Aizu Wakamatsu, Fukushima

Aizu Wakamatsu is a historical onsen town. One of the top 3 onsen towns in the Tohoku region. It sets in a beautiful valley in a hart of Samurai culture. Explore the Tsuruga castle, the seat of the lords of Aizu, well preserved traditional townscape, local crafts like tableware, writing materials, lacquerware, pottery. Sake is one of the biggest industries in town.

It takes about 3 hours by train from Tokyo. And once you are in town take a taxi to Higashiyama Onsen (10 min by car). You will find private and public baths at the local ryokans. Enjoy elegant bathhouses and traditional tea houses. 

Mukaitaki Ryokan is the most famous ryokan in the area. It is well known landmarks. Ryokan's guests can enjoy the most authentic onsen experience.

Higashiyama Onsen is a certified geisha district. You will find geisha's stage performance, instrument's playing, singing and dancing.

Regional cuisine mainly dried fish and seafood, locally grown vegetables, sake.

Tsurugajo Castle, Aizu information:

Address: 1-1 Otemachi, Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture, 965-0873
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Admission: Adults: 410 yen (common ticket for the castle tower and the rinkaku tower: 520 yen for adults)
Elementary and junior high school students: 150 yen
Rinkaku (a tea ceremony room said to have been built by Shoan, son of Sen no Rikyu, for Ujisato Gamo, the lord of Aizu at that time)