Aizu Bukeyashiki

The Naosuke Saigo Retainer Residence is the central facility of the Aizu Samurai Residences. It boasts a vast site area of 2,300 tsubo and 38 rooms with luxurious construction using hinoki and cedar, which fascinates viewers. Inside the facility, numerous intricately crafted wax figures of people are placed, allowing you to catch a glimpse of life at that time. When you are inside the facility, you feel as if you have slipped back in time to that era. It is a valuable facility where you can experience the life of Aizu samurai.

During the Boshin War, 21 members of the Saigo Yoromo clan, including women and children, committed suicide. When Nakajima Nobuyuki, who was an enemy at the time and from the Tosa domain, broke into the Saigo residence, a 16-year-old girl who had not died after attempting to take her own life asked, "Are you an enemy or an ally?" He replied, "I'm an ally," and the girl, relieved, asked him to perform the final act of mercy. Even though she was a samurai woman, the regret of having to stab her own child and then commit suicide herself must have been considerable. This sad history is faithfully recreated through wax figures.

The term "Magistrate's Office" refers to a collection of buildings including the magistrate's residence and offices for carrying out official duties, serving as a base for local administration. The "Former Nakahata Magistrate's Office" located within the Aizu Samurai Residence controlled seven villages including Nakamura Hata. Although the building has been reconstructed and relocated, it has been designated as an important cultural property by the prefecture. The interior is a refined shoin-zukuri style, while the roof and earthen floor utilize techniques used in peasant homes, allowing visitors to learn about the administrative facilities of the time.

At Aizu Bukeyashiki, there are plenty of experience corners where families can learn and have fun together. In the glass engraving corner, you can create your own original cup by drawing your favorite characters or letters. In the red beko and waking up small monk painting experience, you can make Aizu's lucky charms yourself. In addition, there are many events that children can enjoy, such as archery and exploration quiz cards. Enjoy experiences that you can't normally have to your heart's content!

After enjoying a tour of the Aizu Samurai Residences, why not fill your stomach at Kyukotei? At Kyukotei, you can fully enjoy the local cuisine that is loved by the locals. For those who want to indulge in the "taste of Aizu," the "Aizu Mamizan" is recommended. Representative traditional dishes such as "Wappa rice," "Kozuyu," and "Shisho pickled herring" are lined up. In addition, they also offer dishes that incorporate the "samurai" theme, such as "Kachidoki-zen" and "Shutsujin Tenhare-zen," which use Aizu lacquerware. Enjoy the colorful Aizu local cuisine with all five senses.