
historisch
historisch
cultuur
Aizu-Wakamatsu, also known as Samurai City, is one of the best places in Japan to experience samurai history firsthand. It’s home to Tsuruga Castle, the last stronghold of the Aizu samurai during the Boshin War, and offers plenty of ways to dive into samurai culture.
Tsuruga Castle is a key site in Aizu’s history, especially during the late 1800s when samurai fought to defend it. The original castle was destroyed, but the reconstructed version gives a great look into Aizu’s past.
Castle Museum – Learn about the history of the castle and its role in Japan’s civil war.
Samurai Armor & Sword Experience – Rent replica armor and a katana for photos.
Tea at Rinkaku Tea House – A traditional tea house built by a famous tea master during the samurai era.
Sakura Season (Spring Only) – The castle grounds are one of the best places to see cherry blossoms in April.
Night Illumination (Seasonal) – The castle is lit up at night during special events.
1. Samurai Sword Fighting Lesson
Where: Tsuruga Castle Grounds or Aizu Samurai School
Cost: 3,500–6,000 yen
Time: 30–60 minutes
A hands-on lesson in samurai sword techniques, taught by experts. Great for anyone who wants to try real katana moves.
2. Samurai Armor & Photo Experience
Where: Tsuruga Castle or Aizu Bukeyashiki
Cost: 2,000–5,000 yen
Time: 20–40 minutes
Dress up in full samurai armor, complete with a helmet and sword, and take photos at the castle or a traditional samurai house.
3. Byakkotai Graves & Iimoriyama
Where: Iimoriyama Hill
Cost: Free (some small shrine fees)
Time: ~1 hour
This is the site where the Byakkotai (White Tiger Corps), a group of young samurai, took their own lives after believing their castle had fallen. Their story is one of the most well-known in samurai history, and their graves are a moving place to visit.
4. Aizu Bukeyashiki (Samurai Mansion)
Where: 10 minutes from Tsuruga Castle
Cost: ~850 yen
Time: ~1 hour
This was the home of a high-ranking Aizu samurai and gives a detailed look into samurai life, including tatami rooms, weapon displays, and even an old execution ground.
Aizu’s Samurai-Style Sake
Aizu is known for its sake brewing traditions, which date back to the time when samurai ruled the area. Two great places to try local sake are:
Suehiro Sake Brewery – Free tours and tastings
Tsurunoe Sake Brewery – The oldest sake brewery in Aizu
Both places offer tastings and a chance to learn how sake was made in the samurai era.
Wil meer zien?
Ik heb samengesteld samengesteld kaarten En routes voor reizigers die net als ik willen reizen.