Buddhist beliefs of the people of Aizu, famous local spring water source (Bandai-machi, Aizu Wakamatsu City Kawahigashi Region).

To the east of Aizu-Wakamatsu proper-in the Kawahigashi area and the town of Bandai (Bandai-machi)-you’ll find spots which have been selected as one of the nation’s top 100 famous water spots, and a temple which is said to be the origin of Buddhist culture in the region. As these attractions are scattered throughout the area, using a car to get to them is convenient. We invite you to try locally brewed sake, homemade soba raised in rich natural conditions, and to get a sense of the area’s history and piety. Below we’ve listed a few must see spots in the area, and some recommended spots.

Historical Remains of Enichi-ji Kondo This temple is where Aizu’s Buddhist culture originated. It was opened by Tokuichi Bosatsu, who laid the foundation of the spread of Buddhist culture. 34 years after being designated as a National Historical Remains, the locals turned their strong feelings into action and rebuilt it. (Transportation: 20 minutes walk from Bandai-machi Station) Michi-no-eki Bandai This facility of two buildings: the Tokusankan, (a combination specialty goods store and farmers’ market, restaurant, and convenience store) and Revitalization Wing (the area’s agricultural product processing facility), making it a shining example of Bandai-machi’s allure. (Transportation: 20 minutes walk from Bandai-machi Station) Bandai Nishi Sanroku Yusui-gun This site was selected as one of the nation’s top 100 famous water spots. Inside you’ll find Ryugasawa Yusui-a well representative of the wells and springs you’ll find here which is said to never run dry, even though there may be drought-and during the Edo Period it was a site where large scale prayer ceremonies for rain were held. The water in the garden of the Bandai-san Einichi-ji Repository is drawn from here. (Transportation: 30 minutes walk from Einichi-ji) Fudo-taki (Jyaoi-ga-Taki) The name comes from a Heian Era (about 1,000 years ago) legend that Kobo Daishi exorcised a large snake from the site. Achalanaatha (a Buddhist protective deity-called Fudo-myo-O in Japanese) is enshrined behind the falls and a temple dedicated to his worship still remains nearby. (Transportation: five minutes drive from Bandai-machi Station and a 20 minute walk from Bandai-machi Station) Mt. Bandai Gold Line Taking the toll road past Bandai Asahi National Park into Urabandai, you can see the rich beauty of nature in all its seasons up close. There is also an area where you can see a rolling view of Mt. Bandai-one of Japan's 100 famous mountains-and Lake Inawashiro. (Transportation: 20 minutes drive from Bandai-machi Station and Inawashiro Station) Hachiyoji Temple This temple gathers many believers in the deity Aizu Kouya-san. In the summer, the temple becomes crowded with many worshipers when the famous Kuya Dance is dedicated. (Transportation: five minutes drive from Hirota Station.) Kowashimizu This legendary spring water has a long history. This water was selected as one of 30 best water sources in all of Fukushima Prefecture. The soba which is hand-made using this water is very popular as well. Also, you can try tempura made with manju (Japanese-style bun stuffed with azuki-bean paste), herring, and dried squid are also the major delicacies of this area. (Transportation:Take the bus from Aizu-Wakamatsu Station and get off at the Kowashimizu Bus Stop) Aizu Mura Park These buildings have many facilities related to Buddhism and Aizu history. You can overlook the city of Aizu from the Aizu Dai Jibo Kannon, which is 57m in height. The different seasonal views, such as the images of azaleas and irises in the spring, are wonderful to experience. (Transportation:Take the Kawahigashi community bus Minazuru-go and get off at the Aizu-mura Bus Stop） Aizu Clan Nisshinkan School This restored facility is the “Nisshinkan” school of the Aizu clan where the Baykkotai studied. Dining and accommodation facilities are also located in this school, where students would live and attend classes. School documents are on display here as well. (Transportation:Take the Kawahigashi community bus Minazuru-go and get off at the Aizu Hanko Nisshinkan Bus Stop)

Recommended Spots Eisen Shuzo「Yukkura」 Here you can purchase sake made with the famously pure local water. (Transportation: 10 minutes drive from the Bandai-machi Station) Bandai Resort This resort area has many hot spring, ski, and hotel facilities. (Transportation: 10 minutes drive from the Bandai-machi Station or Inawashiro Station) Oruri Park Athletics field, children’s field, tennis courts and other facilities. (Transportation: 10 minutes drive from Bandai-machi station) Various Workshops And Activities The following activities are available for participation in Bandai-machi: soba noodle making workshops, pottery workshops, guided hikes to famous nature spots. Manju Tempura This unique specialty food is made to enjoy the increased sweetness of an (azuki-bean paste) after it is deep fried. Baden Baden This restaurant serves cakes and western style dishes. There are beautiful wood decks outside of this restaurant. (Transportation: Five minutes walk from Nisshin kan)