Aizu-Wakamatsu Day Trip by Train: Easy Travel Guide

Aizu-Wakamatsu beautifully blends history and nature, offering many sightseeing spots that you can easily explore in one day by train. This article introduces two model courses:

• History Highlights Course: Visit classic spots like Tsuruga Castle and Nanokamachi Street to fully enjoy the rich history of the area.
• Scenic Retreat Course: Relax and take in nature at places like Yunokami Onsen and Ouchi-juku.

Both courses are designed for easy travel by train and on foot, making them ideal for first-time solo travelers or groups of friends.

Aizu-Wakamatsu History Walking Tour (City Loop)

This walking tour is the perfect way to fully experience the charm of Aizu-Wakamatsu by visiting its historic sites. Start at Aizu-Wakamatsu Station and feel the rich history at Tsuruga Castle and the tea house Rinkaku. Enjoy the beautiful seasonal gardens to relax your mind.

For lunch, savor local flavors with miso dengaku at the long-established Mitsutaya restaurant. In the afternoon, stroll along Nanokamachi Street to explore its retro townscape and browse for souvenirs.

End your day by experiencing traditional Aizu lacquerware at Shirakiya and tasting sake at Suehiro Brewery’s Kaei Kura, wrapping up a fulfilling day of culture and history.

10:00 Aizu-Wakamatsu Station | Start Your Journey Here

Your sightseeing journey begins at Aizu-Wakamatsu Station, which offers excellent access to local attractions. There is a tourist information center nearby, so first-time visitors can feel at ease. Upon arrival, pick up a tourist map and review your plans for the day.

Around the station, you’ll find souvenir shops selling local specialties and cozy cafes. It’s a great chance to enjoy a light meal before setting off—especially dishes made with Aizu’s famous local chicken or sake from nearby breweries.

The station itself has historical significance and is surrounded by beautiful scenery. Just outside, there are spots where you can already feel the rich history of Aizu, making it the perfect starting point for your adventure. Get ready to enjoy your train trip and fully experience the charm of Aizu-Wakamatsu!

10:30 Tsuruga Castle | Experience History at the Beautiful Red-Tiled Castle

Tsuruga Castle is a highlight of Aizu-Wakamatsu sightseeing, famous for its striking red-tiled main keep. It holds great historical significance as a symbol of the Aizu domain, allowing visitors to feel the rich history of the samurai who once lived there. From the top of the castle, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city, especially breathtaking on clear days.

Inside the castle, there are many exhibits about the Aizu clan, showcasing the daily life and battles of the samurai. The castle gardens are also a peaceful spot to stroll, featuring seasonal flowers that soothe the heart. In spring, the blooming cherry blossoms are especially stunning and attract many visitors.

Take your time exploring the castle grounds and be sure to take plenty of photos. Tsuruga Castle is the perfect place to deepen your understanding of Aizu-Wakamatsu’s history and makes an ideal first stop on your sightseeing route. Be sure to fully enjoy its charm before heading to your next destination.

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11:30 Rinkaku Tea House | Authentic Matcha Experience Overlooking Seasonal Gardens

A must-visit spot to enrich your Aizu-Wakamatsu sightseeing is the Rinkaku Tea House. Here, you can enjoy a genuine matcha tea experience while overlooking the beautiful seasonal gardens. The tea house is located in a peaceful setting, making it the perfect place to relax and calm your mind.

During this experience, you’ll learn how to prepare matcha and savor its rich aroma and flavor—providing a moment of tranquility amid your sightseeing. The garden’s scenery changes with the seasons: cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, vibrant autumn leaves, and serene snow-covered views in winter. The combination of the tea and garden views creates a picture-perfect moment.

Enjoying matcha at Rinkaku Tea House will make your trip even more memorable. Immerse yourself in the rich culture of historic Aizu and savor a heartwarming experience.

12:30 Mitsutaya | Enjoy Aizu Lunch at a Long-Established Miso Dengaku Restaurant

After enjoying sightseeing in Aizu-Wakamatsu, it’s the perfect chance to taste a local specialty for lunch. Mitsutaya is a long-established restaurant with a rich history, famous for its traditional Aizu dish, miso dengaku. This dish features tofu, konnyaku, and vegetables skewered and grilled with a special miso sauce, offering a deliciously savory aroma that stimulates your appetite.

The cozy, welcoming atmosphere of the restaurant is loved by locals and visitors alike. During lunchtime, it’s a lively spot filled with both tourists and residents. Besides miso dengaku, the menu includes many other local dishes made from seasonal ingredients, all highly recommended.

While dining, you can also learn about Aizu’s history and culture, deepening your understanding of this region. Take this opportunity to enjoy a warm, satisfying lunch at Mitsutaya before heading to your next destination.

