basic information

Aizu, located in western Fukushima Prefecture, is a region with a long samurai tradition that is proudly put on display for visitors. A story well known throughout Japan, a group of young soldiers from Aizu committed ritual suicide upon thinking that their castle, Tsuruga Castle, had been taken by the enemy in a battle accompanying the end of Japan's feudal age in 1868.

Though the soldiers had been mistaken and their castle was still standing, the Aizu forces did indeed eventually lose the battle. The imperial forces, who they had been fighting, abolished the Aizu domain and tore down Tsuruga Castle. The castle has since been restored and is now open to the public.

References to Noguchi Hideo, perhaps the area's most famous citizen, can be seen around town. Born and raised in Aizu, Noguchi was a famous Japanese doctor in the early 1900s who made significant advances in the study of syphilis. Tourists may find his face familiar, as Noguchi's portrait adorns the 1000 yen bill.

Attractions

Central Aizu

Aizu Bukeyashiki (5) Large, reconstructed samurai mansion. Tsuruga Castle (1) Modern reconstruction of the original castle. Higashiyama Onsen (7) Hot spring resort in the city outskirts. Aizu Sake Museum (2) A museum turned sake brewery. Iimoriyama (3) Site of suicide by a group of young soldiers. Suehiro Sake Brewery (9) One of Aizu's most famous sake breweries. Fukushima Museum (4) Prefectural museum about local history. Oyakuen Garden (5) Traditional Japanese landscape garden.

Side Trips from Aizu

Ouchijuku (8) Former post town along a trade route.

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Orientation

Access and Orientation How to get to and around Aizu. About transportation in Japan

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travel community

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Users who have been to Aizu: 58
Most visited: Ranked 65th out of 113 destinations

Ratings for Aizu:

japan-guide.com Rating:		interesting
User Rating (by 28 users):	81/100	recommended

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