• Tsuruga Castle Gymnasium - Tsuruga Castle (鶴ヶ城, Tsurugajō) was originally constructed in 1384 and has changed ownership multiple times among the rulers of the Aizu region. It was demolished following the Boshin War of 1868, a revolt against the newly established Meiji government, which had taken control from the Tokugawa shogunate, marking the end of Japan’s feudal era. Tsuruga Castle was one of the final bastions of samurai loyal to the shogunate.

The castle was reconstructed in concrete during the 1960s. Renovations completed in 2011 restored the roof tiles to their original red color, a distinctive feature among Japanese castles. Visitors can ascend to the top floor of the castle keep for a panoramic view of the surrounding city. Inside, the building houses an engaging museum with captivating exhibits on the castle’s history and the samurai way of life.

• Aizu Old Samurai Residences - The Aizu samurai residence (会津武家屋敷, Aizu Bukeyashiki) served as the home for the region’s most prominent and high-ranking samurai, along with his family, staff, and servants. The original complex was destroyed during the Boshin War in 1868, but has been reconstructed and furnished to mirror its Edo Period appearance.

Due to the samurai’s prestige and the size of his entourage, the residence is quite expansive. It features numerous rooms and sections, including gardens, guest rooms, a tea house, an archery range, and a rice mill. Many rooms contain mannequins of former inhabitants depicting either typical daily life scenes or significant historical events.

• Higashiyama Onsen - Higashiyama Onsen (東山温泉) is a hot spring resort located in a valley just east of Aizu Wakamatsu’s downtown area. The area boasts several large hotels and some shops for visitors. While the hot baths are relaxing and the surrounding valley is beautiful, the area appears somewhat worn and overdeveloped.

A particularly notable ryokan in the area is the Mukaitaki Ryokan, which stands out from the surrounding concrete hotels with its traditional wooden construction. The ryokan is easily recognizable by its name written in gold on the side of the striking building.

• Suehiro Sake Brewery - Suehiro Sake Brewery in Aizu, Fukushima Prefecture, is one of the largest and most renowned sake producers in the Tohoku Region. Established in 1850, it has remained a family-owned business for eight generations. Suehiro’s sake is celebrated throughout Japan and consistently wins domestic and international awards. Their premium sake is crafted using the traditional “Yamahai” method, which involves slow open-fermentation to create a rich, complex flavor.

In addition to traditional sake, the brewery’s extensive catalog includes unconventional products such as sparkling sake and a sake bath extract.

While sake is typically aged for less than a year before being sold, Suehiro Brewery reserves a small number of bottles each year to age further in a temperature-controlled environment, allowing the flavor to develop and mature.

• Fukushima Museum - The Fukushima Prefectural Museum (福島県立博物館, Fukushima Kenritsu Hakubutsukan) in Aizu offers an extensive permanent exhibition that showcases Japan’s history, from archaeological finds from the Jomon Period (300 BC) to artifacts of daily life in the 1950s. The spacious building allows for large and impressive displays.

In addition to the permanent exhibition, the museum hosts various temporary exhibitions. The Fukushima Museum provides an engaging and informative overview of Japanese history and culture, as well as the unique aspects of Fukushima Prefecture. A comprehensive English pamphlet is available, explaining most of the permanent exhibition.

• Iimoriyama - After the shogunate’s fall in 1867, forces loyal to the shogun gathered in the northern Tohoku region. They attempted to resist the new government but faced a decisive defeat at Tsuruga Castle in 1868. From Iimoriyama Hill, a group of young Aizu soldiers in the Byakkotai (White Tiger Corps) saw their castle in flames and committed seppuku.

The twenty boys, aged 14 to 16, made a tragic mistake. The castle had not been captured; the flames they saw were outside the castle walls. Nonetheless, their story of loyalty and devotion has become well-known, inspiring numerous films and manga adaptations.

Iimoriyama (飯盛山), the site of the boys’ suicide, has become a popular tourist attraction.

• Oyakuen Garden - Oyakuen (御薬園) is a charming Japanese landscape garden with a pond, offering visitors to Aizu a peaceful place for a stroll. Oyakuen translates to “Medicinal Herb Garden,” a name given in the 18th century when the feudal lord encouraged the cultivation of medicinal plants. In addition to its pond garden, Oyakuen features a herb garden where hundreds of medicinal plant varieties are still grown.

The main garden at Oyakuen consists of meticulously maintained greenery centered around a pond. A path winds around the pond, providing the best way to enjoy the garden. Several buildings at Oyakuen may interest travelers, including a tea house, a souvenir shop, and a dining room.

• Meet up with guide on foot within designated area of Aizuwakamatsu
• Licensed Local English Speaking Guide
• Customizable Tour of your choice of 2-3 sites from ‘What to expect’ list

• Transportation fees, Entrance fees, Lunch, and Other personal expenses
• Private transportation
• You cannot combine multiple tour groups.
• Guide Entry fees are only covered for sights listed under What to Expect.

This immensely valuable journey, guided by an authorized and professionally-skilled multilingual tour guide, serves as an excellent and convenient method to discover Aizuwakamatsu!

Previously a feudal capital, Aizuwakamatsu abounds with a range of historical sites that you can check out while casually biking the quiet city streets. Plus, make sure to visit the variety of vintage stores selling native crafts after exploring the traditional villages scattered along the shaky rail lines in the tranquil countryside of the neighboring hills.

Let us understand your preferred experiences, and we will tailor-make a four-hour tour as per your interests!

Note1: Kindly choose your must-visit places from the list provided in the tour details to personalize your journey plan.
Note2: The National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter credential, accredited by the Japanese government, necessitates considerable knowledge and comprehension of Japanese tradition and history.

• This is a walking tour. Pick up is on foot.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.