{"id":96237,"date":"2022-12-01T17:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-12-01T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/?p=96237"},"modified":"2022-12-01T14:50:56","modified_gmt":"2022-12-01T05:50:56","slug":"4-day-itinerary-tokyo-aizu-by-train","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/4-day-itinerary-tokyo-aizu-by-train\/","title":{"rendered":"A 4-Day Train Itinerary Exploring Japan\u2019s Edo Period from Tokyo to Aizu"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Travelling from Tokyo during Japan\u2019s Edo period would often involve a journey along one of Japan\u2019s five main old highways, called <em>kaido<\/em>. Japan\u2019s five <em>kaido<\/em> connected Tokyo (then called Edo) to a handful of major cities elsewhere in Japan. I recently spent four days <strong>travelling from Tokyo to Aizu (\u4f1a\u6d25) along one of those old highways, the Nikko Kaido<\/strong> (\u65e5\u5149\u8857\u9053) on three train lines, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tobu.co.jp\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">Tobu Railway<\/a>, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tobu.co.jp\/en\/sightseeing\/nikko_kinugawa\/tourism\/40.html\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">Yagan Railway<\/a>, and the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.aizutetsudo.jp\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Aizu Railway (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">Aizu Railway<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On my four-day journey, I stopped to visit some of the historic sites that symbolise the beginning and the end of Japan\u2019s Edo period. After exploring Tokyo and <strong>Nikko (\u65e5\u5149)<\/strong>, I travelled through Aizu, following one of the Edo period\u2019s smaller highways, the Aizu Nishi Kaido. <strong>Ending my trip in Aizu-Wakamatsu (\u4f1a\u6d25\u82e5\u677e), I saw where the Edo period came to a very bloody end<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ht-block-toc  is-style-outline htoc htoc--position-wide toc-list-style-plain\" data-htoc-state=\"closed\"><span class=\"htoc__title\"><span class=\"ht_toc_title\">Table of Contents<\/span><span class=\"htoc__toggle\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\"><g fill=\"#444\"><path d=\"M15 7H1c-.6 0-1 .4-1 1s.4 1 1 1h14c.6 0 1-.4 1-1s-.4-1-1-1z\"><\/path><path d=\"M15 1H1c-.6 0-1 .4-1 1s.4 1 1 1h14c.6 0 1-.4 1-1s-.4-1-1-1zM15 13H1c-.6 0-1 .4-1 1s.4 1 1 1h14c.6 0 1-.4 1-1s-.4-1-1-1z\"><\/path><\/g><\/svg><\/span><\/span><div class=\"htoc__itemswrap\"><ul class=\"ht_toc_list\"><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-day-1\">Day 1: Explore Tokyo\u2019s Ueno Park and Asakusa<\/a><ul class=\"ht_toc_child_list\"><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-ueno-toshogu-shrine-dedicated-to-the-founder-of-edo-japan\">Ueno Toshogu Shrine: Dedicated to the Founder of Edo Japan<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-ueno-park-and-the-boshin-war\">Ueno Park and the Boshin War<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-lunch-in-historic-yanaka\">Enjoy A Traditional Japanese Lunch in Historic Yanaka<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-banging-the-taiko-drum-in-asakusa\">Visit a Historic Taiko Drum Workshop in Asakusa<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-a-night-walk-around-the-illuminated-sensoji-temple\">Go on a Night Walk Around the Illuminated Sensoji Temple<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-day-2\">Day 2: On the Nikko Kaido to Tokugawa Ieyasu\u2019s Final Resting Place<\/a><ul class=\"ht_toc_child_list\"><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-yotaro-specialise-in-yuba-a-local-delicacy-known-as-tofu-skin-yuba-is-actually-formed-by-boiling-soy-milk-when-boiling-soy-milk-a-thin-film-forms-on-the-surface-which-is-then-dried-and-sets-into-sheets-yuba-is-similar-in-taste-and-texture-to-tofu-hence-the-name-the-yuba-at-yotaro-was-a-delicious-introduction-to-the-dish-and-followed-by-several-rounds-of-sumptuous-tempura\">A Spot of Nikko\u2019s Kaiseki Lunch at Yotaro<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-futarasan-shrine\">Nikko Futarasan Shrine: One of the First of Nikko&#8217;s UNESCO World Heritage Site<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-nikko-toshogu-shrine-and-the-tomb-of-tokugawa-ieyasu\">Visit Nikko Toshogu Shrine and the Tomb of Tokugawa Ieyasu<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-rinnoji-temple-nikko-s-most-important-temple\">Nikkosan Rinnoji Temple: Nikko&#8217;s Most Important Temple<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-walking-through-the-cedar-avenue-of-nikko\">Walk Through the Cedar Avenue of Nikko<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-heading-north-on-the-aizu-nishi-kaido1\">Traditional Japanese Umbrella Display at the Tsukiakari Moonlight Flower Gallery<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-an-aroma-experience-in-tajima\">Day 3: Heading North on the Aizu Nishi Kaido<\/a><ul class=\"ht_toc_child_list\"><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-an-aroma-experience-in-tajima1\">Blend Your Own Japanese Essential Oil Fragrance at Jyuhachinichi<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-yunokami-onsen-japan-s-most-unique-train-station\">Yunokami Onsen: Japan&#8217;s Most Unique Train Station?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-ouchijuku-life-in-an-old-edo-period-post-town\">Ouchi-juku: Life in an Old Edo Period Post Town<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-aizuwakamatsu-and-the-end-of-the-edo-period\">Day 4: Aizu-Wakamatsu and the End of the Edo Period<\/a><ul class=\"ht_toc_child_list\"><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-tsurugajo-and-the-battle-of-aizu\">Tsurugajo, Aizu-Wakamatsu\u2019s historic castle, and the Battle of Aizu<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-visiting-the-samurai-graves-of-tenneiji-temple\">Visit the Samurai Graves of Tenneiji Temple<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-sazaedo-temple\">Sazaedo Temple, One of the Most Unusual Temples in Japan<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-the-graves-of-byakkotai\">Visit the Graves of Byakkotai<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-traditional-cuisine-and-crafts-of-aizuwakamatsu\">Aizu Traditional Cuisine and Make Your Own Aizu-Wakamatsu Craft<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#htoc-how-to-get-from-tokyo-to-aizu\">How to Get From Tokyo to Aizu<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-day-1\">Day 1: Explore Tokyo\u2019s Ueno Park and Asakusa<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>I began my journey in <strong>Ueno Park (\u4e0a\u91ce\u516c\u5712)<\/strong> in Tokyo\u2019s Taito ward. Today one of Tokyo\u2019s most famous green spaces, Ueno Park was originally the grounds of Kan\u2019ei-ji Temple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-ueno-toshogu-shrine-dedicated-to-the-founder-of-edo-japan\">Ueno Toshogu Shrine: Dedicated to the Founder of Edo Japan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Amongst the many shrines dotted around Ueno Park, the most spectacular is Ueno Toshogu Shrine (\u4e0a\u91ce\u6771\u7167\u5bae). Built in 1627, <strong>Ueno Toshogu shrine honours <a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tokugawa_Ieyasu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">Tokugawa Ieyasu<\/a><\/strong>, the <em>daimyo<\/em> who unified Japan in 1603 after almost two centuries of civil war. The Tokugawa Shogunate ruled Japan for the next 256 years in the era known as <a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.history.com\/topics\/japan\/meiji-restoration\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">the Edo period<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13112738\/Ueno-Togoshu-Shrine-karamon-gate-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"The karamon gate at Ueno Tosho-gu Shrine in Ueno Park Tokyo\" class=\"wp-image-96239\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13112738\/Ueno-Togoshu-Shrine-karamon-gate-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13112738\/Ueno-Togoshu-Shrine-karamon-gate-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13112738\/Ueno-Togoshu-Shrine-karamon-gate-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13112738\/Ueno-Togoshu-Shrine-karamon-gate-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13112738\/Ueno-Togoshu-Shrine-karamon-gate-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13112738\/Ueno-Togoshu-Shrine-karamon-gate.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>The golden karamon gate at Ueno Toshogu Shrine<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Ueno Toshogu Shrine was remodelled in 1651 and has miraculously <strong>survived the many fires, earthquakes, and wars that have hit Tokyo since<\/strong>. Ueno Toshogu shrine is a sight to behold, approached by a long pathway lined with historic stone and bronze lanterns. On reaching Ueno Toshogu, I was met by the shrine\u2019s stunning main karamon gate, decorated in rich gold and beautifully detailed carvings, including protective dragons and the crest of the Tokugawa clan.