Conveying the state of the end of the Edo period to the present day
To Tsuruga Castle, the symbol of the Aizu clan

Tsurugajo is a famous "impregnable" castle that withstood about a month of onslaught during the Boshin War. The current castle tower was rebuilt in 1965 and replaced with red tiles in 2011, the same as those at the end of the Edo period.

To enter, simply show your TOHOKU MaaS "Tsuruga Castle Admission Ticket" on your smartphone. Conveniently, the castle tower and Rinkaku tea room come as a set.

The Tsuruga Castle tower will be reopened in the spring of 2023. Utilizing the latest digital technology, it has been reborn as a "learning" and "experience" spot that can be enjoyed with all five senses. From the observation deck on the top floor, you can see the Aizu Basin, Mt. Bandai, and the cityscape of Aizuwakamatsu City.

The digital art “Tsurugajo Castle Light History Picture Scroll” is also a must-see. The projection mapping show, which uses the entire wall inside Hoshiiyagura that was used as a food storage, is very realistic.

After leaving Tsuruga Castle, we headed to the ``Tea Room Rinkaku'' in the main enclosure. A tea room said to have been built by Sen no Rikyu's son Shoan. Take a break with matcha tea and fluffy sweet potato buns while looking out at the beautifully maintained garden.
*Separate fee will be charged (600 yen per seat)

Experience the history and culture of Aizu
"Aizu Samurai Residence"

Centered around the restored residence of Tanomo Saigo, the chief retainer of the Aizu clan with 230,000 koku, the grounds are lined with historical buildings and museums, including important cultural properties of the prefecture, and will draw you into the turbulent world of Aizu at the end of the Edo period. Masu.

To enter, simply show your TOHOKU MaaS "Aizu Samurai Residence Admission Ticket" on your smartphone.

In the ``Onari-no-ma'' room, which was used when the feudal lord visited, there is a doll of Katamori Matsudaira in front, which recreates the situation at the time. Looking at the magnificent beams that span between the pillars, I once again realized the size of the mansion. You can also tour a rice mill that uses water wheels.

Aizu Samurai Residence offers a variety of experiences that you can easily enjoy, such as Akabeko-etsuke, glass picture carving, and Okiagari-Koboshi. Among other things, try the archery experience! You'll feel refreshed, and if you hit the target, you'll even get a prize.
*Separate fee will be charged (200 yen for 4 shots)

Aizu samurai residence

1-1 Innai, Ishiyama, Higashiyama-cho, Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture

● About 10 minutes by car from JR Aizu-Wakamatsu Station

● Machinaka sightseeing bus Haikara-san/Akabee
Get off at “Aizu Bukeyashiki-mae” bus stop

★ Official website

Oyakuen, a villa area loved by the lord of Aizu

Masayuki Hoshina, the founder of the Aizu Matsudaira domain, developed a villa built in the Muromachi period as a daimyo garden, and the second lord of the domain, Masatsune, established a medicinal herb garden for medicinal herb research, hence the name "Oyakuen". It has become popular for. Approximately 400 species of medicinal plants and herbs are still carefully cultivated within the park.

The Aizu Matsudaira Garden, a nationally designated scenic spot, is approximately 1.7 hectares in size and is a stroll-style garden where you can walk around the pond. The pond area is filled with fir, cedar, pine, and other seasonal flowers that are soothing.

Oyakuen Garden

8-1 Hanaharumachi, Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture

● About 10 minutes by car from JR Aizu-Wakamatsu Station

● Machinaka tour bus Haikara-san
Get off at “Oyakuen” bus stop

● Machinaka tour bus Akabee
Get off at “Aizuwakamatsu Chamber of Commerce and Industry” bus stop

★ Official website

In Kitakata, the town of storehouses and ramen
Walk around town and eat to your heart's content

Kitakata has a retro atmosphere, and many quaint storehouses are built here and there, from the main streets to the back alleys. There are various types such as white walls, black plaster, and brick. The design of the door is also elaborate, making it fun just walking through it.

In addition to shops selling the famous Kitakata ramen, there are also many sweets shops and cafes that you can stop by. You can enjoy eating while walking.

We also recommend this spot

Kai store

Only 30 steps from Kitakata Station. This long-established souvenir shop was founded in 1910, and its brick building has a retro feel. We carry sake from 8 sake breweries in Kitakata.

Kitakata carries a wide variety of products, from Kitakata ramen to award-winning sake. We also recommend Kai Shoten's original Kitakata Enjoyment Set, which includes recommended products such as ramen, sake, and tamari rice crackers!

8269-1-10 Machida, Kitakata City, Fukushima Prefecture

● 30 steps walk from JR Kitakata Station

★ Official website