Kakunodate: A Walk Through Samurai Mansions and Birch-Bark Crafts in the Castle Town

In Kakunodate, Michinoku's "Little Kyoto," leisurely stroll through the samurai mansion street lined with black board fences and drooping cherry blossoms. At Aoyagike, which boasts approximately 3,000 tsubo of grounds, and Ishiguroya, said to be Kakunodate's oldest mansion, experience samurai life, then visit the Kakunodate Birch-Bark Craft Preservation Hall to watch craftspeople perform live demonstrations polishing wild cherry bark to a caramel gloss. Finish your visit at Ando Brewery's main store, founded during the Kaei era, viewing the brick warehouse and selecting miso and amazake souvenirs. This flat, compact castle town requires little walking and is perfect for three-generation outings with grandparents.