Nestled between Akita City and Morioka City, Kakunodate City in Japan’s Tohoku region is a charming town that captures the ambiance of an Edo period castle town.
Welcome to my blog! Today, I’d like to introduce you to the captivating charm of Kakunodate City. Although I haven’t had the chance to visit yet, I’ve conducted detailed research on its allure, and I’m delighted to share this information with all of you.
Its cherry blossoms, which bloom in late April to early May, attract visitors from various places. When it comes to admiring the cherry blossoms, Kakunodate offers two remarkable locations: the graceful weeping cherry trees surrounding the samurai residences and the beautiful cherry tree tunnel along the Hinokinai River. Additionally, Kakunodate is home to historical treasures such as the Semboku City Kakunodate Kabazaiku Folklore Museum and well-preserved samurai residences. Exploring these remarkable sites provides an immersive experience in the region’s vibrant culture and captivating history.
The video I’ve selected from YouTube is right here.
Tourist Attractions and Activities
Nestled between Akita City in Akita Prefecture and Morioka City in Iwate Prefecture, Kakunodate City in the Tohoku region of Japan is a picturesque town that exudes the enchanting ambiance of a meticulously designed castle town from the early Edo period.
Each year, from mid to late April, the city becomes adorned with beautiful cherry blossoms that attracts many visitors. While some websites indicate that the cherry blossoms typically reach full bloom from late April to early May, recent years have witnessed an advancement in the blooming season due to the effects of global warming.
he cherry blossoms now reach their peak beauty from late April to early May, and the petals gently fall during this period. Consequently, the Kakunodate Cherry Blossom Festival is traditionally scheduled to be held from April 20th to May 5th.
However, if the blooming season arrives earlier, the festival may be rescheduled a few days ahead of the original plan.
Dual Sakura Delights: Kakunodate's Two Blossom Zones
In Kakunodate, two different varieties of cherry blossoms bloom in separate locations, each offering its own unique beauty.
Kakunodate's Edo Splendor
Cherry Blossom Delights and Samurai Heritage
Firstly, we have the weeping cherry trees that grace the streets surrounding the samurai residences.
The elegant pink blossoms against the backdrop of the samurai houses’ blackboard fences create a mesmerizing contrast that is sure to captivate your attention. Simply strolling along these streets immerses you in a beautiful atmosphere reminiscent of the Edo period. Notably, 162 of the weeping cherry trees in this area have been honored as national natural monuments.
Look for the plaques that show their special status.
Exploring Samurai Residences in Kakunodate
In the center of this street, where the samurai residences are located, you’ll find the “Semboku City Kakunodate Kabazaiku Folklore Museum“.
It boasts a gate that exudes a palpable sense of history, accompanied by two magnificent weeping cherry trees that elegantly frame the entrance. This idyllic scene is often portrayed in posters and promotional materials.
Inside the museum, you’ll have the opportunity to witness the artistry of Kabazaiku, a traditional craft that showcases the intricate work of cherry bark. The exhibits also feature historical materials and weaponry, offering valuable insights into the region’s rich heritage. The gate of the museum welcomes visitors from 9 am to 5 pm. While there is an admission fee for the indoor exhibition, you can freely explore the garden area without any charge.
If you prefer a more relaxed and less crowded experience, I suggest visiting in the early morning when there are fewer people around.
Admiring Cherry Blossoms by Rickshaw
To make your Japan trip even more enjoyable, why not take a rickshaw ride to admire the cherry blossoms? You can find the rickshaw boarding area across from the museum.
Beautiful Cherry Blossom Tunnel
Beautiful Cherry Blossom Tunnel
Another delightful attraction awaits just a short walk from the samurai residences.
Along the Hinokinai River, you’ll discover a stunning tunnel of approximately 400 Somei Yoshino cherry trees stretching over a distance of about 2 kilometers. It’s a beautiful sight. Even if you happen to visit towards the end of the cherry blossom season, you may consider yourself fortunate as you might have the opportunity to witness the fallen petals transforming the tunnel into a carpet-like scene.
