Kakunodate is called the Little Kyoto of the Tohoku region. Step back in time to the samurai days of the Edo Period (1603–1867) as you stroll around beautifully preserved samurai residences, featuring around 400 weeping shidarezakura. The trees date back to around 350 years ago, when a princess bride from Kyoto brought three seedlings here to plant. Now 162 trees are designated national Natural Monuments and delight visitors every year.