In the spring of 2024, we will go to Kakunodate Cherry Blossom Festival in Akita! Cherry blossoms and samurai residences

  • Akita
  • Sightseeing
Provided by Tohoku Tourism Promotion Organization
Kakunodate, Akita is famous for its samurai residences! The view with cherry blossoms in spring is especially popular, isn't it? In Kakunodate, the "Kakunodate Cherry Blossom Festival" is held when the cherry blossoms are at their best, and will be held from April 15 (Mon.) to May 5 (Sun.) in 2024.

In this issue, we will introduce the weeping cherry trees that can be seen in Kakunodate, as well as Kakunodate's cherry blossom viewing spots along Buke Yashiki Dori and sightseeing spots to enjoy cherry blossom viewing together.

Michinoku's Little Kyoto "Kakunodate Bukeyashiki Street

Kakunodate Buke Yashiki Dori is a castle town that flourished in the Edo period and has been selected as an "Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings" by the government. In a radius of about 2 km, many old buildings, including samurai residences, still exist, giving the town an atmospheric atmosphere that makes you feel as if you have stepped back in time. This is the reason why Kakunodate is called "Michinoku's Little Kyoto.

Some of the samurai residences are still used as residences, and some are actually open to visitors.
Samurai Residence Street

Shidare-zakura (weeping cherry) in Kakunodate

The blackboard walls of the samurai residences contrast beautifully with the pink of the cherry blossoms in Kakunodate's weeping cherry trees. Approximately 162 weeping cherry trees out of about 400 in the entire town are designated as national natural monuments. It is a popular hanami spot in Akita Prefecture, attracting many visitors during the cherry blossom viewing season.
Cherry blossoms in Kakunodate
Kakunodate and weeping cherry trees have a long history, dating back about 400 years. It is said that the weeping cherry trees in Kakunodate originated from three cherry tree saplings brought by Yoshiaki Satake, the second in charge of Kakunodate of the Satake Kita family, when his wife came from Kyoto on a visit to Kakunodate. These three saplings became the parent trees, and the rows of cherry trees are now magnificent.
Shidare-zakura (weeping cherry) (Courtesy of Tohoku Tourism Promotion Organization)

Cherry blossoms illuminated at night

During the Kakunodate Cherry Blossom Festival, the cherry trees are illuminated at night. The night view of the samurai residences and weeping cherry blossoms is fantastic. Please stay in Kakunodate and enjoy a night stroll.
Night Cherry Blossoms in Kakunodate

Overview of "Night Cherry Blossom Illumination on Buke Yashiki Street

Holding period: Monday, April 15, 2024 - Sunday, May 5, 2024
*Scheduled to be held during the "Kakunodate Cherry Blossom Festival"
Hours: around 17:30 - 22:00
Kakunodate Cherry Blossom Festival Pamphlet
Cherry Blossom Tour Map

Tunnel of Someiyoshino cherry trees "Cherry trees along the Hinokinai River bank

Kakunodate Hinokinai River Tsutsumi in Senboku City, Akita Prefecture, together with Kakunodate Bukeyashiki Dori, is one of the 100 best cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan. About 400 Someiyoshino cherry trees are planted along the bank of the Hinokinai River, which flows near Kakunodate Buke Yashiki Dori, for a distance of 2 km.
Cherry trees along the Hinokinai River bank
The beautiful tunnel of cherry trees along the Hinokinai River stretches for about 2 km, and it is exciting just to walk through it with a pleasant spring breeze! It is as if cherry-colored clouds are spreading. The banks of the Hinokinai River are spacious, so after you finish sightseeing along the Buke Yashiki Dori, you can relax and enjoy viewing the cherry blossoms on the banks of this river.
Night Cherry Trees along the Hinokinai River bank
As the sun sets and night falls, the nighttime cherry blossom illumination begins. The fantastic night view of the cherry blossoms is different from that of the daytime and attracts people. It is not so cold just after sunset, but as night falls, the temperature drops rapidly and the wind blowing on the river becomes cold and chilly. Please be sure to take warm clothing and enjoy the nighttime cherry blossoms.

Outline of "Someiyoshino cherry trees along the Hinokinai River bank illuminated at night

Period: Monday, April 15, 2024 - Sunday, May 5, 2024
*Scheduled to be held during the "Kakunodate Cherry Blossom Festival"
Hours: around 17:30 - 24:00

Past blooming information of Kakunodate

When making travel plans, it is important to know when the flowers are in bloom. Here is some past information on when the cherry blossoms in Kakunodate were in full bloom.

■2023
Buds: 4/1, Bloom: 4/5, Full bloom: 4/10, Beginning of falling: 4/13
■2022
Buds: 4/13, Bloom: 4/18, Full bloom: 4/22, Beginning of falling: 4/25
■2021
Buds: 4/7, Bloom: 4/12, Full bloom: 4/16, Beginning of falling: 4/22
■202020
Buds: 4/10 10, Blooming: 4/15, Full bloom: 4/21, Beginning of falling: 4/24

Conditions change depending on the weather and temperature, so please check the latest information before visiting.

Kakunodate Area Sightseeing Spots

Here are some sightseeing spots to enjoy with cherry blossom viewing.

Kakunodate Ekimae Kura, Senboku City Tourist Information Center

The Senboku City Tourist Information Center "Kakunodate Ekimae Kura," a tourist information center in a large warehouse located near Kakunodate Station and a 20-minute walk from the Buke Yashiki Street, provides directions to the Buke Yashiki and has tourist pamphlets and maps available at all times. The building is free of charge, so it is recommended to take a rest while waiting for your train or bus! Why not visit at the beginning of your trip?
Senboku City Tourism Information Center "Kakunodate Ekimae Kura

Kakunodate Kabazaiku Traditions Museum (just off Buke Yashiki Dori)

The Kakunodate Kabazaiku Traditions Museum, about a 1-minute walk from Buke Yashiki Street and a 20-minute walk from Kakunodate Station, has an exhibition room of kabazaiku, a nationally designated traditional craft produced in Kakunodate Town, Senboku City, as well as a demonstration of kabazaiku production. There is also a souvenir corner, where we recommend tea utensils such as tea containers, which are especially appreciated because of their characteristics of avoiding dampness and preventing drying. Everyone is welcome to come and see the cherry blossoms along with the history, tradition, and culture of Kakunodate.
Senboku Municipal Kakunodate Kabazaiku Handicraft Museum

Cherry blossom viewing in Kakunodate this spring

We have introduced Kakunodate's cherry blossom viewing spots to enjoy spring in Akita. The view of samurai residences and weeping cherry trees is breathtaking. Why not visit Kakunodate this spring?

Please note that the "Kakunodate Cherry Blossom Festival" is subject to change depending on the blooming conditions.
*The contents and services in this article are subject to change.
All images are for reference only.
For information on sightseeing in Kakunodate, visit the Senboku City Tourist Information Center "Kakunodate Ekimae Kura".
Train + Accommodation "Akita Area" Reservations [ JR East View Dynamic Rail Package
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