Kakunodate is a small town with a well-preserved samurai district in Akita. Taking the bullet train from Tokyo is about a three hour journey. The samurai district is a ten minute walk from the station and easy to find with the maps provided at the station. There are many houses you can enter, however to see the best ones you will have to pay a small entrance fee. There is a wonderful old world ambience to this little town. It feels as though you have traveled back in time. It is easy to imagine samurai walking down these roads past the Edo period houses and cherry blossom trees.
- 1 min read
Kakunodate Samurai Village Akita
Step back in time inside these Edo period houses
By Anonymous
Community writer
The exterior of one of the samurai houses. (Photo: Michelle Madden)
The snow around the samurai houses was really picturesque. It must look amazing when the snow is actually falling. (Photo: Michelle Madden)
Birds painted on a traditional screen door. (Photo: Michelle Madden)
A vase in the museum complete with beautiful artwork. (Photo: Michelle Madden)
Some original artwork. It really helped me to imagine what life was like back then. (Photo: Michelle Madden)
The contrast of dark wood and white walls define this Edo style architecture. (Photo: Michelle Madden)
The wash house outside. The texture and colour of the wood is really beautiful. (Photo: Michelle Madden)
Swords I saw inside the museum in one of the houses. (Photo: Michelle Madden)
The attention to detail in the design is amazing. (Photo: Michelle Madden)
All sizes and shapes of swords in the museum. (Photo: Michelle Madden)
Some beautiful kimonos in the museum. The patterns on the fabric are absolutely stunning. (Photo: Michelle Madden)
When I was there in the beginning of May the snow had not yet melted though the weather was quite warm. (Photo: Michelle Madden)
Some history on the variety of cherry blossom trees in the area. (Photo: Michelle Madden)
A huge mound of snow that was slowly melting in the heat. (Photo: Michelle Madden)
Leave a comment
0 comments in total
Book your trip
Find a nearby hotel
Explore some of the best nearby hotels and deals for the perfect place to stay in Japan.
Top Articles
-
1Explore Hakodate’s Gourmet Food and Markets
Hokkaido - Sponsored -
2Exploring Japan Through the Seasons: Three First-Time Classic Tours
Culture -
3Adventure Travel For All In Chitose
Hokkaido -
4Japan Train & Bus Travel Guide (2026): Shinkansen, Tickets & Routes
Transportation - Sponsored -
5A Snowy Retreat at Kamenoi Hotel Tazawako, Akita
Akita - Sponsored -
6Ozu Castle Town: A Sustainable Destination in Japan
Ehime - Sponsored -
7Visiting Scenic Yanagawa On the Water’s Edge
Fukuoka - Sponsored -
8See Southern Japan with Kirishima As Your Gateway
Kagoshima - Sponsored -
9A Spring and Summer Guide to Lake Tazawa, Complete with the Perfect Stay
Akita - Sponsored -
10A Relaxed Mix of Sightseeing, Dining, and Shopping in Kanonji
Kagawa - Sponsored
-
1Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2Bad Bunny Debí Tirar Más Fotos World Tour
Tokyo -
3The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
4Guide to Suica Cards
Transportation -
5Ghibli Museum: How To Get Tickets (2026 Guide)
Culture -
6Akishinodera Temple
Nara -
7Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
8March Grand Sumo Tournament (Osaka)
Osaka -
9The History of Japan: Era by Era
Culture -
10Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival
Shizuoka