A Limited-Time, Exclusive Experience! Dive Deep into the AIZU Experience with All Five Senses, Focusing on History, Culture, and Climate

The Aizu region is a place where you can enjoy not only snow resorts but also samurai culture and history. We will introduce you to places where you can immerse yourself in the rich history and cultural charm of Aizu using all five senses.

Tsurugajo Castle, one of Japan’s Top 100 Castles, and Rinkaku, a tea room associated with the Sen family

Tsurugajo Castle is a symbol of Aizu and one of Japan’s Top 100 Castles. Inside the five-story castle tower is a museum where you can experience Aizu’s history through all five senses using digital technology. Additionally, at Rinkaku, located within Tsurugajo Castle Park, you can enjoy matcha in a tea room associated with the Sen family, providing a unique opportunity to experience Aizu’s traditional culture.

• Facility Name: Tsurugajo Castle / Rinkaku
• Address: 1-1 Otemachi, Aizuwakamatsu-shi, Fukushima
• Access: 7-minute walk from Tsurugajo Nishiguchi bus stop (Aizu bus) and about a 10-minute drive from Aizu-Wakamatsu Station
• Official Site: https://www.tsurugajo.com/tsurugajo/

Mt. Iimori, renowned for its numerous historical sites, and Sazaedo, an Important Cultural Property

At Mt. Iimori, the tragedy of the young Byakkotai is passed down through generations. It is a place with many historical sites, including the graves of the nineteen young samurai of the Byakkotai, the Aizu Sazaedo, and the Tayuuzakura cherry blossom, a city-designated Natural Monument. Sazaedo is a three-story, hexagonal hall standing 16.5 meters tall, featuring a unique spiral staircase design. It is designated as a National Important Cultural Property due to its unparalleled architecture.

• Facility Name: Mt. Iimori / Sazaedo
• Address: 155 Takizawa, Yahata, Ikkimachi, Aizuwakamatsu-shi, Fukushima
• Access: Take the Classic Town Bus, Haikara-san or Akabe; it’s a 5-minute walk from Iimoriyama Shita bus stop and a 7-minute drive from Aizu-Wakamatsu Station
• Official Site: http://www.sazaedo.jp/

Suehiro Sake Brewery Kaeigura, a historic Aizu sake brewery

This historic sake brewery was founded in 1850. On this brewery tour, available for same-day registration, you’ll be guided through the historic brewery, where you can learn about traditional sake-making processes and savor rich flavors through tastings. A retro-modern café utilizing the kura-zashiki (a warehouse used as a residence) is also located on-site, where you can enjoy sweets made with sake.

• Facility Name: Suehiro Sake Brewery Kaeigura
• Address: 12-38 Nisshinmachi, Aizuwakamatsu-shi, Fukushima
• Access: It’s a 2-minute walk from the Otonamachi bus stop if you take the Classic Town Bus Akabe, and a 7-minute drive from Aizu-Wakamatsu Station
• Official Site: https://sake-suehiro.jp/

Oyaku-en Garden, a garden of the Aizu Matsudaira clan, designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty

Oyaku-en Garden originated from a villa built by the lord of Aizu 600 years ago and has been cherished by generations of feudal lords. Around 400 types of medicinal herbs are planted in the grounds that are approximately 1.7-hectares, providing seasonal enjoyment for visitors.

• Facility Name: Oyaku-en Garden
• Address: 8-1 Hanaharumachi, Aizuwakamatsu-shi, Fukushima
• Access: It’s a short walk from the Oyakuen bus stop if you take the Classic Town Bus Haikara-san, and a 10-minute drive from Aizu-Wakamatsu Station
• Official Site: https://www.tsurugajo.com/oyakuen/

Nanukamachi-dori Street, a retro townscape in the Taisho Roman style

Nanukamachi-dori Street, with its nostalgic atmosphere, is a classic sightseeing spot in Aizu. Historic buildings, including structures from the Taisho era and storehouses, line the streets, creating a townscape that feels like stepping back in time. There are plenty of spots to enjoy souvenirs and eating around, making it highly recommended for savoring local delicacies.