14:00 Nanukamachi Street | Stroll Through Retro Streets and Shop for Souvenirs

Next on your tour of Aizuwakamatsu is Nanukamachi Street, a historic area that has preserved its Edo-period charm. The retro atmosphere, with old merchant houses and traditional storehouses lining the street, makes walking here feel like stepping back in time. The wooden buildings and cobblestone paths add to the nostalgic experience.

Nanukamachi Street is filled with shops selling local specialties and souvenirs, including traditional crafts, handmade Japanese sweets, and sake brewed by local breweries. There are also many cafes and eateries along the street where you can take a break and enjoy regional flavors.

Take your time exploring this charming street—it’s a perfect place to soak up the history and culture of Aizuwakamatsu before heading to your next destination.

15:30 Shirakiya Lacquerware Shop | Experience Traditional Aizu Lacquerware

A must-visit spot on Nanukamachi Street is Shirakiya Lacquerware Shop. Here, you can experience up close the beauty and craftsmanship of Aizu’s traditional lacquerware, known as Aizu-nuri. With a long history since its founding, Shirakiya’s artisans create lacquerware characterized by vibrant colors and a warm, elegant finish.

Inside the shop, you’ll find a wide variety of lacquerware items, from tableware to decorative pieces, suited for different uses. Especially captivating are the pieces made using traditional techniques like layered lacquer coating and gold leaf application, which showcase exquisite craftsmanship.

Aizu lacquerware is popular as a souvenir because it combines practicality with beauty. When you visit, consider picking out a piece for yourself or as a special gift for someone important. The experience at Shirakiya Lacquerware Shop will add a meaningful touch to your trip to Aizuwakamatsu.

16:30 Suehiro Sake Brewery Kaeikura｜Brewery Tour & Sake Tasting Experience

The perfect way to conclude your Aizuwakamatsu sightseeing is by visiting Suehiro Sake Brewery, Kaegura, a beloved local brewery. Here, you can enjoy sake crafted using Aizu’s rich natural environment and traditional brewing methods. Start with a brewery tour, where you’ll receive detailed explanations about the sake-making process and history, and get an up-close look at the tools and storage tanks used in production.

After the tour, head to the tasting corner to sample their proud selection of sake. There’s a variety ranging from sweet to dry, giving you the joy of finding a flavor that suits your preference. Through tasting, you can appreciate the different aromas and tastes of sake, offering a valuable experience to connect with the local sake culture.

Additionally, you can purchase sake as a souvenir at Suehiro Sake Brewery. Find your favorite bottle to enjoy the taste of Aizu back home. Ending your visit with this heartwarming sake experience is a wonderful way to reaffirm the charm of Aizuwakamatsu.

Scenic Relaxation & Hot Springs Tour by Train (Outskirts Area)

train trip to fully enjoy the charms of Aizuwakamatsu is perfect for those seeking spectacular scenery combined with nature and hot springs. Starting from Aizuwakamatsu Station, take about a one-hour train ride to Yunokami Onsen Station. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by the charming thatched-roof station building, signaling the beginning of your journey. From here, take a bus to Ouchi-juku, where you can immerse yourself in the atmosphere of an Edo-period post town and enjoy a moment steeped in history. Surrounded by nature, this area is an ideal spot to refresh both body and mind.

10:00 Aizuwakamatsu Station｜Start your train journey

The journey to explore Aizuwakamatsu begins at Aizuwakamatsu Station. This station is an ideal starting point for travelers using trains, thanks to its excellent access to local attractions. The historic atmosphere around the station sets the tone for your trip. Once you step outside, the charm of Aizuwakamatsu immediately unfolds, raising your excitement for the sights ahead.

Nearby, you’ll find a tourist information center where you can pick up maps and local tips, helping you plan your route or discover recommended spots. There are also cafes and souvenir shops around the station, perfect for grabbing a light snack or buying local specialties before you set off.

With frequent train services and smooth access to sightseeing destinations, you can make the most of your time here. Get ready to fully enjoy the history and natural beauty of Aizuwakamatsu as your adventure begins!

11:00 Yunokami-Onsen Station | Welcomed by a Charming Thatched-Roof Station Building

It takes about an hour by train from Aizu-Wakamatsu Station to Yunokami-Onsen Station. The station’s most distinctive feature is its beautiful thatched-roof building, harmonizing perfectly with the surrounding nature and warmly welcoming visitors. Stepping off the train here feels like stepping back in time to old Japan.

Yunokami-Onsen is a hot spring area surrounded by rich natural scenery, offering stunning views throughout the seasons. Around the station, you’ll find hot spring inns and various sightseeing spots, making it a peaceful place to stroll and relax. From the station, buses and walking routes lead to Ōuchi-juku, a historic post town with an Edo-period atmosphere.

