Explore the legendary Samurai lands in Japan

Witness the ancient houses, traditional armor, and impressive curved swords strapped to their backs, defining the beauty of Samurai warriors, a fascination for many travelers.

Discover the renowned Samurai territories of Japan

Alongside Geishas and Sumo wrestlers, Samurai warriors create unique mysteries of the Land of the Rising Sun. Samurai, the elite warriors of feudal Japan, underwent rigorous training to become the ruling military class, ultimately evolving into the highest social caste during the Edo period (1603 – 1868). They wielded various weapons such as bows, spears, and guns, but their primary and iconic weapon was the katana.

When visiting the Land of the Rising Sun, make sure to visit the ancient Samurai castles to admire their unique and venerable architectural marvels.

Kakunodate Town, Akita Prefecture

Kakunodate stands tall as one of Akita Prefecture's pride in the Tohoku region. It boasts ancient Samurai fortresses and transforms into a vibrant town during cherry blossom season. The traditional houses here are divided into two distinct areas: the Samurai district, housing 80 historic homes, and the merchant district.

Visitors can explore 6 historic Samurai houses here, characterized by their unique stone-walled architecture. Traditional festivals are held throughout the year, including cherry blossom viewing in spring, the Sasara traditional dance in summer, autumn processions, and Hiburi-Kamakura, a winter demon-chasing fire ritual.

Nagamachi Town, Ishikawa Prefecture

This is one of the most popular international tourist destinations due to its well-preserved Samurai castles. Visitors feel transported to Japan's Edo period, with earth houses, stone-paved streets, and meandering small canals that add to the village's ancient and desolate charm.

Additionally, visitors can explore the Kinenkan Shinise and Ashigaru Shiryokan museums to delve into the history of the great Samurai.

Chiran Town, Kagoshima Prefecture

Chiran lies in the southern part of the Kyushu peninsula, renowned for its natural hot springs like Unzen or Beppu. During the Edo period, Chiran was home to around 500 Samurai families. What sets this place apart is its 7 contiguous Samurai-style gardens, creating a scenery that is both ancient and pristine, serene. The highlight of these gardens is the combination of rocks, ponds, and greenery, evoking a poetic contrast to the dignified, valorous aura of the Samurai. Admission ticket costs 500 yen (over 100,000 VND), from 9 am to 5 pm on the same day.

The town of Hagi in Yamaguchi Prefecture

Hagi is a small town located on the northern coast of Yamaguchi Prefecture. It is famous for its ancient Samurai castles and bustling kimono trading streets during the Edo period. With the abolition of the Samurai class during the Meiji Restoration, many of them turned to become kimono merchants. Visitors can explore the historic gardens with ancient castles, visit the historic Kikuya Samurai family castle or tour Hagi Castle with an admission fee of 210 yen (45,000 VND). Another must-visit destination is the ancient temple Enseiji.

The town of Kitsuki in Oita Prefecture

Kitsuki is a small town located in the southern part of the Kunisaki Peninsula in Kyushu. It is known for its numerous traditional Samurai-style houses, often referred to as the miniature Samurai city of Japan. The houses perched on gentle slopes, with expansive stone-paved gardens and ponds, create a picturesque setting. Inside the houses, visitors can find displayed suits of armor, swords, and paintings depicting the lives of Samurai lineages.

The houses nestled among the gentle hills of Kitsuki, Oita Prefecture, provide a serene backdrop to the historical remnants of the Samurai era. Its tranquil atmosphere, characterized by traditional architecture and meticulously landscaped gardens, transports visitors back in time to an age of honor and valor. Exploring the narrow streets lined with well-preserved Samurai residences offers a glimpse into Japan's rich cultural heritage.

Ohara, Nomi, Sano, and Isoya are must-visit castles for tourists, with ticket prices around 200 yen (approximately 40,000 Vietnamese dong). Additionally, tourists can rent kimonos for 2,000 yen (about 400,000 Vietnamese dong) for strolling and taking photos while exploring the Samurai houses.

According to Văn Trãi/Vnexpress.

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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour