Visiting Tsuruga Castle Park and learning about the history of Aizu (Aizu Wakamatsu City)

The symbol of Aizu is Tsuruga Castle. This famous castle was the site of numerous important historical events in Japanese history. In the present day, it is well known as a park with neatly maintained places around the castle and cherry blossoms. The tower of the castle contains many local historical artifacts and features information about the history of Aizu. If you wish, you can learn the history of Aizu while you are exploring the castle. In the area nearby, there are many other interesting places to visit, such as a history museum and a museum of sake production where you can study the history of Aizu along with exploring the Tsuruga Castle. Recommended items of interest within the castle and nearby:

Tsuruga Castle The castle was originally constructed in 1384, and later on the castle tower was added by Ujisato Gamo in 1590. Since then, the castle has been changed over the years by the feudal lords who ruled Aizu. This castle is famous for the role it played in the Boshin War, when the castle survived continuous besiegement for a month straight. The current castle tower was rebuilt in 1965. This castle is now one of the most famous landmarks in the Tohoku area. It is surrounded by over one thousand cherry blossom trees which bloom in the spring. In March, 2004, the inside of the castle tower was refurbished as a castle museum which has become very popular with visitors. In the spring time, the traditional event called Aizu Higanjishi is performed and in the autumn time the Aizu Aki Matsuri (Autumn Festival) and the Aizu Hanko Gyoretsu are held, a parade featuring local people portraying the feudal lords of Aizu and other important historical figures. (Transportation: Catch the circulation bus (“Haikara-san” or “Akabe”) and get off at the Tsuruga Castle Kitaguchi Bus Stop) Rinkaku In Japan, tea was originally consumed for medicinal purposes. In the beginning of the Azuchimomoyama Era, Rikyu Sen established Senke-ryu Sado to practice the tea ceremony. Rinkaku is a time-honored teahouse and was built by Shouan, the child of Rikyu Sen, inside of the land of the castle. Here visitors can enjoy tea, and the traditional Japanese tea ceremony is held regularly.（Transportation: Tsuruga Castle Honmaru） Fukushima Prefectural Museum Part of this exhibition is made up of local artifacts from the Boshin War. You can also rest at the cafeteria in the museum. (Transportation: Catch the circulation bus (“Haikara-san” or “Akabe”) and get off at the Tsuruga Castle Sannomaruguchi Bus Stop) Kitademaru Oh-dori This is a straight street which starts from the Ohtemon (main gate), called Kouga-machi Koukaku-mon of Tsuruga Castle. When the Boshin War ended, this was the sight of many significant events, such as the surrender of the opposing forces, and the sign up for the castle opening. The traces of the house of Tanomo Saigo, chief retainer of the Aizu Clan, and the house of Naito can still be seen along this street. (Transportation: Catch the circulation bus (“Haikara-san” or “Akabe”) and get off at the Kitademaru Oh-dori Bus Stop) Aizu Sake-Brewing Museum This storehouse of sake brewing is open for public tours. You can also taste and purchase sake here. (Transportation: Catch the circulation bus (“Haikara-san” or “Akabe”) Haikara-san and get off at the Kitademaru Oh-dori Bus Stop)

Recommended Spots Tsurugajo Kaikan Here you can buy local products and souvenirs from the Aizu Area. You can relax and have a meal here, as well. (Transportation: Close to the entrance of Tsuruga Castle) Aizu Aoi This shop produces and sells sweets made by following recipes written in literature passed for generations in the Aizu Clan (Transportation: Close to the entrance of Tsuruga Castle) Kamishiroya Here you can enjoy traditional Japanese soba (Transportation: Two minutes walk from Fukushima Prefectural Museum) Budoya You can taste traditional European stew dishes (Transportation: Three minutes walk from Aizu Sake Brewing Museum)