Located in the middle of Akita prefecture, Kakunodate is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan. The town is called “The Little Kyoto of Michinoku.” Historical samurai residences are preserved in Kakunodate. The town is also known for beautiful cherry blossoms. The town we see now was established at the beginning of the 17th century, and it has remained essentially unchanged for almost 400 years. Back in the Edo Period, there were two districts in Kakunodate. One is the “Uchimachi (inner town)” for samurai, and the other is “Sotomachi (outer town)” for ordinary villagers.