Learn about the tragic story of Bushido (the code of the samurai) and the Byakkotai fighters (Aizu Wakamatsu City).

The last year of the Edo Era. In 1868, there was a large civil war, called Boshin War, being waged which separated Japan into two opposing factions. The fighters were divided into the anti-shogunate and pro-shogunate troops, such as the Aizu Clan, a group that supported the shogunate. After the pro-shogunate powers were defeated in many places in Japan, Aizu became the next battle field. The entire Aizu Clan fought in the war. One of the armies, called the Byakkotai, was composed of young boys between 16 and 17 years of age. After being defeated in battle, the remaining 20 Byakkotai members retreated to Mt. Iimori. Peering down the at the castle from mountain’s summit, they saw the castle enveloped with smoke from the battle, leading them to mistakenly believe that it was on fire, presumably after being overrun by the enemy. Because of their error, they all committed mass suicide as a display of loyalty to their lord. Around Mt. Iimori, there are many places memorializing the tragedy of the Byakkotai fighters who followed the Bushido code and killed themselves. We will introduce those places you should see and we will also recommend other spots around the area.

The tombs of the Byakkotai The tombs of the Byakkotai who committed suicide are located on the summit of Mt. Iimori. Every spring on April 24th and in the autumn on September 24th, a sword dance is performed by local high school students in the memory of the Byakottai. There are caves called Tonoguchizeki Douketsu not far away from those tombs. This waterway begins 210 meters from Tonoguchizeki and extends to the north base of Mt. Iimori and is now only used during special events (Transportation: Catch the circulation bus (“Haikara-san” or “Akabe”) and get off at the Mt. Iimori Shita Bus Stop) Byakkotai Memorial Museum There are exhibits concerned with the Byakkotai and also many historical artifacts which will help preserve the memory of the tragedy of Aizu Clan for future generations (Transportation: Catch the circulation bus (“Haikara-san” or “Akabe”) and get off at the Mt. Iimori Shita Bus Stop) Byakkotai History Museum Focusing on artifacts related to the Byakkotai, there are also hisorical documents related to the Boshin War in Aizu, such as Shinsengumi (Transportation: Catch the circulation bus (“Haikara-san” or “Akabe”) and get off at the Mt. Iimori Shita Bus Stop) Dayu Zakura It is said that these cherry blossoms were planted in memory of a Dayu (a geisha who worked to master many arts and become cultured) who was attacked by a ruffian and killed while she was looking at cherry blossoms on Mt. Iimori in the mid 17th century (Transportation: Catch the circulation bus (“Haikara-san” or “Akabe”) and get off at the Mt. Iimori Shita Bus Stop) Takizawa Honjin (Clan Headquarters) During the Boshin War, the headquarters of the Aizu Clan was positioned here, where the Lord Katamori Matsudaira ordered the Byakkotai to depart to Tonoguchizeki. The pillars of this building are rent with sword cuts and bullet marks that can still be seen vividly even today. (Transportation: Catch the circulation bus (“Haikara-san” or “Akabe”) and get off at the Mt. Iimori Shita Bus Stop) Ishibe Zakura This is one of the five best cherry blossoms in Aizu. This tree stands surrounded by rice fields. The tree is over 600 years old and it is one of the most prominent cherry blossom sites in Fukushima Prefecture (Transportation: Catch the circulation bus (“Haikara-san” or “Akabe”) and get off at the Mt. Iimori Shita Bus Stop)

Recommended Spots Sazae Do This building has unique and rare characteristics in its structure. The stairs for going up and down are spiraled and do not meet (Transportation: Close to the tombs of Byakkotai) Torazo You can buy many local souvenirs here. A restaurant and cafe are also located here. (Transportation: Close to the entrance of Mt. Iimori) Keizan Yaki These are the only pottery manufacturers who have continued to make pottery in Aizu (Transportation: Catch the circulation bus (“Haikara-san” or “Akabe”) and get off at the Ishiyama Bus Stop). Bansho Here you can experience painting Aka-beko (red bull figures with amusing nodding heads) (Transportation:A five minute walk from Iimoriyama entrance.) Aizu Candy Museum Here many historical and inexpensive sweets are on display (Transportation:A five minute walk from Iimoriyama entrance.) . Aka-beko This toy has been passed down for generations in Aizu as a lucky charm to ward away bad luck.