🗺️ Iizumiyama飯盛山

Iimoriyama, located on the eastern side of the Aizu Basin, attracts around 2 million tourists each year, making it one of the top tourist destinations in Aizuwakamatsu City. Visitors can hike to the summit at an elevation of 314 meters or easily reach it via a paid elevator. This sacred mountain, steeped in legends such as the myth of Yamato Takeru, features several must-visit spots. From the summit, one can enjoy a magnificent view of the Aizu castle town, and the important cultural property "Aizu Spiral Hall" located on the mountainside is also worth a visit. Built in 1796, Aizu Spiral Hall originally enshrined the 33 Kannon of Saigoku, and praying here with hands clasped symbolizes a pilgrimage to the 33 Buddhist temples of Saigoku, making it beloved by the local community. There are also several sacred sites dedicated to the spirits of the Byakkotai. The Byakkotai was a group of teenage soldiers, aged 16 to 17, formed during the civil war known as the Boshin War in 1868. Visiting the graves of the 19 young soldiers who took their own lives, the site of their self-immolation in the southern woods, and the graves of the 31 soldiers who died in battles across Aizu allows one to reflect on the loyalty and tragic stories of that time. After descending, visitors can also stop by the "Byakkotai Heritage Museum," "Byakkotai Memorial Hall," and "Old Takizawa Honjin" to further understand the history of Aizu.

At an elevation of 314 meters, this small mountain attracts around 2 million tourists each year. It offers a breathtaking view of the Aizu castle town and is considered one of the top scenic spots in the area. The "Aizu Spiral Hall," located halfway up the mountain, was built in 1796 and is a rare architectural marvel in the world. There are several sacred sites dedicated to the spirits of the young warriors of the "Byakko-tai" (白虎隊).