Guide
Kakunodate is located in Semboku City, Akita Prefecture, and remains a remarkably preserved example of an Edo-period castle town. Designated as a National Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, it is widely celebrated as the "Little Kyoto of Michinks of the North (Michinoku)." The area is unique because it still follows the original land division from the feudal era, with a clear distinction between the samurai residential areas (Uchimachi) and the merchant districts (Sotomachi) located in the outer town. The scenery is particularly breathtaking in spring, when the cherry blossom-lined Hinokinai River banks and the 300-year-old weeping cherry trees (Shidarezakura) blooming among the samurai residences create a stunning, unified landscape of history and nature.
The history of Kakunodate began with the Totsawa clan during the Sengoku period, followed by development under the rule of the Satake clan. In 1620, the town was relocated to its current position at the southern foot of Mt. Kojo. To prevent the spread of fire, a wide