On September 20, 2005, Kakunodate, along with the town of Tazawako, and the village of Nishiki (all from Senboku District), was merged to create the city of Semboku.
The town is famed for its well-preserved samurai houses and the proliferation of cherry trees. It is a popular destination for hanami, or cherry blossom viewing. It is sometimes referred as 'the little Kyoto of Tōhoku' (みちのくの小京都 Michinoku no sho-Kyōto).