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13113831\/Ueno-Toshogu-Shrine-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Ueno Toshogu Shrine in Ueno Park Tokyo\" class=\"wp-image-96240\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13113831\/Ueno-Toshogu-Shrine-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13113831\/Ueno-Toshogu-Shrine-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13113831\/Ueno-Toshogu-Shrine-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13113831\/Ueno-Toshogu-Shrine-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13113831\/Ueno-Toshogu-Shrine-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13113831\/Ueno-Toshogu-Shrine.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>The main hall of Ueno Toshogu Shrine in Ueno Park<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Beyond the karamon gate lies the shrine\u2019s jaw-dropping main hall. Toshogu shrine\u2019s dazzling golden exterior absolutely shines, adorned with countless expertly carved detailed figures of mythical beasts and auspicious animals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-ueno-park-and-the-boshin-war\">Ueno Park and the Boshin War<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>That Toshogu shrine still survives is even more surprising given that <strong>Ueno Park was the scene of the Battle of Ueno<\/strong>, one of a series of brutal battles between pro and anti-shogun forces that make up <a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thoughtco.com\/the-boshin-war-in-japan-195568\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">the Boshin War<\/a>, which took place at the end of the Edo period in 1868. It was a spectacularly unfair fight \u2014 the new Imperial government forces were equipped with modern military hardware, including cannons and rifles, while samurai warriors, called <em>Shogitai<\/em>, were still fighting with swords. The samurai resistance was over in a single day, with the Battle of Ueno starting and ending on July 4, 1868.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" data-id=\"96241\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13114053\/The-monument-to-the-Shogitai-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"The memorial to the fallen Shogitai soldiers in Ueno Park, Tokyo\" class=\"wp-image-96241\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13114053\/The-monument-to-the-Shogitai-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13114053\/The-monument-to-the-Shogitai-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13114053\/The-monument-to-the-Shogitai-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13114053\/The-monument-to-the-Shogitai-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13114053\/The-monument-to-the-Shogitai-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13114053\/The-monument-to-the-Shogitai.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" data-id=\"96242\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13114146\/Statue-of-Saigo-Takamori-in-Ueno-Park-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"The statue of Saigo Takamori in Ueno Park, Tokyo\" class=\"wp-image-96242\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13114146\/Statue-of-Saigo-Takamori-in-Ueno-Park-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13114146\/Statue-of-Saigo-Takamori-in-Ueno-Park-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13114146\/Statue-of-Saigo-Takamori-in-Ueno-Park-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13114146\/Statue-of-Saigo-Takamori-in-Ueno-Park-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13114146\/Statue-of-Saigo-Takamori-in-Ueno-Park-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13114146\/Statue-of-Saigo-Takamori-in-Ueno-Park.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-caption\">The memorial to the fallen Shogitai soldiers and the statue of Saigo Takamori, who led the victorious government troops<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>A <strong>memorial to the samurai fighters who lost their lives in the Battle of Ueno<\/strong> sits at the southern end of Ueno Park. Erected in 1874, the monument to the <em>Shogitai<\/em> is a stark reminder of Ueno Park\u2019s grizzly history. A few feet away stands another memorial, <strong>a statue of Saigo Takamori (\u897f\u9115 \u9686\u76db)<\/strong>, dressed in a yukata and with his faithful dog. It was Takamori who led the government forces to victory in the Battle of Ueno.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-lunch-in-historic-yanaka\">Enjoy A Traditional Japanese Lunch in Historic Yanaka<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>From Ueno Park, I went north to <strong>Yanaka (\u8c37\u4e2d)<\/strong>, looking for a spot of lunch. After walking along Yanaka Ginza, the narrow street that is the area&#8217;s beating heart, I stopped for a heavenly lunch of shabu-shabu at <strong><a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/kiri-yanaka.gorp.jp\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">Kiri Yanaka<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" data-id=\"96302\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/14210633\/Appetizers-at-Kiri-Yanaka-Tokyo-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-96302\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/14210633\/Appetizers-at-Kiri-Yanaka-Tokyo-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/14210633\/Appetizers-at-Kiri-Yanaka-Tokyo-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/14210633\/Appetizers-at-Kiri-Yanaka-Tokyo-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/14210633\/Appetizers-at-Kiri-Yanaka-Tokyo-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/14210633\/Appetizers-at-Kiri-Yanaka-Tokyo-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/14210633\/Appetizers-at-Kiri-Yanaka-Tokyo.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" data-id=\"96303\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/14210633\/Shabu-shabu-at-Kiri-Yanaka-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-96303\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/14210633\/Shabu-shabu-at-Kiri-Yanaka-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/14210633\/Shabu-shabu-at-Kiri-Yanaka-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/14210633\/Shabu-shabu-at-Kiri-Yanaka-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/14210633\/Shabu-shabu-at-Kiri-Yanaka-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/14210633\/Shabu-shabu-at-Kiri-Yanaka-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/14210633\/Shabu-shabu-at-Kiri-Yanaka.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Tucked away in an old converted house on a quiet street close to Yanaka&#8217;s main sights, Kiri Yanaka served a meal for a shogun. Traditional Japanese appetisers were served before the shabu-shabu, including small dishes of sashimi and tofu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-banging-the-taiko-drum-in-asakusa\">Visit a Historic Taiko Drum Workshop in Asakusa<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>That afternoon I made my way to nearby <strong>Asakusa (\u6d45\u8349)<\/strong> just 15-minutes by train from Ueno and Yanaka and visited the historic workshop at <strong><a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.miyamoto-unosuke.co.jp\/english\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">Miyamoto Unosuke<\/a> (\u5bae\u672c\u536f\u4e4b\u52a9\u5546\u5e97)<\/strong>. Miyamoto Unosuke crafts beautiful traditional Japanese musical instruments, including taiko drums and elaborate <em>mikoshi<\/em>, the portable shrines used during traditional festivals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"682\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"96243\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13114725\/Miyamoto-Unosuke-taiko-drum-workshop-682x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Taiko drums being made at Miyamoto Unosuke workshop in Asakusa, Tokyo\" class=\"wp-image-96243\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13114725\/Miyamoto-Unosuke-taiko-drum-workshop-682x1024.jpg 682w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13114725\/Miyamoto-Unosuke-taiko-drum-workshop-333x500.jpg 333w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13114725\/Miyamoto-Unosuke-taiko-drum-workshop-150x225.jpg 150w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13114725\/Miyamoto-Unosuke-taiko-drum-workshop.jpg 852w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"682\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"96245\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13114725\/Miyamoto-Unosuke-workshop-682x1024.jpg\" alt=\"A