JP · Akita Prefecture · 39.60°N 140.56°E

kakunodate

Black-fenced samurai houses, weeping cherries and a riverbank full of blossoms.

Best time
Late April to early May for cherry blossom, when the town is at its busiest. October–November brings autumn colour. Winter is deep in snow and quiet.
How long
1 day, or 1 night
Getting there
Fly from KL to Tokyo (about 7 hours). The Akita Shinkansen reaches Kakunodate in about 3 hours. Japan is an hour ahead of KL.
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JP · Akita Prefecturekakunodate39.60°N 140.56°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,Black-fenced samurai houses, weeping cherries and a riverbank full of blossoms.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingKakunodateJP, Akita Prefecture
KLkakunodate
≈ 5,633 km from KL, as the crow flies
It’s a weetle cherry (national natural monument) on Bukeyashiki Street (Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings) in Kakunodate-cho, Semboku City, in Michinoku City, in Litt

Photo: (Hiroshi Sakamoto) 坂本 洋 · CC BY-SA 3.0

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Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

An old castle town in Akita with one of Japan's best-kept samurai districts: wide lanes of black wooden fences, old mansions and weeping cherry trees. In late April the trees and a 2-km riverbank all come into blossom.

Makan

  1. Inaniwa udonThin, silky wheat noodles from Akita, served cold or hot.Map ↗
  2. KiritanpoMashed rice grilled on cedar sticks, often simmered in a chicken hotpot.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. Samurai districtSeveral samurai houses are open, with armour, gardens and household things behind the black fences.Map ↗
  2. Hinokinai RiverA 2-km tunnel of cherry trees along the riverbank.Map ↗
  3. KabazaikuThe town's craft of polished cherry bark, made into tea caddies and boxes.Map ↗
  4. Lake TazawaJapan's deepest lake, one stop away on the shinkansen.Map ↗

Good to know

  • The samurai district is about 20 minutes' walk from the station. Lockers at the station save carrying bags around.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.