Frequently Asked Questions
English answers are machine-translated from the property's Japanese information. Please confirm important details with the property directly.
Or browse the answers we’ve already prepared below.
These answers were written by AI from the property's official website. The property has not checked them. Collected on June 2, 2026. Prices and times may be out of date, so please confirm anything important with the property.
Access (1)
How do I get here from Kakunodate Station?
About a 20-minute walk from JR Kakunodate Station. The Akita Shinkansen Komachi stops here, making it accessible from Tokyo in about 3 hours without changing trains. Renting a bicycle at the station allows for more efficient sightseeing than walking.
Experiences (1)
Can I rent a kimono?
Aoyagi-ke does not offer rentals directly, but there are several rental shops in the Samurai Residences Street area. Changing into a vintage kimono and strolling through the historic townscape is recommended.
Opening hours (1)
What are the opening hours and closing days of Aoyagi-ke?
Open from 9am to 5pm (4:30pm from December to March). Open year-round.
Seasons (1)
Can I enjoy it in winter?
Open year-round (closing at 4:30pm in winter). Kakunodate's snowy winter landscape is also picturesque. Note that some facilities may have altered hours, so it's worth checking in advance.
Time needed (1)
How much time should I allow?
About 40 to 50 minutes is a reasonable estimate for Aoyagi-ke alone. To leisurely explore the surrounding Samurai Residences Street area, allow half a day to a full day.
Prices (1)
What is the admission charge?
Adults ¥500, junior and senior high school students ¥300, elementary school students ¥200 (all individual prices, tax included).
Facilities (1)
Are calligraphy stamps and ema (prayer plaques) available?
Aoyagi Shrine, located within the Aoyagi-ke grounds, issues calligraphy stamps and ema. You can stop by while viewing the samurai residence.
Highlights (3)
What are the highlights?
In addition to a guided tour of the main house, you can enjoy six museums featuring swords, helmets, armour, local cultural experiences and more. The grounds span approximately 3,000 tsubo with a Kyoto-style front garden, and the weeping cherry blossoms in spring are also worth seeing.
When is the best time to see the cherry blossoms?
The weeping cherry blossoms are typically at their best from late April to early May. During the cherry blossom festival, night illuminations are held, with the cherry blossom colour reflecting off the black-painted fences creating a magical atmosphere.
What makes Aoyagi-ke different from other samurai residences on Samurai Residences Street?
Aoyagi-ke has the largest grounds of approximately 3,000 tsubo and six museums on Samurai Residences Street, with the entire residence functioning as a museum. In addition to the main house, it features exhibition halls for weapons, armor, and swords, as well as a local history museum, making it well worth a visit.
Parking (1)
Is there parking?
Parking is available within the Aoyagi-ke grounds and in the surrounding area. During cherry blossom season, traffic is heavy; consider using public transportation.
Other (6)
What is the address?
Akita Prefecture, Senboku City, Kakunodate Town, Omote-cho, Shita-din 3
How do I get there?
About 20 minutes on foot from JR Kakunodate Station (Akita Shinkansen Komachi stops here). By car: about 40 minutes from Omagari IC on the Akita Expressway, or about 70 minutes from Morioka IC on the Tohoku Expressway. Parking available nearby.
What are the opening hours?
9:00–17:00 (9:00–16:30 from December to March)
How much is the admission fee?
Adults ¥500, junior and senior high school students ¥300, elementary school students ¥200 (all individual prices, tax included)
When is the museum closed?
Open year-round
Is there parking?
Yes, it is available. For details, please check the official information.