Journeys in Japan

Aizu, Fukushima: A taste of tradition and scenic charm (1x27)

Fecha de emisión: Oct 26, 2010

Nelson Babin-Coy is off to explore the Aizu region in Fukushima Prefecture by train. Nelson's first stop is at Yunokami-Onsen. The area is a hot-spring village with many traditional inns and guesthouses. One of the things Nelson wants to do on this journey is to bathe in an open-air bath looking out over the river. Three and a half hours from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, the hot spring facing the valley feels like paradise! Ōuchi-juku near Yunokami-Onsen was a post town on the old road. Its main street is flanked by more than 40 old wooden houses, which were built as lodgings for travelers over 300 years ago. Nelson stays in one of the traditional buildings and tastes local cuisine prepared by the guesthouse owner. Traveling slowly by train through this scenic countryside, Nelson finally approaches his destination, Aizu-Wakamatsu. Aizu-Wakamatsu developed as a major castle town in feudal times and has remained the main city of Aizu until this day. Nelson meets a pair of musicians, who have been performing songs about Aizu. Ryūta Chiyo and Kanako Honda formed their group Nazca six years ago. Chiyo and Honda take Nelson to one of the famous historic sites in the city. Built in 1796, the Aizu Sazae-do is the only wooden building in the world with a double spiral structure. Nelson is also introduced to Masanori Iimori, whose family has been looking after the Sazae-dō for generations.