Worth a DetourHeritageOld townsFlowers

Kakunodate

A samurai town of black-walled houses under weeping cherry trees, which turn its streets pink in late April.

Photo: (Hiroshi Sakamoto) 坂本 洋 · CC BY-SA 3.0
Best Time to Go
Apr–May, Sep–Oct
Our full guide to Kakunodate is being written. It's on the Hokkaido and Tohoku list as Worth a Detour.

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1–3 of 18
Worth a Detour
Heritage · UNESCO

Hiraizumi

Iwate
About 52 miles away

The golden hall of Chūson-ji and the gardens of a northern court from 900 years ago.

Guide Coming Soon
Must-See
Cities · Food

Tokyo

About 274 miles away

The world's largest city, from Shibuya's crossing to quiet shrines, with the best food anywhere.

Guide Coming Soon
Worth a Detour
Heritage · Castles

Hirosaki

Aomori
About 70 miles away

A small castle ringed by thousands of cherry trees, one of Japan's great blossom sights.

Guide Coming Soon

The Full Short List

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