Aizu-Wakamatsu city

Aizu-Wakamatsu city [会津若松]

Aizu-Wakamatsu is the central city of Aizu area which occupies the west half of Fukushima Prefecture.
It is located about 45 km west of Koriyama city.

It is in the south part of Aizu Basin.
It is hot and humid in summer and has much snow in winter.

Since the construction of Tsurugajo castle in 1384, this city has developed as the center of Aizu area.

In 1868, Japan made a start as a modern state under the new Meiji government.
But Aizu Domain was one of the resistance which had hoped to continue the previous feudal system.

New goverment carried out clearing operation against the resistance in the year.

In October, the government forces made a surprise attack to Aizu-Wakamatsu city, then Aizu Domain had lost.

In the battle, Aizu Domain had organized a troop as a reserve army.
The members were the samurai's sons who were 15 to 17 years old.
The team name was Byakkotai ("Team of White Tigers" in English).

Tsurugajo in Aizu-Wakamatsu
Tsurugajo in Aizu-Wakamatsu

They also had a tough battle, but they were forced to retreat.
At that time, a group of them saw the Tsurugajo Castle bursting into flames at Mount Iimori.
(But, the flame was not from the castle but many houses in the city !)

They senced the defeat, then the 19 boys killed themselves at the place.

This tragic story and the martial spirit of Byakkotai have engaged the hearts and minds of Japanese people.

In this city, there are some spots associated with Byakkotai.

In Aizu area centering around Aizu-Wakamatsu, there are some traditional crafts.

Especially, Aizu lacquerware (Aizu-Shikki, or Aizu-nuri) and Aizu painted candle (Aizu-Erousoku) have over 400 years of history.
Both are the excellent crafts having good appearance.

Aizu-Shikki
Aizu-Shikki
Photo by Fukushima Prefecture

Aizu-Erousoku
Aizu-Erousoku
Photo by Fukushima Prefecture

For touring around this city, it is convenient to use the sightseeing route buses named Haikara-san and Akabee.
It is operated from Aizu-Wakamatsu station every 30 minutes.

Samurai City Aizu-Wakamatsu

How to get here

From Koriyama, about 1 hour and 10 - 20 minutes by rapid train or local train of JR West Ban-etsu West Line.

Other Tourist Attractions in Fukushima Prefecture

Fukushima city Mount Azuma-kofuji Miharu Takizakura Abukuma Cave Shirakawa city Lake Inawashiro Mount Bandai Ura-Bandai area Kitakata city Oouchi-juku post station Tou-no-Hetsuri Oze marshland

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