Traditionally Kakunodate was considered a castle town and Akita’s home of samurai, and though the local iconic Kakunodate castle is no longer standing, there are still remnants of the town’s rich history scattered throughout the area. Separated into two main areas, the merchant district and the samurai district, the town’s samurai corner still boasts some of the most incredible samurai architecture you can discover in Japan. Most of Kakunodate has survived relatively untouched over the past few centuries, and a visit to Kakunodate’s historic hub is a must do for anyone with even a passing interest in Japanese history.
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01
Ando Brewery
![Ando Brewery]()
Ando Brewery
Sitting in the merchant area of the town, Ando brewery is definitely worth a visit when you have the time. Ever since the 18th century this impressive brick building has been the home of Kakunodate’s delicious miso and soy sauce. Today visitors can learn a little about the production of miso and taste some of the brewery’s produce for free. There’s also a gift shop so you can pick up a little local omiyage on your way out.
- Ando Miso Soy Sauce Brewery
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4.5
67 Reviews -
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- Akita Pref. Sembokushi Kakunodatemachishimoshinmachi 27
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- 0187532008
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- 8:30-17:00
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02
Aoyagi Manor
![Aoyagi Manor]()
Aoyagi Manor
Once home to the famous Aoyagi family, this manor is a 400 year old local samurai residence and one of the area’s most iconic samurai sites. This large site houses everything you’ve ever wanted to know about the samurai as well as some of the Aoyagi family’s most precious heirlooms. A stroll around the manor’s garden will allow you to get up close and explore some of the stunning 600 different varieties of flowering plants and centuries old trees that now call the manor grounds home. During late April into early May there’s also an incredibly special species of cherry tree that blooms in the area called the Aoyagi eight petal red weeping cherry, it’s rumored to be the only one of its type in Japan.
- Kakunodate Aoyagi Samurai Manor Museum
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- Akita Prefecture kakunodate Omotemachishimocho 3
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- 0187543257
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- 9:00-17:00[Nov.- Mar.]9:00-1…
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03
Denshokan Museum
![Denshokan Museum]()
Denshokan Museum
Overflowing with intricate and meticulously crafted samurai artifacts, a visit to the Denshokan Museum is a great way to fully immerse yourself in the city’s history. Stunning from the outside and the inside, the gallery space is very non-Japanese friendly with multi-language audio guides on offer and friendly staff ready to help you out with any questions you may have. The museum is open from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm (8:30 am to 17:00 pm during April to November) all year round. If you’re travelling by car it’s a 3 minute journey from JR Kakunodate Station. walking will take about 20 minute.
- Kakunodate Kabazaiku Denshokan
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4.0
72 Reviews -
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- Akita Pref. Sembokushi Kakunodatemachiomotemachishimochou 10-1
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- 0187541700
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- 9:00-17:00(Last entry16:30)[…
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04
Ishiguro Manor
![Ishiguro Manor]()
Ishiguro Manor
During its peak the Kakunodate samurai district was home to around 80 families, making it one of the densest collections of samurai architecture and housing throughout Japan. These days seven houses in the area are open to the public, giving visitors a unique insight into the everyday lives of rich and middle class samurai families. The two most iconic houses are the Aoyagi House and the Ishiguro House. Now hosting museums and gift shops, the Aoyagi House is a great place to stop off and gather some historical context on the area. Though a lot more humble than Aoyagi, Ishiguro is still worth a visit as it boasts a tidy collection of samurai armor and clothing, as well as anatomical drawings and information.
![The Ishiguro Manor]()
The Ishiguro Manor
- The Ishiguro Manor
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- Akita Pref. Sembokushi Kakunodatemachiomotemachishimochou 1
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- 0187551496
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- 9:00-17:00*During the winter…
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