Visit the mysterious samurai village, Kakunodate (Akita)

The Akita region is located between Miyagi prefecture and Aomori prefecture in northern Japan.

In the Edo period, Japan is divided to several provinces led by lords such as Yoshikatsu (former Yoshihiro) Ashina who had erected the city of Kakunodate in 1620, shortly after the death of Tokugawa Shogun Ieyasu and early Tokugawa Shogunate Iemitsu. He fortified the city around a castle but it was destroyed right after its construction. Kakunodate is a remarkable heritage of ancient architecture in the samurai era.
Built on a plain surrounded by hills, it runs along the Hinokinai River, which in early spring is lined with hundreds of beautiful cherry blossom trees. Its old quarter is surrounded by nature where old houses are hidden. You can travel to Kakunodate less than four hours via the Akita shinkansen from Tokyo Station.

From Kakunodate Station, you can easily walk to the neighborhood in 15 minutes where more than 80 samurai families lived under the authority of the lord (Daimyo) who represented the Shogun in this province.
In order to better understand the secrets of daily life in feudal Japan, it is advisable to go to the Aoyagi manor you will find in the northern district. This beautiful house is one of the largest historical museum where you can discover the history of the Aoyagi family, vassal of Lord Yoshikatsu Ashina. Also, this museum is rich of many vestiges and know that you can book a unique experience, namely the wearing a real armor of samurai warrior! You will also find an art gallery, an antique market, an old craft workshop as well as a garden and a tea room to rest and enjoy the peace and quiet of nature surrounding.
One of the oldest houses in this district is Ishiguro's house, with its thatched roof, incredibly well preserved. Many other homes of these famous families are worth a look, so be sure to check the opening days of each house you want to visit before your trip! You can visit the whole neighborhood by renting a bike for 300 yen an hour, on foot or by rickshaw.  

Many festivals are organized each season.
In spring, you will of course have the opportunity to enjoy the sakura festival (cherry trees) and their beautiful flowering along the river. In summer there is the Sasara dance festival (lion dance) where many musicians and dancers, masks and traditional costumes, parade in the old neighborhoods. You will be able to immerse yourself in these old districts to the sound of traditional music.