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The origins of Aizu and local pottery (Aizu Misato-machi).
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The area around Aizu Misato-machi near Aizu Wakamatsu City is where the city of Aizu originated, and a center for the ceramic arts. There are many historical buildings located here.
One of them is the shrine which is said to have provided the origin of the name “Aizu”. Also, there are the oldest temple in Aizu, and the remnants of the castle built by the first lord of the Aizu Clan. There are numerous kinds of pottery manufactured, and this is considered to be the oldest white porcelain in the Tohoku Area.
Here we will introduce some places you should see and recommend spots to visit around the area.
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| Aizu Information Center |
On the first floor you’ll find tourist information on Aizu-Misato and the surrounding areas, a rest stop, and a small food court. On the second floor there are about 100 pieces of local pottery (Aizu-Hongo Yaki)--which has a tradition of around 400 years-on display. (Transportation:20 minutes walk from Aizu-Hongo Station, or 20 minutes drive from the Nitsuru Electronic Interchange on the Ban-etsu Expressway)
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| Mukai Haguro-san Shiroato (Vestige of Mukai Haguro-san Castle) |
It is said that this castle(vestige) was built by Moriuji Ashina who governed Aizu for the first time. It is now known as “Hakuho Park”, and here you can see over six thousand Azaleas covering the mountainside
(Transportation:20 minutes walk from Aizu-Hongo Station, or 20 minutes drive from the Nitsuru Electronic Interchange on the Ban-etsu Expressway.)
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| Isasumi Shrine |
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 It is said that the name of Aizu was originated at this shrine. The shrine’s spirit is a protector of Aizu, and people not only from Fukushima Prefecture, but also out side of the prefecture visit to pray and pay their respects
(Transportation:20 minutes walk from Aizu-Takada Station, or 15 minutes from the Nitsuru Electronic Interchange on the Ban-etsu Expressway.)
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| Usuzumi Zakura |
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 This cherry blossom tree is considered to be one of the five best trees in all of Aizu and is considered to be a sacred tree of Isasumi Shrine. At the flower festival held on April 29th, mo
(rice cake) is made with the flowers of the cherry trees. (Transportation: Located near Isasumi Shrine)
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| Hoyoji Temple |
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 This is the oldest and famous temple in all of Aizu
(Transportation:10 minutes drive from Aizu-Takada Station, or 10 minutes drive from the Nitsuru Electonic Interchange on the Ban-etsu Expressway.)
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| Tora no O
(Tiger Tail Cherry Blossoms) |
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 This is one of the five best cherry blossoms in Aizu. The name is attributed to the shape of its flowers, which look like the tail of a tiger. (Transportation: Inside the property of Hoyoji Temple)
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| Chitose Zakura |
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 This enormous tree is more than 700 years old and is sometimes called “Tanemaki Zakura” because people scattered the seeds to plant them when the flowers of this cherry tree bloomed.
(Transportation:15 minutes drive from Nitsuru Station, or 10 minutes drive from the Nitsuru Electronic Interchange on the Ban-etsu Expressway.)
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| Koanji Temple (Nakata Kannon) |
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 This Kannon is called “Nakata no Kannon Sama” and many people in Aizu Area pray to her. The mother of world famous bacteriologist Hideyo Noguchi prayed to Kannon, and she brought Hideyo here to visit and pray.
(Transportation:15 minutes drive from Nitsuru Station, or five minutes drive from the Nitsuru Electronic Interchange on the Ban-etsu Expressway.)
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Recommended Spots
| Tamaki Tofu Shop |
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| This traditional tofu shop is very popular among local residents. (Transportation: Located near the entrance of Seto Street) |
| Yutori |
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| This is a public hot spring located along the river side. A superb view can be had from the side of the river. (Transportation: 20 minutes walk from the Hongo Station) |
| Hanaohgi |
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| Here you can eat freshly made soba prepared by hand, and also try seasonal vegetable tempura. |
| Kama No Misato Iwatate |
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| Here you can find a local pottery (Aizu-Hongo Yaki) market, and a restaurant which offers “kama-meshi” and other dishes using locally grown vegetables. |
| Ayame En (Iris Park) |
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| Ayame Festival is held in June when over one hundred thousand irises bloom (Transportation: Located near Isasumi Shrine) |
| Miyakawa Senbon Zakura |
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| Here you can see an arcade of cherry blossoms planted on the side of river. (Transportation: Located near Isasumi Shrine) |
| Aizu Yakushiji Temple |
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| This temple is famous for enshrining Fudo for vehicles, of which only one exists in all of Japan (Transportation: 20 minutes from the Aizu Takada Station) |
| Hot Pia Niitsuru |
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| This is a conveniently located hot spring facility for people who wish to feel refreshed and healthy. (Transportation: 10 minutes from the Niitsuru Station) |
| Munakatagama |
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| Here you can see typical local styled pot molds and other pottery (Aizu-Hongo Yaki) which was awarded “grand prix” at the Belgian National Exposition. You can also see or purchase various works. Transportation: 20 minutes walk from Aizu-Hongo Station, or 20 minutes drive from the Nitsuru Electronic Interchange on the Ban-etsu Expressway.) |
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It is said that the history of Aizu Hongo Pottery began when Ujisato Gamo ordered workers to produce roof titles in an effort to restore Wakamatsu Castle. The traditional skills and techniques for making this pottery have been passed down for hundreds of years. The local technique of producing white porcelain is said to be the oldest in the Tohoku Area.
Every year on the first Sunday of August, a market is held on the Seto Street where Aizu Hongo pottery can be purchased, and it is always attended by large crowds of people.
