About Aizuwakamatsu

Aizu-Wakamatsu (会津若松) is a castle town in the interior of Fukushima Prefecture which is known for its award-winning sake and its samurai tradition. Towards the end of Japan's feudal era, the Aizu clan remained loyal to the shogun, even after the feudal leader had stepped down after the Meiji Restoration, and opposed the new government during the Boshin War in 1868, which was partially fought in Aizu.
Aizu-Wakamatsu is surrounded by mountains of which Mount Bandai is the regional landmark. Many hiking and skiing opportunities and scenic beauty can be enjoyed in its surroundings.

Top attractions in Aizu

Ouchijuku (大内宿, Ōuchijuku) is a former post town along the Aizu-Nishi Kaido trade route, which connected Aizu with Nikko during the Edo Period. Restrictions set by the shogunate required travelers to make their long journeys on foot and as a result, post towns developed along the routes to provide travelers with food, accommodations and rest.

Tsuruga Castle (鶴ヶ城, Tsurugajō) was built in 1384 and changed hands many times between the different rulers of the Aizu region. It was destroyed after the Boshin War of 1868, a rebellion against the newly formed Meiji government, which had taken over control from the Tokugawa shogun and put an end to Japan's feudal era. Tsuruga Castle was one of the last strongholds of samurai loyal to the shogunate.

This samurai residence in Aizu-Wakamatsu (会津武家屋敷, Aizu Bukeyashiki) served as the quarters of the region's most important and highest ranked samurai, as well as his family, employees and servants. The original complex was burnt down during the Boshin War in 1868, but has since been reconstructed and furnished to replicate its appearance in the Edo Period.

Higashiyama Onsen (東山温泉) is a hot spring resort in a valley just east of the downtown area of Aizu Wakamatsu. There are quite a few large hotels and some shops for visitors. Although the hot baths may be relaxing and the surrounding valley beautiful, the area seems a bit worn down and overdeveloped.

More information can be found at: https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e7700.html