Aizu 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
This value-packed trip with a government-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore Aizuwakamatsu!
Aizuwakamatsu is a former feudal capital featuring a number of historical attractions that you can visit during a leisurely cycle around its quiet streets. In addition, stop by the number of old-fashioned shops selling local crafts after touring the traditional villages along the rickety train lines in the countryside of the surrounding foothills.
Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize a four-hour tour that's best for you!
Note1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary. Note2: The National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.
Options
Aizu 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Pickup included
What's included in Aizu 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Tsuruga Castle Gymnasium
Tsuruga Castle (鶴ヶ城, Tsurugajō) was built in 1384 and changed hands many times between the different rulers of the Aizu region. It was destroyed after the Boshin War of 1868, a rebellion against the newly formed Meiji government, which had taken over control from the Tokugawa shogun and put an end to Japan's feudal era. Tsuruga Castle was one of the last strongholds of samurai loyal to the shogunate. The castle was rebuilt as a concrete reconstruction in the 1960s. In renovation works completed in 2011, the color of the roof tiles was reverted from grey to the original red, a unique color among Japanese castles. Visitors can climb to the top floor of the castle keep and look out onto the surrounding city. The inside of the building is an interesting museum with attractive displays about the history of the castle and the samurai lifestyle.
Aizu Old Samurai Residences
The Aizu samurai residence (会津武家屋敷, Aizu Bukeyashiki) served as the quarters of the region's most important and highest ranked samurai, as well as his family, employees, and servants. The original complex was burnt down during the Boshin War in 1868, but has since been reconstructed and furnished to replicate its appearance in the Edo Period. Because of the prestige of the samurai and the size of his retinue, the samurai residence is quite expansive. There are dozens of different rooms and sections, including gardens, guest rooms, a tea house, an archery range and a rice mill. Inside many of the rooms there are mannequins of the former inhabitants portraying either typical scenes of daily life or dramatic historical events.
Higashiyama Onsen
Higashiyama Onsen (東山温泉) is a hot spring resort in a valley just east of the downtown area of Aizu Wakamatsu. There are quite a few large hotels and some shops for visitors. Although the hot baths may be relaxing and the surrounding valley beautiful, the area seems a bit worn down and overdeveloped. One particularly notable ryokan in the area is the Mukaitaki Ryokan, which, contrasting with some of the surrounding concrete hotels, is a traditional, wooden construction. One will surely notice the ryokan when passing by, its name written in gold on the side of the eye-catching building.
Inclusions
- Meet up with guide on foot within designated area of Aizuwakamatsu
- Licensed Local English Speaking Guide
- Customizable Tour of your choice of 2-3 sites from 'What to expect' list
- Transportation fees, Entrance fees, Lunch, and Other personal expenses
- Private transportation
- You cannot combine multiple tour groups.
- Guide Entry fees are only covered for sights listed under What to Expect.
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This is a walking tour. Pick up is on foot.
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
Choose to be picked up from a list of locations
Additional Information
This private tour is a walking day tour. A private vehicle is not included. Public transportation or local taxis maybe used to transfer between sites. Exact transportation costs can be discussed with the guide after a reservation is finalized. Please have Japanese Yen on hand for your transportation costs. If you wish to arrange for a private vehicle, please contact us directly. All Private vehicles must be booked 5 days in advance. Maximum number of passengers: 7.
