Historical Samurai Tour

  • 5 destinations
  • One Day

Enjoy this one-day trip around Aizu-Wakamatsu City, made possible thanks to the local city sightseeing buses that drive between the major sightseeing spots in the city.

No matter what time of the year you decide to visit Fukushima, the Aizu-Wakamatsu area is sure to entrance you with its many sights and attractions. See Mt. Iimoriyama, where the Byakkotai samurai brigade tragically took their lives after the supposed fall of their lord and castle. Visit Sazaedo Temple with its double-helix shaped interior and wonder at the peace and tranquility of the temple grounds and history. Move onto Aizu Bukeyashiki where this expansive samurai household has been well-preserved for visitors to walk through and imagine life as it was. Guests will enjoy this scenic home with its lovely gardens. Compare these gardens with those at Tsurugajo Castle and walk the grounds of this majestic castle. Visit the exhibits inside the castle and learn more about the Byakkotai boys, and the fascinating samurai history of the Aizu region. Finally, Nanokamachi-dori Street will welcome you with its charming rustic buildings and shopping sites; wander the narrow streets to find some truly wonderful hidden gems. Finish your day back at Aizu-Wakamatsu Station.
 

Start

Aizu-Wakamatsu Station

Aizu-Wakamatsu Sta. to Mt. Iimoriyama takes 15 min by sightseeing bus (or 10 min by taxi).

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Mt. Iimoriyama

  • Aizu Area
  • 25

Located less than 4 km from Aizu-Wakamatsu's Tsurugajo Castle, Mt. Iimoriyama has had a difficult and dark past. But despite its history, the natural beauty of the place remains untarnished. At the bottom is the Byakkotai Memorial Hall; it’s located next to the path up the mountain so it’s easy to find. Inside, visitors can observe various artifacts of war and learn a bit about the history of Aizu.

Sazaedo Temple is located next to Mt. Iimoriyama.

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Sazaedo Temple

  • Aizu Area
  • 20

Sazaedo is a Buddhist temple built in 1796. Its architecture is similar in shape similar to the shell of a horned turban (‘sazae’ in Japanese) hence its name ‘Sazaedo’. The inside of the temple consists of a double-helix slope, meaning that visitors who come to pray won’t meet anybody coming from the opposite direction. This one-way system makes Sazaedo extremely unique.

From Sazaedo Temple, you can reach Aizu Bukeyashiki in 15 min by bus (or 6 min by taxi).

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Aizu Bukeyashiki (Samurai Residence)

  • Aizu Area
  • 45

Aizu Bukeyashiki (Samurai Residence) is an 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).

It takes 16 min by bus (or 10 min by taxi) to reach Tsurugajo Castle from Aizu Bukeyashiki.

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Tsurugajo Castle

  • Aizu Area
  • 90

Tsuragajo 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.

From Tsurugajo Castle to Nanokamachi-dori Street takes 25 min by bus (or 10 min by taxi).

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Nanokamachi-dori Street

  • Aizu Area
  • 60

This historic street in Aizu-Wakamatsu City is known for its traditional buildings, local crafts, and Japanese antique goods. This is a highly recommended location for souvenir shopping (yukata, kimono, etc.) and for those looking to get involved, you can paint your own candles or lacquerware, both popular crafts in the region.

From Nanokamachi-dori Street to Aizu-Wakamatsu Sta., it takes 18 min by bus or on foot, or 10 min by taxi.

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Finish

Aizu-Wakamatsu Station

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Samurai Spirit Experience
Samurai Spirit Experience
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Discover the spirit of the Japanese samurai on this one-day tour of warrior history in the beautiful Aizu region of Fukushima. Feel the past come to life all around you as you experience the places where samurai once walked. This tour can be enjoyed any time of the year. Leave from Aizu-Wakamatsu Station and journey to Tsurugajo Castle, the only castle in Japan with its signature red roof tiles. Stroll through the outer grounds before heading inside the keep, complete with a picture from the observation platform at the top. After you’ve finished at the castle, make your way to Aizu Hanko Nisshinkan, once a high-grade academy for young samurai. This is where the fledgling warriors received training and education, not only in combat but in philosophical and artistic pursuits. Afterwards, move on to Aizu Bukeyashiki, the 28-room sprawling estate that once belonged to a samurai family of the region. The well-preserved estate showcases everyday samurai life as well as some stunning artifacts and gardens. As you walk the halls of the old quarters, you'll be able to imagine what life was like for a powerful and influential samurai of the period.

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