Guided in Japanese: Kakunodate Samurai Town

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

WHAT YOU VISIT
Kakunodate Samurai District
Once the home of 80 samurai families, Kakunodate is acclaimed as one of the best examples of samurai architecture and housing in the country. Here, you'll find a number of centuries-old gardens and houses including the Aoyagi Samurai House, one of the best-preserved samurai manor houses of its kind in Japan. Today, this open-air museum features a main house, armory, an antique museum and tea room, gift shops and a beautiful garden. Another impressive building is Ishiguro House, the current home of samurai descendants. You'll be welcomed inside where you can view a collection of samurai clothing and armor, as well as some drawings and artwork.

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
Unchanged since its founding in 1620, the wide streets are lined with dozens of trees and thatched residences that are hidden behind black fences.

LUNCH
Before returning to Akita, you'll sit down at a local restaurant for a delicious lunch at a local restaurant.

WHAT YOU SEE ALONG THE WAY
Like Akita, the town of Kakunodate was a castle town and samurai stronghold during the Edo period (1603-1867). Ruled by the Satake clan, the local daimyo built a small castle on the nearby summit. While the castle and the samurai are long gone, the lovely homes of samurai families remain.

Special Notes:

Tour order may vary. Not recommended for wheelchair passengers due to gravel ground at Kakunodate Samurai houses. Guests are required to remove their shoes when entering one of rooms at a samurai house. This tour is with limited capacity.