Stroll through the Akita samurai residences and catch a glimpse of the small Kyoto charm of Yamato

From the Edo period to the end of the shogunate, Akita in Japan’s Tohoku region flourished as a castle town under the 200,000 koku domain of the Satake clan, and to this day, the area retains many historical sites. In addition to Sendai, which blends traditional charm with modern vibrancy, Kakunodate—also known as “Little Kyoto”—is a must-visit destination for travelers. Strolling through Kakunodate, with its old-capital ambiance, feels like stepping into the Yamato elegance of the Edo period, where surprises await around every corner.

The famous Kakunodate in Akita is nicknamed “Little Kyoto.” Its grid-like streets, centered around the old town, are neatly arranged with samurai residences and merchant houses. The preserved buildings alone offer a glimpse into the prosperity of the time. The samurai residences, which exude a sense of weighty simplicity, are the main highlights of Kakunodate’s tourism resources. With over 370 years of history, these buildings are particularly intriguing. In 1976 (Showa 51), the area was designated as an Important Traditional Buildings Preservation District. Among them, the Ishiguro, Aoyagi, Iwahashi, and Kawarada families were four key vassals of the Satake clan lords. Their residences are representative of the high-status samurai homes of the Edo period. The distinct character of each building reflects the personality of its owner—visiting the samurai residences is a must, and be sure to step inside.

Among the samurai residences in Kakunodate, the most well-preserved is the Aoyagi family home in the Kakunodate Historical Village. The Aoyagi family served as samurai under the Satake Northern House, managing all of the town’s assets across generations and holding considerable status at the time. The Aoyagi residence is a flagship example of samurai architecture. The entire building was planned by the renowned carpenter Shibata Iwataro, with separate main and side entrances used depending on the visitor’s rank. The expansive Aoyagi estate resembles a themed historical village, scattered with traditional Japanese shops and restaurants. Here, you can also enjoy Inaniwa udon—one of Japan’s three great udon varieties—known for its smooth and soothing texture that’s truly unforgettable after just one bite.

Among the retainers of the Satake clan, the Nishimiya family had the most distinguished lineage. From the late Meiji era to the Taisho era, they were major landowners in Kakunodate. The main house and five warehouses—the rice storehouse, north storehouse, gakko storehouse, front storehouse, and library storehouse—that they built have been restored, allowing visitors to still sense the opulence of the Taisho period. The former storehouse, originally an office for inspecting tenant rice produce, now displays and sells Kakunodate specialties, such as kogatana (carving knives), unique patterned antique fabrics, and more. The most artistic of them all, the library storehouse, exhibits cultural heritage items such as ancestral letters and daily necessities. The so-called “milk hall,” the north storehouse, now operates as a restaurant—dining in the weighty atmosphere of a warehouse offers a truly distinctive experience.

Located at the northern end of the Samurai Residences Street, the Ishiguro family residence is the oldest existing building among the samurai homes. It is surrounded by lush, over-300-year-old Japanese fir trees. The wooden fence of the Ishiguro residence exudes a sense of ancient heaviness and solemnity, with a doorplate noting its construction in 1809 (Culture 6). The Ishiguro samurai family served generations in financial roles under the Satake Northern House. The main house features a thatched roof, and the garden is dotted with moss-covered stones of various sizes, radiating a simple and elegant samurai aesthetic.

When exploring the fresh-air-filled, gently breezy streets of the samurai residences, besides leisurely walking, cycling is also a great option. Just follow the orderly layout of the streets, and even without a map, you won’t get lost. Those with a larger budget might opt to hail a rickshaw, experiencing the mode of transport from the samurai era, while a driver dressed in period attire introduces the must-see sights of Kakunodate.

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Further reading: Savor a meal of Akita Black Wagyu beef (provided by Tripass Attractions)