When you hear the word “samurai,” what kind of image comes to mind?

Many people might think of the way of the warrior, Japanese katana, or courageous soldiers. Here in Iwate Prefecture, you can tour the buildings that those very samurai once lived in.

At the Jonai Suwakoji Samurai District in Kanegasaki, Iwate, the townscape’s overflowing historical atmosphere will make you feel as if you’ve been sent to a Japan hundreds of years in the past. This is a special place that carefully preserves the residences that samurai lived in during the Edo period. Visitors can learn about the samurai culture and lifestyle, and become captivated by the thatched roofs, architecture, and garden layouts rarely seen in modern Japan.

(Pictures 1-2: Omatsuzawa Samurai House)

(Pictures 3-4: Former Onuma Samurai Residence in Katahiracho)

Stop by the gardens as well to experience the beauty of nature in each of the four seasons. With cherry blossoms in the spring, beautiful vivid greenery in the summer, and leaves dyed red and yellow elegantly reflecting in the houses’ glass windows in the fall, each season has its own unique charm. In winter, a blanket of snow covers the landscape, making the buildings stand out even further. Over the course of a year, you can see the area’s many different faces.

(Pictures 5-6: Autumn foliage reflected in the glass windows)

There are also a few residences where you can enjoy a meal amidst the historical atmosphere. Eating lunch while imagining what it was like during the age when samurai actually lived is sure to make your trip even more memorable.

The Kanegasaki Jonai Suwakoji Samurai District is not just a place to simply look around the buildings, but an opportunity to experience the atmosphere of the entire town and feel the echoes of history firsthand. Examining the small details of each house on a leisurely stroll, basking in the serenity of the gardens, quietly relaxing in a cafe—each visitor will surely discover their own unique way to enjoy their time here.

(Picture 7: Façade of Omatsuzawa Samurai House)

In addition to the samurai houses, there are also other sightseeing spots scattered throughout Kanegasaki worth visiting.

When Iwate becomes extremely cold from December to February, we recommend people who want to warm up and unwind after a long day of walking to visit an onsen. After getting your fill of historical gardens and buildings, if you relax at one of Kanegasaki’s onsen, your body and mind are sure to be refreshed.

This spot is recommended for not only history lovers, but also for those who want to experience nature and culture. There are new things to discover each time you visit, so it’s a place that will leave you wanting to come back again and again.

Please stop by Kanegasaki, visit this historic street preserving an over 370-year-old townscape, and enjoy a special experience that transcends time.