Kakunodate Samurai District

Known as the Little Kyoto of the North East, this is a beautiful district of samurai residences lined with rows of cherry trees. The main street, which stretches for roughly 720m, has received an official designation as a nationally protected group of traditional buildings. This street was home to high and middle-ranking samurai, and among its houses includes designated cultural treasures of Akita Prefecture, such as the Iwahashi Residence and the Aoyagi Residence. With their yakuimon gates, traditional blackened wood fencing, and weeping cherry trees all preserved in their ancient original state, the row of samurai houses offers a rare insight into the samurai lifestyle as well as a beautiful and harmonious view.