• Tsuruga Castle Gymnasium - Tsuruga Castle (鶴ヶ城, Tsurugajō) was originally constructed in 1384 and has been under the control of various rulers in the Aizu region over the years. It was demolished following the Boshin War of 1868, a revolt against the newly established Meiji government, which had taken power from the Tokugawa shogunate, marking the end of Japan’s feudal period. Tsuruga Castle was among 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 to enjoy views 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) was the home of the region’s most prominent and highest-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 resemble its Edo Period appearance.

Due to the samurai’s status and the size of his entourage, the residence is quite large. 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 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. Its name is prominently displayed 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 been 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.

Suehiro Brewery is the official sake supplier for Toshogu Shrine in Nikko and some sumo and kabuki events. The sake and the brewery have been featured in numerous movies and TV dramas.

Among the notable figures associated with the brewery is Dr. Hideyo Noguchi, whose image appears on the 1000 yen bill due to his groundbreaking medical research achievements. He was a close friend of Suehiro’s owners, and many of his letters and photographs can be viewed at the brewery.

• 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 museum’s 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 still 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) unit 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 movie and manga adaptations.

• Oyakuen Garden - Oyakuen (御薬園) is a serene Japanese landscape garden with a pond where visitors to Aizu can enjoy a peaceful 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.

Oyakuen’s main garden consists of meticulously maintained greenery centered around a pond. A path winds around the pond, offering the best way to appreciate 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 3-4 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 trip, brimming with value, is led by a government-certified, seasoned multilingual tour guide, providing an excellent and effective means to discover Aizuwakamatsu!

Formerly a Samurai stronghold, Aizuwakamatsu presents a host of historic sites that you can explore at leisure as you pedal through its serene streets. Moreover, make some time to visit the various vintage stores that offer local handcrafted items after a visit to the traditional hamlets scattered along the rustic train routes in the surrounding rural hillocks.

Express your preferences for the tour, and we will tailor-make a six-hour journey just for you!

Note1: Please highlight your preferred sightseeing spots from a listed assortment in the tour details to formulate your individualized travel schedule.
Note2: The National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter validation, which is endorsed by the Japanese government, calls for a comprehensive understanding and familiarity with Japanese culture 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.