Aizuwakamatsu City, which flourished as a castle town of the Aizu domain, still retains a strong atmosphere of its past. Historical sites are scattered throughout the city, offering a rich taste of history. In addition, there are many famous local gourmet foods, retro cafes, and hot spring inns.
This is an introduction to a sightseeing model course that allows you to fully enjoy the charms of Aizuwakamatsu City. Be sure to use it as a reference for your city walk.
Recommended for Sightseeing in Aizuwakamatsu City: Make the Most of the ‘Machinaka Tour Bus’!
If you want to tour around Aizuwakamatsu City efficiently and affordably, it is recommended to use the ‘Machinaka Tour Bus.’
There are two types of tour buses: ‘Akabee’ and ‘Haikara-san,’ which circulate around the main tourist spots of Aizuwakamatsu City. Each bus runs in opposite directions, so make good use of the tour buses to enjoy sightseeing.
A ‘Machinaka Tour Bus One-Day Free Pass’ is also available, which can be purchased for 600 yen for adults and 300 yen for children.
The great thing about this pass is that you can board ‘Akabee’ and ‘Haikara-san’ buses as many times as you want on the day of purchase. Additionally, by showing your pass, you can get discounted entry to attractions like Tsuruga Castle’s Tower, the Byakkotai Memorial Museum, and the Aizu Samurai Residences.
The One-Day Free Pass is sold at locations like the ‘Aizu Bus Station Front Information Center’ at Aizuwakamatsu Station and the ‘Nanukamachi Tourist Information Center’ at Nanukamachi Station. Please note that the pass is not sold on the buses themselves.
Immerse Yourself in Aizu’s History with This Recommended Sightseeing Model Course
Aizuwakamatsu, a city that frequently appears in the history of the late Edo period, such as in the Boshin War, the Byakkotai, and the Shinsengumi. We introduce a sightseeing course where you can fully immerse yourself in the history of Aizu.
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Nanokamachi Street & Noguchi Hideyo Youth Street
Nanukamachi Street and Noguchi Hideyo Seishun Street are wrapped in a nostalgic atmosphere, lined with historic buildings. Scattered with cafes, sake breweries, and folk craft shops, these streets have become a popular area for strolling.
With a great number of retro cafes, it’s recommended to take a break in one of them when you’re tired from walking around the town. Particularly popular is ‘Aizu Ichibankan,’ which is housed in the building where Noguchi Hideyo underwent surgery on his left hand.
The interior retains the beams from the original construction, offering a somewhat nostalgic atmosphere. The café is famous for its coffee, made from beans roasted in-house, sourced from countries Hideyo visited, and offers a wide range of light meals.
Other attractive retro cafes include ‘Kissa Anzu,’ which serves chiffon cakes made with daiginjo (high-grade sake), and ‘Eki cafe,’ which also serves as an Aizu antenna shop. Enjoy a moment of relaxation while soaking up the ambiance of these buildings.
Access: About 4 minutes from ‘Wakamatsu Station Front’ to ‘Nanokamachi Shirakiya Front’ by the loop bus (Haikara-san).
Tsuruga Castle
Tsuruga Castle can be considered a symbol of Aizuwakamatsu City. During the Boshin War, it withstood a siege of one month, later earning widespread fame as an impregnable fortress.
A distinctive feature of Tsuruga Castle is the ‘red tiles’ of its unique and imposing castle tower. While there are many castles throughout Japan, Tsuruga Castle is the only one with a red-tiled tower.
The interior of the tower from the 1st to the 4th floor serves as a museum, displaying valuable materials that illustrate the historical period. Each floor is themed differently, offering varied experiences and attractions.
The 5th floor is an observation deck, offering a 360-degree view of the cityscape of Aizuwakamatsu. From here, you can also see Iimoriyama, where the Byakkotai committed ritual suicide.
After touring the inside of Tsuruga Castle, it is recommended to enjoy matcha at the Rinraku tea house, which is said to have been built by Shoan, the son of the famous tea master Sen no Rikyu. For 600 yen, you can savor matcha and a traditional Japanese sweet, and in summer, cold matcha is available. While enjoying your matcha, take a moment to relax and appreciate the beautiful garden scenery.
Address: 1-1 Otemachi, Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture Access: About 11 minutes from ‘Nanukamachi Station Front’ to ‘Tsuruga Castle Entrance’ by the loop bus (Haikara-san).
Oyakuen Garden
The history of Oyakuen Garden dates back to the Muromachi period when Morihisa Ashina built a villa on this site, marking its origin. It is a Japanese garden that has been cherished by successive lords of the Aizu domain. Later, a medicinal herb garden was established for the treatment of the local people, leading to the name “Oyakuen.”
During the Boshin War, it was used as a clinic for the wounded soldiers of the new government’s army. Because it was not involved in the warfare, the garden’s appearance from that time has been preserved.
