Aizuwakamatsu
会津若松市
Things to Do in and Around Aizuwakamatsu
Located in the western part of Fukushima Prefecture, Aizuwakamatsu City is a former castle town centered around Tsurugajo Castle, which served as a key battleground in the Boshin War. Samurai residences and traditional storehouses still line the streets, preserving the historic atmosphere. This area offers a tangible sense of history and culture through experiences such as traditional crafts like Akabeko and Aizu lacquerware, as well as tours of local sake breweries.
Where is Aizuwakamatsu?
Aizuwakamatsu City is located in the western part of Fukushima Prefecture, at the heart of the Aizu region. It lies about 50 km west of Koriyama, which serves as the gateway to the Tohoku region, and is situated inland, close to the border with Niigata Prefecture. Mount Bandai rises to the north, while Lake Inawashiro spreads out to the southeast, creating a setting rich in natural beauty. The city also borders Kitakata City and Inawashiro Town, making it ideal for combined sightseeing trips around these areas.
Getting Around
You can reach Aizuwakamatsu from Tokyo by taking the Tohoku Shinkansen to Koriyama Station, which takes about 80 minutes, and then transferring to the JR Ban-etsu West Line for about 60 minutes to arrive at Aizuwakamatsu Station. There is also a highway bus operating from Shinjuku, providing access in about four and a half hours. For getting around within the City, the “Machinaka Sightseeing Loop Bus” is convenient, circulating around major tourist spots such as Tsuruga Castle and Nanukamachi Street.
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About Aizuwakamatsu
Aizu-Wakamatsu is known as the castle town of the Aizu Domain, which resisted the new government forces until the very end during the Boshin War at the end of the Edo period. In particular, the tragedy of the Byakkotai, a unit made up of young samurai retainers, is a story deeply engraved in the hearts of the Japanese people. On Iimoriyama, you can find their graves, and even today many visitors come to offer their prayers.
Tsurugajo Castle Draped in Red Roof Tiles
Tsurugajo Castle, with its beautiful keep crowned by red roof tiles, is the symbol of Aizu. As one of the few castles in Japan with red tiles, it is a photogenic spot that pairs wonderfully with seasonal scenery throughout the year. Inside the castle, there are exhibitions where you can learn about the history of Aizu, making it a recommended destination for those interested in samurai culture.
Traditional Crafts and Local Flavors
The Aizu region is also famous as a production area for Aizu lacquerware. With a history of about 400 years, this lacquerware is known for its durability suitable for everyday use and its beautiful luster. There are many workshops and shops in the city, and some facilities offer painting experiences, so why not create your own unique piece as a memento of your trip?
Another must-try when visiting Aizu-Wakamatsu is sauce katsudon (pork cutlet rice bowl with sauce). Unlike the more common katsudon with egg, this local style features cutlets coated in a sweet and savory sauce and served over rice, and in Aizu this is the standard. It is served at local diners and long-established restaurants, where you can enjoy a hearty, satisfying dish.
Retro Stroll Along Nanokamachi-dori Street
Nanokamachi-dori Street is a nostalgic shopping street lined with buildings dating from the Taisho era to the early Showa period. Cafes, general stores, and sake breweries stand side by side, and you can enjoy shopping and sampling local foods as you stroll at a leisurely pace. There are also breweries where you can taste Aizu’s local sake, making it an irresistible area for Japanese sake lovers.
In winter, walking through the snowy scenery has a special charm, and strolling with a warm cup of amazake in hand is also highly recommended.