Kakunodate, Akita: Japan’s Secret Samurai Town You Should Visit 🇯🇵🎎🏞️
Hi there! Today I’m in Kakunodate, a beautiful samurai town in Akita. When you visit, don’t miss the local Hinai-jidori Oyakodon—It’s soft, juicy, and packed with flavor :p Just a few hours from Tokyo by bullet train. Here is often called the ‘LITTLE KYOTO of the North’. Well-preserved samurai houses, scenic streets, and seasonal beauty!! In the morning, locals clean the streets—so heartwarming to see.
It’s a small act but it shows so much care. This is the best restaurant in Kakunodate! Try this local dish—Kiritanpo hot pot (mashed rice, vegetables, and savory chicken broth). The chef here used to run a special restaurant in Tokyo’s Roppongi. He brings elegance and homey way 🙂 The broth is delicate and full of umami—so comforting and gentle. The chef was kind and full of great stories. I had a wonderful time. The grilled tsukune (chicken meatball) was crispy outside, soft inside and so flavorful! After lunch, I visited to the preserved samurai residences. Definitely check it out! The garden is stunning. I could sit here and relax all day 🙂 Listen to the sound of birds and water—it’s like stepping back in time. Kakunodate is becoming popular with travelers from overseas too Just outside town, I found a historic soy sauce brewery. They sell all kinds of local fermented foods—it’s exciting! You can even enjoy a cup of miso soup. Inside, It was the right season to see Japanese traditional dolls for Hinamatsuri on display. Their broth and miso soup were so gentle and warming. They even have historic samurai warlords from the Sengoku period.
So cool!! It felt like a small museum inside a shop. To end the day, I chilled at a local cafe. A quiet spot surrounded by nature, perfect for reflection. Thanks for watching! If you enjoyed this video, please like, subscribe, or leave a comment 🙂
Step into Kakunodate, the “Little Kyoto of the North,” where samurai homes, peaceful gardens, and local delicacies like oyakodon and Kiritanpo hot pot await. From historic streets to heartwarming meals made by a Tokyo-trained chef, this hidden gem in Akita will transport you to another time.🍱 Don’t miss the Hinai chicken dish and the soul-soothing Japanese garden sounds.✨ Watch until the end for a secret soy sauce brewery and traditional doll display!
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🐈⬛ About me
Hey guys! I’m Mika and I tell stories about inspiring people, hidden cultures in Japan 🇯🇵
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