Ishiguroke

Of all the samurai residences in Kakunodate, Kakunodate, this is the only one where direct descendants continue to live in the main house. Because it continues to be used as a residence, only about half of the entire house is open to the public. However, this is the only house where you can enter the rooms at any time and tour the interior, which is unique to samurai residences. In addition, staff are always available to give oral explanations about the characteristics of the residence, making it well-received as it makes it easy to understand the samurai residences of Kakunodate.

Additionally, guided tours of the interior of the rooms are available at any time, lasting about 5-10 minutes, and are included in the admission fee at no additional cost. This can be done by one person or multiple people at the same time as long as they are within earshot. All of our staff are dedicated to helping our guests gain a better understanding of the samurai residences of Kakunodate.

Regarding the guide and explanation, we can point to written explanations (flipboards) for customers who have difficulty hearing (hearing impairments). Furthermore, we can also provide guide and explanations in English for customers visiting Japan from overseas, although we are not very good at it.

As our house is an old Japanese house, there are thresholds and stepping blocks that are about 15-20cm high. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause to guests who have difficulty walking and are unable to climb into the rooms, but we can provide a guided explanation while showing you photos of the interior in the dirt floor area. Thank you for your understanding.

You are viewing a samurai residence built in the Edo period that has continued to be used by descendants of the family to the present day. The main house is said to be the oldest remaining in Kakunodate. Since the Meiji period, glass windows have been installed and concrete has been laid on the dirt floor in some areas. Therefore, some of the glass windows still use old handmade glass.

Not only can you see the main building itself, but you can also see the weapons and armor that have been passed down through the generations in this house, ancient documents (including materials related to anatomy books), and tools for daily life in the snow country as permanent exhibits.In addition, we display Hina dolls, May dolls, and kimonos as seasonal exhibits.

Spring weeping cherry blossoms

Fortunately, the samurai residences of Kakunodate have not suffered any major disasters over the years, so you can experience the old townscape that is rarely seen in other areas. Another rare feature of the town is the large number of giant trees that are 100 to 300 years old that line the residential areas throughout the town.

Summer Yakuimon

Kakunodate's townscape, with its abundant natural beauty, is a place where you can truly experience the changing of the seasons. You can enjoy the cherry blossoms in spring, the deep green of summer, the autumn leaves in fall, and the snow in winter, all with their own unique scenery. Festivals are also held here as cultural events, and on festival days you can feel the unique atmosphere of each day.

Autumn leaves

Opening hours are 9:00-17:00 (9:00-16:00 from December to March), but if you contact us in advance, we can extend opening hours slightly where possible. Please inquire with us directly. Also, opening hours may be slightly earlier from spring to autumn, and closing times may be slightly earlier during off-season periods such as winter. Please inquire with us.

Winter Snow

In addition, there are no closing days except for special occasions, and the museum is open all year round. For inquiries, please call 0187-55-1496. If you have any questions, please contact us. Also, if you would like to purchase admission tickets or enter as a group (multiple people), we would appreciate it if you could contact us in advance.