craftsmen making a taiko drum at Miyamoto Unosuke in Asakusa, Tokyo\" class=\"wp-image-96245\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13114725\/Miyamoto-Unosuke-workshop-682x1024.jpg 682w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13114725\/Miyamoto-Unosuke-workshop-333x500.jpg 333w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13114725\/Miyamoto-Unosuke-workshop-150x225.jpg 150w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13114725\/Miyamoto-Unosuke-workshop.jpg 852w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"682\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"96244\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13114725\/Drummer-at-Miyamoto-Unosuke-682x1024.jpg\" alt=\"A drummer demonstrating the taiko drums at Miyamoto Unosuke in Asakusa, Tokyo\" class=\"wp-image-96244\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13114725\/Drummer-at-Miyamoto-Unosuke-682x1024.jpg 682w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13114725\/Drummer-at-Miyamoto-Unosuke-333x500.jpg 333w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13114725\/Drummer-at-Miyamoto-Unosuke-150x225.jpg 150w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13114725\/Drummer-at-Miyamoto-Unosuke.jpg 852w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px\" \/><\/figure>\n<figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-caption\">The gray taiko drum is a part of Miyamoto Unosuke\u2019s &#8220;forest-making drum&#8221; project, using specially planted afforested trees as a part of the workshop&#8217;s efforts to reduce their impact on the environment.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Here I got to peek inside the workshop where the taiko drums are made by expert craftsmen. The drums are still tuned by ear, a skill that takes two years to perfect. Whilst honouring the traditional techniques that are still used to create each taiko drum, the highly-skilled craftspeople at Miyamoto Unosuke also take care to reduce their impact on the environment. Today the taiko drums are made from wood taken from specially planted afforested trees. In 2022, Miyamoto Unosuke even held a special ceremony featuring a performance of their taiko drums in the forests that supplied the trees from which they were made.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After seeing the workshop, I had the pleasure of experiencing an incredibly powerful performance by one of Miyamoto Unosuke\u2019s phenomenal drummers. It was a hugely rewarding experience to hear the beautifully made drums played with such perfect rhythm. After his performance, the drummer led a group lesson for all of the visitors in my group, giving us a crash course on how to bring out the wonderfully rich sound of the taiko drums. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-a-night-walk-around-the-illuminated-sensoji-temple\">Go on a Night Walk Around the Illuminated Sensoji Temple<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/tokyo-tower-old-temples\/\" class=\"ek-link\"><strong>Sensoji Temple (\u6d45\u8349\u5bfa)<\/strong>, the oldest temple in Tokyo<\/a>, is located in the historic heart of Asakusa. With night drawing in, the shops of Nakamise-dori were beginning to close for the day, and the crowds were already gone. Yet Sensoji is spellbinding after dark, with <strong>its enormous gates, pagoda and main hall all dramatically illuminated against the night sky<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13115210\/Sensoji-Temple-Asakusa-at-night-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo at night\" class=\"wp-image-96247\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13115210\/Sensoji-Temple-Asakusa-at-night-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13115210\/Sensoji-Temple-Asakusa-at-night-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13115210\/Sensoji-Temple-Asakusa-at-night-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13115210\/Sensoji-Temple-Asakusa-at-night-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13115210\/Sensoji-Temple-Asakusa-at-night-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13115210\/Sensoji-Temple-Asakusa-at-night.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-4 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" data-id=\"96250\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13115315\/Okonomiyaki-in-Asakusa-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Okonomiyaki being cooked on a hot plate in a restaurant in Asakusa, Tokyo \" class=\"wp-image-96250\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13115315\/Okonomiyaki-in-Asakusa-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13115315\/Okonomiyaki-in-Asakusa-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13115315\/Okonomiyaki-in-Asakusa-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13115315\/Okonomiyaki-in-Asakusa-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13115315\/Okonomiyaki-in-Asakusa-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13115315\/Okonomiyaki-in-Asakusa.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" data-id=\"96249\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13115315\/Henn-na-Hotel-Asakusa-check-in-desk-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"The animated check in staff at Henn na na Hotel in Asakusa, Tokyo\" class=\"wp-image-96249\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13115315\/Henn-na-Hotel-Asakusa-check-in-desk-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13115315\/Henn-na-Hotel-Asakusa-check-in-desk-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13115315\/Henn-na-Hotel-Asakusa-check-in-desk-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13115315\/Henn-na-Hotel-Asakusa-check-in-desk-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13115315\/Henn-na-Hotel-Asakusa-check-in-desk-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13115315\/Henn-na-Hotel-Asakusa-check-in-desk.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" data-id=\"96248\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13115315\/Henn-na-Hotel-Asakusa-roof-terrace-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"The view of the Tokyo Skytree at night from the terrace of the Henn na Hotel in Asakusa, Tokyo\" class=\"wp-image-96248\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13115315\/Henn-na-Hotel-Asakusa-roof-terrace-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13115315\/Henn-na-Hotel-Asakusa-roof-terrace-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13115315\/Henn-na-Hotel-Asakusa-roof-terrace-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13115315\/Henn-na-Hotel-Asakusa-roof-terrace-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13115315\/Henn-na-Hotel-Asakusa-roof-terrace-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13115315\/Henn-na-Hotel-Asakusa-roof-terrace.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Asakusa is blessed with great places to eat, and from Sensoji, I wound up on Sushiya Street. After <strong>tucking into okonomiyaki at Matsuri Bayashi<\/strong>, one of Asakusa\u2019s countless cosy izakaya, I checked in for the night at <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/jp\/green-world-tokyo-ginza.html\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">Henn na Hotel<\/a><\/strong>, famous for its animatronic check-in staff as well as the view of the Tokyo Skytree from the roof terrace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"cta\"><strong>Read More<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/edo-era-tokyo\/\" class=\"ek-link\">250 Years of Peace in Tokyo<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-day-2\">Day 2: On the Nikko Kaido to Tokugawa Ieyasu\u2019s Final Resting Place<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The next morning I began my journey from Tokyo to Aizu via the Nikko Kaido. I started by taking the <strong>Limited Express Revaty train on the Tobu Nikko Line <\/strong>from Asakusa Station to Nikko, arriving in a little under two hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-yotaro-specialise-in-yuba-a-local-delicacy-known-as-tofu-skin-yuba-is-actually-formed-by-boiling-soy-milk-when-boiling-soy-milk-a-thin-film-forms-on-the-surface-which-is-then-dried-and-sets-into-sheets-yuba-is-similar-in-taste-and-texture-to-tofu-hence-the-name-the-yuba-at-yotaro-was-a-delicious-introduction-to-the-dish-and-followed-by-several-rounds-of-sumptuous-tempura\">A Spot of Nikko\u2019s Kaiseki Lunch at Yotaro<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>I arrived in Nikko just in time for lunch. I wanted to try something unique to the region, so I made my way to <a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http:\/\/www.nikko-yotaro.com\/index.shtml\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">Yotaro<\/a>, a homely <a href=\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/kaiseki-cuisine-japanese\/\" class=\"ek-link\"><em>kaiseki<\/em> restaurant <\/a>just off Nikko&#8217;s main road.