Aizuwakamatsu Castle

Welcome to Aizuwakamatsu Castle, also known as Tsurugajo, or 'Crane Castle.' You are standing in what was once the final stronghold of the samurai during the tumultuous transition from the Tokugawa Shogunate to Imperial rule in…

Let us examine the striking aesthetic of Tsurugajo. The most prominent feature, as you look up at the main keep, is the deep iron-red hue of the roof tiles. …

The defining moment in Tsurugajo's history took place in 1868 during the Boshin War. After months of conflict across Japan, the Imperial forces converged on Aizuwakamatsu. …

One of the most heart-wrenching stories associated with the castle is that of the Byakkotai, or 'White Tiger Force.' This was a unit composed of roughly 300 teenage boys, sons of samurai, who were mobilized to defend their home.…

On the southeastern corner of the castle grounds, nestled among quiet trees, sits the Rinkaku Tea House. This modest wooden structure is an Important Cultural Property with a fascinating history of survival. …

The strength of the Aizu samurai was rooted in their education. While not located directly within these walls today, the spirit of the Nisshinkan—the elite samurai school of the Aizu domain—permeates the castle's history. …

As we reach the fifth and final floor of the castle keep, we are rewarded with a panoramic view of the entire Aizu Basin. From this 'veranda' terrace, you can see the city of Aizuwakamatsu stretching out below, ringed by the…

As we descend from the heights of Tsurugajo and walk back through the massive stone gates, I hope you carry with you a profound sense of the 'Samurai Spirit' that defines Aizuwakamatsu. We have explored the unique red-tiled…