Samurai
VISIT | Fukushima, Aizu
Diamond Route Extensions The Samurai Spirit

Diamond Route / Feel the real Samurai Spirit

What is Diamond Route?

The Diamond Route is a little-known tourist trail only 2.5 hours away from Tokyo made up of three of its northern neighbours – Ibaraki, Fukushima and Tochigi prefectures – which, if you join them together on a map, form the shape of a diamond. History, culture, nature, food, outdoor sports, these three prefectures are full of sparkling treasures, to give you the experience of a lifetime in the heart of Japan.

Feel the real Samurai Spirit

Samurai Spirit is a set of morals, a way of living, a code of honor. Learn about the fascinating samurai history and participate in a variety of samurai-related experiences, including Japanese archery and Kendo. Or visit a private studio of a master artisan specializing in restoring the katana(Japanese swords). Easily reached from Tokyo via the JR Tohoku Shinkansen, Fukushima prefecture is known for its many relaxing onsen(hot springs), unique culture and fine local cuisine, beautiful nature, old castles and fertile lands that produce some of Japan’s best fruit and sake.
Diamond Route PlanA
day 1

Tokyo - Nihonmatsu - Fukushima - Iizaka Onsen

Meet your English-speaking guide at your hotel. Depart from Tokyo Station for Koriyama Station by bullet train(1h 20 min). Transfer to Nihonmatsu by private vehicle(30 min). Begin your exploration by visiting the ruins of Nihonmatsu Castle and the surrounding park. Learn about the history of the castle and its role in the Boshin War. Then, participate in a private kendo practice. Your next step is Fukushima City, the capital of Fukushima Prefecture. Visit the Fukushima Prefectual Museum of Art featuring a 3,800 piece collection ranging from French impressionism , Japanese modern paintings, prints, to textiles. Alternatively, visit one of numerous fruit orchards the city is known for where you can pick (and eat) a variety of fruits straight from the trees. Next, you will be transferred to Iizaka Onsen(20 min) by private car. This traditional hot spring town features a variety of Japanese-style inns, eateries, and nostalgic shops.

Overnight : Onyado Kawasemi Ryokan or similar

day 2

Iizaka Onsen - Aizu-Wakamatsu - Tokyo

After breakfast, embark on a full day of touring with your guide. Enjoy a scenic drive to Aizu- Wakamatsu(1h 30 min), a castle town known for its award-winning sake and its samurai traditions. Your first stop will be at Aizu Nisshinkan Samurai School that gained national recognition at the best place for Japan's youth to gain an exemplary samurai education(you can also try out Japanese Archery here). After lunch at a local restaurant, ​visit Tsuruga-jo Castle, Japan's only red-and-white castle that has been important to local history (including the tragic tale of the Byakkotai). Then, stop by limoriyama, the site of suicide by a group of young soldiers. Your next stop will be Suehiro Sake Brewery, one of the most prominent sake breweries in the Tohoku region, making sake for special events and high-profile figures. You will then be taken to Koriyama Station by private vehicle(1h) where you will board your shinkansen train bound for Tokyo.

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