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/14101306\/Yuba-at-Yotaro-in-Nikko-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"A course of yuba or tofu skin at Yotaro restaurant in Nikko\" class=\"wp-image-96296\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/14101306\/Yuba-at-Yotaro-in-Nikko-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/14101306\/Yuba-at-Yotaro-in-Nikko-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/14101306\/Yuba-at-Yotaro-in-Nikko-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/14101306\/Yuba-at-Yotaro-in-Nikko-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/14101306\/Yuba-at-Yotaro-in-Nikko-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/14101306\/Yuba-at-Yotaro-in-Nikko.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Yotaro <strong>specialises<\/strong> in yuba, a local delicacy. Known as tofu skin, yuba is actually formed by boiling soy milk. When boiling soy milk, a thin film forms on the surface, which is then dried and set into sheets. <em>Yuba<\/em> is similar in taste and texture to tofu, hence the name. The <em>yuba<\/em> at Yotaro was a delicious introduction to the dish and followed by several rounds of sumptuous tempura.   <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-futarasan-shrine\">Nikko Futarasan Shrine: One of the First of Nikko&#8217;s UNESCO World Heritage Site<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Sufficiently fed, I hopped on to a local bus past the <strong>Shinkyo Bridge (\u795e\u6a4b)<\/strong>, the final station of the old Nikko Kaido, to <strong>Nikko Futarasan Shrine (\u65e5\u5149\u4e8c\u8352\u5c71\u795e\u793e)<\/strong>. Nikko Futarasan Shrine is the first of three shrines and temples that form <a href=\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/edo-era-shogun-legacy-nikko\/\" class=\"ek-link\">Nikko\u2019s UNESCO World Heritage Site<\/a>, all located side by side amongst a heavenly thick forest of cedar trees. The full Nikko Futarasan complex is vast, with shrines as far away as Lake Chuzenji and even at the summit of nearby Mount Nantai.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-5 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" data-id=\"96251\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13115802\/Torii-gate-at-Futarasan-Temple-Nikko-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"The torii gate at the entrance to Futarasan Temple in Nikko\" class=\"wp-image-96251\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13115802\/Torii-gate-at-Futarasan-Temple-Nikko-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13115802\/Torii-gate-at-Futarasan-Temple-Nikko-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13115802\/Torii-gate-at-Futarasan-Temple-Nikko-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13115802\/Torii-gate-at-Futarasan-Temple-Nikko-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13115802\/Torii-gate-at-Futarasan-Temple-Nikko-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13115802\/Torii-gate-at-Futarasan-Temple-Nikko.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" data-id=\"96252\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13115802\/Futarasan-Temple-Nikko-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Futarasan Temple in Nikko\" class=\"wp-image-96252\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13115802\/Futarasan-Temple-Nikko-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13115802\/Futarasan-Temple-Nikko-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13115802\/Futarasan-Temple-Nikko-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13115802\/Futarasan-Temple-Nikko-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13115802\/Futarasan-Temple-Nikko-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13115802\/Futarasan-Temple-Nikko.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Here at Nikko Futarasan Shrine\u2019s main site, there are numerous buildings reached by passing through the shrine&#8217;s copper <em>torii<\/em> gate, enshrining the deities associated with Nikko\u2019s three mountains, including Mount Nantai. This part of the Nikko Futarasan Shrine complex was founded in the 8th century though many of the present buildings date from the 17th century.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-nikko-toshogu-shrine-and-the-tomb-of-tokugawa-ieyasu\">Visit Nikko Toshogu Shrine and the Tomb of Tokugawa Ieyasu<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>From Futarasan Shrine, it\u2019s a short walk to the entrance of <strong>Nikko Toshogu Shrine (\u65e5\u5149\u6771\u7167\u5bae)<\/strong>. Numerous Toshogu shrines in Japan, including in Ueno Park, are all dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu. Nikko\u2019s Toshogu shrine is where Tokugawa Ieyasu is buried and is <strong>possibly the most beautifully decorated shrine in Japan<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13120116\/Nikko-Tosho-gu-Shrine-Yomeimon-Gate-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"The Yomeimon Gate at Nikko Toshogu Shrine\" class=\"wp-image-96253\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13120116\/Nikko-Tosho-gu-Shrine-Yomeimon-Gate-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13120116\/Nikko-Tosho-gu-Shrine-Yomeimon-Gate-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13120116\/Nikko-Tosho-gu-Shrine-Yomeimon-Gate-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13120116\/Nikko-Tosho-gu-Shrine-Yomeimon-Gate-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13120116\/Nikko-Tosho-gu-Shrine-Yomeimon-Gate-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13120116\/Nikko-Tosho-gu-Shrine-Yomeimon-Gate.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>The Yomeimon Gate at Nikko Toshogu Shrine<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Originally built in 1617, Nikko\u2019s Toshogu Shrine was extensively remodelled in 1636. Beside the entrance to Toshogu shrine stands a towering red five-storey pagoda. Inside the shrine\u2019s grounds, I was instantly struck by the incredible grandeur of the site. Near the entrance is the stable for the shrine\u2019s horses featuring the <strong>three famous carved monkeys who hear, speak and see no evil<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-6 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"682\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"96257\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13120326\/Nikko-Toshogu-shrine-three-monkeys-682x1024.jpg\" alt=\"The three carved monkeys at Nikko Toshogu Shrine\" class=\"wp-image-96257\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13120326\/Nikko-Toshogu-shrine-three-monkeys-682x1024.jpg 682w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13120326\/Nikko-Toshogu-shrine-three-monkeys-333x500.jpg 333w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13120326\/Nikko-Toshogu-shrine-three-monkeys-150x225.jpg 150w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13120326\/Nikko-Toshogu-shrine-three-monkeys.jpg 852w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"682\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"96255\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13120326\/Nikko-Toshogu-Shrine-Yomeimon-gate-dragon-682x1024.jpg\" alt=\"A carved dragon's head on the Yomeimon Gate at Nikko Toshogu Shrine\" class=\"wp-image-96255\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13120326\/Nikko-Toshogu-Shrine-Yomeimon-gate-dragon-682x1024.jpg 682w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13120326\/Nikko-Toshogu-Shrine-Yomeimon-gate-dragon-333x500.jpg 333w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13120326\/Nikko-Toshogu-Shrine-Yomeimon-gate-dragon-150x225.jpg 150w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13120326\/Nikko-Toshogu-Shrine-Yomeimon-gate-dragon.jpg 852w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"682\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"96256\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13120326\/Nikko-Nemuri-neko-Toshogu-shrine-682x1024.jpg\" alt=\"The carving of Nemuri-neko at Nikko Toshogu Shrine\" class=\"wp-image-96256\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13120326\/Nikko-Nemuri-neko-Toshogu-shrine-682x1024.jpg 682w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13120326\/Nikko-Nemuri-neko-Toshogu-shrine-333x500.jpg 333w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13120326\/Nikko-Nemuri-neko-Toshogu-shrine-150x225.jpg 150w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13120326\/Nikko-Nemuri-neko-Toshogu-shrine.jpg 852w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"852\" data-id=\"96258\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13120710\/Ieyasu-Tokugawa-tomb-Nikko-Toshogu-Shrine.jpg\" alt=\"The tomb of Ieyasu Tokugawa at Nikko Toshogu Shrine\" class=\"wp-image-96258\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13120710\/Ieyasu-Tokugawa-tomb-Nikko-Toshogu-Shrine.