Kakunodate has been famous for its cherry-bark crafts since the Edo Period. You can observe this painstaking craft by watching artisans at work at the Kakunodate-machi Denshokan, 10-1 Omotemachi Shimocho (tel. 0187/54-1700), just a couple minutes' walk from the samurai houses on Bukeyashiki Street on the left. In addition to seeing how strips of cherry bark are applied to tea canisters, boxes, vases, and other goods in live demonstrations by local craftsmen, you can tour a museum devoted to the craft along with displays of samurai outfits and items that once belonged to the Kakunodate feudal lord, as well as everyday items used by common people such as straw raingear and geta ice skates, and wonderful photos of days long past. And of course, you can also browse for cherry-bark products in its large shop. Admission to the denshokan is ¥300 for adults and ¥150 for children. It's open daily 9am to 5pm (to 4:30pm in winter).

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