Aizu

Aizu (会津), a region located in the western part of Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, is rich in history and culture, boasting numerous traditional landmarks and attractions that reflect its samurai heritage.

One of the main attractions of Aizu is Tsuruga Castle, officially known as Wakamatsu Castle (若松城), a reconstructed castle originally built in the 14th century. The castle provides visitors with the opportunity to explore its impressive architecture and delve into the history of the samurai who once resided there.

Aizu is also renowned for its sake, a traditional Japanese alcoholic beverage. The region is home to a multitude of sake breweries, offering tours and tastings where visitors can learn about the brewing process and savor various types of sake.

Another popular destination in Aizu is the Ouchijuku (大内宿) post town, a remarkably well-preserved Edo-period (1603-1868) town. Visitors can wander through historic streets lined with traditional thatched-roof buildings, sampling local delicacies and perusing local crafts.

The Aizu-Matsudaira clan, a powerful samurai family that played a significant role in Japanese history, also hails from this region. The clan’s legacy and influence are evident in many landmarks and attractions throughout Aizu, including the Aizu Bukeyashiki (会津武家屋敷), a museum that provides insights into the lives of samurai families. Additionally, Nisshinkan (日新館), the former domain school of Aizu, offers a glimpse into the education and training of young samurai.

Attractions in Aizu

Tsuruga Castle Tsuruga Castle (鶴ヶ城), also known as Wakamatsu Castle (若松城), is a historic castle located in the city of Aizuwakamatsu in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. T...

Higashiyama Onsen Higashiyama Onsen is a hot spring resort located in the Higashiyama Onsen district of Aizu-Wakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. The resort is nestled...

Aizu Bukeyashiki Aizu Bukeyashiki is a historical theme park located in the city of Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. The park features several reconstructed samura...

Iimoriyama Iimoriyama (飯盛山) is a hill located in the city of Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. The hill is renowned for its historical significance and bea...

Fukushima Prefectural Museum The Fukushima Prefectural Museum (福島県立博物館) is a museum located in Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. It is dedicated to showcasing the histo...

Oyakuen Garden Oyakuen Garden (御薬園), also known as Oyakuen Medicinal Herb Garden, is a traditional Japanese garden located in the city of Koriyama, Fukushima Prefecture,...

Hideyo Noguchi Memorial Museum The Hideyo Noguchi Memorial Museum (野口英世記念館) is a museum dedicated to the life and work of Dr. Hideyo Noguchi, a renowned Japanese bacteriologist and ...

Enzoji Temple Enzoji Temple (圓蔵寺), also known as Enzo-ji or Enzo-ji Temple, is a Buddhist temple located in the town of Yanaizu, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. It is reno...

Getting there

By Train

From Tokyo:

• Take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Koriyama Station (approximately 1.5 hours).
• Transfer to the JR Banetsu-sai Line and take a train to Aizu-Wakamatsu Station (approximately 1 hour).

From Fukushima:

• Travel to Aizu-Wakamatsu via Koriyama Station, which takes about 1.5 hours.

From Niigata:

• Take the Joetsu Shinkansen to Nagaoka Station, then transfer to the local train to Aizu-Wakamatsu (approximately 3 hours total).

By Bus

• Multiple daytime and overnight buses operate between Tokyo (Busta Shinjuku bus terminal) and Aizu-Wakamatsu Station.
• The one-way trip takes about 4.5 hours (7 hours by overnight bus) and costs around 5,000 yen.

By Car

• From Tokyo: About 3.5 hours via the Tohoku Expressway.
• From Koriyama: About 1 hour via the Ban-etsu Expressway.

Local Transportation

• Aizu Loop Buses: These buses connect Aizu-Wakamatsu Station with major attractions in the area. The Haikarasan buses run every 30 minutes, while the Akabe buses operate once per hour. Fares are 210 yen per ride or 600 yen for a day pass for unlimited rides.