Isasumi Shrine's history is thought to be connected to how the Aizu region got its name - a story that has been recorded in two of Japan’s most legendary books of folklore. According to the tale, around 2000 years ago, four shogun were entrusted with uniting the four areas of land which would become Japan. Two of these shogun happened to be father and son. One was sent to the northeast, and the other to the northwest.
When the father and son had completed their work uniting the towns in their respective areas, they met in the middle. They named the area “Aizu” (会津), which can be translated as “The riverbank (津) where we met (会)”. The father and son travelled to Mt. Mikagura-dake, a mountain that borders Niigata Prefecture and Aizu, and prayed to the Shinto god of pioneering new lands to protect Aizu, and the rest of Japan. Isasumi Shrine is thought to be built where they met.
In spring, the shrine grounds become decorated with the blossoms of one of the most prized cherry trees in Aizu. It is said that this tree, which is named Usuzumi Sakura (“Diluted-Ink Sakura”), has been the sacred tree of Isasumi Shrine since it was brought down from Mt. Mikagura-dake and planted in the shrine grounds as a way of commemorating the efforts of the father and son. The lovely, light scent of the cherry blossom welcomes visitors each spring.
Aizu Misato Town’s historic Isasumi Shrine, known as a great spot for viewing beautiful irises, holds a festival to celebrate the splendor of these flowers every year.
| Website | https://misatono.jp/en/isasumi |
|---|---|
| Contact | Aizu Misato Town Tourism Association (+81) 242-56-4882 |
| Best Season | All Year |
| Opening Hours | Open every day |
| Entrance Fee | Free |
| Related info | Seasonal Flowers - Iris (iris garden outside Isasumi Shrine): Mid-Jun. to early Jul. - Usuzumi Sakura Cherry Blossom: Late Apr. to early May - Japanese Wisteria: Mid-May - Hydrangea: Mid-July |
| Access | 4377 Miyabayashi, Aizumisato, Onuma District, Fukushima 969-6263 View directions |
|---|---|
| Getting there | By Car: 30 min drive from the Aizu-Wakamatsu I.C. exit off the Ban-etsu Expressway. By Train: 20 min walk from JR Aizutakada Station (JR Tadami Line).
|
Over the course of the year, Kaneyama Fureai Hiroba Viewpoint greets visitors with views of atmospheric fog rising above the Tadami River, mountains frosted with snow or painted with autumn leaves, all surrounding the Oshi Shuraku district of traditional houses.
Human Hub is a hip, two-floored shop in the east of Aizu-Wakamatsu, in the same region as common sightseeing spots like Tsurugajo Castle and Oyakuen Garden. The first floor features a baked good section and a cafe space serving hand-drip coffee, while the second floor is home to a coworking space, large-format print lab and a woodworking workshop for local craftsmen.Matching this eclectic mix of disciplines, the first floor shop sells a wide variety of independently-sourced goods, from household items like cushions or fabrics, local produce like oils, teas and jams, outdoor and garden products, and a clothes section.
Established over 110 years ago, the main store of Yamanaka Senbei serves up handcooked senbei rice crackers. Just like in times of old, they use a traditional brick oven to cook their crackers over a charcoal fire. This experience is highly recommended for foodies and tourists alike, as you’ll be able to enjoy senbei fresh from the charcoal oven! (Reservations are advised for the senbei-making experience)
This museum is dedicated to the works of the world-renowned woodblock print artist Kiyoshi Saito. Housing a collection of 850 of his works, including his well-known series 'Aizu no Fuyu (Winter in Aizu)', the museum also holds four special exhibitions a year with about 90 works displayed on each occasion.
This shrine is dedicated to Masayuki Hoshina, who founded the Aizu Domain during the first half of the Edo Period. During the early Edo Period, Hoshima Masanobu – an ancestor of feudal lords from the Aizu Domain – was enshrined at Hanitsu Shrine.The grounds exude a holy atmosphere that can be felt throughout the shrine precincts. The 400 years of history held by this shrine, starting from the Edo Period, will surely be of interest to history enthusiasts and fans of the Aizu Domain alike.During the autumn, the grounds are covered with a gorgeous carpet of bright red leaves. Many tourists and photographers come to visit Hanitsu Shrine in Autumn to capture this scene in their photos.
Aizu Bukeyashiki (Samurai Residence) is a historical open-air museum where visitors can learn about the history of Aizu and sample some of the specialty products of Fukushima.Stroll around the residences to take in traditional Japanese architecture, including the residence of Tanomo Saigo, the Aizu Domain's chief retainer, a magistrate's office, a tea ceremony house, a rice mill, and a warehouse (resource center).Visitors can also enjoy local specialty food at the onsite Kuyotei restaurant, and find specialty products from Aizu and other parts of Fukushima at Sato-Kobo Kokon, and enjoy hand-painting traditional toys and practicing Japanese archery, which is perfect for young kids.Besides such cultural enjoyment, the natural beauty of the spring cherry blossoms and the bright autumnal foliage are a major attraction for tourists.
This honjin served as a rest house used by daimyo lords when they traveled to Edo (Tokyo) as part of the Sankin-kōtai system of alternate attendance, or when they conducted inspection tours. During the Boshin War, Domain Lord Matsudaira Katamori took command and the Byakkotai defended their city. The building still has sword marks and bullet holes from the war. The Former Takizawa Honjin is recognized as a nationally-designated Important Cultural Property.
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).