About Samurai Residences

Samurai Residences Street is a historical street in Kakunodate Town, Senboku City, Akita Prefecture, and is known as a place that retains a strong sense of samurai culture from the Edo period. Kakunodate is also known as “Michinoku's Little Kyoto,” a town that still retains the atmosphere of a beautiful castle town, and the Samurai Residences Street is a particularly popular area among tourists. The street is lined with old samurai residences, many of which are open to the public, allowing visitors to experience up close the lifestyle and architectural style of the samurai of the Edo period.

The main attraction of Samurai Residences Street is its historical atmosphere and beautiful scenery that changes from season to season. The samurai residences, with their rows of black walls, are so dignified and atmospheric that you feel as if you have stepped back in time. The gardens of the mansions are planted with beautiful pine trees, maple trees, and plum trees, and in spring the cherry trees are in full bloom, and the cherry blossoms in Kakunodate are especially beautiful, having been selected as one of the “100 best cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan. The sight of approximately 400 weeping cherry trees adorning the streets is truly breathtaking. Visitors can enjoy the emotional scenery of the Edo period as they walk through the tunnel of cherry blossoms.

In addition, several samurai residences along the street are open to the public as museums, where visitors can learn about the history and culture of the area. The Aoyanagi, Ishiguro, and Kawai families are representative of these mansions, where visitors can see the lifestyle, tools, and architectural techniques of the samurai of the time. Particularly attractive are the old armory and furnishings on display, which provide visitors with a deep understanding of the daily lives and spiritual culture of the samurai. Visitors can enjoy a moment of historical discovery as they stroll freely through the grounds.

Furthermore, the Samurai Residence Street is also a place where visitors can enjoy Akita's local culture and food culture. The surrounding area is lined with stores selling local specialties and crafts, and there are also many restaurants where visitors can taste Akita's famous cuisine. One of the best parts of a visit is to enjoy the historical atmosphere of the samurai residences while enjoying delicious local food and souvenirs.

More than just a tourist attraction, Samurai Residences Street is a special place where visitors can experience Akita's history and culture firsthand. Its historical scenery and emotional landscape will provide visitors with unforgettable memories. This place is a must-see for history buffs and those interested in culture, as they can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the four seasons while gaining a deeper understanding of the life of the samurai in the Edo period and its historical background.