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13120710\/Ieyasu-Tokugawa-tomb-Nikko-Toshogu-Shrine-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13120710\/Ieyasu-Tokugawa-tomb-Nikko-Toshogu-Shrine-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13120710\/Ieyasu-Tokugawa-tomb-Nikko-Toshogu-Shrine-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13120710\/Ieyasu-Tokugawa-tomb-Nikko-Toshogu-Shrine-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13120710\/Ieyasu-Tokugawa-tomb-Nikko-Toshogu-Shrine-150x100.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><\/figure>\n<figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-caption\">Carved details from around Nikko Toshogu Shrine, including the famous three monkey and the tomb of Tokugawa Ieyasu<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Nearby a steep staircase leads to <strong>Yomeimon Gate<\/strong>, covered in gold leaf and crammed with detail, including numerous scenes from daily life and countless dragon heads. The rooftops of Toshogu\u2019s main shrine building are also embellished with glistening gold leaf and another stunning gate at its entrance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I passed underneath <strong>Nemuri-neko, the famous carving of a sleeping cat<\/strong>, to climb the steep staircase to Ieyasu Tokugawa\u2019s shrine. In marked contrast to the rest of the complex, Tokugawa Ieyasu&#8217;s tomb is solemn and respectful, free of bold colours or extravagance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"cta\"><strong>Read More:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/edo-era-shogun-legacy-nikko\/\" class=\"ek-link\">The Shogun Legacy of Nikko<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-rinnoji-temple-nikko-s-most-important-temple\">Nikkosan Rinnoji Temple: Nikko&#8217;s Most Important Temple<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A short walk from Nikko Toshogu Shrine, I just had time to visit <strong>Nikkosan<\/strong> <strong>Rinnoji Temple (\u8f2a\u738b\u5bfa)<\/strong>. Established in the 8th century by the venerated Buddhist monk Shodo Shonin, <strong>Nikkosan Rinnoji Temple is considered to be the most important temple in Nikko<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13121022\/Rinnoji-Temple-Nikko-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Rinnoji Temple's Three Buddha Hall in Nikko, Japan\" class=\"wp-image-96260\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13121022\/Rinnoji-Temple-Nikko-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13121022\/Rinnoji-Temple-Nikko-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13121022\/Rinnoji-Temple-Nikko-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13121022\/Rinnoji-Temple-Nikko-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13121022\/Rinnoji-Temple-Nikko-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13121022\/Rinnoji-Temple-Nikko.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Rinnoji\u2019s Three Buddha Hall houses <strong>three giant gold leaf statues of Buddha<\/strong>. The three statues are said to represent the three mythical mountain deities that are enshrined in Futarasan Temple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-walking-through-the-cedar-avenue-of-nikko\">Walk Through the Cedar Avenue of Nikko<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Before leaving Nikko, I took the train one stop on the Tobu Nikko Line to Kami-Imachi Station to catch a glimpse of <strong>the Cedar Avenue of Nikko<\/strong>. The Cedar Avenue of Nikko lines some of the old Nikko Kaido and the Aizu Nishi Kaido and the Reiheishi Kaido (\u4f1a\u6d25\u897f\u8857\u9053\u30fb\u4f8b\u5e63\u4f7f\u8857\u9053) routes.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13121314\/Cedar-Avenue-of-Nikko-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"The Cedar Avenue of Nikko, part of the old Nikko Kaido route\" class=\"wp-image-96261\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13121314\/Cedar-Avenue-of-Nikko-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13121314\/Cedar-Avenue-of-Nikko-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13121314\/Cedar-Avenue-of-Nikko-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13121314\/Cedar-Avenue-of-Nikko-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13121314\/Cedar-Avenue-of-Nikko-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13121314\/Cedar-Avenue-of-Nikko.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>The Cedar Avenue of Nikko, part of the old Nikko Kaido route<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Over 200,000 cedar trees were planted on the road to Nikko, with <strong>around 12,000 still standing today<\/strong>. The total road is 35 kilometers long and has been declared the longest tree-lined road in the world by the Guinness Book of Records. Many of the cedar trees are over 400 years old, creating a wonderful atmosphere. I felt it easy to imagine this as a busy highway full of pilgrims making their way to Nikko\u2019s temples and shrines during the Edo period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-heading-north-on-the-aizu-nishi-kaido1\">Traditional Japanese Umbrella Display at the Tsukiakari Moonlight Flower Gallery<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>From Kami-Imachi station, I took a Tobu Kinugawa Line train to <strong>Kinugawaonsen (\u9b3c\u6012\u5ddd\u6e29\u6cc9)<\/strong>, a popular onsen town a short distance north of Nikko where I stayed overnight. Another reason for stopping here was to see the <strong><a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/tsukiakari.kinugawa-onsen.info\/english\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">Tsukiakari Moonlight Flower Gallery<\/a><\/strong>. Held in Kinugawa Park every year for several consecutive days from late September, the Tsukiakari Moonlight Flower Gallery features several art displays that are illuminated at night beneath a big glowing moon.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13121604\/Tsukiakari-Moonlight-Flower-Gallery2-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"A display of illuminated Japanese wagasa atTsukiakari Moonlight Flower Gallery in Kinugawa Park\" class=\"wp-image-96262\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13121604\/Tsukiakari-Moonlight-Flower-Gallery2-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13121604\/Tsukiakari-Moonlight-Flower-Gallery2-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13121604\/Tsukiakari-Moonlight-Flower-Gallery2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13121604\/Tsukiakari-Moonlight-Flower-Gallery2-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13121604\/Tsukiakari-Moonlight-Flower-Gallery2-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13121604\/Tsukiakari-Moonlight-Flower-Gallery2.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-7 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"682\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"96264\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13121652\/Tsukiakari-Moonlight-Flower-Gallery1jpg-682x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Japanese wagasa on display at night at Tsukiakari Moonlight Flower Gallery in Kinugawa Park\" class=\"wp-image-96264\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13121652\/Tsukiakari-Moonlight-Flower-Gallery1jpg-682x1024.jpg 682w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13121652\/Tsukiakari-Moonlight-Flower-Gallery1jpg-333x500.jpg 333w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13121652\/Tsukiakari-Moonlight-Flower-Gallery1jpg-150x225.jpg 150w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13121652\/Tsukiakari-Moonlight-Flower-Gallery1jpg.jpg 852w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"682\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"96265\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13121653\/Tsukiakari-Moonlight-Flower-Gallery3-682x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Some of the wagasa illuminated during the Tsukiakari Moonlight Flower Gallery in Kinugawa Park\" class=\"wp-image-96265\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13121653\/Tsukiakari-Moonlight-Flower-Gallery3-682x1024.jpg 682w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13121653\/Tsukiakari-Moonlight-Flower-Gallery3-333x500.jpg 333w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13121653\/Tsukiakari-Moonlight-Flower-Gallery3-150x225.jpg 150w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13121653\/Tsukiakari-Moonlight-Flower-Gallery3.jpg 852w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Alongside huge <em>ikebana<\/em> displays that float in the park\u2019s pond, this year&#8217;s display includes a wonderful arrangement of traditional Japanese umbrellas, called <em>wagasa<\/em>, stylishly arranged and lit up to create a beautiful array of colours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-an-aroma-experience-in-tajima\">Day 3: Heading North on the Aizu Nishi Kaido<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The next morning I continued my way north towards Aizu by rail, taking a regional train that travelled along the Yagan Tetsudo Line and then the Aizu Tetsudo Line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-an-aroma-experience-in-tajima1\">Blend Your Own Japanese Essential Oil Fragrance at Jyuhachinichi<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>My first stop was at the town of <strong>Minamiaizu (\u5357\u4f1a\u6d25\u753a)<\/strong> for <strong>a unique aroma experience at <a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/18th.shop\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">Jyuhachinichi (18\u65e5).