Where to find Samurai

My friend is planning on coming to Japan during the summer.

He has a big interest in Samurai and asked me if there is a location where there are prominent Samurai museums with weaponry, villages and living quarters. I was a bit clueless so any suggestions? It would be more ideal if there were located within the larger cities.

Thanks.

Well, Matsumoto Castle is one place that has weaponry exhibits, and the castle itself is way cool - NOT re-constructed but the real thing.
One of the biggest samurai residence districts still existing that I know of is in Kakunodate, in Tohoku. It's not far from Akita but still kind of out in the boonies. I really liked Kakunodate and there is a whole street of former samurai residences, well-preserved and very interesting. Here is one:
http://www.samuraiworld.com/english/index.html
I believe there are Samurai houses in Kanazawa but I've never been.
If you do a google search for 'Samurai residence' or 'bukeyashiki' you can find many houses here & there.
Here is the Tokyo Sword Museum:http://www.tcvb.or.jp/en/infomation/5museum/23sword.html

How about EDOMURA. You can see there many samurays (actors). Also ninja, maiko...I'll recommend it :-)

It's difficult to answer your question. I mean, I cant point out a single place to see all the things you mention.

So...
The best museum for samurai weapons must be
* Ohyamazumi Shrine Treasure Hall
The best samurai castle is
* Himeji castle
The best preserved samurai district would be
* Hagi castle town

but you can also see authentic Samurai Swords and Armors even at Tokyo National Museum. :)