The streets of samurai residences in Kakunodate-cho, Semboku City, Akita Prefecture are lit up with autumn leaves that are in full bloom, creating a magical atmosphere.
Kakunodate's samurai residences retain the townscape of those days, mainly housing houses for middle-class samurai built during the Edo period, and have been designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings by the national government. is.
In autumn, the maples and weeping cherry trees planted in the garden of the mansion turn red and yellow, and many tourists visit this place as a famous spot for autumn foliage where you can enjoy the townscape full of Edo atmosphere and colorful autumn leaves.
The autumn foliage begins to change color from the end of last month, just like every year, and every year the local tourist association lights up the city road, which runs north to south for about 700 meters, running through the streets of samurai residences so that visitors can also enjoy the foliage at night. increase.
When the lights are turned on at 4:30 pm, you can enjoy the contrast between the elegant black walls and the autumn leaves.
In particular, at the Iwahashi House, which is a prefectural designated historic site, you can see buildings built in the Edo period and red autumn leaves at the same time even from outside the 1.7m high wall.
A man in his 60s visiting from Yokohama said, "This is the first time I've seen Kakunodate lit up at night at this time of year. It's so beautiful and I'm glad I came."
Light-up will be held from 4:30 pm to 10:00 pm every day until the 27th of this month.