Aizuwakamatsu in western Fukushima Prefecture is known for
its quality sake, traditional crafts and rich samurai history. If you have an
interest in Japanese culture then Aizuwakamatsu is the place for you.
In the second part of this three-part series on Aizuwakamatsu
we will explore the traditional culture and crafts of Aizuwakamatsu. Make sure
you check out part 1 of the series about samurai culture before reading this
post.
After the Boshin Civil War (1868-1869) and the fall of the
Aizu clan, merchants played a big role in the rebirth of the area and its
traditional culture. Industries that were first established by the samurai of
the Aizu clan such as sake brewing and lacquerware were revived by local
merchants, where they flourished and gained recognition across the country.
Let’s take a look at some of the traditional culture and crafts of
Aizuwakamatsu.
Aizu Lacquerware
Aizu lacquerware has a history that dates back over 600
years and was spurred on by the support of samurai warlord Gamo Ujisato (1556-1595)
as well as Hoshina Masayuki (1611-1673), the first lord of the Aizu clan. Lacquerware
is a traditional art of Japan made from the sap of the lacquer or urushi
tree, native to Japan.
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Aizu Lacquerware Plates at Suzuzen
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Traditional techniques and methods developed in the Aizu
region are used to create unique and rare pieces of art. Aizu lacquerware is
characterized by its glossy black and red lacquer and decorative patterns.
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Aizu Lacquerware Coating
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A great place to check out some of Aizu’s finest traditional
lacquerware is Suzuzen, which was founded in 1832. Suzuzen started out as a
lacquerware wholesaler, trading nationwide with the seal of approval from the
Edo Bakufu (Tokugawa Shogunate). Panel exhibits at Suzuzen walk visitors
through the history of Aizu-ware and the Suzuzen facility.
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Aizu Lacquerware Furniture at Suzuzen
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Today Aizu lacquerware is famous all over Japan for its beauty
and durability.
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Aizu Lacquerware
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Aizu Painted Candles
In the Tensho era (1573-1593), local samurai lord Ujisato
Gamo ordered artisans to adorn candles with paintings and a new folk art was
born in Aizuwakamatsu. Seasonal flowers are painstakingly hand painted on the
candles one at a time to create a work of art. This traditional craft was once
the main industry of Aizu Domain.
Hoshiban Erosoku-ten, which was founded in 1772 was the
official purveyor to Aizu Domain during the Edo period (1603-1868). The current
head, Kazue Hoshi is the ninth-generation owner with the time-honored tradition
of painted candles being passed down from generation to generation over the
years.
This shop is the only establishment still in existence that
adheres to the same centuries-old process for creating Aizu painted candles.
You can find the traditional shop in the Nanokamachi Street, a quaint shopping
street, which retains the traditional landscape of the Taisho period (1912-1926).
Aizu Hariko
Aizu Hariko have been made for nearly 400 years throughout
the Aizu area. It started when Gamo Ujisato, the Lord of Aizu, invited doll
makers from Kyoto to Aizu. This traditional toy is usually painted in red, and is
considered a lucky charm in the Aizu region to bring good luck, a good harvest
or success in business.
Aizu Sake
Aizuwakamatsu is home to many sake breweries producing
award-winning sake that is known all over Japan. The local Japanese sake is
made with high-quality rice and natural local spring water.
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Aizu Sake
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You can learn about the process of making sake by taking a
tour at Yamatogawa Shuzoten. This traditional sake brewery was founded in 1790
with the current owner the 9th generation sake master. They use
spring water sourced from Mount Iida and organic sake rice to produce their
amazing sake.
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Yamatogawa Shuzoten
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You can sample some of their finest with some sake tasting in
their show room.
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Sake Tasting at Yamatogawa Shuzoten
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Aizu Ashinomaki Onsen
Village
Aizu Ashinomaki Onsen is an area rich in nature with
beautiful mountains and rivers. It is home to an abundance of natural hot
springs (onsen), which can be enjoyed while taking in the breath-taking
natural surrounds. Located in the Ookawaso Valley about a 25-minute drive from
central Aizuwakamatsu, it used to be called “The Phantom Village” due to its remote
location.
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Aizu Ashinomaki Onsen
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A stay at the Aizu Ashinomaki Hot Spring Resort Hotel will
give you a chance to experience traditional Japanese-style accommodation and
outdoor baths overlooking the Ookawa River. This is a great place to experience
some traditional Japanese culture with kaiseki ryori (multi-course
meals), shamisen performances and mochitsuki (rice cake making).
The elegant performance stage at the hotel is said to resemble the setting of a
scene from the popular anime, Kimetsu no Yaiba (Demon Slayer).
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Performance Stage at Aizu Ashinomaki Hot Spring Resort Hotel
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Ouchi-juku
Ouchi-juku is an Edo period (1603-1868) post town located in
the mountains southwest of Aizuwakamatsu City. The remote village is a
well-preserved example of what an Edo period post town on the Nikko Kaido Route
would have looked like in the age of the samurai. This well-traveled route was
used by feudal lords who traveled between their domain and Edo (Tokyo).
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Looking down at Ouchi-juku
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The village is home to around 40 traditional thatched roof
houses that were built about 400 years ago. Many of the houses have remained
unchanged since their original construction.
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Ouchi-juku Wooden Houses
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Ouchi-juku was designated a Preservation District for Groups
of Traditional Buildings by the Japanese government in 1981. The traditional
techniques and skills used to preserve the wooden thatched roof houses have
been added to UNESCO’s Representative list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage
of Humanity.
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Ouchi-juku Traditional Houses
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I hope you enjoyed
this brief look at Aizuwakamatsu’s traditional culture and crafts. Please
stay tuned for part 3 where we will explore the amazing food of
Aizuwakamatsu.