Aizu Winter Sightseeing Bus Tour
  • Nature
  • Aizu Area
  • Winter

  • 2 destinations
  • One Day

Experience the beauty and history of Aizu this winter with a special one-day sightseeing bus tour. The Aizu region, known for its stunning seasonal landscapes and rich history, offers a unique opportunity to explore its top landmarks in comfort.

The Aizu Winter Sightseeing Bus takes you to two of the region's most iconic spots: Tsurugajo Castle, the historic fortress that once housed the Aizu samurai clan, and Ouchi-juku, a traditional village that once played host to samurai travelling between the castle and the southern capital.

Along the way, enjoy a traditional lunch of negi-soba (green onion soba) in Ouchi-juku, and benefit from a knowledgeable Japanese-speaking guide.

Bookings are made via the Fukushima Travel website.

Tour Details:

  • Dates: 15 January 2025 – 22 March 2025
  • Price: ¥6,600 for adults (¥6,000 + ¥600 processing fee), ¥4,950 for children (¥4,500 + ¥450 processing fee)
  • Includes: Bus ticket, Tsurugajo Castle entrance fee, lunch at Ouchi-juku, Japanese guide
  • Departure/Arrival: Aizu-Wakamatsu Station (guests at Ashinomaki Onsen can disembark there)

The tour may be canceled in case of bad weather.


The winter bus departs from Bay 2 of the bus plaza at Aizu-Wakamatsu Station.

Start

Aizu-Wakamatsu Station

Bus departs Aizu-Wakamatsu Station (Bus Bay 2) at 11:10am.

Tsurugajo Castle

  • Aizu Area

Arrive at 11:20am. Tsurugajo Castle offers a vivid experience of history, nature, and tradition, with its original stone walls and the iconic red-tile roofs restored in 2011. The castle's museum displays the swords and armor of its lords, while the fifth-floor viewing platform provides panoramic views of Aizu, including Mt. Bandai and Mt. Iimoriyama.

Bus departs at 12:20pm.

Ouchi-juku

  • Aizu Area

Arrive at 1:20pm. Ouchi-juku, a historic village in Fukushima's southwestern mountains, features well-preserved thatched-roof houses and natural streets that transport visitors back in time to the Edo period, when it served as a vital rest stop for travelers. Designated as an Important Preservation District in 1981, the village retains its traditional charm, with no overhead wires and stunning views from the hilltop, making it a perfect destination to explore history and culture, especially during snow season. (This sightseeing time includes lunch.)

Bus departs at 2:40pm. Arrival at Ashinomaki Onsen at 3pm, then Aizu-Wakamatsu Station at 3.45pm.

Finish

Aizu-Wakamatsu Station

Other Trips

Onsen & Sightseeing in Aizu by Train
Onsen & Sightseeing in Aizu by Train
Onsen & Sightseeing in Aizu by Train
Nature

Onsen & Sightseeing in Aizu by Train

Jump start your vacation in Fukushima’s Aizu region with this multi-day tour, which can be enjoyed at any time of year. These ideas make for great additions to already existing plans, or as a tour of their own. No matter how you decide to use this itinerary, you won’t be disappointed. Travel by train and local bus, or taxi, to enjoy Aizu to the fullest. Begin your adventure at Aizu-Wakamatsu Station (don’t forget to snap some pics of its bowing red akabeko cow out front) and use the local bus or taxi to make your way for Tsurugajo Castle. Walk through the gardens and grounds of this magnificent castle and marvel at the red-tile roof—the only one of its kind in all of Japan. Inside you can tour the castle keep and see the artifacts of Aizu, let history come to life before your eyes. From the castle, travel to Nanokamachi-dori Street; this quaint area has preserved its early-20th century architecture and is now home to souvenir boutiques and many diners and hidden gems. With that being enough for one day’s excitement, head over to Higashiyama Onsen and soak your travel aches away in the hot springs of Harataki ryokan, which even has its own hot spring source. You’ll love taking a dip in these hot, refreshing, and soothing waters—the outside open-air bath is especially recommended. The next day, why not head over to Ouchi-juku, here you can tour an authentic preserved Aizu village and try local cuisine. The whole area gets really busy in winter and, if you’re brave enough to face the cold, the snow festival is a popular event.  

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