Question 1

How do I get here from Kakunodate Station?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

Can I rent a kimono?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

What are the opening hours and closing days of Aoyagi-ke?

Accepted Answer

Open from 9am to 5pm (4:30pm from December to March). Open year-round.

Question 4

Can I enjoy it in winter?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

How much time should I allow?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

What is the admission charge?

Accepted Answer

Adults ¥500, junior and senior high school students ¥300, elementary school students ¥200 (all individual prices, tax included).

Question 7

Are calligraphy stamps and ema (prayer plaques) available?

Accepted Answer

Aoyagi Shrine, located within the Aoyagi-ke grounds, issues calligraphy stamps and ema. You can stop by while viewing the samurai residence.

Question 8

What are the highlights?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

When is the best time to see the cherry blossoms?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 10

What makes Aoyagi-ke different from other samurai residences on Samurai Residences Street?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 11

Is there parking?

Accepted Answer

Parking is available within the Aoyagi-ke grounds and in the surrounding area. During cherry blossom season, traffic is heavy; consider using public transportation.

Question 12

What is the address?

Accepted Answer

Akita Prefecture, Senboku City, Kakunodate Town, Omote-cho, Shita-din 3

Question 13

How do I get there?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 14

What are the opening hours?

Accepted Answer

9:00–17:00 (9:00–16:30 from December to March)

Question 15

How much is the admission fee?

Accepted Answer

Adults ¥500, junior and senior high school students ¥300, elementary school students ¥200 (all individual prices, tax included)

Question 16

When is the museum closed?

Accepted Answer

Open year-round

Question 17

Is there parking?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it is available. For details, please check the official information.

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