Iimoriyama

Iimoriyama (飯盛山) is known for its connection to the Byakkotai, a group of teenage samurai who fought for the Aizu Domain during the turbulent end of the shogunate. After seeing smoke rising near Tsuruga Castle in 1868, the boys mistakenly believed their stronghold had fallen and chose to take their own lives on the hillside. Their story of loyalty and youth has become one of Aizu’s most well-known legends and continues to inspire novels, films, and manga. Travelers can walk the same paths the boys once took and take in views of Aizu-Wakamatsu from the hill.

The area around the base of Iimoriyama features small souvenir shops and several memorials that honor the Byakkotai. The Byakkotai Memorial Hall, located along the main walkway, displays weapons, documents, and exhibits that explain the events of the Boshin War. A short distance away, the Byakkotai Folklore and Historical Museum offers additional displays on local traditions and the cultural heritage of the Aizu region. Visitors can explore both museums as they make their way up the scenic hillside.