![[Semboku City, Akita Prefecture] Touring spots you’ll want to visit by motorcycle | Kakunodate in June.](https://motopeek.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/2574-1760841354453.jpg)
Rickshaws are also seen coming and going on the samurai residence street in Omotemachi Shimocho, Kakunodate Town. On the left side of the photo is the “Samurai Residence Teahouse (Kiritanpo).” Rickshaws can be boarded from across from the “Birch Crafts Museum” (near the Samurai Residence Pocket Park).
Akita Prefecture is located on the Sea of Japan side of the Tohoku region. Heading west along National Route 46 from Morioka City in neighboring Iwate Prefecture toward the Sea of Japan, you’ll pass through Shizukuishi Town, Semboku City (where Tazawako Station is located), and finally Kakunodate. This article features a stroll through the samurai residence streets of Kakunodate Town. Turn left toward Daisen at the Hane-ga-dai intersection, where the Kakunodate Bypass of National Route 46 begins, and then continue on National Route 341. After a 10-minute drive (approximately 5 km), you’ll arrive at the samurai residence entrance traffic light. Turn left there, and you’ll see the Kakunodate Community Center immediately to your right. The parking lot across from it (on the left side of the road) is the Kakunodate (temporary) parking lot. Because it faces the destination street, I’ve included it as a point in the coordinate and address data for this article. However, the restrooms in the parking lot are temporary. Therefore, continue straight at the samurai residence entrance traffic light and turn left at the next Kawaramachi traffic light. We recommend the Semboku City-run Sakuranamiki Parking Lot, located about 300 meters south on Prefectural Route 250 along the Hinokinai River. It charges the same 500 yen as cars, but motorcycles are also allowed. A permanent restroom is located across the street, providing easy access to your destination (Samurai Residence Street). Incidentally, public restrooms are also available at the Samurai Residence Pocket Park in the middle of the street, and further south at the Tonomachi Exchange Square “Tachimachi Station,” so you won’t have any trouble finding one while strolling.
As you stroll along Samurai Residence Street, you’ll be captivated by the beautiful, dazzling greenery reflecting the sunlight. The tranquil atmosphere of the samurai residences creates a unique atmosphere. The scenery evokes a timeless atmosphere, making you feel as if you’ve traveled back in time. It’s worth visiting just to see the buildings and interiors preserved as cultural assets. The charm of each of the restaurants and buildings is evident, adding to the feeling of having traveled so far by motorcycle.
This is recommended for a leisurely one- or two-night trip. Driving about 20km from the coordinate point (about 21 minutes by car), you can enjoy the beautiful cobalt blue scenery of Lake Tazawa, Japan’s deepest lake at 423.4m. Take National Highways 105 and 60 to the lakeside, where you’ll find the golden “Tatsuko Statue.” A 20km trip around the nearly circular lake is also a good idea. If you’re lucky, you can also take Prefectural Highway 127 (Komagatake Line) on the northeast side of the lake to Nyuto Onsenkyo. There are plenty of options for touring routes.
It’s soothing to stroll around and see historical sites and tangible cultural properties.
This is the gate of the Iwahashi family samurai residence, a designated historic site by Akita Prefecture. It is located on the samurai residence street in Uchimachi. Hydrangeas bloom here in early summer.
The Onoda Family Home, a city-designated historic site nestled among the trees, is the birthplace of Onoda Naotake, a renowned martial artist.
The thatched-roof Matsumoto House is an old building designated as a tangible cultural property by Akita Prefecture.
I felt soothed by the relaxing moment in a world that had traveled back in time.
“Kosendo Cave” has an atmosphere that exudes history. We recommend having lunch with the famous Inaniwa udon. Next to it on the right is the restaurant and sweets shop “Sakura no Sato”. In the back right is the “Kakunodate Samurai Residence Museum”. On the left (north side) is the “Preserved Buildings Management Office (Public Reference Room)”.
The Tatsuko statue was erected in 1968. It is located on the lakeside beside Prefectural Route 247 on the west side of Lake Tazawa. Kansa Shrine (Ukigi Shrine) is also nearby.
Quoted from the Kakunodate Tourist Association guide map and Google Maps.
Kakunodate Area Tourism Information – Semboku City
URL: https://www.city.semboku.akita.jp/sightseeing/spot/07.html
Lake Tazawa and Kakunodate Tourism Association Homepage
URL: https://tazawako-kakunodate.com/ja/
24 Omotemachikamicho, Kakunodate-cho, Senboku-shi, Akita Prefecture (Approx. 6 minutes by car/approx. 2km from JR Tohoku Shinkansen “Kakunodate” Station)