Nature's Contrast: Cherry Blossoms and Daffodils
In addition to the cherry blossoms, the riverbank is also adorned with daffodils, creating a beautiful contrast of yellow and pink. This scenic display provides a perfect opportunity to connect with nature and appreciate its beauty.
Captivating Illuminations: Nights by the River
Furthermore, starting from mid-April on Saturdays and continuing until late April on Sundays along the riverside, as well as until approximately May 5th at the samurai residences, illuminations begin after 5:30 pm. If you happen to be staying in Kakunodate, you can fully indulge in the illuminated samurai residences until 10 pm and enjoy the riverside illuminations until midnight.
Previewing Cherry Blossoms: Live Camera Experience
During the spring season in Kakunodate, a live camera is installed allowing you to preview the cherry blossoms in advance. It is highly recommended to take a look before your visit.
Exploring Samurai Residences in Kakunodate
Please keep in mind that there are numerous other delightful spots to explore besides the cherry blossoms.
Historic Samurai Residences: Aoyagi & Ishiguro Houses
The Aoyagi House and the Ishiguro House are historical samurai residences that have opened certain areas to the public for tourism.
At the Aoyagi House, you can explore the “Samurai House Furnishings Museum,” which showcases the lifestyle of the samurai during that era. It exhibits a collection of ceramics, woodblock prints, and other valuable artifacts. With six exhibition halls, including the well-preserved main house from 200 years ago, an armory, and the Museum of Japan’s First Translated Western Medical Books, it is an intriguing destination for history enthusiasts and samurai aficionados.
In contrast, the Ishiguro House is the only residence where direct descendants of the family still live in the main house. Since it is still used as a residence, only about half of the estate is accessible to the public. However, visitors have the exclusive opportunity to enter the rooms and experience the interior of an authentic traditional samurai residence.
Kimono Tour Shanari: Immerse Yourself in Traditional Elegance
If you are interested in the experience of strolling around in a kimono, you can participate in the “Kimono Tour Shanari”. For a rental and dressing fee of 5,000 yen, you can rent a complete set of kimono, featuring a wide variety of patterns and designs, along with hair accessories and other necessary items. You don’t have to bring anything with you, as everything you need will be provided.
Discover More
For more detailed information about these attractions, you can visit VISIT SEMBOKU, where they provide comprehensive introductions.
Culture, History, and Traditions
Around 350 years ago, a woman of noble heritage from Kyoto married into the Satake clan, who were the rulers of this region, and made this place her new home. It is believed that she carried three young weeping cherry tree saplings with her and planted them with great care. Over time, these modest beginnings grew into the magnificent cherry blossom avenue that we admire today.
The preserved district, where the samurai residences are located, occupies the heart of the former samurai town and includes the homes of upper and middle-ranking samurai. Strolling along the broad streets, one can still admire the unbroken line of fences that faithfully preserve the distinctive features of a late-Edo period samurai town.
Furthermore, the enchanting Somei Yoshino cherry trees planted along the riverside were dedicated in 1934 to commemorate the birth of the reigning Emperor. Their exceptional beauty has earned them recognition as a nationally recognized scenic treasure.
Dining Guide
In Kakunodate, you’ll find a variety of restaurants where you can enjoy the region’s distinctive local cuisine and traditional sweets.
Savor Renowned Chicken Dishes
If you’re eager to savor the local flavors at a restaurant, why not try the renowned local chicken dishes? “Shokudo Inaho” (Japanese), “Tsuki no Shiori” , “Sakura no Sato“(Japanese), and other establishments offer delicious dishes showcasing local chicken.
Exploring Kiritanpo Cuisine
You’ll also come across several restaurants specializing in “Kiritanpo,” a unique dish made by pounding and grilling firm-textured rice, which is then shaped into cylindrical forms using cedar skewers. Kiritanpo is commonly served as a prominent ingredient in hot pot dishes.
