In Kakunodate, witness the samurai’s most graceful side::Tohoku::Cherry Blossom Viewing

The weeping cherry trees along Otemachi Samurai Residence Street are mostly over 200 years old. Their thick trunks exude the dignity of age, while the samurai-style windows and the horse-tying stones in front of the residences still preserve the architectural style from the Edo period. This area has been selected as one of Japan’s “100 Best Walking Paths.” In Kakunodate, modeled after Kyoto, over a hundred weeping cherry trees peek out from behind black walls, conveying a graceful longing for Kyoto. The solemnity of the samurai residences and the elegance of the weeping cherry blossoms create the irresistible charm of Little Kyoto in Kakunodate.

Kakunodate Town is divided into the Samurai District (Inner Town) and the Merchant District (Outer Town) by Hibuse Square. The former centers around Otemachi Samurai Residence Street, where centuries-old samurai buildings—many designated as historical sites—stand in a row along the street, forming the strongest impression of Kakunodate as Little Kyoto. The latter centers around Shimonakamachi, where many wealthy families who made their fortunes in sake brewing, fermentation, and pickling have lived for generations. ...Click to see detailed attraction information

Cherry blossom varieties:Somei Yoshino and weeping cherry
Number of cherry blossoms:400 at the samurai residences, 10,000 along the Hinokinai River embankment
Cherry blossom viewing events:Cherry Blossom Festival, nighttime illumination, samurai residence illumination

★★★ Extended Reading =Kakunodate Town Tourism Association

★★★ Extended Reading = Recommended Blogs = Leggy Plump Cat::2008 Spring Trip: Kakunodate

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