Tohoku Travel Guide : Day 2 Exploring Kakunodate’s Samurai Secrets

@Yemima Lim

Yemima Limyoutubethe post

Step into Japan's past in Akita Prefecture's Kakunodate, exploring centuries-old samurai homes, trying on armor, and tasting local treats like black sesame ice cream and soy sauce parfait.

6 places

1
Kakunodate Samurai Town
Semboku
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A charming historic district in Akita Prefecture, famous for its well-preserved samurai homes and traditional architecture. It feels like stepping back into the Edo period, with lots of souvenir shops and restaurants to explore.
Kakunodatemachi, Semboku, Akita, Japan
- Black Sesame Ice Cream · ¥350 — A creamy black sesame (goma) ice cream that's quite good, even if the sesame flavor isn't super strong. It's a nice early morning treat for ¥350.
2
Aoyagi Samurai House
Heritage building · Semboku
4.2 (35)Closed · opens tomorrow 9 AM
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One of the biggest samurai houses in the Kakunodate area, owned by the wealthy Aoyagi family. It's a sprawling estate with multiple buildings, including a main residence, a garden, an art collection, and a storage house. Entry is ¥500 per person.
Kakunodate Historical Village – Aoyagi Residence, ３ Kakunodatemachi Omotemachishimocho, Semboku, Akita 014-0331, Japan
- Real Katana Sword — You can try lifting a real katana sword here! It's surprisingly heavy, much heavier than I thought, with a unique tortoise-like pattern on the blade. They also have heavy spears.
- Palanquin — You can try carrying a palanquin, which is a traditional enclosed litter. It's incredibly heavy, making you wonder how people used to carry these around!
- Samurai Helmet — You can try on a samurai helmet for a fun photo opportunity. It's a cool way to experience a bit of samurai culture.
3
Art and Craft Kizuki
Handicraft · Semboku
4.7Closed · opens tomorrow 9 AM
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A shop in Kakunodate Samurai Town where you can find various art and craft items. It adds to the Edo period atmosphere of the town.
Kazuki Arts & Crafts Shop, 2-2 Kakunodatemachi Higashikatsurakucho, Semboku, Akita 014-0325, Japan
4
Akita Pudding
Dessert shop · Semboku
4.2Closed · opens Thursday 10 AM
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A must-try pudding shop in Kakunodate, but be aware of its limited operating hours: only open in January and February from 10 AM to 4 PM. They offer various flavors like onion, tofu, marron, normal, and strawberry.
Michinoku Akita Pudding Shop, １６番地 Kakunodatemachi Yokomachi, Semboku, Akita 014-0323, Japan
- Warm Pudding — This pudding is served warm, which is especially nice for winter. It's incredibly fluffy and smells like egg tarts.
5
Inaho Restaurant
Japanese restaurant · Semboku
4.0 (968)Closed · opens tomorrow 11 AM
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A local restaurant where you can try regional dishes. I tried Kiritanpo yesterday, and today I'm trying their slim udon, which is another famous local specialty.
Inaho, 4-1 Kakunodatemachi Tamachikamicho, Semboku, Akita 014-0311, Japan
- Slim Udon — A famous local udon dish from this region, known for its slim noodles. It's a great way to try a regional specialty for lunch.
6
Soy Sauce Store
Food seasoning manufacturer · Semboku
4.3Closed · opens tomorrow 8:30 AM
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A store specializing in soy sauce, where you can find unique soy sauce-flavored treats. I tried their soy sauce ice cream and parfait.
Ando Fermenting Flagship Store, ２７ Kakunodatemachi Shimoshinmachi, Semboku, Akita 014-0315, Japan
- Soy Sauce Parfait — This parfait features soy sauce ice cream, mochi, and other toppings. The soy sauce ice cream is surprisingly sweet and good, with an interesting salty and sweet balance. It has an eggy taste.