AIZU-WAKAMATSU and BANDAI PAGE 1/ 6 PG-205 AIZU- WAKAMATSU and BANDAI Aizu-Wakamatsu (会津若松) is an old castletown and one of Ura-Bandai (裏磐梯) covers Bandai-Kogen Plateau with Mt. Fukushima Prefecture’s most well-known cities. A large part of Bandai in its center and occupies the major parts of the Bandai the city was burnt down during the Boshin Civil War in 1868, Asahi National Park. Ura-Bandai means the area behind Mt. when the Aizu clan, in support of the Tokugawa Shogunate, Bandai and belongs to the Kitashiobara Village. The area, a very fought against the Emperor’s faction. The Aizu clan was defeated, popular mountain resort, has many lakes and pools that were yet this historical battle made the city famous. The city’s feudal created by the eruption of Mt. Bandai in 1888. past is still found in its narrow winding streets with historic relics Inawashiro (猪苗代), the town at the foot of Mt. Bandai, has and stone storehouses. Aizu-Wakamatsu is also the base for vis- Lake Inawashiro, the fourth largest lake in Japan. It is well-known iting the area of Kitakata, Ura-Bandai and Inawashiro. as the birthplace of Dr. Hideyo Noguchi, a world-famous Kitakata (喜多方), “the town of kura,” contains old storehouses Japanese bacteriologist. or “kura” which reflect the tranquil atmosphere of the Edo Period. Access: (Koriyama Sta. on JR Tohoku Shinkansen, is a convenient gateway to these areas.) To From Transportation Time requiredDaily runs Fare (¥) Ueno Sta. (Tokyo) Koriyama Tokyo Sta. JR Tohoku Shinkansen “Yamabiko”, “Nasuno” 1 hr. 15 min.–1 hr. 50 min. 44 7,970 Koriyama Sendai JR Tohoku Shinkansen “Yamabiko” 46 min. 42 5,240 JR Banetsu-saisen Line, Rapid Train “Bandai” 1 hr. 15 min. 3 1,110 Koriyama JR Limitd Express “Viva Aizu” 59 min. 2~3 2,570 Tobu Line (Express “Minami Aizu” or Rapid Train for Aizu-Tajima) Asakusa (Tokyo) 5 hrs. 20 min. 15 4,540 Aizu-Wakamatsu & Change to Aizu Railway / JR for Aizu-Wakamatsu at Aizu-Tajima Shinjuku (Tokyo) 4,800 (one way) JR Bus, Aizu Bus “Yumekaido Aizu-go” 4 hrs. 20 min. 6 New South Exit 8,600 (return) Niigata JR Banetsu-saisen Line, Rapid Train “Agano” 2 hrs. 20 min. 2 2,210 Aizu-Wakamatsu JR Banetsu-saisen Line, Rapid Train “Bandai” 15 min. 1 320 Kitakata Niigata JR Banetsu-saisen Line, Rapid Train “Agano” 2 hrs. 2 1,890 JR Banetsu-saisen Line 40 min.–50 min. 16 650 Koriyama Inawashiro JR Limited Express “Viva Aizu” 30 min. 2 1,790 Aizu-Wakamatsu JR Banetsu-saisen Line 40 min. 16 480 Transportation in Ura-Bandai: Bandai Fare and Time required by Aizu Bus Kogen-Eki Goshikinuma- ¥240 Traffic Network To Niigata Iriguchi (5 min.) To Koide 新潟へ Inawashiro-eigyosho ¥750 ¥870 JR (Inawashiro Sta.) (25 min.) (30 min.) Tadami Kitakata Line 喜多方 ¥1,140 Aizu- Aizu-Wakamatsu Sta. (45 min.) Kinugawa Aizu R.W. Nishi- Line Aizu- Nikko Yagan R.W. Wakamatsu Wakamatsu Change buses at Inawashiro-eigyosho Bus Stop. 