Tsuruga Castle (Aizuwakamatsu Castle)

[The indomitable red tiles, the pride of an impregnable fortress] The essence of the samurai spirit told by 'Tsuruga Castle'

In the center of the Aizu Basin, the white castle tower rises as if to pierce the sky. This is 'Tsuruga Castle,' renowned as an impregnable fortress. Its form, which withstood a month-long fierce assault during the Boshin War of 1868, symbolizes the 'righteousness' and 'sincerity' that the people of Aizu defended. The castle tower, adorned with unique 'red tiles' that recreate its appearance from the end of the Edo period, still radiates an unchanging nobility under the light of the changing seasons.

■ The aesthetics of 'red tiles' that watch over the ages

To endure the deep snow of Aizu's winter, the red tiles were glazed to enhance their strength.

• Scarlet reflecting in the sky: Amidst the blue skies and snowy landscapes, the rich colors of the red tiles seem to tell the story of the passion and strong bonds of the Aizu samurai. The panorama viewed from the castle tower is the very 'hometown' that the feudal lords and samurai once cherished and fought to protect with their lives.
• Wisdom engraved in the stone walls: Gamō Ujisato, Uesugi Kagekatsu, and the Matsudaira clan. The massive stone walls built by successive lords, from natural stone to cut stone, are a 'living textbook' that conveys the evolution of Japanese castle construction techniques.

■ The 'Tea Room - Rinkaku' of prayer and tranquility

Overcoming the tragedy of its fall, the castle also coexists with the beauty of silence within.

• The inherited culture of tea ceremony: The 'Tea Room - Rinkaku,' said to have been rebuilt by Sen no Rikyū's disciple, Shōan. In this space, which escaped the ravages of war and still stands quietly, a cup of tea served embodies the 'calm spirit' cherished by the samurai, passing it on to the modern age.

In spring, it floats in a sea of cherry blossoms, and in winter, it wears a robe of silver. In this castle, where the spirit of Aizu resides, why not feel the passionate breath of the former patriots and touch the courage that connects to tomorrow?