Circle Japan: Part 3 - Yokohama to Akita

🚅 From Yokohama to the Samurai Spirit of Northern Japan


My recent journey through northern Japan took me from the bustling port city of Yokohama to the tranquil, history-soaked landscapes of Akita and Toyama—with a powerful stop in Kakunodate, Japan’s famous Samurai village. Each destination revealed a different layer of Japan’s spirit, from modern vitality to centuries-old tradition.


Strolling Through Yokohama

Despite the sweltering summer heat, I was determined to walk the city and soak in its character—and I’m glad I did.

Yokohama offers a lot for a traveler willing to brave the sun. I started with a peaceful escape to Yamashita Park, a green space that stretches along the harbor. The breeze off the water helped offset the rising temperatures, and the views of the bay dotted with ships made for a calming pause in the middle of the city.


From there, I wandered into Yokohama’s Chinatown—one of the largest in the world. The streets were alive with colorful signs, steam rising from dim sum stalls, and the scent of roast duck and sweet buns. It’s touristy, yes, but also deeply atmospheric and a great place for spontaneous bites.


I wrapped up my walk at the Red Brick Warehouse, a stylish shopping and cultural complex built in historic port buildings. Inside, I browsed boutiques featuring local crafts, design goods, and modern Japanese fashion. It’s the kind of place where industrial history meets contemporary cool.


Yokohama to Akita: Into the North

Leaving behind Yokohama’s cosmopolitan harbor and futuristic skyline, I traveled north to Akita, a prefecture known for its rural beauty, hearty cuisine, and cultural depth. Akita often flies under the radar of mainstream travelers, but that’s exactly what makes it special: quiet onsens, lush forests, and a slower, more authentic pace of life. One of the highlights of my time in Akita was climbing the Akita Port Tower Selion, a striking glass-paneled observation tower near the waterfront. At 143 meters tall, it offers sweeping panoramic views of the Sea of Japan, Mt. Chōkai, and the surrounding city. The observation deck is free to enter and offers a peaceful, uncrowded spot to take in the beauty of Akita from above.


From up there, the city felt small and serene, tucked between the ocean and the mountains—just the kind of place that invites reflection. It’s a side of Japan that doesn’t shout, but whispers. And that whisper stays with you.


Riding the Rails – Shinkansen Style

No trip to Japan feels complete without experiencing the Shinkansen (bullet train). From Akita, I boarded one of these sleek marvels of engineering—an experience that’s part transportation, part cultural rite of passage.


With a neatly packed bento box in hand (because yes, eating on the Shinkansen is part of the joy), I settled in and watched Japan blur by in smooth, silent motion. One hour later, I arrived in Kakunodate, often referred to as the “Samurai Village.”


Kakunodate: Stepping Back in Time

Kakunodate, often nicknamed “Little Kyoto of Tohoku” is a beautifully preserved town that was once home to over 80 samurai families and remains one of the best places in Japan to experience the Edo-period samurai lifestyle.


What Makes Kakunodate Special:


  • Samurai District: Lined with centuries-old black-fenced mansions, the district offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of the warrior elite. Some homes are still occupied by descendants of samurai families.
  • Open Samurai Residences: Homes like the Aoyagi House and Ishiguro House are open to the public, showcasing armor, swords, and everyday items from samurai life.
  • Weeping Cherry Blossoms (Shidarezakura): Though I wasn’t there in spring, Kakunodate is famous for its delicate cherry blossoms that bloom in late April, turning the streets into a pink cascade.
  • Craftsmanship: The town is also known for kabazaiku, a traditional cherry bark woodworking technique still practiced today.


The combination of historical reverence and living tradition makes Kakunodate feel like a village preserved in time—but not frozen. Life here continues, quietly and proudly.


Onward to Toyama via Fushiki

After immersing myself in Kakunodate’s past, I returned to Akita and journeyed west to Toyama Prefecture, passing through Fushiki, a coastal port town with a long history of trade. This leg of the trip was quieter and less touristic—but deeply satisfying in its simplicity.


Toyama greeted me with its views of the Tateyama mountain range and the salty breeze from the Sea of Japan.  The scenery along the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route combined with the region’s exceptional seafood - deeply connected to its natural surroundings - was more than enough  to revive this weary traveler. 


Reflections: This journey—from Yokohama’s modern pulse to Akita’s soulful stillness and Kakunodate’s preserved heritage, ended with the maritime calm of Toyama—felt like peeling back the layers of Japan itself. Every train ride was a transition between time periods, every stop a reminder of how much history and harmony still shape this country’s future. 

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Comments

  1. AnonymousAugust 5, 2025 at 5:23 PM

    Safe travels always sis! I wish I can travel like you so just bring me souvenirs ok. 😁

    ReplyDelete

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