Designated as a national scenic beauty, it represents the Edo period’s “Daimyo-style landscape garden” and is renowned for its beauty within Fukushima Prefecture. Spending time in the quiet serenity, viewing the garden beloved by successive lords, is truly a blissful experience.
At the “Ochaya Goten,” known for its thatched roof, tea ceremonies are held. For 600 yen, enjoying matcha and yokan (a sweet bean jelly) is recommended. While reminiscing about the past, take your time to savor the matcha.
Address: 8-1 Hanaharu-machi, Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture Access: Approximately 9 minutes from “Tsurugajo Entrance” to “Oyakuen” by the loop bus (Haikara-san).
Aizu Samurai Residences
The Aizu Samurai Residence is a historical theme park dedicated to preserving and promoting the traditions of “Aizu Bushido.” The park centers around a facility that reconstructs the residence of the Aizu domain’s chief retainer, Saigo Tanomo, and showcases various historical documents.
The residence of the chief retainer boasts a vast area of about 2,300 tsubo (approximately 7,590 square meters), and its Japanese-style architecture, extensively using hinoki (Japanese cypress) and sugi (Japanese cedar), is both luxurious and grand. Stepping into it, one can experience the sensation of being transported back to the Edo period.
The historical museum and the jinya (a type of administrative and residential building in feudal Japan) are also part of the complex, offering a glimpse into the solemn lifestyle of the Aizu samurai.
Within the estate, visitors can enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities. These include experiences like painting traditional “Okiagari-koboshi” (self-righting dolls) and “Akabeko” (a red cow figurine), as well as archery and exploration quizzes. The inclusion of these activities adds to the charm of the place. There’s also a dining area on the premises, so you can fully immerse yourself in Aizu culture by seeing, eating, and playing.
Address: 1-1 Ishiyama-in, Higashiyama-machi, Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture Access: Approximately 4 minutes from “Oyakuen” to “Aizu Samurai Residence” by the loop bus (Haikara-san).
Iimoriyama Hill
Iimoriyama is a small hill from which one can overlook the castle town of Aizuwakamatsu. It is famously known as the site where 19 members of the Byakkotai (White Tiger Corps) committed ritual suicide. Within the mountain, the graves of these Byakkotai soldiers can be found, and incense is still offered to them today.
On clear days, Tsurugajo Castle can be seen from the summit, allowing visitors to view the same scenery as the Byakkotai soldiers and reflect on their thoughts.
At the base of Iimoriyama is the Byakkotai Memorial Museum, which houses artifacts and photographs from the Boshin War. Visitors can also see cannons used by the government forces of the new regime.
Also nearby is the former Takizawa Honjin, a nationally designated important cultural property. It was from this location that Matsudaira Katamori issued the deployment orders to the Byakkotai.
The building still bears the bullet holes and sword marks from that time, vividly conveying the severity of the Boshin War. It is a valuable facility where one can deeply feel the intensity of that historical period.
Address: Otani, Yamato-yama, Hachiman, Ikkimachi, Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture Access: Approximately 13 minutes from “Aizu Samurai Residence” to “Iimoriyama Base” by the loop bus (Haikara-san).
Sazae-do (Enzo Sanzodo)
The ceiling of the top floor is densely covered with talismans affixed by worshippers from the past. While this might be somewhat surprising, it reveals how much the Sazaedo was treasured by the people. Experience this globally rare architectural structure for yourself.
Address: 1404 Benten-shita, Hachiman, Ikkimachi, Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture Access: 3-minute walk from Iimoriyama.
Savor the Famous Delicacies of Aizu!
Discovering local gourmet delicacies is also one of the great joys of traveling. If you visit Aizuwakamatsu, be sure to try the local cuisine.
[Sauce Katsudon] Shirahaku Restaurant
The Shirokujaku Diner is so famous locally that there’s nobody who doesn’t know it. This renowned diner has been preserving the ‘taste of old times’ for three generations and has a large fan base.
The sauce katsudon at Shirokujaku Diner is extremely large! The meat is so big that the lid can’t close, and it’s topped with a sweet and savory thick sauce that has been added to over generations, which whets your appetite. Let’s boldly bite into this thick sauce katsudon that almost spills out of the bowl.
Address: 10-37, Miyamachi, Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture
Phone Number: 0242-27-2754
Hours: 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM (or until sold out)
Closed: Monday & Friday (open on holidays, other irregular closings)
Parking: Available (5 spots)
[Kitakata Ramen] Furukawa Farm
Kitakata Ramen is an essential gourmet experience when touring Aizu. While there are many Kitakata Ramen shops in the Aizu region, Furukawa Farm is particularly recommended.
You might not realize this place is a ramen shop just by its appearance. It looks like a mere warehouse without any signboard, but it’s an extremely popular shop with long queues from the time it opens.
