Japan Heritage Visiting 33 Kannon in Aizu

The Aizu area is located in the west of Fukushima prefecture in the southern Tohoku region. It is a large area nearly equal in size to the prefectures of Aichi or Chiba, and there are various distinct regions throughout it. These include regions with lifestyles of Samurai and Buddhist culture, as well as regions with magnificent nature and hot springs, and regions abundant in food.

* The regions named below are linked to the Gokujo-no Aizu website (external link).

- The central area of Aizu has an air of history and culture.
  In Aizuwakamatsu, the atmosphere of the old castle town still remains. The towns of Aizumisato, Aizubange, and Yugawa all lie a quick step from there. Famous temples, great tastes, and hot springs dot the grand landscape which extends with Mount Bandai.
- Municipalities included ： Aizuwakamatsu City　Aizumisato Town　Aizubange Town　Yugawa Village
- Lake Inawashiro and Goshikinua Marsh, as well as other bodies of water lie near Mount Bandai...
  Enjoy the natural beauty of the lively Bandaisan Geopark and experience the birthplace of Aizu Buddhism and the atmosphere that Dr. Hideyo Noguchi grew up in. The local sweets are also recommended! The eastern area is full of charm.
- Municipalities included ： Inawashiro Town　Bandai Town　Kitashiobara Village
- The Tadamigawa River basin makes you feel a sense of eternity, and Okuaizu was nurtured in pure waters and the blessings of the forest. This region still contains untouched nature and secluded hot springs, as well as continuing traditional crafts. Experience the simple warmth of the local people on this leisurely trip.
- Municipalities included ： Yanaizu Town　Mishima Town　Kaneyama Town　Showa Village
- Minamiaizu retains old townscapes and lifestyles, including the thatched roof post towns and L-shaped houses, as well as continuing festivals with long histories. Enjoy the grand nature of Oze Marshland and a old-growth beech forest, and taste the flavorful local food. Take your mind back to the past and enjoy a peaceful trip.
- Municipalities included ： Minamiaizu Town　Shimogo Town　Hinoemata Village　Tadami Town
- “Storehouse Town” Kitakata and “Maiden Lily Village” Nishiaizu have townscapes rich with historical flavor. They are abundant in food like ramen and soba, and continue to receive visitors to their many shrines and temples to this day.
- Municipalities included ： Kitakata City　Nishiaizu Town

From local dishes like kozuyu and basashi to B-grade meals like Kitakata ramen, one of the Three Great Japanese Ramen, sauce katsudon and salted mutton kebabs, Aizu is full of splendid and unique foods.
Aizu has the high-quality water, rice and skilled artisans all needed for making sake, making it a prominent sake region in Japan. There are over 30 sake breweries in Aizu, and each one makes a flavorful sake.
Aizu is the most prosperous area in the Tohoku region, and many historical buildings and locations such as Tsurugajo Castle, Byakkotai, and Ouchi-juku, as well as old culture and traditions that remain here to this day.
If the 17 municipalities in Aizu, 16 contain hot springs, making Aizu crowded with spas of a variety of qualities. There are historical hot spring hotels and rustic mountain village hot springs, as well as drop-by springs and secluded ones. Visitors can enjoy hot springs with a variety of characteristics and enjoy the abundant nature of each season as they refresh from everyday life.
Aizu is rich in nature, including the grand Mount Bandai and Mount Iide, as well as Lake Inawashiro and Tadamigawa River, all of which are the subjects of folk songs. Visitors are charmed by the splendid natural scenery of each season.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities throughout the year, including hiking and mountain climbing, fishing and swimming, camping and different snow activities. There are also traditional craft and cultural experiences, providing fun activities that are enjoyed by both children and adults.