Take your time to enjoy the charm of Yunokami-Onsen Station before preparing for your next destination. This part of your journey is sure to become a special memory.

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1:30 Ōuchi-juku (by bus) | Experience a time-slip to an Edo-period post town

Located about 30 minutes by bus from Aizuwakamatsu, Ōuchi-juku is a historic spot that vividly preserves the atmosphere of an Edo-period post town. The rows of thatched-roof houses create a scenery that feels like stepping back in time. Ōuchi-juku is a must-visit for history enthusiasts, offering a glimpse into the lifestyle and culture of people from that era.

In the heart of the post town, you’ll find eateries serving the famous “negi-soba.” This unique dish uses long green onions in place of traditional soba noodles, creating a visually striking and delicious experience. It’s a local favorite as well as a hit with tourists, so be sure to try it.

Ōuchi-juku also features a folk museum displaying traditional tools and household items, giving visitors a chance to learn about life during the Edo period. As you stroll through the town, you’ll feel the depth of its history, making it one of the most recommended spots when sightseeing around Aizuwakamatsu. Including the bus journey, a visit here makes for a truly heartwarming travel memory.

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13:30 Misawaya | Try the local specialty, “Negi-Soba”

After exploring Ōuchi-juku, it’s time to enjoy some local specialty cuisine. A must-visit is Misawaya, a traditional soba restaurant in Aizu, best known for its famous “Negi-Soba.” This unique dish lets you use a long green onion as chopsticks to eat the soba, creating a fun and memorable dining experience.

The restaurant has a warm and inviting atmosphere, loved by locals as well as visitors. You can enjoy freshly handmade soba prepared by skilled chefs while soaking in the comforting aroma of buckwheat. The Negi-Soba combines the crisp texture of the green onions with the rich flavor of the noodles, delivering a delightful taste with every bite.

In addition to soba, Misawaya also offers a variety of dishes made from local ingredients. It’s the perfect stop to savor Aizu flavors, refresh both body and mind, and take a relaxing break during your sightseeing.

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15:00 Yunokami Onsen Footbath | A relaxing break to soothe your travel fatigue

After enjoying sightseeing in Aizuwakamatsu, take some time to relax at the Yunokami Onsen footbath. Located just a few minutes’ walk from Yunokami Onsen Station, this footbath is surrounded by nature, allowing you to feel the soothing warmth of the hot spring in a peaceful setting. Soaking your feet while taking in the beautiful scenery is truly a blissful experience.

The footbath is free to use, making it an easy and casual stop. The hot spring water, rich in natural minerals, gently eases tired feet and may even help improve circulation—perfect for resting after a day of walking.

Nearby, you’ll also find shops selling local specialties and souvenirs, offering a chance to take home a memento of your visit. After refreshing both body and mind at the Yunokami Onsen footbath, heading back to Aizuwakamatsu Station and enjoying a local sweet treat is a delightful way to conclude your trip.

16:30 Return to Aizuwakamatsu Station | Grab some local sweets at the station

It’s time to return to Aizuwakamatsu Station to conclude your sightseeing. Here, you can enjoy local sweets that add a sweet finish to your trip. Inside the station, several shops offer regional specialties and treats.

You’ll also find souvenirs like the famous Akabeko cookies, perfect for taking home. Yubeshi, with its subtly sweet and rustic flavor, is another great choice to remember your visit. Additionally, there are cafes around the station where you can relax and savor these treats while unwinding from your day of sightseeing.

After fully experiencing the charm of Aizuwakamatsu, don’t miss a sweet treat at the station—its comforting flavors are the perfect way to savor the memories of your trip.

Exploring Aizu-Wakamatsu by Train

The History Immersion Course starts at Aizuwakamatsu Station and takes you to the iconic Tsuruga Castle with its striking red tiles, followed by Rinkaku Tea House, where you can enjoy seasonal gardens. Lunch at Mitsutaya, a local favorite, offers a taste of Aizu’s cuisine. The course continues with a stroll along the retro streets of Nanokamachi, a hands-on experience at Shirokiya Lacquerware Shop, and even a visit to a sake brewery.

Meanwhile, the Scenic Retreat Course heads from Aizuwakamatsu Station by train to Yunokami Onsen Station in the outskirts. Visitors can admire the charming thatched-roof station before exploring Ōuchi-juku, an Edo-period post town, and trying the local specialty, Negi-Soba. To end the journey, a relaxing soak at the Yunokami Onsen footbath provides a perfect way to unwind.

With these train-friendly itineraries, Aizu-Wakamatsu offers an easy and enjoyable way to experience both history and nature. Be sure to visit this remarkable region and immerse yourself in its unique charm.