The Shimanto River is known as one of Japan’s last clear-flowing rivers. Its clean, pure water has helped shape the area’s unique natural landscape.
I’ve heard that many nearby Japanese sake breweries even use water from the Shimanto River, which gives the sake an especially smooth, mellow taste.
This time, I took a sightseeing boat and enjoyed the scenery along the riverbanks. The gently flowing water and lush green mountains created such a peaceful, beautiful atmosphere. It was an unforgettable nature-filled trip.
Shimanto River | Review by 王小鈞
Other Reviews by 王小鈞
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Ouchijuku Misawaya
A soba restaurant in Ouchijuku, a nationally designated Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, where around 40 thatched-roof houses line the old highway. Set inside a restored traditional home, the calm, classic Japanese interior features a pendulum clock and an irori hearth with charcoal fire in winter. Don’t miss the rows of soba cups displayed on the wall. A must-try at Misawaya is the signature “Takato Soba,” said to have been loved by the Aizu domain lord.
大內宿的三澤屋，來到保留江戶時代街景的宿場町，當然要試試這裡超有特色的「高遠蕎麥麵」！第一次看到用大蔥代替筷子吃蕎麥麵，真的很特別， 冷蕎麥麵裡加了大量蘿蔔泥，吃到後面辣味很明顯；另一碗熱湯蕎麥麵則是暖呼呼的。個人覺得份量有點多，但炸蔬菜天婦羅很好吃，還有很特別的炸豆沙包，不油膩也不會太甜。整體很有特色，推薦來大內宿時可以來嘗試看看！
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The Aizu Bukeyashiki - Samurai Residence
Located near Higashiyama Onsen, this large-scale historical museum park features the restored residence of Saigo Tanomo, who was a Karo officer in the Aizu domain, surrounded by relocated and restored traditional buildings and a museum.
The Aizu Bukeyashiki - Samurai Residence is a museum full of Aizu history. The grounds are larger than expected, and the exhibits are quite extensive. At the bus stop by Aizuwakamatsu JR Station, you can buy a one-day bus pass for JPY 2,000 that includes admission to three attractions: Tsuruga Castle, the Samurai Residence, and Sazaedo. You can also travel around the loop clockwise or counterclockwise, making it easy to plan your day. I recommend allowing about an hour and a half to explore the Samurai Residence at a leisurely pace. There is no shade at the bus stop in summer, so be sure to protect yourself from the sun before heading out!
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Iimoriyama
At the eastern edge of the Aizu Basin, Iimoriyama is a leading tourist destination in Aizuwakamatsu City, attracting around two million visitors a year. The 314-meter-high hill can be ascended not only by foot but also via a paid escalator for easy access.
From the top of Mount Iimori, you can look out over the castle town of Aizuwakamatsu. Besides its pleasant scenery, it is also a sacred mountain filled with historical stories. For JPY 250, you can take the escalator up the mountain and experience Aizu's rich history along the way. The most moving part is the story of the Byakkotai. During the war, about 20 boys between the ages of 15 and 17 mistakenly believed that Tsuruga Castle had fallen and, overcome with grief, took their own lives here. Standing before the monument and offering a stick of incense felt especially heavy, and made the tragedy of this history even more palpable.
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