Visiting Japan Heritage and the Fall Leaves

Medicinal gardens for Aizu domain purveyors and gardens built by the successive Aizu feudal lords. Its name is derived from the circuit style garden that incorporates a pond shaped like the Chinese character “心” (kokoro) in its design, and the medicinal garden that grows a variety of medicinal herbs. Observe the gardens loved by successive feudal lords of Aizu while enjoying a delicious special herbal tea and sesame jelly called “Goma Yokan”.

The 29th of Aizu's 33 Kannon pilgrimage sites is Suzumebayashi Kannon of Tendaishu Raidensan Hoyo-ji Temple. One of the oldest temples in Aizu, built in 720 by Saint Tokudo. Once considered the center of Buddhist culture in Aizu until the monk Tokuitsu opened Enichi-ji Temple and spread Buddhism all throughout Aizu.

The principal object of worship of the Monju-do Hall of Shingu Kumano Shrine is worshiped by the local people as the bodhisattva of wisdom and learning. It is said that those who can pass under the lion will become more intelligent. Nagatoko, a National Important Cultural Property, is a building made in the shinden style at the end of the Heian period as the Kumano Shrine’s hall of worship. The 800-year old sacred ginkgo tree on the grounds creates a splendid sight that adorns Nagatoko from season to season.