Kakunodate: Samurai Houses Under Weeping Cherries
How to visit Kakunodate's samurai district in Akita: its black fences and old houses, the weeping cherry trees, winter scenes and getting there.
Quick answer
- What it is: a former castle town in Akita with a well-preserved samurai district.
- Famous for: samurai houses behind black fences and weeping cherry trees.
- Entry: free to walk the streets. Some houses charge a small fee.
- Time needed: half a day.
- Best time: late April for cherry blossom.
- Map: Open Kakunodate in Google Maps
In Kakunodate, wide streets are lined with black wooden fences and tall trees, hiding the homes of samurai families. In spring, weeping cherries pour pink blossom over the walls.
Why Kakunodate is a wonder
Kakunodate was founded in 1620 as a castle town. Samurai lived in a separate district from merchants, and their wide streets and gardens survive.
Several houses are open to visitors, with their gates, tatami rooms, gardens and family treasures.
Weeping cherries
Some of the weeping cherry trees are said to have come from Kyoto with a noble bride centuries ago.
Along the nearby Hinokinai River, a two kilometre tunnel of cherry trees blooms at the same time.
What to see
| Spot | What you see | Time (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Bukeyashiki-dori | The main samurai street | 30 minutes |
| Aoyagi House | A large samurai house with museums | 45 minutes |
| Ishiguro House | One of the oldest samurai houses | 20 minutes |
| Hinokinai River | A long tunnel of cherry trees | 30 minutes |
| Cherry bark craft shops | Local crafts made from cherry bark | 20 minutes |
When to go
- Late April: weeping cherry blossom and the riverside cherries.
- Autumn: red maple leaves over the black fences.
- Winter: snow-covered fences and quiet streets.
- Weekdays: fewer crowds in cherry season.
Our tip: Look for kabazaiku, a local craft that uses polished cherry bark to make tea caddies and boxes.
Getting there
- From Tokyo: the Akita Shinkansen reaches Kakunodate in about 3 hours.
- From the station: the samurai district is about 20 minutes on foot.
- Nearby: Lake Tazawa and Nyuto Onsen are good side trips.
Visiting respectfully
- Some houses are private homes, so do not enter without permission.
- Do not climb the fences or pull cherry branches.
- Expect crowds and book early in cherry season.
- Keep tripods out of busy streets.
Frequently asked questions
When do the cherry blossoms bloom in Kakunodate?
Usually in late April.
How do you get to Kakunodate from Tokyo?
Take the Akita Shinkansen, about 3 hours.
Can you go inside the samurai houses?
Yes. Several houses are open to visitors.
Is Kakunodate worth visiting in winter?
Yes. The snowy streets are beautiful and quiet.
Naruto Whirlpools
Powerful tidal whirlpools churning beneath a giant suspension bridge.
We check this guide regularly. Prices, hours and rules in Japan can change, so confirm with the official sources below before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.