Seeking Samurai in Kakunodate
I have always been fascinated with the Japanese warriors called Samurai since I saw the 2003 movie The Last Samurai starring Tom Cruise.
In short the movie is about an American military officer, Algren (Tom Cruise), hired by the Emperor of Japan to train the country’s first army in the art of modern warfare, and his growing infatuation with Samurai traditions.
I enjoyed this movie immensely and like Cruise’s character, I was captivated by the tradition of the Samurai. So when during my tour of Northern Japan I was told that I was being taken to an ancient Samuria town called Kakunodate I was understandably excited.
Kakunodate is a town located in Senboku District, Akita Prefecture, Northern Japan. This town has two claims to fame: one being that it is a historical Samurai or castle town; and the other for its glorious weeping cherry trees which line the streets and along the banks of the Hinokinai River, which runs through Kakunodate. You can imagine how gorgeous these trees look when the cherry blossoms erupt during springtime.
We visited this pretty little town on our first day in Japan where we were met by a local tour guide who escorted us throughout the streets of the town, the Samurai residences and one of the local museums.
The Samurai (or Bushi) were the warriors of premodern Japan during the Edo Period (1603-1867). They later made up the ruling military class that eventually became the highest ranking social caste of the era.
Samurai were supposed to lead their lives according to the ethic code of bushido (“the way of the warrior”). They were hugely disciplined, articulate, educated and highly trained in weaponry.
In order to separate the social castes, Samurai were forced to reside in designated districts of the castle towns during the Edo Period and one of these towns was Kakunodate.
The Kakunodate Samurai district, which once housed about 80 families, is one of the best examples of Samurai architecture and housing in the country.
Of the Samurai houses that remain intact, six are open to the public and gives you and insight into how middle class and wealthy Samurai families might have lived.
The Aoyagi House consists of multiple buildings containing museum collections, restaurants and gift shops. The displays provide interesting information in both English and Japanese on Samurai traditions, lifestyle and Japan’s historical context in relation to Kakunodate.
Denshokan Museum, located opposite to the Samurai residences, displays Kakunodate’s history and traditional craft making. Kakunodate most prominent craft is cherry bark woodworking (kabazaiku), which is used to make tea canisters, dishes and large pieces of furniture.
Kakunodate was not only an exceptional insight into Japan’s intriguing Samurai history, but it was a picturesque little place possessing much charm and character. As for seeking the Samurai, I think I found them everywhere I looked in this beautiful little town.
How to get to Kakunodate: We flew from Tokyo with All Nippon Airways (ANA) to Akita Airport and were shuttled by bus to Kakunodate which is 39Kms from Akita.
Where we Stayed: We stayed at the Prince Hotel Shizukuishi in Iwate Prefecture. Shizukuishi is an easy drive, at around 48Kms, from Kakunodate.
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What a fascinating history. I really want to get Jaian and your posts are really inspiring me so thanks
I always find it interesting to delve deep into the history of the countries I visit and Japan certainly did not disappoint. I think I could definitely return here to see more. :)
Looks like Kakunodate gave you a wonderful insight into Japan’s intriguing Samurai history! What a pretty place, and how fascinating it all sounded. I also loved the movie The Last Samurai with Tom Cruise, but no replacement for the real thing ;)
Kakunodate certainly did that Jo and it was a pleasant surprise. I love history and this is what fascinates me about new destinations. The Last Samurai was one of my fave movies. The Samurai is such an interesting culture and tradition. :)
Fascinating. How lucky you were to experience that. I saw The Seven Samurai years ago as part of a classic movie festival. I haven’t seen the Tom Cruise movie. It’s such a rich and historically significant culture.
Seeing the Samurai houses and learning about their culture first hand was a highlight of my trip to Japan. I am a sucker for history and Japan certainly provided lots of it! :)
It certainly would be beautiful walking beneath the cherry trees during the Springtime flowering and then there is the Samurai connection as well. I’ve not seen the movie but I will keep an eye out for it.
The movie is pretty old now but I think out of all the Tom Cruise movies this is the one I liked the best. Yes I would love to see those gorgeous Cherry Trees blooming in spring too. It was such a pretty place. :)
I would be interested in learning more about the life of samurais. Here in Los Angeles, we have a Japanese Cultural Center and they do exhibitions about samurais. It would be nice to learn more about the actual places where they resided and about their practices. This town looks so peaceful and beautiful. Looks like samurais had their own piece of paradise.
Yes the Samurai really fascinate me too and this was one the highlights of my trip to Japan. Seeing where and how they lived was very interesting. It was such a pretty place too. :)
Hi Kathy. I remember that movie. I believe it was based on the novel Shogun by James Clavell, right? This looks like an intriguing city and I could see myself visiting for a few days.
Mmm I’m not sure Nancie. There was an old movie called Shogun based on the book so I think it may have been a different movie all together. Kakunodate was a beautiful place – so pretty and peaceful. :)
The Last Samurai was filmed in New Zealand.
That’s very interesting Mark. I never knew that. Thanks for sharing. :)