Kakunodate, often referred to as the little Kyoto of Tohoku, is famous for its Samurai houses (bukeyashiki - 武家屋敷). The town has a population of about 14,200 .
One of the best preserved buildings in Kakunodate is Aoyagi Samurai Manor. The estate features the main house, the armory, the siryu-an gallery, Akita Folk Museum, Samurai tools and utensils museum, Antique museum and tea room and an amazing garden.
One unique feature about the Aoyagi Samurai Manor is the fact that buildings and their displays have their roots in the manor. The descendants actually lived in the main house as late as 1985.
Popularity: 80% [?]