Kakunodate no Shidare-zakura (cherry trees with drooping branches)

Kakunodate Bukeyashiki Samurai Residences + Weeping Cherry Blossoms + Akita Shiba Inu (Bukemaru). En route to Akita, we stopped by at this Kakunodate park where it’s famous for a river filled with more sakura trees (the bloom is great but cannot beat the one at Kajo Castle Park at Yamagata). There is a samurai residence street (preserved district for groups of historic buildings in Japan) nearby where some of the residence are open for public to enter (we only strolled into the grounds but not the residences). That area is also filled with plenty of weeping Cherry Blossom Trees which gives us a different grade of cherry blossom feel. Oh and Bukemaru is so cute! Fun fact: the weeping cherry blossom trees are bought in from Kyoto and there are about 400 weeping cheery trees here, many of which are more than 300 years old and 162 of them are numbered and designated as natural treasures).

17 April 2024 Beautiful view of weeping sakuras

Beautiful place to see sakura

As a lover of cherry blossoms, I always thought I would visit Kakunodate someday, and the forecast was perfect for my visit. However, it seems that it was scattered due to the recent rain and wind. disappointing. However, some individuals are in full bloom. The jet-black samurai-style mansions are also spectacular. So, I gave it 5 stars based on the gorgeous poster. I vowed to visit at the best time next time.

24.4.15 Almost in full bloom. There are six samurai residences, one of which is apparently still inhabited. We entered two samurai residences for a fee, but the guide explained them to us. It's crowded everywhere during lunch, so be prepared to wait in line to eat here.