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.
Iimoriyama | Review by 王小鈞
Other Reviews by 王小鈞
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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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Pabron
The “Pabron” brand of medicine, produced by Taisho Pharmaceuticals, is one of Japan’s most common cold medicines.
Every time I go to Japan, my family almost always asks me to bring back a box of “Taisho Pabron.” It’s a classic household cold medicine in Japan and has long been trusted by many Japanese families. On this trip to Japan, I discovered that the familiar packaging had gotten a makeover! The newly upgraded PRU version has a more modern package, but it’s still the same familiar brand.
For us, it’s not just medicine—it’s more like a “go-to souvenir” we bring home whenever we visit Japan. -
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Tochoji Temple (Fukuoka)
Tochoji Temple, located in Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City, is a Shingon Sect temple said to have been first opened by the famous monk Kukai (Kobo Daishi) upon his return to Japan after completing his training in the Tang Dynasty. The official name of the temple is "Tochoji Temple," which was named by Kukai with the meaning "so that esoteric Buddhism may be transmitted eastward for a long time”.
When visiting Hakata, besides shopping and enjoying the food, I also highly recommend visiting these two historic temples and shrines.
The most impressive feature of Tochoji Temple is the Fukuoka Daibutsu. Admission to the Great Buddha Hall is JPY 100. The 10.8-meter-tall wooden statue of Shakyamuni Buddha is solemn and magnificent, and looking up at it from close range is truly awe-inspiring. Photography is not allowed inside the hall, so you can only admire it quietly, which makes the peaceful atmosphere even more noticeable.
Behind the Great Buddha Hall is a special “Hell and Paradise Pilgrimage.” You go from a bright area into a dark passageway, with scenes of hell depicted on the walls. Walking the entire route feels very immersive.
After visiting Tochoji Temple, walk to Kushida Shrine in Hakata Gion to experience the history of Hakata’s guardian shrine and its traditional festival culture. The two attractions are not far apart, making them perfect for a leisurely visit on the same day while taking in Hakata’s historic charm. -
