In Kakunodate, part of the city of Semboku in Akita Prefecture, exists rows of old houses first attributed to the Ashina family in the early Edo period (around year 1620), that later flourished under the castle town of the Satake-Kita family. This district has been designated as protected in an effort to conserve traditional buildings.
This area has what are known as “samurai residence streets,” where there are rows of residencies formerly owned by samurai.
The houses, lined with black fencing and weeping cherry trees, are a beautiful sight, and the area is sometimes referred to as “The Little Kyoto of Michinoku.”
There are many samurai residences in this area, but the most famous among them is the Kakunodate Historical Village Aoyagi House, which is designated as an important cultural asset of Akita Prefecture.
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.