Exquisite Kaiseki and Local Delights
For an authentic kaiseki and local cuisine experience, there are multiple options to choose from. “Mominoki-tei” located in the Tamachi Bukeyashiki Hotel and “Shouji” (Japanese) are excellent choices for a memorable dining experience.
Indulge in Traditional Akita Sweets
If you’re on the hunt for local sweets specific to the region, “Morokoshi” is a perfect choice. “Morokoshi” is a traditional Akita confectionery made by combining roasted azuki bean powder and sugar, which is then compacted into wooden molds. At “Morokosian Bukeyashiki-ten“, located across from the Aoyagi family’s samurai residence, you can savor this traditional delicacy with a tender and moist texture, offering a unique and delightful flavor.
Accommodation
You can find a comprehensive list of accommodations in Kakunodate on the official website of Semboku City, along with detailed information about each facility. What’s even better is that all of these establishments provide Wi-Fi connectivity.
To explore more information about this region, including the charming Tazawako area located a bit further away, you can visit the VISIT SEMBOKU website. There, you’ll be able to browse through accommodations accompanied by photos.
However, it’s worth noting that during the cherry blossom season, accommodations tend to get crowded. Therefore, I suggest making reservations well in advance.
In case you’re unable to secure your preferred type of lodging, there’s also the option to stay in Akita City in Akita Prefecture or Morioka City in Iwate Prefecture. You can conveniently reach these cities by taking the Shinkansen, which operates until late at night. The Shinkansen’s last train to Morioka departs around the 20:00 hour, and the last train to Akita leaves around the 22:00 hour.
Transportation
There are multiple transportation options to reach Kakunodate City in Akita Prefecture.
By plane
If you’re flying, the nearest airport is Akita Airport, which is approximately a 1 hour and 20-minute journey from Tokyo.
From the airport, you have the choice of taking a limousine bus (Japanese) or the Akita Shinkansen to reach Kakunodate City via Akita Station. Keep in mind that the bus only accepts coins or 1,000 yen bills, so it’s advisable to have smaller denominations prepared in advance.
By train
If you prefer traveling by train, the most convenient option is to take the Akita Shinkansen directly to Kakunodate Station. The journey from Tokyo Station to Kakunodate Station takes approximately 3 hours and 10 minutes, with a fare of around 17,000 yen.
Once you arrive at Kakunodate Station, it’s just a short 15-minute walk to Bukeyashiki Street. The cherry blossoms and samurai residences in Kakunodate are conveniently clustered together, and you can reach the vibrant Hinokinai River Bank, adorned with the beautiful Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms, in approximately 10 minutes from Bukeyashiki Street.
Budget and Transportation Tips
During the cherry blossom season, a multitude of alluring food stalls grace the square nestled between the river and the samurai residences.These food stalls are known for their extended operating hours, usually from around 10 a.m. until approximately 10 p.m., and they offer a diverse selection of beverages and mouthwatering local dishes.
Additionally, in the vicinity of the samurai residences, you’ll find alluring shops that specialize in traditional Japanese confectionery. Travelers have the opportunity to savor delicious food while marveling at the cherry blossoms, thus saving on restaurant expenses as well.
If you’re considering traveling to Kakunodate using JR trains, I suggest making the most of the JAPAN RAIL PASS to optimize your cost savings.
Weather Guide
Kakunodate, situated in the northeastern region of Japan, is a picturesque town with a charming ambiance. In the enchanting cherry blossom season, the temperatures in Kakunodate bear resemblance to those experienced in Tokyo during March, with average highs reaching around 15 degrees Celsius and lows ranging from 3 degrees Celsius.
As the seasons transition, the daily temperatures may fluctuate, occasionally dipping into chilly realms. Thus, it is prudent to dress warmly when embarking on your Kakunodate adventure.
If you have plans to relish the illuminations, I suggest preparing a thick coat to ensure your utmost comfort and coziness.