日光 会津若松 Aizu-Tajima Bandai Kogen-Eki Aizu-Kogen Shin-Fujiwara Kyukamura Tobu Nikko Line Kinugawa Onsen Goshikinuma-Iriguchi 東武日光線 鬼怒川温泉 Inawashiro To Asakusa Lake 猪苗代 浅草へ Inawashiro JR Banetsu- 猪苗代湖 saisen Line To Tokyo To Sendai 東京へ JR Tohoku Shinkansen 仙台へ Shin-Shirakawa Koriyama Fukushima 新白河 郡山 福島 PAGE 2/ 6 AIZU-WAKAMATSU and BANDAI AIZU-WAKAMATSU Places of Interest: Aizu Hanko Nisshin Kan (会津藩校日新館) Tsurugajo Castle (鶴ケ城), 10 min. by bus from Aizu- Aizu Hanko Nisshin Kan is an open-air historical museum, 30 Wakamatsu Sta., originally built about 600 years ago, was min. by bus to the north from Aizu-Wakamatsu Sta. or 20-min. destroyed after the Boshin Civil War. There is a realistic replica walk from Hirota Sta., which is one stop from Aizu-Wakamatsu of the castle used as a historical museum. More than a thousand Sta., was established in 1803 as an educational institution for the cherry blossoms adorn the castle in Apr. The moat and stone Aizu Clan. With its aim set at the discipline of both scholastic walls of the original castle still remain. Open daily (except the 1st achievements and martial arts, this school was recognized for its Mon.–Thu. of July, the 1st Tue.–Thu. of Dec.) 8:30–16:30. very high educational standards. In the school building, visitors (Admission until 16:00.) Admission: ¥400. can actually experience archery and kendo lessons. Also, by Oyakuen (御薬園), 15 min. by bus from Aizu-Wakamatsu Sta., observing the faithfully reproduced classrooms and training facili- was once the site of the Aizu clan’s mansion. It contains lovely ties, as well as historic materials on display, visitors can learn ponds, rustic tea arbors, and a medicinal herb garden. This gar- about the strict lessons of discipline that the “Byakkotai” Boys’ den is famous for the cultivation of Ginseng or Korean perennial Troop were taught through training. Open: 8:30–17:00 herb. Open daily (except 1st Mon.–Thu. of Jul. & 1st Tue.–Thu. (Apr.–Nov.), 9:00–16:30 (Dec.–Mar.) Admission: ¥800. of Dec.) 8:30–17:00. Admission: ¥310. Aizu-Hongo (会津本郷), 14 min. by JR Tadami Line from Aizu- Fukushima Prefectural Museum (福島県立博物館), in the Wakamatsu Sta., is known as the oldest town of pottery in the northeast of Tsurugajo Castle, built in 1986, displays many histori- Tohoku region. There are 18 kilns and visitors can experience cal materials and cultural legacies unearthed in the district. Visitors making a pottery or porcelain ware at 15 of them. Aizu-Hongo can wear rural clothing and play with folk toys. Open 9:30–17:00 developed as a town of pottery as they supplied roof tiles and (Admission until 16:30) Closed Mon. & the day following national daily pottery ware to the castle town Aizu-Wakamatsu. Aizu- holidays except Sat., Sun. & Dec. 28–Jan. 4. Admission: ¥260. Hongo-yaki Museum (会津本郷焼資料館) exhibits the town’s Iimoriyama Hill (飯盛山), 20 min. by bus from Aizu- history of pottery-making. Open 9:00–16:00. Closed on Wakamatsu Sta., is a hill famous as the burial place of the Mondays. Admission: free. A 20–min. walk from Aizu-Hongo Byakkotai. The Byakkotai were a group of young warriors who Station. In Aizu-Hongo Pottery Hall (会津本郷陶磁器会館) died tragically in defence of Tsurugajo Castle during the Boshin pottery and porcelain ware from different kilns are on display Civil War. At the foot of the hill is the Byakkotai Memorial and sale. Open 8:30–17:00. Closed on Sundays and national holi- Museum (白虎隊記念館) displaying their belongings and relics. days from December to March. A 15–min. walk from Aizu- Open daily 8:00–17:00 (Apr.