Kakunodate Samurai Houses and Weeping Cherry Blossoms: Spring in the "Little Kyoto of Michinoku"

Kakunodate in Spring

Kakunodate in Semboku, Akita, is a castle town built in the early Edo period by the Ashina clan. With many black-walled samurai residences remaining intact, it is called the "Little Kyoto of Michinoku." The weeping cherry blossom season from late April to early May is especially popular — counted among Japan's Three Great Cherry Blossom Sites.

Highlights

• Samurai Residence Street (Uchimachi): Edo-era streetscape of black walls and weeping cherry blossoms
• Aoyagi, Ishiguro, and Iwahashi Houses: Samurai residences open to the public
• Kakunodate History Village and Aoyagi House: Reference museum exhibiting samurai culture
• Hinokinai Riverside Sakura (Somei Yoshino): National Scenic Spot — 2km of cherry trees along the riverbank

Cherry Blossom Peak

• Weeping Cherries: Late April to early May
• Somei Yoshino (Hinokinai Riverside): Mid-to-late April

Getting There

• Alight at JR Akita Shinkansen Kakunodate Station (about 45 minutes from Akita, 40 minutes from Morioka)

Tips

Very crowded during cherry blossom season. Early morning (6–8am) visits are least crowded and most beautiful. Cycling from the samurai residences toward Tazawako is a popular route.