Byakkotai Graves Aizuwakamatsu
A solemn memorial on Iimoriyama honoring the young Byakkotai samurai who sacrificed their lives during the Boshin War.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Pleasant weather for reflection
Byakkotai Graves Aizuwakamatsu
Best Time
Pleasant weather for reflection
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A solemn memorial on Iimoriyama honoring the young Byakkotai samurai who sacrificed their lives during the Boshin War.
"A deeply moving site where you can feel the weight of history and the spirit of loyalty."
🚶♀️ Moving Walkway Option
Take the 'Slope Conveyor' (250 yen) for an easier ascent up Iimoriyama. :ticket:
🙏 Offer Incense
Pay your respects by offering incense at the graves and suicide site. :pray:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Graves of the 19 Byakkotai Soldiers
Iimoriyama
The poignant resting place of young samurai who tragically took their own lives.
Site of the Suicide
Adjacent to the graves
The exact location where the Byakkotai soldiers made their final stand.
Roman Monument
Iimoriyama
A unique tribute from Rome, celebrating the Byakkotai's spirit of bravery.
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Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Visit
Getting to Iimoriyama
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Moving Walkway Option
Take the 'Slope Conveyor' (250 yen) for an easier ascent up Iimoriyama. :ticket:
🙏 Offer Incense
Pay your respects by offering incense at the graves and suicide site. :pray:
📚 Learn the History
Understand the tragic story of the Byakkotai for a more meaningful visit. :books:
🛍️ Souvenir Shops
Many shops offer souvenirs, especially popular with student groups. :gift:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Moving Walkway Option
Take the 'Slope Conveyor' (250 yen) for an easier ascent up Iimoriyama. :ticket:
🙏 Offer Incense
Pay your respects by offering incense at the graves and suicide site. :pray:
📚 Learn the History
Understand the tragic story of the Byakkotai for a more meaningful visit. :books:
🛍️ Souvenir Shops
Many shops offer souvenirs, especially popular with student groups. :gift:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Byakkotai Graves a poignant and historically significant site, offering a chance to pay respects to young samurai. The moving walkway is appreciated for accessibility, though some note the somber nature of the history and the presence of souvenir shops. The Roman Monument is a unique point of interest.
"It's takes time about 30.
Nice view."
Tomoko Onoe
"The place where the Byakkotai died
I visited to pay my respects.
There were many souvenir shops and I got the impression that there were a lot of students on school trips from outside the prefecture.
I really felt that the Byakkotai was that famous."
DMS tattoo
"Located in Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture, this is the "Mausoleum of the 19 Byakkotai Soldiers."
The Byakkotai was a group of young samurai organized by the Aizu clan to defeat the new government forces during the Aizu War, part of the Boshin War following the Meiji Restoration. In 1868, the boys were reportedly 16 to 17 years old.
Unfortunately, the former shogunate forces, led by Matsudaira Katamori, were overwhelmed by the new government forces. Some of the Byakkotai soldiers retreated to this hilltop by sneaking through a tunnel in an irrigation canal below. From there, they watched the area around Tsuruga Castle engulfed in flames, and then committed suicide. Therefore, the mausoleum of the 19 Byakkotai Soldiers was built here.
(One theory is that they mistakenly thought the castle tower was on fire. There are various theories.)
However, when the Byakkotai committed suicide here, only one young boy survived. His name was Byakkotai soldier Sadakichi Iinuma. Sadakichi... there's no shame in being the only one to survive. Surviving is what matters. He passed on the historical truth to future generations. That role was surely entrusted to him by fate.
However, those young samurai... I can only imagine how bitterly they must have felt. I quietly prayed.
Of course, I also offered incense.
Also, nearby (or rather, next door) is the "site of the suicide," a historic site.
Please visit and offer incense there."
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Byakkotai Graves are located on Iimoriyama in Aizuwakamatsu City. You can reach the base of the mountain by local bus or taxi. From there, you can either climb the steep stone steps or use the 'Slope Conveyor' moving walkway for a fee to reach the graves and other historical sites on the summit.
Yes, there is parking available near the base of Iimoriyama, which is convenient if you are traveling by car. This allows for easy access to the moving walkway or the stairs.
While it's possible to walk, it's a considerable distance. Taking a local bus or taxi from Aizuwakamatsu Station to the base of Iimoriyama is generally recommended for convenience and to save time.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The graves themselves are a memorial site and generally free to access. However, the 'Slope Conveyor' moving walkway up Iimoriyama has a fee of 250 yen.
The Byakkotai Graves are an outdoor memorial site and are accessible at all times. The 'Slope Conveyor' moving walkway operates during daylight hours, typically from morning until early evening.
No, advance booking is not required for visiting the Byakkotai Graves. You can purchase tickets for the 'Slope Conveyor' on-site if you choose to use it.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
A visit to the Byakkotai Graves and the surrounding sites on Iimoriyama can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours, depending on your pace and how much time you spend reflecting or exploring the souvenir shops.
The 'Slope Conveyor' is a moving walkway that helps visitors ascend the steep hill of Iimoriyama, making it easier to reach the Byakkotai Graves and other points of interest. It costs 250 yen.
Yes, there are restrooms available at the base and near the top of Iimoriyama, particularly around the souvenir shop areas.
The Roman Monument is a gift from the city of Rome, honoring the spirit and bravery of the Byakkotai soldiers. It features an inscription in Italian paying tribute to their courage.
The site is educational and can be impactful for older children who can understand the historical context. The moving walkway can also be an interesting feature for them. However, the subject matter is somber.
📸 📸 Photography
Key photo spots include the graves themselves, the 'Site of the Suicide,' the 'Roman Monument,' and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape from Iimoriyama. The cedar trees also offer scenic opportunities.
Photography is generally permitted at the Byakkotai Graves and on Iimoriyama. However, it's always respectful to be mindful of other visitors and avoid intrusive photography, especially near the graves.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider discussing the story beforehand to prepare children for the solemn nature of the site. The souvenir shops at the top can also be a point of interest for younger visitors. Ensure comfortable footwear, as there will be walking involved even with the moving walkway.
🙏 Solo Travelers & Reflective Visitors
Take your time to read the historical markers, offer incense, and absorb the significance of the site. The 'Site of the Suicide' and the 'Roman Monument' provide additional layers to the historical narrative. The moving walkway is available if you wish to conserve energy for reflection.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Tragic Tale of the Byakkotai
This act of loyalty and sacrifice has become a powerful symbol of the samurai spirit. However, a crucial detail is that the castle tower was not actually destroyed; it was the smoke from nearby fires that misled the young warriors. Only one member of the Byakkotai, Iinuma Sadakichi, survived the ordeal. He went on to recount their story, ensuring their bravery and tragic fate would be remembered for generations.
Visiting the graves offers a profound opportunity to connect with this poignant piece of Japanese history. The site serves as a reminder of the intense conflicts of the Meiji Restoration and the immense sacrifices made by those involved, particularly the young lives lost.
Navigating Iimoriyama: Ascent and Amenities
At the base and near the top of Iimoriyama, you'll find essential facilities such as restrooms. The area also hosts numerous souvenir shops, which are particularly popular with student tour groups. These shops offer a variety of local crafts and mementos, providing a chance to purchase a keepsake from your visit.
Beyond the graves, the summit of Iimoriyama offers scenic views of the surrounding Aizuwakamatsu area. The 'Roman Monument', a gift from the city of Rome, stands as a unique international tribute to the Byakkotai's spirit, inscribed with a message of immortal tribute. Exploring these different elements enhances the overall experience of visiting this historically significant location.
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