Full Power Tsuruga-jo - Aizu's Biggest Gem👹🍣🎎 Wonderful Japan

Quite a while ago introduced you to Tsuruga-jo Castle, the former samurai fortress in the heart of Aizu Wakamatsu. And some of you might have remembered that this castle was besieged and eventually fell in the turmoil of the Boshin War, which occurred in the transition time after the end of the Edo era.

In the following period, the castle ground was used as a camp for the troops of the new imperial army, until the castle itself, which had been badly damaged, was finally demolished by order of the government. In the last century, the site of the former Aizu Castle was then temporarily home to a bicycle racing venue until the castle was rebuilt in the second half of the 20th century and has since served as the biggest and most important landmark of Aizu Wakamatsu. And together with the many legends of the city and its samurai tradition, it offers a wonderful place to delve a little deeper into Japanese history and confirm and nurture your own vision of this fascinating country here in the Far East.

During our tripasto Aizu, Tsuruga-jo repeatedly managed to captivate me. On previous visits to the city, I had already been in the castle twice and around it even more, so I saved myself a visit inside this time. But just walking through the castle grounds makes me feel the atmosphere and energy of this place, and I feel Japan at this moment exactly as many people probably imagine it to be.

Therefore, let's take another round through the castle complex today, because at every visit, there is always something new to discover.

The castle itself is surrounded on all sides by thick defensive walls, and on the outside there is a moat stretching all around. These outer walls are partially accessible and from here you have a wonderful view of the castle itself.

Unfortunately, most visitors do not make it to the outer walls, and only go for one round around the castle. But even from there you have a good view of the recently renovated and refurbished castle.

On a previous visit, I was once lucky enough to have been here during the cherry blossom season. A truly fabulous sight, but even this year we were able to find a few late blooming Yae-zakura trees that then added a bit another touch to the great impression the castle already makes.

Inside the castle complex, there are also two shrines, like this Inari-jinja, dedicated to the Fox Goddess, who is also worshipped as a fertility goddess. Since I wanted to take a closer look during this year's visit to Aizu, we certainly took the path up the steps to the shrine and then found ourselves at the top of the castle wall.

The stairs up to the shrine are framed by several fox statues. Somehow we got involved with foxes during this trip, as I will tell you on another occasion.

And even if the statues come in a rather unimposing gray, the red, which is visible everywhere in shrines and temples, stands out again, even if it is only as a neck- or better as a hatband.

And since we were already on the outer wall, we walked for a little bit on top until it didn't go any further. From there we had a good view seeing the red bridge that leads over the moat into a side entrance of the castle complex. I doubt there are many people coming up here into this corner on the outer walls, but I guess you shouldn't let every little fence stop you exploring your surrounding.

When we were walking on the other side of the wall two days later, we could see the bridge from another angle, from a place that was also a little easier to access and to walk on. Oh yeah, did I mention that the bridge is red too!

On one side the red bridge and on the other side the castle, a great place to quietly linger for a little while. And then continue walking on the outer wall to enjoy this great sight from a few more angles.

The castle Tsuruga-jo, which was built in the Edo to a large extent of wood, consists today mainly of concrete, but still makes up for quite some show and impression. I myself can't get enough of this sight, and could have stood or sat up here forever.

Especially here in Aizu, where there isn't a single skyscraper, you can't even imagine being in the middle of the city right now. Wherever the eye may wander, at this place you'll find only historic Japanese architecture, and you might almost forget that you're in the hectic 21st century at that point. It's a great place to take some time out and let your own mind drift away.

On the other side of the castle complex, there was another Inari shrine, again dedicated to the fox goddess. Inside the shrine is an altar full of small ceramic foxes, unfortunately by this time we no longer had good lighting to take a decent photo. The sun was already setting and the day was nearing its end.

So was our tour of the castle grounds of Tsuruga-jo. A last look back, which easily brought up a little melancholy in me. And also a big gratitude that I was allowed to be here again and could enjoy this fabulous place. I'm sure I'll be back to Tsuruga-jo, the castle of the samurai, in the middle of Aizu Wakamatsu.

And I'll also be back here with you soon, with more pictures and impressions from our last little trip here in the land of the rising sun. So please check back again, because there is still a lot to see and discover.