Highlights

  • Learn about the history of the warriors and warlords who lived in and ruled the lands, from their climactic battles to their day-to-day lives
  • Enjoy days of hiking through Aizu’s beautiful and varied natural landscapes
  • Learn about the culture that has persisted in this isolated area and visit a preserved post-town from the Edo period
  • Relax in Japanese onsen and eat delicious traditional cuisine

Aizu, located about 300 kilometres (186 miles) north of Tōkyō, is notable for how much of it has been preserved. A great part of this is thanks to the efforts of the local people, who have inherited the legacy – and the pride – of the samurai that came before them.

In Aizu-Wakamatsu, an old clan school gives you a look into the strict education of the sons of the samurai class. In Aizu-Wakamatsu, an old clan school gives you a look into the strict education of the sons of the samurai class. In the towns of Maezawa and Ōuchi, buildings hearken back to the Edo period. Tsuruga Castle stands as a symbol of the old Aizu domain and as one of the last bastions of those loyal to the shōgun at the end of the 19th century. Walking amidst these landmarks is a chance to immerse yourself in the history whose influence is still palpable. Though the time of feudal domains is long over, the strong sense of responsibility to the land and to tradition continues to be the foundation upon which Aizu’s culture is built.

The region’s natural beauty has been similarly protected. Home to majestic mountains, alpine marshes, and volcanic lakes with prismatic waters, Aizu’s remoteness, as well as the concentrated efforts of its residents, are to be thanked for the preservation of these stunning features. See both sides of Mount Bandai, a stratovolcano whose eruption over a hundred years ago dramatically changed the landscape, and walk through Komado Marsh, home to nearly 500 different plant species including daylilies and skunk cabbage.

You will be accompanied by Oku Japan’s Walking Guidebook, which will provide key information on cultural and historical context, our maps, and the support of our Kyōto-based team.

From Aizu’s meadows to its post towns, from its unique arts to its biodiversity, there’s plenty to explore in this far-flung region.

What is included

  • 5 nights at accommodations
  • 5 breakfasts and 5 dinners
  • Train tickets for intermediate journeys on the trip
  • Transportation from Tōkyō to your starting point in Inawashiro and from Aizu-Tajima back to Tōkyō at the end of your trip
  • Detailed day-by-day itinerary and walking directions
  • Detailed maps
  • Our Preparing for Your Trip and Travelling in Japan guidebooks
  • Local support by telephone

What is not included

  • Flights
  • Airport transfers
  • Drinks and meals not included in itinerary
  • Local bus journeys which must be paid directly to the bus driver
  • Single room supplement(s) for solo occupancy
  • Daily luggage transfer
  • Entrance fees for sites and activities not listed in 'What's Included'

 

Spirit of Aizu self-guided walking 6 days

(subject to change until the booking has been finalized)

Day 1 Arrive in Inawashiro and Walk to Hanitsu Shrine

Arrive in Inawashiro, the historical gateway to the Aizu domain. Walk along a beautiful nature trail, which includes impressive views of Mount Bandai and Lake Inawashiro. Your walk takes you to Hanitsu Shrine, the resting place of the founder of the Aizu-Matsudaira Clan, which ruled the Aizu domain for 200 years.

Spend the night in Inawashiro.

Walking distance: 6.7 km / 4 mi
Elevation gain: 190 m / 625 ft of ascent and 270 m / 885 ft of descent
Time required: About 2.5 hours

Accommodation: Japanese-style hotel
Meals: Dinner

Day 2 Wal Along Goshikinuma and Lake Hibara in Urabandai

See the other side of Mount Bandai (‘Urabandai’), which is wilder and less developed than the southern face you walked yesterday. An eruption in the late 19th century led to the formation of many volcanic lakes with unbelievably vivid colouring. Enjoy two walks amidst these bright symbols of Aizu’s natural beauty.

Overnight in Urabandai.

Walking distance: 11.5 km / 7.1 mi
Elevation gain: 115 m / 375 ft ascent and 65 m / 215 ft descent
Time required: About 4 hours

Accommodation: Japanese-style hotel
Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Day 3 Walk to and Explore Aizu-Wakamatsu

Make your way to Aizu-Wakamatsu, the castle town from where lords ruled the domain and where pro-shōgun forces made their stand in the late 19th century. Explore the town at your leisure, accompanied by your Oku Japan guidebook and its wealth of information.

Overnight in a quiet onsen town.

Walking distance: 9.4 km / 5.8 mi
Elevation gain: 120 m / 395 ft ascent and 355 m / 1165 ft descent
Time required: About 3.5 hours

A short option is available that reduces the required time to 2 hours and the distance to 5.5 km / 3.4 mi.

Accommodation: Onsen ryokan (hot spring inn)
Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Day 4 Visit Nisshinkan and Explore the Post Town of Ouchi

Get a look into the intense education of young samurai at Nisshinkan, the official school of the Aizu Clan. From there, visit Tsuruga Castle, then move to beautifully preserved Ōuchi, an Edo-period post town.

In the evening, take a dip in a hot spring at your accommodation.

Accommodation: Onsen ryokan (hot-spring inn)
Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Day 5 Walk Through the Komado Marsh and Visit the Historical Town of Maezawa

Walk through the Komado Marshlands, home to beech trees and unique highland flora, before visiting the hamlet of Maezawa. This historical village, known for its unique L-shaped thatched-roof houses, is said to have been founded by a samurai who settled down here in the late 16th century.

Stay at a cosy family-run guesthouse with an onsen.

Walking distance: 5.9 km / 3.6 mi
Elevation gain: 45 m / 150 ft of ascent and descent
Time required: About 2 hours

Accommodation: Onsen minshuku (family-run guesthouse with hot spring)
Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Day 6 Learn about the Local Culture in Hinoemata, then Onwards to Tokyo

Before making your way back to Tōkyō, take some time to explore the Hinoemata area to learn more about the local culture, including the area’s unique kabuki tradition!

Meals: Breakfast

Stone path to Hanitsu Shrine in Inawashiro, Fukushima Japan, lined with trees and traditional shrine architecture, historic spiritual travel destination
Stone path to Hanitsu Shrine in Inawashiro, Fukushima Japan, lined with trees and traditional shrine architecture, historic spiritual travel destination
Bishamon-numa Pond, the largest of the Five Colored Ponds in Fukushima Japan, with vibrant blue-green water, mountain scenery, and popular hiking spot























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