<\/a><\/strong> As well as learning all about Jyuhachinichi\u2019s impressive range of Japanese essential oils, I also had the chance to make my own blended fragrance, combining several scents, including hinoki, yuzu, Japanese mint, and camphor. The blended oils can be used in diffusers or humidifiers for their calming aroma, or a few diluted drops can even be added to a relaxing and restorative bath.  <\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13121946\/Jyuhachinichi-aroma-experience-Tajima-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Pipettes in bottles of essential oil at Jyuhachinichi's store in Tajima \" class=\"wp-image-96267\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13121946\/Jyuhachinichi-aroma-experience-Tajima-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13121946\/Jyuhachinichi-aroma-experience-Tajima-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13121946\/Jyuhachinichi-aroma-experience-Tajima-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13121946\/Jyuhachinichi-aroma-experience-Tajima-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13121946\/Jyuhachinichi-aroma-experience-Tajima-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13121946\/Jyuhachinichi-aroma-experience-Tajima.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-yunokami-onsen-japan-s-most-unique-train-station\">Yunokami Onsen: Japan&#8217;s Most Unique Train Station?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Next, I took the <a aria-label=\"Aizu Tetsudo Line (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http:\/\/www.aizutetsudo.jp\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored\" class=\"ek-link\"><strong>Aizu Tetsudo Line<\/strong><\/a> train further north to <strong>Yunokami Onsen (\u6e6f\u91ce\u4e0a\u6e29\u6cc9)<\/strong>, home to one of the most unique train stations in Japan. As the gateway to the picturesque thatched-roof township of <a href=\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/edo-era-last-samurai-stronghold-aizu\/\" class=\"ek-link\"><strong>Ouchi-juku<\/strong><\/a>, Yunokami Onsen Station resembles an old kominka-style Japanese house and is <strong>one of only two train stations in Japan with a thatched roof<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13122118\/Yunokami-Onsen-Station-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Yunokami Onsen station in Aizu\" class=\"wp-image-96268\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13122118\/Yunokami-Onsen-Station-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13122118\/Yunokami-Onsen-Station-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13122118\/Yunokami-Onsen-Station-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13122118\/Yunokami-Onsen-Station-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13122118\/Yunokami-Onsen-Station-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13122118\/Yunokami-Onsen-Station.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Inside, an old-fashioned <em>irori<\/em>, or hearth, is a common sight in Edo period Japan&#8217;s homes. Fittingly for an onsen town, there\u2019s also <strong>a small public hot spring foot bath just outside the station<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-ouchijuku-life-in-an-old-edo-period-post-town\">Ouchi-juku: Life in an Old Edo Period Post Town<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>From Yunokami Onsen station, it\u2019s a short bus ride to the historic town that was once an important stop on the Aizu Nishi Kaido. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.town.shimogo.fukushima.jp\/organization\/sougouseisaku\/1\/2\/Ouchi_juku_en.html\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">Ouchi-juku<\/a> (\u5927\u5185\u5bbf)<\/strong> <strong>still looks as it would have done during the height of the Edo period.<\/strong> The town\u2019s wide street is flanked by dozens of traditional houses topped with thick thatched roofs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ouchi-juku was one of many post towns that sprang up along Japan\u2019s <em>kaido<\/em>, where travellers could get something to eat or find a place to stay overnight. Today, <strong>many of Ouchi-juku\u2019s historic houses are shops<\/strong> where you can pick up regional produce and cute souvenirs.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13122344\/Negi-soba-in-Ouchijuku-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"A bowl of negi soba in Ouchijuku\" class=\"wp-image-96269\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13122344\/Negi-soba-in-Ouchijuku-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13122344\/Negi-soba-in-Ouchijuku-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13122344\/Negi-soba-in-Ouchijuku-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13122344\/Negi-soba-in-Ouchijuku-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13122344\/Negi-soba-in-Ouchijuku-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13122344\/Negi-soba-in-Ouchijuku.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Several other restaurants include <a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http:\/\/www.misawaya.jp\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">Misawaya Soba<\/a>, where I tucked into <strong>negi soba, a local dish of soba noodles served with a giant leek<\/strong>. You\u2019re supposed to eat the soba using the leek rather than chopsticks, which is even harder than it sounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After my fill of soba, I walked along Ouchi-juku\u2019s main street, heading for the famous view from the trail at the top of the town. There\u2019s a perfect picture postcard view of Ouchi-juku from the viewpoint, the rows of thatched roofs are undoubtedly impressive, even on a grey and rainy day like today.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13122435\/Ouchijuku-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Kominka houses along Ouchijuku's main street\" class=\"wp-image-96270\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13122435\/Ouchijuku-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13122435\/Ouchijuku-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13122435\/Ouchijuku-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13122435\/Ouchijuku-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13122435\/Ouchijuku-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13122435\/Ouchijuku.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Before leaving Ouchi-juku, I took a detour from the main street to visit <strong>Ouchichinjutakakura Shrine (\u5927\u5185\u93ae\u5b88\u9ad8\u5009\u795e\u793e)<\/strong>. A huge <em>torii<\/em> gate on the town\u2019s main street signals the direction of the shrine, which is hidden amongst a thicket of trees a few minutes&#8217; walk away. Beautifully secluded amongst tall cedar trees, the shrine has a wonderfully peaceful atmosphere that perfectly makes the short trek in the rain worthwhile.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13122459\/Ouchichinjutakakura-Shrine-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Ouchichinjutakakura Shrine in Ouchijuku\" class=\"wp-image-96271\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13122459\/Ouchichinjutakakura-Shrine-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13122459\/Ouchichinjutakakura-Shrine-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13122459\/Ouchichinjutakakura-Shrine-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13122459\/Ouchichinjutakakura-Shrine-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13122459\/Ouchichinjutakakura-Shrine-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13122459\/Ouchichinjutakakura-Shrine.