Byakkotai Memorial Hall

Byakkotai Memorial Hall

This hall features exhibits on both sides of the Boshin War, from the defenders of the Aizu Domain loyal to the shogun, to the imperial government forces and their Western support. There is a focus on documents related to the Byakkotai, the young 'White Tiger Corps' of 16- and 17-year-old samurai, as well as many documents of the Seigun (Western Army) and Shinsengumi (elite Aizu troops).

Venue Details

Venue Details
Websitehttp://www.byakkokinen.com/ (Japanese)
Contact

(+81) 242-24-9170

Opening Hours

Apr. to Nov.: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM | Dec. to Mar.: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Open throughout the year

ParkingAvailable
Related infoAdults: 400 yen
High school students: 300 yen
Junior High and Elementary School students: 200 yen
Access Details
Access33 Bentenshita, Yahata, Ikki-machi, Aizu-Wakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture.
View directions
Getting there

By Bus: Take the Haikara-san or Akabe loop bus from Aizuwakamatsu Station to Iimoriyama bus stop, and then walk 5 min.

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Named by the Crown Prince Yoshihito upon its opening in 1907 as “The Palace of Heaven’s Mirror”, Tenkyokaku is a decadently decorated former villa.Imperial Prince Arisugawa Takehito decided to build Tenkyokaku after being impressed by the beauty of Lake Inawashiro during a visit to the Tohoku District. His family, the Arisugawa-no-miya Family, owned the villa until 1952, when it was granted to Fukushima Prefecture.Tenkyokaku has since been used as a meeting hall and a space for lectures and exhibitions. The former villa, its annex and its front gate have been specified as important cultural properties of Japan.Despite being restored in 1984, the building retains many of its original features, including the impressive chandelier which can be seen below.Despite no longer being able to see Lake Inawashiro from the windows of Tenkyokaku, the luxurious renaissance-style architecture and liberal use of all things gold and glittery means that visitors will by all means feel that its name still rings true.For only 1000 yen, you can dress up in a traditional outfit and take as many photos as you would like in the building!
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