Japan Trip 2019 - Aizu (4K 60FPS)
35Chapter 3: Aizu, the Samurai City
The old city of Aizu was filled with history. For a day, you can buy a bus pass for 600 yen and go all-around the city's landmarks and historical sites. The places I went to were Iimoriyama hills, Bukeyashiki, an old samurai residence turned into a museum, Oyakuen gardens and finally Tsuruga castle. I don't know what it is with me and samurai cities, but it always rains when I visit one and today was no exception! A little bit of rain didn't stop me though!
Iimoriyama hills has a lot of history behind it. It explains the aftermath of the Aizu civil war that occured when the government took over the political rights in the city. Many samurai from Aizu were displeased by this takeover and decided to rebel against the government. They lost and the remains of many of the Byakkotai group that commited seppuku (suicide) because of the result of the battle are buried here. Sazaedo temple is also an important landmark in the area. It has an iconic form: the stairs are built going all around the temple.
Bukeyashiki is an old samurai residence of ancient lords. It is now turned into a museum where you can learn much history about how the samurai lived in the old days. There is even an old rice refining factory that still runs today! It shows the old techniques of refining rice. Overall, it was a very enriching visit!
Next was Oyakuen. It is a traditional Japanese garden. They grow herbs on-place and make medicinal tea with them. There is a beautiful pond right in the middle, where fish and duck can swim freely. With the rainy mood it was quite a beautiful sight to see.
Our final destination was Tsuruga castle. It reminded me a lot of Kanazawa's. Its white colors made the castle almost glow! It is said to be the only castle in Japan with a red roof. The castle was brought down once because of war and was and completely rebuilt as a museum later, explaining the history behind the fundation of the castle and the many dynasties that lived within it. You can also learn more about the Aizu civil war and the history behind the young Byakkotai soldiers.
That's it for today, thank you for your hospitality Aizu. Let's continue our journey toward the north!
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Music: The Last Remnant Original Soundtrack (2008) - Limberlost - Tsuyoshi Sekito
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