Capture the beauty of Kakunodate's nostalgic setting by exploring the samurai district in a rented yukata, and taste some of the town's photogenic sweets as you go café-hopping!
10:00Bukeyashiki Street KurasashikiSamurai residence street and warehouse
Explore the main samurai residences and warehouses of Kakunodate. Visit the six former samurai residences that have been preserved since the 17th and 18th centuries, the most impressive of which is the Aoyagi house - this large residence houses a collection of historical artifacts, and has a restaurant and gift shop within its grounds. Kakunodate's merchant district is also worth visiting for its historic warehouses, including the brick storehouse of Ando Jozo Miso which has been making miso and soy sauce for over 150 years. Fully immerse yourself in Kakunodate's historic atmosphere by dressing up in a rented kimono or yukata, or taking a ride around town in a hand-pulled rickshaw!
12:30Lunch at Maruyogura Koji Club
After a photogenic session around town, return your rented Japanese clothing and head for a sumptuous lunch!
Enjoy a delicious, healthy lunch made with koji (rice malt) at Koji Club. Housed in a renovated 120-year-old cellar, the restaurant specializes in dishes using fermented ingredients such as miso, soy sauce and those produced with koji, like amazake (sweet sake) for desserts. These dishes will not only satisfy your taste buds, and are also beneficial towards your gut health.
34, Shimoshim, Semboku City, Akita Prefecture 014-0315
Telephone number: +81-187-49-6051
Opening hours: 10:00 - 16:00
https://tazawako-kakunodate.com/category/food/s/267
Hanamaki Onsenkyo,
a popular hot spring area in Tohoku
Hanamaki is one of Iwate Prefecture's most famous onsen areas, boasting 10 different hot spring towns, including Hanamaki Onsen which is known for its rose garden, and Dai Onsen which has a long history of over 1,200 years. From traditional ryokans steeped in history to modern chic hotels, Hanamaki has something for everyone. Situated within the mountains of Tohoku, the biggest draw is the outdoor baths that line the Toyosawa river - you can even soak in rose baths catered specially to ladies!
Airinkan
Airinkan is a hot spring inn in Hanamaki Onsen where you can enjoy 17 types of baths, from unique standing baths to open-air baths made out of rocks, all offering you views of the surrounding splendid nature. Revitalize your body further with bedrock baths and spa services. Airinkan has both traditional and Western-style rooms, including those with an attached outdoor bath each. For dinner, try Iwate Prefecture's local seasonal cuisine either at their restaurants, or have it delivered to your room. This is a ryokan to go to, especially if you love some privacy.
23, Nishinamari, Namari, Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture, 025-0252
Telephone number: +81-198-25-2341
https://www.airinkan.com/language/en/top/
