Samurai Spirit Experience

• Samurai
• Aizu Area
• All Year

• 3 destinations
• One Day

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.

Still looking for samurai experiences? Try a samurai class at the dojo of Ookawaso ryokan.

Start

Aizu-Wakamatsu Station

Reach Tsurugajo Castle from Aizu-Wakamatsu Sta. in 30 min by bus (or 15 min by taxi).

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Tsurugajo Castle

• Aizu Area
• 120

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.

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Aizu Hanko Nisshinkan

• Aizu Area
• 50

Aizu Hanko Nisshinkan was the highest level of learning institution of its time. It was established in 1803 by the Aizu Domain for the purpose of fostering Japan's next generation of talented samurais. Children of samurai families entered this school at the age of ten and worked on academic studies and physical exercises to instill both physical and mental discipline. Visitors can enjoy practicing some of essential disciplines of the samurai, including tea ceremony, Japanese archery, meditation, and horseback riding.

From Aizu Hanko Nisshinkan to Aizu Bukeyashiki, it takes 50 min by bus (or 20 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).

From Aizu Bukeyashiki to Aizu-Wakamatsu Station, it takes 20 min by bus (or 10 min by taxi).

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Finish

Aizu-Wakamatsu Station