Areas relating to bacteriologist Hideyo Noguchi and romantic towns from the Taisho Era (Aizu Wakamatsu City)

“Nanoka-machi Street” and “Dr. Noguchi Hideyo Street” are the two streets extend from Oh-machi Yotsukado, an intersection in the center of the city. In this are you can see the atmosphere of the time, which was called the “Taisho Romantic Style”. In this period Japan was trying to absorb many aspects of western culture. “Nanoka-machi Street” flourished as a rest area, and it was the busiest street in Aizu at that time. You can still see the buildings remaining from the period. Many local products are sold on this street. “Dr. Noguchi Hideyo Street” is the where the world famous bacteriologist Dr. Hideyo Noguchi lived in his youth. Many places he frequented back then still remain even today. We will introduce some places you should see and recommended other areas around the area that you should visit.

Dr. Noguchi Hideyo Street and Aizu Ichiban Kan (Before: Kaiyo Clinic) The experience of having his left hand operated on after it was badly burned, and crippled for life, prompted Bacteriologist Dr. Hideyo Noguchi (who was raised in Inawashiro-machi), to study medicine. He had the operation at Kaiyo Clinic and he remained there in his youth for studying. The building of Kaiyo Clinic now has a cafeteria on the first floor, and the Dr. Noguchi museum is on the second floor. This museum is located on “Dr. Noguchi Hideyo Memorial Street” (Transportation: Catch the circulation bus Haikara-san and get off at Noguchi Hideyo Memorial Plaza Mae Bus Stop). Suehiro Shuzo This sake storehouse has a connection with Hideyo Noguchi. They have cafeteria, classic camera museum, and a concert hall. (Transportation: Catch the circulation bus Haikara-san and get off at the Yamato-machi Bus Stop). Nanoka-machi Street In Edo Era, this street flourished as a rest area with many businesses located there. Until the beginning of Showa Era, there were many shops here, such as wholesalers selling various products, hotels, and also many restaurants. This street was the most crowded in Aizu at the time. Even today the styles of old are reflected in the architectural designs of the buildings. (Transportation: Catch the circulation bus (“Haikara-san” or “Akabe”) and get off at the Nanoka-machi Station Mae Bus Stop) Shibukawa Donya This rest house features many buildings such as the shops, houses, and storehouses for the best shops in Aizu. This shop used to dealt with marine products. The hotel here also has a restaurant serving time-honored local cuisine. (Transportation: Catch the circulation bus (“Haikara-san” or “Akabe”) and get off at the Nanoka-machi Station Mae Bus Stop) Shirokiya Material pavilion A 3 storey western style building built during the Taisho period. Inside, there are many works of Aizu lacquerware on display, and available for purchase. (Transportation: Catch the circulation bus ("Haikara-san" or "Akabe") and get off at the Nanuka-machi Shirokiya-mae Bus Stop) Amidaji Temple・Gosankai After the Boshin War, the third floor of Tsuruga Castle was transferred here. The tombs of people who died in the Boshin War as well as the tomb of Shinsengumi member Hajime Saito can be found here as well. (Transportation: Catch the circulation bus (“Haikara-san” or “Akabe”) and get off at the Nanoka-machi Station Mae Bus Stop)

Recommended Spots Sakae-machi Church This is the church where Hideyo Noguchi was baptized. (Transportation: Catch the circulation bus Haikara-san and get off at the Noguchi Hideyo Seishun Hiroba-mae Bus Stop) Kyo This chic cafeteria is located in the storehouse of Suehiro Shuzo (Transportation: Next to Suehiro Shuzo) Mitsutaya This restaurant is in a remodeled miso storehouse with a long history. Here you can enjoy the taste of “Miso Dengaku” (bean curd baked and coated with miso), a simple local cuisine (Transportation: Catch the circulation bus Haikara-san and get off at the Kitakoji Tanaka Inari Jinja-mae Bus Stop) Eki Cafe A cafeteria, as well as a market selling local products from Aizu area. Internet access is also available (Transportation: Close to the circulation bus Haikara-san and Akbe Nanoka-machi Station Mae Bus Stop) Aizu Original Product Hall Here you can see sophisticated local products from Aizu area being exhibited and sold. You can also experience making traditional hand crafts firsthand, or try some local sake here at the One Shot Bar(Transportation: Catch the circulation bus (“Haikara-san” or “Akabe”) and get off at the Nanoka-machi Station Mae Bus Stop)