Visiting Kakunodate and its Samurai Residences

Your first stop should be “Kakunodate Ekimae Kura,” the tourist information center, located in a white-walled building in front of JR Kakunodate Station. Here you’ll find tourist pamphlets and maps of the samurai residences, as well as many services geared toward travelers, making it a convenient hub to gather information.

Ishiguro House is a Designated Cultural Property of Semboku City. It is the oldest samurai residence in Kakunodate, and it is the only residence where visitors can enter the rooms and tour the inside of the building. It is still used by descendants of the Ishiguro family as their residence, so about half of the house is open to the public.
Weapons, armor, and ancient documents that have been passed down through the family for generations are set up on display.

The Aoyagi family once served as samurai retainers for the Ashina Clan. The grounds are expansive, and visitors can tour areas like the main house, armory, and samurai equipment storage. Inside the building are over 30,000 pieces of art and armor that have been protected and cherished for generations.
The entryway, known as Yakuimon Gate, is a prestigious landmark.

There are also many other wonderful samurai residences to visit! We hope that you visit and enjoy your journey through this historic location!