–Nov.), 8:30–16:30 (Dec.–Mar.) Hongo Station. Admission: ¥400. Ashinomaki Spa (芦ノ牧温泉), 45 min. by bus from Aizu- Sazaedo (さざえ堂), a kind of temple, is in the middle of the Wakamatsu Sta., is a hot spring resort resting in a valley. Bus hill. Its structure is unique. Open daily 8:15–about sunset. fare: ¥820. Admission: ¥300. Aizu Sake Historical Museum (Aizu Shuzo Rekishikan) (会津酒造歴史館), in the north of Tsurugajo Castle, demon- strates the process of sake brewing using a model. The Aizu Meihokan, a collection of objects To Koriyama 郡山 G 0 1km To Niigata Yamada Lacquered Iimori by-pass of art, is here, too. Open daily 飯飯盛バイパス Ware Exhibition Hall 盛 Iimoriyama-dori バ 山田漆器会館 飯イ 8:30–17:00. (mid-Dec.–mid-Mar., Aizu-Wakamatsu 盛パ 山 通ス り 9:00–16:30.) English is spoken. Aizu-Wakamatsu Sta. To Koriyama 会津若松駅 Aizu Bus Tourist 至郡山 Admission: ¥300. Japan Railways Information Center Takizawa-Gohonjin G Gas Station 会津バス観光案内所 Kaishu Ichi Brewery and Art 滝沢御本陣 Bus Stop Aizu-Wakamatsu Museum (会州一蔵品館), 15-min. Sengoku-doriSengoku by-pass Byakkotai Memorial P Parking Area Ryokan Association 千千石バイパス 会津若松旅館組合 石 Museum walk from Aizu-Wakamatsu Sta., Tourist Information 通バ Takizawa 白虎隊記念館 G りイ 252 Bus stopStop Sazaedo displays tea implements and Major Road パ さざえ堂 JR Tadami Line Aizu-Machikata ス Folklore Museum Iimoriyama Iimoriyama Hill antiques. Open daily 8:30–17:00 BusBus Stopstop 飯盛山 Nanukamachi Sta. (except Dec. 31–Jan. 4). Admission: 七日町駅 ¥300. 252 Kaishuichi Brewery Omachi-dori Chuo-dori 大町通り 中央通り and Art Museum 会州一蔵品館 Aizu Samurai Residences G Post Office (Aizu Buke Yashiki) (会津武家 屋敷), 15 min. by bus from Aizu- Wakamatsu Sta., shows what the り Oyakuen-iriguchi 通 Bus Stopstop samurai lifestyle used to be like. 寺 City Hall Yutsuji-dori 融通寺通り 林 市役所 Keirinji-dori 桂桂林寺通り Ancient martial arms and furniture Aizu Sake Historical Museum are on exhibition. Open daily 会津酒造歴史館 Oyakuen Garden 8:30–17:00 (Apr.–Nov.), 9:00–16:30 御薬園 (Dec.–Mar.) Admission: ¥850. Aizu Sake G Fukushima Aizu Brewing Museum P P Prefectural Museum Higashiyama Spa (東山温泉), 20 会津酒造博物館 福島県立博物館 Samurai Tsurugajo Residences min. by bus from Aizu-Wakamatsu Nishi- Castle 会津武家屋敷 Wakamatsu Sta. 118 鶴ガ城 Bukeyashiki-mae Sta., is a quiet hot spring resort 西若松駅 P BusBus Stopstop Yugawa River P with many old ryokan. Bus fare: To Aizu LineRailways To Higashiyama Spa Tadami To Aizu-Kogen 湯川 ¥320. 只見 To Ashinomaki Spa 東山温泉 会津高原 芦ノ牧温泉 AIZU-WAKAMATSU and BANDAI PAGE 3/ 6 Accommodations: Room rate Room rate Name of facilities Tel. (¥) Name of facilities Tel. (¥) Shibukawa Tonya (R) (0242) 28-4000 11,000 Takizawa (M) (0242) 25-3183 5,500 Hotel Toho (R) (0242) 26-4141 12,000 ~ Higashiyama-an (M)* (0242) 26-6013 4,500~ Hotel Alpha One (BH) (0242) 32-6868 4,850 ~ Green Hotel Aizu (BH) (0242) 24-5181 5,600~ Takaku (M) (0242) 26-6299 6,000 Nakamachi Fuji Grand Hotel (BH) (0242) 28-3111 4,900 Accommodation rates are due to change by season or days.