your non-Japanese passport to purchase passes.
JAPAN RAIL CAFE TOKYO, 1 Chome-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0005, Japan

Also in this video

3
Kakunodate Samurai District
Semboku
Creator's voice
A beautifully preserved former castle town in Akita Prefecture, part of Japan's Tohoku region. It's renowned for its cherry blossoms, especially the large weeping cherry trees in private gardens and a two-kilometer stretch along the Hinokinai River. The best time to visit for cherry blossoms is late April to early May, about a month after Tokyo. The district is characterized by elegant fences made from black-painted wood, a unique feature compared to other castle towns. It's a pleasant 15-minute walk from Kakunodate Station.
Kakunodatemachi, Semboku, Akita, Japan
4
Nagamachi Samurai District
Historical landmark · Kanazawa
4.3 (4,643)Closed
Creator's voice
One of the host's favorite samurai districts, located in Kanazawa. It's a great example of these historical towns.
Nagamachi Samurai District, 1 Chome-3-12-2 Nagamachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0865, Japan
5
Hagi Castle Town
Historical landmark · Hagi
4.1Closed
Creator's voice
Often considered the best example of a castle town in Japan.
Hagi Castle Town, 1 Chome Gofukumachi, Hagi, Yamaguchi 758-0072, Japan
6
Tsuwano Castle Town
Historical landmark · Tsuwano
4.5 (328)
Creator's voice
A castle town located on the Kunisaki Peninsula.
Tsuwano Castle Ruins, Ushiroda, Tsuwano, Kanoashi District, Shimane 699-5605, Japan
7
Kitsuki Castle Town
Castle · Kitsuki
2.0 (196)Closed · opens tomorrow 10 AM
Creator's voice
A castle town located on the Kunisaki Peninsula.
Kitsuki Castle, 城山-１６-1 Kitsuki, Oita 873-0001, Japan
8
Akita Kanto Matsuri
Tourist attraction · Akita
4.7
Creator's voice
One of Japan's most atmospheric and fascinating festivals, held over four days in early August in Akita City. Performers balance long bamboo poles, decked out with up to 46 paper lanterns, weighing up to 50 kilos, on their hands, foreheads, shoulders, or hips. It's a spectacular event showcasing incredible skill and athleticism. The host considers it a bucket-list item.
Kanto Odori (Kanto Matsuri Festival), Kantoo St, 2 Chome-2-2 Omachi, Akita, 010-0921, Japan
9
Towada-Hachimantai National Park
National park · Towada
4.4 (5,474)Closed
Creator's voice
A very mountainous area spanning parts of Akita, Iwate, and Aomori prefectures. It's known for spectacular volcanic landscapes and amazing rustic onsen towns.
Towada-Hachimantai National Park, Okuse, Towada, Aomori 018-5501, Japan
10
Nyuto Onsen
Hotel · Semboku
4.3
Creator's voice
A rustic hot spring town with eight hot spring ryokan, literally meaning 'nipple hot spring' due to the shape of nearby Mount Nyuto. The water is famous for its milky, cloudy coloring. Most baths have a rustic feel and many offer mixed outdoor bathing, which is increasingly rare. It's a great option for visitors looking for a more traditional, back-to-basics experience, especially in winter with snow.
Kyukamura Nyuto Onsenkyo, Komagatake-2-1 Tazawako Obonai, Semboku, Akita 014-1201, Japan
11
Tsurunyu Onsen
Japanese inn · Semboku
4.4 (14)
Creator's voice
One of the eight hot spring ryokan in Nyuto Onsen, known for its rustic feel and beautiful winter scenery.
Japan, 〒014-1201 Akita, Semboku, Tazawako Tazawa, Sendatsu Tsurunoyu Onsen, 沢国有林５０
12
Tamagawa Onsen
Onsen · Semboku
4.4
Creator's voice
Known for Japan's most acidic hot spring water (close to pH 1) and a rare radioactive stone called Hokutolite. Both are believed to have impressive health benefits, attracting visitors seeking medicinal qualities rather than just relaxation. The hot spring water emerges from the ground at around 98 degrees Celsius, with the single most productive source in Japan producing 9,000 liters per minute. You can also find hissing sulfurous vents and people lying on the radioactive rocks for health benefits.
Tamagawa Onsen, 渋黒沢 Tazawako Tamagawa, Semboku, Akita 014-1205, Japan
13
Goshogake Onsen
Japanese inn · Kazuno
4.4 (53)
Creator's voice
Another great resort in the area with just one ryokan, offering a range of baths including steam and mud to overnight guests and day-trippers. Its scenery is a major highlight, with a volcanically active valley behind the ryokan featuring steam vents, bubbling ponds, and mud volcanoes. This area can be explored via walking paths, especially beautiful in autumn, reminding the host of Yellowstone Park.
