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The Area of the Matsudaira Family, the Shinsengumi, and hot springs. (Aizu Wakamatsu City)
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Higashiyama Onsen is located in the eastern part of Aizu and is very proud of its 1300 year history, and the prolific natural beauty surrounding the area. Since ancient times, this hot spring was loved not only by local citizens but also by many people who where cultural and intellectual leaders at the time. There are several historical places related to the Matsudaira Family and the Lord of Aizu Clan which still remain in this area.
The Matsudaira family was closely related to the Tokugawa Shogunate because of their relationship to the Tokugawa family. Especially Katamori Matsudaira, the ninth lord of the clan was appointed as Kyoto Shugo Shoku (keeping the order in Kyoto)
in the end of Edo Era to restore the order in Kyoto, where the Imperial Palace was located at the time. Under the control of Katamori Matsudaira, the Shinsengumi was working as a security organization seeking to maintain order in Kyoto. During the Boshin War, members of the Shinsengumi came over to Aizu and fought together.
We will introduce those places you should see and recommend spots to visit around the area.
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| Tomb of Isami Kondo |
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 It is said that the deputy head of the Shinsengumi, Toshizo Hijikata was ordered to build this tomb after he came to Aizu for the Boshin War. The leader of the Shinsengumi, Isami Kondo, was decapitated in Sanjo Kawara in Kyoto, yet it is said that members of the Shinsengumi took his head and/or hair and had it buried in his tomb.
(Transportation: Catch the circulation bus (“Haikara-san” or “Akabe”) and get off at the Yarogamae Bus Stop)
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| Aizu Buke Yashiki (Samurai House) |
 This is a tourist spot where the Buke Yashiki (Samurai house), which had burned down during the Boshin War, was restored. On this site, which encompasses around 23,100㎡ of land, a hidden atmosphere of the past can be found in the many historical buildings lined in a row. This site also features an Experience Corner, a restaurant and a souvenir shop.
(Transportation: Catch the circulation bus (“Haikara-san” or “Akabe”) and get off at the Aizu Buke Yashiki Mae Bus Stop)
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Recommended Spots
| Hagurosan Yunokami Shrine
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| This shrine was opened by Monk Gyoki, the discoverer of Higashiyama Hot Spring. Many people visit the shrine on New Year’s Eve and climb its 1225 stairs. (Transportation: Five minutes walk from the Higashiyama Hot spring entrance Bus Stop). |
| Matsumotoya |
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| This shop is famous for its Mizuyokan (sweet bean jelly), which is made following an old recipe from feudal times which features no additives. (Transportation: Five minutes walk from the Higashiyama Hot spring entrance Bus Stop). |
| Ohide Chaya |
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| This teahouse first opened more than 300 yeas ago and has been serving Dengaku (bean curd baked and coated with miso) ever since.(Transportation: Catch the circulation bus (“Haikara-san” or “Akabe”) and get off at the Yarogamae Bus Stop). |
| Kokin |
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| At this facility many local products of Aizu are for sale. There is also a place where you can have coffee, tea, and meals (Transportation: Located next to Aizu Buke Yashiki). |
| Medetaiya |
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| This restaurant gets very busy at lunch time, with many local people stopping in. Once the soup is gone, the restaurant closes. (Transportation: Three minutes walk from Oyakuen Garden) |
| Shirokujaku |
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| It is said that this restaurant was the first in Fukushima prefecture to serve fried pork on rice with sauce. It is famous for the size of the fried pork portions, they are too large to fit entirely in a bowl. (Transportation: Three Minutes Walk from Oyakuen Garden) |
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This hot spring was opened around Tenpyo Era. During the domain period, these baths were available in this rest house for the Aizu Clan. The Higashiyama hot springs water is very effective in the treatment of scars, so the deputy head of the Shinsengumi, Toshizo Hijikata came to Aizu to receive treatment after being wounded during the Boshin War. After the Meiji Era, many writers and poets, attracted by the atmosphere of the area, visited for inspiration in completing their various works. The summer festival brings a large number of participants, and numerous portable shrines are brought into the area. This festival also features the famous Bon dance, performed to honor dead ancestors. (Transportation: Catch the circulation bus Haikara-san and get off at the Higashiyama Hot spring Bus Stop)
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The tombs of the Aizu Matsudaira family are spread throughout the mountainside in Higashiyama-machi Innai. This area features the tombs of several of the successive lords of the clan, from the second lord Masatsune Hoshina to the ninth lord, Katamori Matsudaira. This large cemetery, which features the Shinto and Buddhist styles, is distinguished by its size among the cemeteries of the Daimyo (Japanese feudal lords). When the leaves change colors in the autumn, the place acquires a very distinctive and beautiful atmosphere. The tomb of the first lord Masayuki Hoshina is in Hanitsu Shrine in Inawashiro. (Transportation: Catch the circulation bus Haikara-san and get off at the Innai Bus Stop). 
Oyakuen Garden was a villa owned by the lord of the Aizu Clan from the Matsudaira Family. The name of the garden, “Oyakuen”, is attributed to the various medicinal herbs which grow there. The garden was constructed by skillfully striving for the creation of the ideal Japanese garden, an aesthetic favoring natural environmental beauty. At this garden, you can enjoy strong powdered green tea, and other healthy kinds of tea are served as well. In the winter, an event called “E Rousoku Matsuri (Painted Candle Festival) is held. When the garden is lit up by hundreds of candles, it attains a dreamlike atmosphere of mystery and beauty. (Transportation: Catch the circulation bus Haikara-san and get off at the Oyakuen Garden Bus Stop). 
