Fukushima » Aizu, Kitakata

Aizu Samurai Residence

An impressive museum where visitors can see, experience, and learn about the history of Aizu

Centering on the restored samurai residence, Edo period buildings and the Nakahata camp house have been relocated. In addition, there is the Aizu History Museum.

This is truly a historical theme park with a collection of relocated and restored buildings centering on the residence of Saigo Yoritomo, a retainer of the Aizu domain. In addition to the residence of the feudal lord, other historical buildings are lined up on the expansive grounds, including the “Former Nakahata Jinya,” a relocated and reconstructed Edo period government office, and the “Reinan-an Rinkaku,” a reconstruction of the “Rinkaku” tea house in the Tsurugajo castle’s main citadel.

There is also a museum where visitors can learn about life in those days and the Boshin War, and during the winter season from mid-December to early April, visitors can see the inside of the Ieres’ residence.

In addition, there is a “photo studio” where visitors can take commemorative photos wearing costumes of the time, allowing both children and adults to experience traditional culture while having fun.

There is also a restaurant where you can enjoy Aizu’s local cuisine, as well as a store selling a wide variety of Aizu’s specialties, from traditional crafts to sweets and agricultural products. Find your favorite one as a memory of your trip.

Aizu Rekishi Mura (Aizu Historical Village) is an open-air museum with restored or relocated historical buildings, including the residence of Yoritomo Saigo, a retainer of the Aizu domain. The total site area is 7,000 tsubo (approximately 23,140.5 square meters), and the buildings were designed by architect Katsumi Yamamoto. The Aizu Historical Village includes the following buildings and facilities

The Ieya Yashiki, a restored residence of Yoritomo Saigo who was a retainer, is the biggest attraction among the Aizu samurai residences. The site area is 2,400 tsubo (approximately 7,933.9 square meters), and the building area is 280 tsubo (approximately 925.6 square meters). This retainer’s residence is a rare reproduction facility in Japan, and its interior is a historical museum. The original Saigo residence was located near the North Otemon Gate of Tsurugajo (Wakamatsu Castle).

The mansion is built of zelkova, cypress, and cedar, and has 38 rooms and 328 tatami mats inside. Every detail has been faithfully reproduced, from the Onarigoten, the office of the clan administration, to the Okunoma, the kitchen, and the bathrooms. In each room, armory and kitchen utensils are on display, and in the Oku-no-Ma, which was Saigo’s bedroom, dolls of his wife and children are placed. In the “Onari Goten,” the most prestigious hall, a doll reproduction of Saigo welcoming feudal lord Matsudaira Yoho is on display.

The Aizu Historical Museum, housed in a warehouse where household goods and weapons were once stored, and the Second Historical Museum, housed in the former residence of a vassal, are also located on the grounds. Special exhibitions are held in the Aizu Historical Museum, and in the second museum, there are exhibits on the Nisshinkan, the domain school, and the law of tithing, a wax figure of Saigo’s daughter committing suicide, and a wax figure of Sutematsu Oyama, the first female exchange student in Japan.

Former Nakahata Jinya: This is a relocated and reconstructed version of the Edo period (1603-1867) government office in Nakahata Village. The interior is decorated in the style of a samurai residence, but also incorporates the methods of common people’s housing.

Reinan-an Rinkaku Tea House: This is a restored tea house built by Sen Shoan, who was invited by Ujisato Gamo, the feudal lord of Aizu.

Clan Rice Mill: The rice mill used by the Shirakawa Clan has been relocated and reconstructed, and a water wheel that rotates under water power has been reproduced.

Aizu Life History Museum: This museum exhibits the life in Aizu from ancient times to the Edo period.

Handcraft Experience Hall: This facility offers hands-on activities such as akabeko, painting, glass painting and carving, and Japanese archery.

Gobo Kobo Kokon: Souvenirs and traditional handicrafts are available for purchase.

Kyuyo-tei Restaurant: Traditional Aizu cuisine and original dishes are served, and some dishes are served on Aizu lacquerware.

There are also other facilities and monuments with historical elements, such as the statue of Shiro Saigo and the grave of Tadasaburo Sasaki.

Information

Name
Aizu Samurai Residence
会津武家屋敷
Link
Official Site
Address
1 Aza-innai 1, Ishiyama, Higashiyama-cho, Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture
Telephone number
0242-28-2525
Hours of operation

April - November: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
December - March: 9:00 - 16:30

Closed

Open all year round

Admission fee

Adults 850 yen
Junior high and high school students: 550 yen
Elementary school students: 450 yen

Parking lot
100 cars, free of charge
Access

Approx. 30 min. by bus from JR Aizuwakamatsu Stn.

Approx. 15 min. by car from the Aizu-Wakamatsu IC on the Banetsu Expressway

Aizu, Kitakata

Fukushima