The most popular menu item is the meat soba. It’s the epitome of ‘authentic Kitakata Ramen’ with its medium-thick curly noodles, light soy sauce soup, and flavorful char siu that perfectly blend together.
For an additional 100 yen, you can switch to handmade noodles. If you prefer a texture with more bite, ordering the handmade noodles is recommended.
Address: 21 Kagamiyama, Kurahashi, Koto-cho, Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture
Phone Number: 0242-75-3080
Hours: 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM (or until the soup runs out)
Closed: Wednesday
Parking: Available (15 spots)
[Wappa-meshi] Taki-no
Wappa-meshi is a dish where ingredients are steamed in a container made from cedar wood. Taikino was the first to refine the Aizu version of wappa-meshi into its current style.
They make abundant use of local mountain vegetables and seafood, and its charm lies in the gentle taste that lets you appreciate the flavors of the ingredients. Since it’s steamed, you can also enjoy the aroma and vivid appearance of the food.
Let’s indulge in this luxurious local cuisine, which focuses on the ‘locally produced, locally consumed’ concept, with all five senses.
Address: 5-31, Sakae-machi, Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture
Phone Number: 0242-25-0808
Hours: 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Closed: Open all year round
Parking: Available (First Parking Lot: 10 spots, Second Parking Lot: 30 spots)
[Aizu Soba] Kiriyatei & Gongentei
The Aizu region, with its large temperature difference between day and night and clear air, is an ideal area for growing soba. Kiriyatei Gongenten is highly recommended for tasting Aizu’s exquisite soba.
The Fukushima prefecture’s original variety ‘Aizu no Kaori’ is known for its rich flavor and strong firmness, offering an exceptional texture. You can also enjoy soba made only from the finest milled flour and stone-ground 100% buckwheat soba.
This is a must-try soba when visiting Aizu.
Address: 2-34, Kamimachi, Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture
Phone Number: 0242-25-3851
Hours: 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM (Only lunch on Sundays and the last day of consecutive holidays)
Closed: Wednesday
Parking: Available (10 spots)
Choose ‘Higashiyama Onsen’ for Your Stay!
Higashiyama Onsen is a historic hot spring resort that opened about 1300 years ago. Along with Kaminoyama Onsen and Yunohama Onsen, it is counted as one of the ‘Three Pleasures of Ou.’
Located about a 10-minute drive from the city center, the access is very convenient. Of course, you can also reach Higashiyama Onsen by a sightseeing bus. After a day of touring, rejuvenate in the atmospheric Higashiyama Onsen.
Mukaitaki
Mukaitaki is a venerable lodging representing Higashiyama Onsen, which once served as a retreat for Aizu domain samurai. Its wooden Sukiya-style architecture is as beautiful as a work of art, and it was the first ryokan to be designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property.
The luxury of the hot springs here includes all indoor baths being filled with free-flowing spring water. The walls of the bathhouse are adorned with marble reliefs, allowing guests to enjoy an elegant atmosphere.
This prestigious inn, frequented by many famous people, invites you to indulge in the ‘luxury’ scattered throughout the ryokan.
Oyado Toh
ouhou boasts one of the best views in Higashiyama Onsen. The ‘Sora no Yu’ outdoor large bath, which feels like floating in the sky, is popular for its panoramic views of Aizuwakamatsu city from the open-air bath.
The dining is buffet-style with a wide variety. Freshly prepared local dishes and sweets are arrayed in abundance.
After enjoying the view from the open-air bath, savor the local cuisine of Aizu to your heart’s content.
Irori no Yado Ashina
If you want to stay in a traditional inn, Irori no Yado Ashina is recommended. It is a small hot spring inn with only 7 rooms, where you can feel the nostalgia of the Showa era in its building.
The cooking style, which involves grilling over a charcoal fire at an irori (traditional hearth), is popular for its pursuit of ‘genuine deliciousness’, attracting many repeat guests. Japanese sake that pairs well with the cuisine is also available, and the local sake enjoyed by the fire of the irori is exceptional.
Your Ultimate Aizuwakamatsu Sightseeing Course is Set!
We introduced must-see spots, famous gourmet foods, and popular inns for sightseeing in Aizuwakamatsu.
Due to its history as a prosperous castle town, it retains a retro streetscape, and historical sites are scattered throughout. Also, there are many famous gourmet foods, making it a popular destination for foodies who enjoy eating while walking around.
When visiting Aizuwakamatsu, make good use of the sightseeing bus to tour the spots, and end your day at a famous hot spring.
There are still many more attractive tourist spots in Fukushima Prefecture. For more tourist information, check out AVA Travel!
AVAトラベルの記事は、日本旅行に詳しい様々な地域のライターによって執筆されています。
The articles on AVA Travel are written by writers from various regions who are knowledgeable about travel in Japan.
