Aizu-Wakamatsu city [会津若松]
Tourist Attractions in Aizu-Wakamatsu city
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
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
Photo by Fukushima Prefecture
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.
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.
