Travel Guide Kakunodate

This little town is worth a visit if you have the opportunity to go to Morioka. You will be only one hour away from the few old samurai quarters still preserved and the beautiful cherry trees plantations waiting for spring to bloom. There are still a good half dozen samurai houses. Some of them have, over the centuries, with the help of craftsmen, elaborated the manufacture of various objects made of cherry bark (kabazaiku). The city is also known for its promenades lined with magnificent cherry trees that were planted by the lords of this city, the Ashina. The Ashina were originally from Kansai. One hundred and fifty-five cherry trees stand along the promenade while several thousand more line the river. To the east of the city, you can also take a walk to enjoy the Dakigaeri Gorge. The town can be visited in 2-3 hours. Bicycles can also be hired.