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Returning to Yunokami Onsen station, I took the train north for the final leg of the journey along the Aizu Nishi Kaido to Aizu-Wakamatsu. I stayed the night in <strong>Higashiyama Onsen (\u6771\u5c71\u6e29\u6cc9)<\/strong>, another popular onsen town just to the east of the city where you can find <strong>numerous ryokans with both public and private onsen<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-aizuwakamatsu-and-the-end-of-the-edo-period\">Day 4: Aizu-Wakamatsu and the End of the Edo Period<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>On the last day of my trip, I explored the historic city of <strong><a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http:\/\/samurai-city.jp\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">Aizu-Wakamatsu<\/a> (\u4f1a\u6d25\u82e5\u677e)<\/strong>. During the Boshin War, the samurai of the Aizu domain fought fiercely against the new government in a battle that still shapes the city today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-tsurugajo-and-the-battle-of-aizu\">Tsurugajo, Aizu-Wakamatsu\u2019s historic castle, and the Battle of Aizu<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>During the Battle of Aizu, the local samurai domains fought the government\u2019s army whilst ensconced inside <strong>Tsurugajo (\u9db4\u30f6\u57ce), Aizu-Wakamatsu\u2019s historic castle<\/strong>. Equipped with modern armoury, the government bombarded the castle with cannon fire. The samurai of Aizu held out for a month until finally conceding defeat. After the war, the destroyed castle was demolished.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13122709\/Tsuruga-jo-Aizuwakamatsu-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Tsurugajo Castle in Aizuwakamatsu\" class=\"wp-image-96272\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13122709\/Tsuruga-jo-Aizuwakamatsu-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13122709\/Tsuruga-jo-Aizuwakamatsu-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13122709\/Tsuruga-jo-Aizuwakamatsu-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13122709\/Tsuruga-jo-Aizuwakamatsu-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13122709\/Tsuruga-jo-Aizuwakamatsu-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13122709\/Tsuruga-jo-Aizuwakamatsu.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>A replica of the original castle was built in 1965, and today, <strong><a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tsurugajo.com\/tsurugajo\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">Tsurugajo<\/a> features a museum dedicated to the <a href=\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/samurai-history-culture-aizu-yonezawa\/\" class=\"ek-link\">story of the Aizu samurai<\/a><\/strong>, including details and exhibitions about the various samurai clans that occupied the original castle during its near 600-year history. The observation room at the top of the castle also has stunning views of the city and the Aizu region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"cta\"><strong>Read More:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/edo-era-last-samurai-stronghold-aizu\/\" class=\"ek-link\">The Last Samurai Stronghold&nbsp;of Aizu-Wakamatsu<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-visiting-the-samurai-graves-of-tenneiji-temple\">Visit the Samurai Graves of Tenneiji Temple<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>From Tsurugajo, I made a trip to <strong>Tenneiji Temple (\u842c\u677e\u5c71\u5929\u5be7\u5bfa)<\/strong>, a grand, peaceful temple located on a hill at the end of a suburban road.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13122819\/Graves-of-Hijikata-Toshizo-and-Kondo-Isami-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"The graves of Hijikata Toshizo and Kondo Isami, two samurai warriors, in Aizuwakamatsu\" class=\"wp-image-96273\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13122819\/Graves-of-Hijikata-Toshizo-and-Kondo-Isami-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13122819\/Graves-of-Hijikata-Toshizo-and-Kondo-Isami-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13122819\/Graves-of-Hijikata-Toshizo-and-Kondo-Isami-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13122819\/Graves-of-Hijikata-Toshizo-and-Kondo-Isami-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13122819\/Graves-of-Hijikata-Toshizo-and-Kondo-Isami-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13122819\/Graves-of-Hijikata-Toshizo-and-Kondo-Isami.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>The graves of Hijikata Toshizo and Kondo Isami<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>A short hike behind Tenneiji Temple leads to <strong>the graves of Hijikata Toshizo and Kondo Isami<\/strong>, two famous warriors who fought against the government at the end of the Edo period, and both died in the Boshin War. Both men live on as characters in many popular anime and manga series in Japan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-sazaedo-temple\">Sazaedo Temple, One of the Most Unusual Temples in Japan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>From Tenneiji Temple, I hopped on the Aizu Loop Bus to <strong>Sazaedo Temple (\u4f1a\u6d25\u3055\u3056\u3048\u5802)<\/strong>, one of the most unusual temples in Japan. Perched above the city at the foot of Mount Iimori, Sazaedo Temple features an ingenious double helix tower. The tower&#8217;s two staircases pass beneath each other so those ascending to the top of the tower don\u2019t pass those coming down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-8 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"682\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"96276\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13122933\/Sazae-do-Temple-Aizuwakamatsu-682x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Sazaedo Temple in Aizuwakamatsu\" class=\"wp-image-96276\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13122933\/Sazae-do-Temple-Aizuwakamatsu-682x1024.jpg 682w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13122933\/Sazae-do-Temple-Aizuwakamatsu-333x500.jpg 333w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13122933\/Sazae-do-Temple-Aizuwakamatsu-150x225.jpg 150w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13122933\/Sazae-do-Temple-Aizuwakamatsu.jpg 852w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"682\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"96274\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13122932\/Inside-Sazae-do-Temple-Aizuwakamatsu-682x1024.jpg\" alt=\"The interior of Sazaedo Temple in Aizuwakamatsu\" class=\"wp-image-96274\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13122932\/Inside-Sazae-do-Temple-Aizuwakamatsu-682x1024.jpg 682w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13122932\/Inside-Sazae-do-Temple-Aizuwakamatsu-333x500.jpg 333w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13122932\/Inside-Sazae-do-Temple-Aizuwakamatsu-150x225.jpg 150w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13122932\/Inside-Sazae-do-Temple-Aizuwakamatsu.jpg 852w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"682\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"96275\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13122933\/Top-of-Sazae-do-Temple-Aizuwakamatsu-682x1024.jpg\" alt=\"The roof at the top of Sazaedo Temple's tower in Aizuwakamatsu\" class=\"wp-image-96275\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13122933\/Top-of-Sazae-do-Temple-Aizuwakamatsu-682x1024.jpg 682w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13122933\/Top-of-Sazae-do-Temple-Aizuwakamatsu-333x500.jpg 333w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13122933\/Top-of-Sazae-do-Temple-Aizuwakamatsu-150x225.jpg 150w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13122933\/Top-of-Sazae-do-Temple-Aizuwakamatsu.jpg 852w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Even more impressive is that Sazaedo Temple was built in 1796. A steep climb leads to the top of the tower, the interior plastered with stickers left by the many pilgrims who have visited the temple over the three centuries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-the-graves-of-byakkotai\">Visit the Graves of Byakkotai<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A little further up from Sazaedo Temple, I visited <strong>the graves of nineteen <em>Byakkotai<\/em> soldiers<\/strong>. The <em>Byakkotai<\/em> were a unit of young fighters who fought in the Boshin War, mostly aged just 16 years old. During the Battle of Aizu, twenty Byakkotai fighters positioned here saw flames rising from the city in the distance. Assuming that the castle was on fire and the war had been lost, <strong>the entire unit committed ritual suicide<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13123137\/Graves-of-Byakkotai-Aizuwakamatsu-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"The 19 graves of the Byakkotai soldiers in Aizuwakamatsu\" class=\"wp-image-96277\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13123137\/Graves-of-Byakkotai-Aizuwakamatsu-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13123137\/Graves-of-Byakkotai-Aizuwakamatsu-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13123137\/Graves-of-Byakkotai-Aizuwakamatsu-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13123137\/Graves-of-Byakkotai-Aizuwakamatsu-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13123137\/Graves-of-Byakkotai-Aizuwakamatsu-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13123137\/Graves-of-Byakkotai-Aizuwakamatsu.