Five places you absolutely cannot miss in Semboku City

A samurai residence is a residence where samurai once lived. The difference between Kakunodate’s samurai residences and other samurai residences in Japan is that people still live in these residences. Some are inhabited by families who are descendants of samurai. Many of them are protected as cultural assets, and some are open to the public. In spring, various cherry blossoms, including weeping cherry trees, bloom, and the area is beautiful all year round, with fresh greenery, autumn leaves, and snowscapes.

Kakunodate is famous nationwide for the beauty of its cherry blossoms. A 2km long flower tunnel forms along the banks of the Hinokinai River, which flows through the center of town, and more than 400 weeping cherry trees are magnificent in the Samurai District. The recommended view is from Mount Furushiro. From the top, you can get a panoramic view of the samurai residences.

Lake Tazawa is Japan’s deepest lake and boasts the clearest waters in the country. Its depth is 423.4 meters and circumference is 20 kilometers. Enjoy dynamic scenery throughout the year and a wide range of outdoor activities. Lake Tazawa also boasts a famous legend: a beautiful woman who transformed into a dragon and lived in Lake Tazawa. Once upon a time, there was a beautiful young woman from the Tazawa region. Wanting to preserve her beauty forever, she prayed at a temple at the foot of Mt. Okura every night for 100 days. On the 100th night, the Goddess of Mercy commanded her to drink from a magical spring far to the north. Not wanting to worry her mother, she announced that she was going to search for wild vegetables. After crossing several mountain passes, she finally reached the spring. She followed the instructions and drank from the mountain spring. However, the more she drank, the thirstier she became, so she put her face to the spring and drank all the water. At this point, she realized she had transformed into a dragon and returned to Lake Tazawa. Upon learning of her daughter’s transformation, Tatsuko’s mother was heartbroken and threw the torch into Lake Tazawa. The blackened torch became what is now called Nishimasu (black himemasu), a fish that inhabits Lake Tazawa.

Dakigaeri Valley is known as the Yabakei of Tohoku, and is a famous spot for its beautiful virgin forests on both banks, the waterfalls hanging over the cliffs, and the distinctive blue mountain stream, as well as its fresh greenery and autumn foliage. There is a walking trail that allows you to easily view the strangely shaped rocks, rapids, and waterfalls both large and small. The view from Kami no Iwabashi Bridge, a suspension bridge that catches your eye when you reach the valley, is magnificent.

Nyuto Onsenkyo is located within Towada-Hachimantai National Park. Surrounded by virgin beech forests, you can enjoy the changing scenery of the seasons from the baths of the seven hot spring inns. Explore the wide variety of baths here and become a hot spring lover.