Nisshinkan Samurai School

See how the warriors of the past learned the ways of the samurai in Aizu-Wakamatsu, Fukushima.

Nisshinkan is a reconstruction of a samurai school that was once well-attended by warriors-in-training. Aizu-Wakamatsu is known for its bloody feudal past and was the site of many brutal battles during the Boshin War.

Note: As of writing, there’s not much English-language support at Nisshinkan, but most of the experiences and displays speak for themselves.

What is there to see and do?

The whole facility takes around an hour to walk around, longer if you want to participate in some extra experiences. These activities include archery (¥400 for five arrows), meditation (¥600), tea ceremony (¥600), and pottery painting (from ¥500). All require reservations except for the archery.

The school is expansive and has mock classrooms where you can see how students learned subjects such as astronomy, calligraphy, martial arts, and etiquette — as well as, shockingly, how to commit ritual suicide (seppuku). The grounds also include a pond and a temple.

Tickets

Tickets are bought at the door and cost ¥850 for adults.

How to get to Nisshinkan

Nisshinkan is a little out of the city center and is situated on a hill with a mountainous backdrop.

From Aizu-Wakamatsu Station, it is either a 15-minute taxi or a 30-minute bus. There aren’t many buses a day, so make sure to check the website.