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SPRING TOP > AKITA:Cherry blossoms of Kakunodate  
Cherry blossoms of Kakunodate
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Full-bloomed cherry blossoms covered with snow. This rare scene depicts the harmonious coexistence of winter and spring.
*Full-bloomed cherry blossoms covered with snow. This rare scene depicts the harmonious coexistence of winter and spring.



Fresh greenery line the Bukeyashiki-dori street following the season of cherry blossoms.
*Fresh greenery line the Bukeyashiki-dori street following the season of cherry blossoms. 		* The glamorous weeping cherry trees of the Little Kyoto of Tohoku
Wacth It NowThe city of Kakunodate, with many old samurai residences, is called the Little Kyoto of the Tohoku region. Black wooden fences line the streets, with intermittently spaced gates accentuating their beauty. Several samurai residences are open to the public, and people reside in some of them even today.
In spring, the streets are filled with the blossoms of the weeping cherry trees planted in residential gardens. The contrast between the black fences and the pink flowers is exquisite. The best season for viewing the blossoms is from mid-April through the end of April.
During the 17th century, a daughter of a court noble in Kyoto married the feudal lord dominating the region. It is said that she brought a young weeping cherry tree with her. The cherry trees of Kakunodate seem to retain the sense of nostalgia the bride felt for the distant Kyoto.
Among the many cherry trees planted along the street, about 150 are recognized as National Natural Treasures.
Spring in Kakunodate embodies the charming beauty of the spring season in Japan.

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* Cherry trees on the riverbank of the Hinokinai-gawa River'another spot for magnificent cherry blossoms
The Hinokinai-gawa River, approximately 200 meters from the Bukeyashiki-dori street, flows from north to south. Someiyoshino cherry trees are planted along the riverbank over a distance of two kilometers. When in full bloom, visitors will be enthralled by its grandeur. During the cherry season, the riverside is crowded with people appreciating the beauty of the cherry blossoms.

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Someiyoshino are planted along the Hinokinai-gawa River over a distance of two kilometers, and cherry-blossom viewers crowd the riverside during this season.
*Someiyoshino are planted along the Hinokinai-gawa River over a distance of two kilometers, and cherry-blossom viewers crowd the riverside during this season.
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The sweet, red-purple flowers with bowed heads quietly bloom at the Yatsu-Kamatari colony of dogtooth violets. width=
*The sweet, red-purple flowers with bowed heads quietly bloom at the "Yatsu-Kamatari colony of dogtooth violets."		 * Colony of sweet dogtooth violets
The "Yatsu-Kamatari colony of dogtooth violets" is located approximately 10 kilometers north of Kakunodate on the Akita Nairiku Jukan Railway, near the Yatsu station. Mid-April is the best season to appreciate these sweet, red-purple flowers with heads bowed in quiet reflection.

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The golden statue of Tatsuko, a heroine of the legends of Lake Tazawa, stands against the backdrop of the dark blue waters. The statue is a creation of Funakoshi Yasutake, a renowned Japanese sculptor. * Lake Tazawa'lake of mystery
Lake Tazawa is the deepest lake in Japan, with a maximum water depth of 423.4 meters. The lake's emerald blue surface reflects the snow-capped Akita-Komagatake Mountains, mesmerizing its viewers. In spring, the lake transforms itself into a dazzling world of fresh green leaves.
The golden statue of Tatsuko, a heroine of the legends of Lake Tazawa, stands against the backdrop of the dark blue waters. The statue is a creation of Funakoshi Yasutake, a renowned Japanese sculptor.
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