Aizu, is located in the western most part of Fukushima Prefecture, region with a long tradition of Samurai refers. The legend of a group of soldiers of Aizu who committed suicide collectively to believe that the Tsuruga castle had been taken at the end of the 19th century is known in all Japan. The Castle has been restored since then and is a must-see for any tourist travel in Aizu.
The face and the name of Noguchi Hideo, probably the most famous resident of Aizu can be seen throughout the city. He was born and raised in Aizu, dedicating his life to medicine and getting great advances in the study of syphilis. His portrait can be found on banknotes of 1,000 yen.
Tsuruga Castle
Tsuruga Castle was built in 1384, passing through various hands to finally be destroyed in the Boshin war of 1868. This war against the rebels against the power of the Meiji government, which marked the end of the feudal era. The castle was one of the most important bastions of the Samurai during the Edo period.
Like most Japanese castles, it was completely renovated during the 60s of the last century and is today an important tourist enclave from which shows an incredible view of the park surrounding the Castle, offering its greatest show in the spring, when flowering cherry trees. Very close to the Castle lies the famous House of tea Rinkaku, where a solemn ceremony of tea can attend.
To get to the Castle: from the bus station in Aizu-Wakamatsu, get off at the stop Tsurugajo Kitaguchi. The castle is located only 5 minutes walk from the bus stop. Open daily from 8: 30 to 17 h and entry, included a visit to the House of tea costs 500Y.
Suehiro, Factory of sake
Suehiro, Factory of sake is one of the most famous in the country.Founded in 1850 has belonged to the same family since the middle of the 19th century for 8 generations. The sake is known throughout the country, and has achieved numerous awards for his slow fermentation “Yamahai” method, which produces some excellent wines. As sake is consumed during the year of manufacture, there are no bottles “in reserve”, but the family has been retaining bottles for decades to be admired by visitors. Sake Suehiro no lack in the celebrations following the events of sumo or kabuki. It is one of the most prestigious brands of sake in Japan.
Suehiro is open to visitors and offers guided tours, during which you can see the process of production of the famous stock and try and buy any of them. To visit the factory: take the bus at the Nanukamachi station to the stop of the sakerÃa.
Onsen Higashimaya
Higashiyama is an onsen located just to the East of the city of Aizu. There are several hotels and shops for visitors in its surroundings. Hot baths surrounded by superb views make the Aizu point chosen by the choicest tourists. To get this far you can take the bus from Aizu-Wakamatsu station.
Also in Aizu you can visit the Fukushima Museum of history of the town, the Museum of sake or Oiakuen gardens. A special visit deserves Imorimaya, place where took place the events that led to the suicide of a group of Samurai at the thought of having lost the Castle and the lands adjacent to it.
Tags: Aizu, AizuWakamatsu, Aizuwakamatsu Fukushima, Castle, Fukushima, Fukushima prefecture, Japan, samurai