Iimoriyama

The Byakkotai was a group of teenage boys, aged 16-17, who fought in the Boshin War. When the war seemed lost, 19 members of the second squad committed suicide, making the location famous. In the mountains, there are graves of the soldiers who died by their own hand. Incense is still offered, and many people visit to pay their respects. This is a must-see tourist spot in Aizu, where you can reflect on the Byakkotai soldiers who met a tragic end.

At the summit of Iimoriyama, there is the "Site of the Shinsengumi's Self-Disembowelment," where you can view the scenery seen by the soldiers before they committed seppuku. On clear days, you can see Tsurugajo Castle from afar, so take a moment to think of the young Shinsengumi soldiers who perished. In addition to the "Site of Self-Disembowelment," from the top of the stairs, you can also enjoy a panoramic view of Aizu's castle town. To reach the summit, you need to climb 183 stairs, but don't worry, there is a paid escalator next to the stairs. If you're confident in your physical abilities, try climbing to the top on your own two feet!

This 150-meter-long cave was used by the Shinsengumi soldiers who fled after the Battle of Tonokuchi to check the situation at Tsurugajo Castle. The sadness of the Shinsengumi, who saw the black smoke rising from the castle town after passing through the dark and long cave, is palpable. The cave draws water from Lake Inawashiro and is still used as industrial water today. Construction of this important waterway began in 1623 and was interrupted at times, but was finally completed. You can feel the history of the struggles to obtain water.

The Byakkotai Memorial Museum is located at the foot of Mt. Iimori. It is a museum created by a lawyer from Aizu who used his own money to collect and preserve artifacts and photographs related to the Boshin War, including the Byakkotai. Inside the facility, there is a handwritten letter by Kiyomi Tsugawa, who committed suicide, as well as valuable artifacts such as cannons used by the new government army and the memoirs of Mineji Sakai, who belonged to the Byakkotai. Come and see for yourself the intensity of the Boshin War.

The Old Takizawa Honjin was built in 1678 and was used as a resting place for feudal lords during their travels and patrols. The impressive thatched roof building has been designated as an important cultural property and historical site by the government. During the Boshin War, Matsudaira Yorinori set up camp here and ordered the Shinsengumi to go to battle from this location. The Takizawa Honjin, which became a battlefield, still bears sword wounds and bullet marks, allowing visitors to experience the brutality of the Boshin War firsthand.

The Iimori Branch, located just before the summit of Iimori Mountain, is a shop that has been around since 1928. It has a gift shop with a wide selection of souvenirs, a restaurant where you can enjoy Aizu's famous sauce katsudon, and an observation deck where you can overlook the streetscape of Aizu. When you come down from the square at the summit, take a break at this spot. With a large hall that can accommodate up to 100 people, even group customers can enjoy their meals with peace of mind. In addition, the red beko and okiagari koboshi pottery painting experience held inside the shop is very popular among families.