I had the chance to visit Kakunodate, a historic area within Semboku City, during my first trip to Japan. The experience left a lasting impression on me, as Kakunodate is one of Japan’s samurai villages where the remnants of its former glory are still visible.
Besides its historical significance, there were several aspects of Kakunodate that piqued my interest. This made my decision to visit Kakunodate again an easy one, as there were still some places I hadn’t explored during my first trip.
During this visit, I plan to explore more of Kakunodate’s attractions and also visit nearby sites like Lake Tazawa, trek on Mount Akita-Komagatake, and explore Dakigaeri Valley.
Kakunodate is a former town where many samurais lived in the past. Although the castle that once stood in Kakunodate no longer exists, the samurai residences are still well-preserved and visible today.
Kakunodate: The Samurai Village and a Prime Spot to Enjoy Cherry Blossoms
Kakunodate has reportedly remained largely unchanged since 1620, especially the samurai houses that have stood for centuries. The area dedicated to the homes of merchants and samurai is still as authentic as when they were first built.
Some of the samurai houses in Kakunodate are open to the public for free, while others charge a small entrance fee. Additionally, Kakunodate is renowned as one of the best places in Japan to view cherry blossoms. This is why I visited the village in the spring of 2013.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t very lucky during my visit, as the cherry blossoms in Kakunodate had not fully bloomed, so I couldn’t fully enjoy their beauty.
How to Get to Kakunodate
There are several ways to get to Kakunodate, including by Shinkansen (bullet train) or domestic flights. It all depends on your preference. However, I recommend using the Shinkansen if you have a JR Pass, as it’s the most convenient option.
Getting to Kakunodate by Plane
If you choose to fly to Kakunodate, the nearest airport is in Akita City. You can take a domestic flight to Akita, with flights available from Haneda Airport in Tokyo. From Akita Airport, you can rent a car to reach Kakunodate.
Getting to Kakunodate by Shinkansen
The easiest way to get to Kakunodate is by Shinkansen, which is covered by the JR Pass. With the JR Pass, you can travel for free on the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kakunodate. If you purchase the ticket separately, it costs about 16,000 JPY one-way, and the journey takes around 3 hours and 10 minutes on the Komachi Shinkansen.
List of Attractions in Kakunodate
Here are some of the attractions I recommend visiting in Kakunodate:
1. Bukeyashiki Street
This street is home to several well-preserved samurai houses, which have stood for hundreds of years. While the samurais themselves are long gone, their descendants still live in the area. Some of the notable samurai houses include:
- Aoyagi House: A complex with museums, restaurants, and souvenir shops that offers insights into samurai traditions and Japanese history.
- Ishiguro House: While only a small portion is open to the public, this house still holds samurai armor and other artifacts.
- Odano House: Visitors can view the open garden, but the house itself is not accessible.
- Kawarada House: Connected to the Odano House by a small path, visitors can admire the interior from the entrance.
- Iwahashi House: A smaller, simpler samurai house that represents the middle class of the samurai era.
- Matsumoto House: Reflects the conditions of samurai houses during the Edo period.
2. Omura Museum
This small museum showcases a collection of handcrafted glass art, including works by French artist René Lalique.
3. Denshokan Museum
The Denshokan Museum provides historical information on Kakunodate and displays traditional crafts, particularly cherry bark work (kabazaiku).
4. Cherry Blossoms Along the Hinokinai Riverbank
The best time to visit Kakunodate is during spring when the cherry blossoms along the Hinokinai Riverbank are in full bloom. This spot is one of Japan’s top places to view cherry blossoms.
Culinary Experiences in Kakunodate
There are a few local dishes you should try in Kakunodate, especially Hinai Chicken, a specialty of Akita Prefecture.
- Hinai Jidori: A local chicken breed from Akita, served in various dishes, including Hinai Chicken Udon.
- Tempura Udon: Udon noodles served with tempura, a Japanese fried dish.
- Soba Noodles at Sobakiri Chousuke: The soba noodles at Sobakiri Chousuke are the best I’ve ever had in Japan.
Nearby Attractions
There are also several attractions near Kakunodate that are worth visiting:
Lake Tazawa
The deepest caldera lake in Japan, surrounded by beautiful mountains and offering a cool, refreshing atmosphere.
Nyuto Onsen
A famous hot spring area in Japan, where you can stay in traditional Japanese inns (ryokan) and enjoy an authentic onsen experience.
Mount Akita-Komagatake
A must-visit for trekking enthusiasts. Known as “Flower Mountain,” this area is covered in flowers during the blooming season.
Dakigaeri Valley
A picturesque valley that turns vibrant red during peak autumn. It’s also a great spot for trekking.
Tazawako Herb Garden
Here, you can enjoy tea and create crafts using flowers from the garden, as I did during my visit.
I hope this guide to Kakunodate helps you plan your trip and enjoy all the wonderful attractions it has to offer!
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