Kakukan Historical Village Aoyagi Family

Kakunodate Rekishi-mura Aoyagi-ke is one of Kakunodate’s most representative samurai residences, known for its dignified yakuimon gate. Set on a vast 3,000-tsubo property filled with seasonal flowers, the site features multiple museums and exhibits, including an armory, the Kaitai Shinsho Memorial Museum, the Akita Folklore Museum, and a samurai tools museum, displaying approximately 30,000 valuable items. The highlight is the Aoyagi-ke Main House, an Important Cultural Property preserved in its original form from around 200 years ago. Must-see details include an onigawara demon tile meant for warding off misfortune, ornamental carvings such as kegyo, an entrance with refined decorative elements, openwork family-crest carvings on wooden transoms, and the distinctive perimeter veranda design unique to snowy regions. Another well-known feature, often introduced on TV, is the Shinmei-mizu spring water. Flowing continuously for centuries from Mount Gentaji behind the property into the garden pond, it is famed for its clear, high-quality water. Beyond sightseeing, the site offers many hands-on experiences, such as holding a real sword and single-edged spear in the "Sword Touch Experience," trying on a helmet and taking photos, and (by reservation, for a fee) wearing full samurai armor. With the armor experience, you can even stroll the grounds while dressed in armor and take photos freely. Access is about a 15-minute walk from JR Kakunodate Station, or about 10 minutes by rickshaw.