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>The 19 graves of the Byakkotai soldiers<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Tragically, it wasn\u2019t the castle that had caught fire but a different part of the town. One member of the Byakkotai was rescued and resuscitated before he died, which is how the story is known. Today, the nineteen graves of the Byakkotai soldiers are a reminder of that fateful day during the Boshin War.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-traditional-cuisine-and-crafts-of-aizuwakamatsu\">Aizu Traditional Cuisine and Make Your Own Aizu-Wakamatsu Craft<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>I stopped for lunch at <strong><a href=\"http:\/\/www.takino.jp\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">Takino<\/a> (\u7530\u5b63\u91ce) to try a delicious local Aizu delicacy called wappa meshi<\/strong>. Rice is steamed inside a wooden bowl called a wappa and served with various seasonal toppings, including mushrooms, salmon and slices of tamagoyaki.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I spent the afternoon trying my hand at making Aizu lacquerware at <strong>Suzuzen Lacquerware Shop (\u9234\u5584\u6f06\u5668\u5e97)<\/strong>. Aizu is famous for its exquisite lacquerware, a craft practised in the region for more than 400 years. <a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/suzuzen.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">Suzuzen Lacquerware Shop<\/a> was founded in 1832, and today visitors can learn the basics of maki-e, the process of intricately decorating lacquerware.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-9 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" data-id=\"96278\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13123308\/Suzuzen-Lacquerware-Shop-Aizuwakamatsu1-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"A craftsman demonstrating maki-e lacquerware printing technique\" class=\"wp-image-96278\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13123308\/Suzuzen-Lacquerware-Shop-Aizuwakamatsu1-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13123308\/Suzuzen-Lacquerware-Shop-Aizuwakamatsu1-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13123308\/Suzuzen-Lacquerware-Shop-Aizuwakamatsu1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13123308\/Suzuzen-Lacquerware-Shop-Aizuwakamatsu1-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13123308\/Suzuzen-Lacquerware-Shop-Aizuwakamatsu1-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13123308\/Suzuzen-Lacquerware-Shop-Aizuwakamatsu1.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" data-id=\"96279\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13123308\/Suzuzen-Lacquerware-Shop-Aizuwakamatsu2-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"A craftsman preparing maki-e lacquerware in Aizuwakamatsu\" class=\"wp-image-96279\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13123308\/Suzuzen-Lacquerware-Shop-Aizuwakamatsu2-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13123308\/Suzuzen-Lacquerware-Shop-Aizuwakamatsu2-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13123308\/Suzuzen-Lacquerware-Shop-Aizuwakamatsu2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13123308\/Suzuzen-Lacquerware-Shop-Aizuwakamatsu2-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13123308\/Suzuzen-Lacquerware-Shop-Aizuwakamatsu2-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13123308\/Suzuzen-Lacquerware-Shop-Aizuwakamatsu2.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" data-id=\"96280\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13123308\/Suzuzen-Lacquerware-Shop-Aizuwakamatsu3-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"A plate with a maki-e lacquerware print in Aizuwakamatsu\" class=\"wp-image-96280\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13123308\/Suzuzen-Lacquerware-Shop-Aizuwakamatsu3-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13123308\/Suzuzen-Lacquerware-Shop-Aizuwakamatsu3-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13123308\/Suzuzen-Lacquerware-Shop-Aizuwakamatsu3-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13123308\/Suzuzen-Lacquerware-Shop-Aizuwakamatsu3-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13123308\/Suzuzen-Lacquerware-Shop-Aizuwakamatsu3-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/13123308\/Suzuzen-Lacquerware-Shop-Aizuwakamatsu3.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>One of Suzuzen\u2019s skilled artisans demonstrated a simplified technique for applying and decorating a lacquerware pattern. After painting a maple leaf with lacquer and pressing it firmly onto the surface of a plate, finely powdered colours are applied to the lacquer, and the excess brushed away. After seeing how it was done, it was my turn, and I left Aizu-Wakamatsu with my own souvenir of my trip from Tokyo to Aizu via the Nikko Kaido route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"htoc-how-to-get-from-tokyo-to-aizu\">How to Get From Tokyo to Aizu<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>I travelled from Tokyo to Aizu via Nikko on three train lines, the Tobu Railway, the Yagan Railway, and the Aizu Railway. The locations of each station I travelled through in Tokyo, Nikko and Aizu are marked on the map below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/d\/embed?mid=11R4zebvBu91wSk9tOZ6KpjZE0sstK9E&amp;ehbc=2E312F&amp;hl=en\" width=\"850\" height=\"480\"><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<p>There was so much to enjoy on my train trip through Edo period Japan travelling from Tokyo to Aizu along the old Nikko Kaido route. There is so much to explore, from some of the most important and spectacular temples and shrines in Japan to nostalgic post-towns and historic sites that mark the end of the samurai era. Plus, there&#8217;s an abundance of mouthwatering food, thriving local culture and a good number of onsen towns to discover. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-medium\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"165\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/31152439\/jed_tokyo_around_tokyo_logos-500x165.jpg\" alt=\"Japan Endless Discovery and Tokyo &amp; Around Tokyo Logos\" class=\"wp-image-96560\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/31152439\/jed_tokyo_around_tokyo_logos-500x165.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/31152439\/jed_tokyo_around_tokyo_logos-670x223.jpg 670w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/31152439\/jed_tokyo_around_tokyo_logos-150x50.jpg 150w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/31152439\/jed_tokyo_around_tokyo_logos.jpg 675w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><em>Article sponsored by Kanto District Transport Bureau, with the support of Taito City, Nikko City, Minamiaizu Town, Shimogo Town, Aizuwakamatsu City, Tobu Railway, Yagan Railway, and Aizu Railway<\/em> <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Experience Japan&#8217;s Edo period from Tokyo to Aizu, from spectacular temples and shrines to nostalgic post-towns, in 4-days by train.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":200,"featured_media":96270,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"pgc_meta":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[24,1408,23,1],"tags":[1238,1398,1343,1338,1324,1356,1306,1244,1250,1362,1374],"class_list":{"0":"post-96237","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-activities","8":"category-kanto","9":"category-sightseeing","10":"category-sponsored","11":"tag-fukushima","12":"tag-history","13":"tag-mountain","14":"tag-nature","15":"tag-onsen","16":"tag-restaurant","17":"tag-shrine","18":"tag-tochigi","19":"tag-tokyo","20":"tag-tradition","21":"tag-train"},"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v24.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Tokyo to Aizu: The Best 4-Day Train Itinerary of Edo Period Japan<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Experience Japan&#039;s Edo period from Tokyo to Aizu, from spectacular temples and shrines to nostalgic post-towns, in 4-days by train.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/4-day-itinerary-tokyo-aizu-by-train\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Tokyo to Aizu: The Best 4-Day Train Itinerary of Edo Period Japan\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Experience Japan&#039;s Edo period from Tokyo to Aizu, from spectacular temples and shrines to nostalgic post-towns, in 4-days by train.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/4-day-itinerary-tokyo-aizu-by-train\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"VOYAPON\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" 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