Goshogake Hot Spring Hotel, 鹿角市八幡平字熊沢国有林内, 無, Kazuno, Akita 018-5141, Japan
14
Kakunodate Station
Train station · 仙北市
4.0 (3)
Creator's voice
The main access point for Kakunodate. It's a pleasant 15-minute walk from the station to the samurai district.
Japan, 〒014-0368 秋田県仙北市Kakunodatemachi, Kakunodate Station, 中菅沢１４
15
Cherry Bark Craft Workshop
Handicraft · Semboku
4.7Closed · opens tomorrow 9 AM
Creator's voice
A workshop within the Aoyagi Residence complex where you can sometimes see cherry bark items being made. Cherry tree bark is used to cover and decorate various items, especially tea containers, and is one of Kakunodate's most famous crafts.
Kazuki Arts & Crafts Shop, 2-2 Kakunodatemachi Higashikatsurakucho, Semboku, Akita 014-0325, Japan
16
Samurai Experience Booth
Tourist attraction · Semboku
4.4 (9,016)
Creator's voice
A booth within the Aoyagi Residence complex where, by appointment, you can try on a suit of armor. The host tried on a helmet, which was surprisingly heavy. You can also see palanquins, small boxes used to carry important visitors or residents.
Japan, 〒014-0332 Akita, Semboku, Kakunodate Samurai Residence Street, 角館町東勝樂丁角館町表町上丁
17
Ishiguro Residence
Historical landmark · Semboku
4.2Closed · opens Thursday 9 AM
Creator's voice
Another beautiful samurai house in Kakunodate, about 200 years old and still home to the Ishiguro family. It features a beautiful thatched roof and tall trees. Ishiguro-san, the 12th-generation head of the family, is very knowledgeable and can be met there. Admission is 400 yen. The house has beautiful wooden lattice (rama) with turtle designs, which create a nice effect with light and allow air circulation. It opens onto a gorgeous landscape garden. The complex includes storehouses with heavy doors and displays about the thatched roofs, which are now only repaired, not built new.
Ishiguro-ke Samurai House, １番地 Kakunodatemachi Omotemachishimocho, Semboku, Akita 014-0331, Japan
- Samurai Armor Collection — Another beautiful set of armor in pristine, perfectly preserved condition, housed in one of the storehouses at the Ishiguro Residence.
- Kozuka (Samurai Pocket Knives) — Interesting little knives called kozuka, which are like samurai pocket knives that slot into the handle of a sword.
- Ornamental Tsuba (Sword Hilts) — Really beautiful ornamental sword hilts (tsuba), showcasing gorgeous craftsmanship. These were often treasures in their own right.
18
Ando Miso Shop and Soy Sauce Brewery
Food seasoning manufacturer · Semboku
4.3Closed · opens tomorrow 8:30 AM
Creator's voice
Established in 1853 towards the end of the Edo period. The striking brick building was built in 1883 and is the oldest brick warehouse in Tohoku. The Ando family, originally landlords, turned to miso and soy as a side business, learning traditional production methods and passing them down generations. The store offers a wide range of food products, especially for those interested in traditional cooking. It also preserves the family's original townhouse. One of the highlights is trying different food products, like dashi, which the host found to have an 'extra quality' flavor. The brick warehouse is uniquely furnished inside with tatami flooring, delicate paper doors, and painted screens (fusuma), used to entertain important business visitors. The family attributes their success to a particular source of pure spring water. The shop is free to enter.
Ando Fermenting Flagship Store, ２７ Kakunodatemachi Shimoshinmachi, Semboku, Akita 014-0315, Japan
- Dashi (Soup Stock) — A fairly simple kind of stock that can be used in everyday cooking. The host found it to have an 'extra quality' flavor when tasting it at the shop.
- Tatami Flooring and Fusuma Screens — The oldest brick warehouse in Tohoku, uniquely furnished inside with tatami flooring, delicate paper doors, and painted screens (fusuma). This room was used to entertain important business visitors.
- Family Mementos and Photos — The townhouse part of the Ando Miso store is covered with different family mementos and photos on the walls, giving a strong sense of history and previous generations.
- Pure Spring Water Source — A particular source of really pure water that the Ando family credits as one of the secrets of their success in miso and soy sauce production.

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