Tsuruga Castle (Aizuwakamatsu Castle)

【The indomitable red tiles, the pride of an impregnable fortress】 The essence of the samurai spirit conveyed by 'Tsuruga Castle'

In the center of the Aizu basin, the white plastered keep soars as if to pierce the sky. This is 'Tsuruga Castle', renowned as an impregnable fortress. Withstanding a month-long fierce assault during the Boshin War of 1868, it stands as a symbol of 'righteousness' and 'sincerity' that the people of Aizu protected. The keep, adorned with 'red tiles' that recreate its appearance from the late Edo period, bathes in the light of the changing seasons, radiating the same nobility as ever.

■ The aesthetics of 'red tiles' watching over the ages

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

• The vivid crimson 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 from the keep overlooks the 'hometown' that the feudal lords and samurai once loved and risked their lives to protect.
• The wisdom engraved in the stone walls: Gamō Ujisato, Uesugi Kagekatsu, and the Matsudaira clan. The massive stone walls built by successive lords serve as a 'living textbook', conveying the evolution of Japanese castle construction techniques from rough stonework to finely cut joints.

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

Overcoming the tragedy of the castle's fall, the beauty of silence coexists within the castle.

• 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 prepared here conveys the 'calm spirit' valued by the samurai to the present day.

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?