National Historic SiteTōhoku

会津若松城（鶴ヶ城）

Aizu-Wakamatsu Castle (Tsuruga Castle)

Seigneur

Gamō Ujisato / Matsudaira Katamori

Époque

Built in 1384 (Shitoku 1)

Désignation

National Historic Site

Emplacement

1-1 Otemachi, Aizu-Wakamatsu, Fukushima

Accès

About 20 min by city loop bus from JR Aizu-Wakamatsu Station, get off at 'Tsurugajō Iriguchi'

Présentation

Aizu-Wakamatsu Castle is a renowned fortress at a strategic point in Tōhoku, known for the tragic story of the Byakkotai (White Tiger Corps) during the Boshin War. Gamō Ujisato renovated it into a modern castle with a seven-story tower. In the Bakumatsu period, lord Matsudaira Katamori served as Kyoto Military Commissioner, commanding the Shinsengumi, and the castle endured a month-long siege during the Boshin War. The red-tiled tower was restored in 2011, preserving the spirit of Aizu's bushidō tradition. Aizu has long been known as a land of warriors, with a distinctive sword culture.

Lien avec les sabres

The Aizu domain prized martial arts, and its official swordsmith Miyoshi Nagamichi was known as the 'Masamune of Aizu' for the exceptional cutting ability of his blades. During the Boshin War, Aizu samurai including the Byakkotai fought with swords in hand, and wearing a sword was a symbol of samurai pride. The Shinsengumi leaders Kondō Isami and Hijikata Toshizō had deep ties to Aizu, making the domain essential to understanding Bakumatsu sword culture. The castle tower exhibition displays swords associated with the Aizu domain and relics of the Byakkotai.