Learn about Ujisato Gamo and the tradition of Aizu (Aizu Wakamatsu City)

Lord Ujisato Gamo was an enormous figure in the history of Aizu Wakamatsu City. He first began governing Aizu in 1590. Since then, he ordered the construction of the castle tower and the maintenance of the castle town as well as adopting a promotional policy for the lacquerware industry and local sake production. He also established the economic structure for Aizu Wakamatsu City which is still in use even now. After the city of Aizu was a battle field during the Boshin War, there are not many buildings which have survived from that point in the city’s history. Yet, there are a few historical buildings which survive surrounded by newly constructed buildings. These old buildings show the traditional style of Aizu which has been passed down from generation to generation from the period of Ujisato Gamo. Why don’t you walk around these historical areas and expose yourself to the traditional atmosphere of Aizu? We will introduce many interesting places you should see and we will recommend spots to visit around the area.

Shinmei Street and the tomb of Lord Ujisato Gamo After World War Two, Shinmei-dori-located at the heart of the city-became a bustling business center lined with a selection of stores where you can dine or shop. The tomb of Ujisato Gamo is located on the east side of the main Kotokuji Temple building, which can be found on the east side of Shinmei Street. His tomb is a five-stories high, and has five different characters engraved on its surface, respectively “空 (sky)、風(wind)、火(fire)、水(water)、地(land)”. Traditional legend holds that that part of the ashes from his original gravesite in Kyoto Daitokuji Temple were buried under the tomb in the Kotokuji Temple. Every autumn, the Gamo Ujisato Festival is held on Shinmei Street in honor of Lord Ujisato Gamo. Also, the first market of the New Year takes place here and is attended by large crowds of people. (Transportation:Take the bus from Aizu-Wakamatsu Station and get off at the Shinmei-dori Bus Stop). Takefuji This merchant house was build 160 years ago and is the oldest building in Aizu. You can purchase folkcrafts from Aizu here, or you can try making Aizu Tojin Dako (Transportation: Shinmei Street North Intersection, close to the post office). Oh-machi Street This street begins at Aizu Wakamatsu Station and goes straight south to Oh-machi Yotsukado (intersection)Mud-walled warehouse shops, built between the end of Edo Era and the beginning of Showa Era, can be found at every corner of Oh-machi Street. (Transportation:Catch the circulation bus Haikara-san and get off at the Machikata Folklore Museum Mae Bus Stop). Onodera Lacquerware Shop This shop has a long, distinguished history and first opened over 100 years ago (Transportation:Catch the circulation bus Haikara-san and get off at the Machikata Folklore Museum Mae Bus Stop). Bakuro-machi Street When Ujisato Gamo ordered the maintenance of the castle town, he invited many bakuro (middleman who sold/bought cows), to live in the town. Facing south on the street, you will see the main tower of Tsuruga Castle in front of you. There are shops selling lacquerware, clothes, blacksmith items, and also many restaurants are located on this street. The four sake cellars on this narrow street also contribute to the atmosphere of this area. (Transportation:Take the bus from Aizu-Wakamatsu Station and get off at the Aioi-machi Bus Stop) Koga-machi Street Ujisato Gamo’s followers, and some craft workers from his home town of Hino in Ohmi (currently, Shiga prefecture), lived in this town. There are many bars and restaurants on this street, and at night the street bustles with activity. Koga-machi Kokaku Mon Ato is one of the remaining traces of Tsuruga Castle in the city. The rock wall of the gate still stands even now, and played an important role as a Oitemon (main entrance) for Tsuruga Castle. (Transportation:Catch the circulation bus ("Haikara-san" or "Akabe") and get off at the Aizu-Wakamatsu Shiyakusho Mae Bus Stop)

Recommended Spots Ozawa Candle Shop This shop takes pride in a tradition dating back approximately 500 years, and specializes in selling candles. (Transportation: Close to the Shinmei Street south intersection) Suzukiya Rihei The building of this lacquerware shop dates back to the Edo Era and has 200 years of history (Transportation: Shinmei Street North Intersection, close to the post office). Aizu-machikata Folklore Museum Introducing the traditional industries in Aizu. Here you can purchase many local products (Transportation:Catch the circulation bus Haikara-san and get off at the Machikata Folklore Museum Mae Bus Stop). Sei Gun Cemetery Burial site for members of the new government forces who were killed in the Boshin War(Transportation:Catch the circulation bus Haikara-san and get off at the Machikata Folklore Museum Mae Bus Stop). Kaishuichikura A brewery built during the Edo. These days it is a cafe, sells sake and specialty goods, and has a gallery.(Transportation:Take the bus from Aizu-Wakamatsu Station and get off at the Aioi-machi Bus Stop) Nishin Yashiki Ohta Here you can sample famous Aizu cuisine such as Nishin no Sansho-zuke (Dried herring pickled in malt vinegar with pepper plants) and Botara (Dried cod). (Transportation:Take the bus from Aizu-Wakamatsu Station and get off at the Aioi-machi Bus Stop)