Kakunodate (角館) is a small ancient samurai town in Akita prefecture, where I am living in Japan. The town is split into the residential and market districts, and people still live there today! Historically, it was home to roughly 80 or so prominent families, many of whom's homes have been turned into museums. There’s too many to name, but if you want to learn more, you can read this article here:
https://www.city.semboku.akita.jp/en/sightseeing/spot/07_buke.html
The residences all feature multiple buildings where members and apprentices of the families would live, sprawling gardens are and black wooden fences with huge gates at the fronts of the properties. These are all parts of the traditional village, and a way that the families denoted their status. Look for the intricate details on the outside of the homes in my photos for a better understanding of the crafts work of these homes.
Kakunodate is also famous for the cherry trees, or sakura (さくら/ 桜), which they make magiwappa (traditional Japanese boxes) out of! There was a whole museum full of the boxes. Unfortunately, we couldn’t take photos. I guess you’ll just have to go one day yourself!
