Visiting Experience of Aizuwakamatsu Castle (Tsuruga Castle)

#JanuaryGoodPlaces2025 This visit to Aizuwakamatsu Castle (Tsuruga Castle) gave me a deeper understanding of Japanese history, and also allowed me to feel the glory and tragedy of the Aizu Domain in the past. As you enter the city, the first thing that catches your eye is the majestic five-story castle tower. This castle is not only a symbol of the Tohoku region, but also one of the important battlefields in Japanese history. At the end of the shogunate, the Aizu clan fought a fierce battle with the new government army in order to defend the Tokugawa shogunate and its own honor. It was eventually defeated, but it left behind many touching stories, such as the tragedy of the "White Tigers", which is very moving. The exhibition hall in the castle is quite rich, with everything from the history of Aizu Domain, a detailed introduction to the end-of-shogunate war, to the life and culture of the samurai at that time. I particularly like the "White Tigers" exhibition area in the museum. Through ancient documents, weapons, images and other materials, I can feel the loyalty and helplessness of the young warriors at that time. In addition, there is a three-dimensional model simulating the war of that year, making people feel as if they are in that fierce offensive and defensive battle. After climbing to the top floor of the castle tower, you can overlook the entire Aizuwakamatsu City. The mountains in the distance and the scenery of the castle town complement each other, showing a tranquility and peace that is completely different from the Warring States Period. Standing here, it is hard to imagine that this city has experienced so many ups and downs, which makes me admire even more those who have fought for this land. Overall, Aizuwakamatsu Castle is not only a historical building, but also a place that carries the spirit of Aizu. For those who like Japanese history or samurai culture, this place is definitely worth a visit. If I have the chance to come again, I would like to enjoy the cherry blossoms in spring or the snow in winter, and experience the charm of Tsuruga Castle in different seasons.