• Facility Name: Nanukamachi-dori Street
• Address: Nanukamachi, Aizuwakamatsu-shi, Fukushima
• Access: A short walk from Nanukamachi Station (Tadami Line) and a 7-minute drive from Aizu-Wakamatsu Station
• Official Site: https://nanuka-machi.jp/

Relax at Ashinomaki Onsen Kagayaki Park, known for its scenic footbath

Nestled on a hilltop with a view of Ashinomaki Onsen, this footbath allows you to enjoy a relaxing moment while admiring seasonal flowers, the gentle flow of the Aga River, and the mountains on the opposite shore. From the evening, the area is illuminated, allowing you to enjoy a magical atmosphere that differs from the daytime. The directly sourced, free-flowing footbath is available for free at any time.

• Facility Name: Ashinomaki Onsen Kagayaki Park
• Address: Dannoshita, Ashinomaki, Otomachi, Aizuwakamatsu-shi, Fukushima
• Access: Just a short distance from the Ashinomaki Chuo Machiaijo bus stop (Aizu Bus) and about a 30-minute drive from Aizu-Wakamatsu Station
• Official Site: https://aizu-ashinomaki.jp/en/

Experience Aizu’s traditional craft of Maki-e at Suzuzen

It is a place where you can see, learn, and experience the history of Aizu lacquerware and the skills of its craftsmen. You can also try your hand at the traditional craft of Maki-e and create your own unique lacquerware item. Take home a unique souvenir from Aizu to remember your trip.
*Maki-e is a technique where designs or patterns are painted with lacquer on the surface of lacquerware, and metallic powders such as gold or silver are sprinkled on before the lacquer dries to fix them in place.

• Facility Name: Aizu-nuri Denshokan Suzuzen
• Address: 1-3-28 Chuo, Aizuwakamatsu-shi, Fukushima
• Access: 1-minute walk from Yubinkyoku-mae bus stop (Aizu Bus) and a 5-minute drive from Aizu-Wakamatsu Station
• Official Site: https://suzuzen.com/

Ouchi-juku is a sightseeing spot lined with thatched-roof houses

A representative attraction of Okuaizu, famous for its scenic views of thatched-roof houses. During the Edo period, it flourished as a post town connecting what is now Aizuwakamatsu and the area of Nikko called Imaichi, and it has been designated as a National Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. Ouchi-juku’s famous negi soba is known for being eaten with a whole leek used as chopsticks. Don’t miss the chance to try this one-of-a-kind soba.

• Facility Name: Ouchi-juku
• Address: Ouchi, Shimogo-machi, Minamiaizu-gun, Fukushima
• Access: Get off at Yunokami Onsen Station, and it’s just a short walk from Ouchishimo bus stop (Aizu Bus). About a 50-minute drive from Aizu-Wakamatsu Station
• Official Site: https://ouchi-juku.com/

The historic site of Enichi-ji Temple, the birthplace of Buddhist culture in Aizu

The historic site of Enichi-ji Temple marks the beginning of Buddhist culture in Aizu. The site features a museum, a restored statue of Buddha, and Kondo Hall, allowing visitors to experience the essence of Buddhist culture. The site also has a newly opened coffee shop, making it a perfect spot to relax after exploring the historical area.

• Facility Name: Historic site of Enichi-ji Temple
• Address: 38 Teranishi, Bandai, Bandai-machi, Yama-gun, Fukushima
• Access: About a 20-minute walk from Bandaimachi Station and a 20-minute drive from Aizu-Wakamatsu Station
• Official Site: https://www.town.bandai.fukushima.jp/site/enichiji/

Visit AIZU to experience the best of both worlds—snowy landscapes and the rich history of old Japan.