Aizu

Aizu is a historic and geographic region in western Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. It centers on the Aizu Basin and surrounding mountains, a rugged area known for heavy winter snowfall. The region’s core city is Aizuwakamatsu, with several towns and villages extending through the western highlands.

Historically, Aizu was the Aizu Domain, a feudal domain ruled by the Matsudaira clan under the Tokugawa shogunate during the Edo period. It played a prominent role in the Boshin War of 1868–69, when shogunate forces defended Tsuruga Castle against imperial troops. Following the Meiji Restoration, Aizu integrated into modern Japan, preserving its samurai heritage while contributing to education, culture, and regional development.

Cultural traditions and crafts are a hallmark of Aizu. The region is renowned for Aizu lacquerware, or Aizu shikki, a craft with roots in the Edo period. Historical districts and sites, such as the samurai residences of Aizu Bukeyashiki and the remains and reconstructions associated with the Boshin War, attract visitors and scholars alike.

Today, Aizu is a destination for history, nature, and seasonal tourism. Attractions include historic castles and streets, hot springs, and scenic mountain and lake areas in the surrounding landscape. The region is served by JR East lines, including the Banetsu Line linking Aizuwakamatsu with other parts of Fukushima and the Tohoku region, as well as highway routes connecting to major cities.