Day Trip in Aizu-Wakamatsu City

  • 5 destinations
  • One Day

This one-day trip around Aizu-Wakamatsu City includes everything your bucket list has: castles, sake breweries, temples, and onsen. Start with an Akabeko painting experience (1100 yen) at Tsurugajo Kaikan, before looking around the castle itself and enjoying a Japanese tea experience at the Rinkaku Tea Room.

Start

Aizu-Wakamatsu Station

From Aizu-Wakamatsu Sta. to Tsurugajo Kaikan is a 20 min bus ride.

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Tsurugajo Kaikan

  • Aizu Area
  • 35

Tsurugajo Castle takes 10 min on foot to reach from Tsurugajo Kaikan.

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Tsurugajo Castle

  • Aizu Area
  • 70

Tsurugajo Castle, also known as Aizu-Wakamatsu Castle, is arguably Tohoku’s most impressive castle. It's remembered for its role in Japan’s civil war, when it was one of the last remaining samurai strongholds. The castle was fully rebuilt in the 1960s and houses an interesting history museum within the keep. The grounds of Tsurugajo Castle are an excellent place to catch Tohoku’s cherry blossoms in mid-April, and the view from atop the outer walls is particularly impressive.

Rinkaku Tea Room is a 3 min walk from Tsurugajo Castle.

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Relaxing Tea Ceremony at Tsurugajo Castle

  • Aizu Area
  • 20

When visiting Tsurugajo Castle, remember to check out the Rinkaku Tea Rooms, which are situated inside the castle grounds. These beautiful Japanese gardens are well worth a visit. What's more, you can enjoy traditional Japanese matcha tea together with a seasonal treat, all while looking out at the fantastic foliage of the garden.

From Tsurugajo Castle to Suehiro Sake Brewery Kaeigura, it takes 15 min by bus (or 22 min on foot).

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Suehiro Sake Brewery Kaeigura

  • Aizu Area
  • 60

Try between six to ten different kinds of sake at this authentic brewery. There's even a small cafe next to the entrance where you can take a break.

From Suehiro Sake Brewery to Sazaedo Temple, it takes 40 min by bus.

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Sazaedo Temple

  • Aizu Area
  • 30

This unique turban-shell-shaped temple is a nationally-designated Important Cultural Property and has a unique charm to it that you can't find at other temples. Explore the temple and its surrounding area.

Take a 20 min bus ride to the Higashiyama Onsen Town area, and stay at one of the ryokan there, such as Harataki.

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Finish

Stay: Higashiyama Onsen Town

Other Trips

Relaxation in Tsuchiyu
Relaxation in Tsuchiyu
Relaxation in Tsuchiyu
Culture

Relaxation in Tsuchiyu

You can enjoy this multi-day relaxation tour of Fukushima any time of year. But that’s not the only thing to make this trip so enticing. You’ll find something for everyone in the family or quiet spots of solitude to be enjoyed alone. Whether you’re traveling with someone or by yourself, this is the perfect way to enjoy Fukushima. Take a bus ride from Fukushima Station to Hotel Sansuiso. Enjoy a quiet room at this lovely hotel where you can soak away your worries in one of their many hot spring baths. Especially nice during winter are the outdoor baths, let the cool air wash over your exposed face while the waters keep you warm. After a day sequestered in baths, why not take a stroll about town and visit the famous shop Matsuya. See their own unique kokeshi dolls, which are popular toys around Japan with each area creating completely unique kokeshi dolls. After you’ve admired the curious little wooden dolls, try your hand at painting your own under the guidance of one of the shop’s staff. Take your very own kokeshi doll back with you as a unique souvenir and memory of your time in Fukushima Prefecture. Finally, explore the other hot spring baths that Tsuchiyu Onsen has to offer. Choose from public baths, baths in other ryokan, or a number of a foot baths dotted around the town. No matter where you turn, you’re sure to enjoy the calming and rejuvenating waters. When you’ve finished enjoying everything that the area has to offer, head back to Fukushima Station by bus.  

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