A place of learning
1, News
The latest information about the Aizu Domain School Nisshinkan is updated regularly on Instagram.
AIZU HANKO NISSHINKAN
2, About us
The “School of the Samurai” where you can encounter the origins of Aizu Bushido
About three hours by train from Tokyo. Nestled in the beautiful nature of the Tohoku region lies Aizu-Wakamatsu City, home to the Aizu Domain School, Nisshinkan.
At Nisshinkan, the domain school attended by young Aizu samurai, nearly a thousand students studied both the arts and martial arts. Among them were the boys of the Byakkotai and later figures like Kenjiro Yamakawa, President of the University of Tokyo. In 1868, the Boshin War brought the end of the Tokugawa shogunate. As the era of the samurai drew to a close, the Aizu domain fought to the very end, seemingly embodying the pride of the old warrior class. This formidable spirit was forged through the rigorous education at Nisshinkan.
Even in times of hardship, the Aizu samurai chose the path of righteousness. Through the grand buildings and experiences, you will encounter the samurai's pure spirit and values. It will surely be a new discovery.
The “School of the Samurai” where you can encounter the origins of Aizu Bushido
About three hours by train from Tokyo. Nestled in the beautiful nature of the Tohoku region lies Aizu-Wakamatsu City, home to the Aizu Domain School, Nisshinkan.
At Nisshinkan, the domain school attended by young Aizu samurai, nearly a thousand students studied both the arts and martial arts. Among them were the boys of the Byakkotai and later figures like Kenjiro Yamakawa, President of the University of Tokyo.
In 1868, the Boshin War brought the end of the Tokugawa shogunate. As the era of the samurai drew to a close, the Aizu domain fought to the very end, as if embodying the pride of the old warrior class. This formidable spirit was forged through the rigorous education at Nisshinkan.
Even in times of hardship, the Aizu samurai chose the path of righteousness. Through the grand buildings and experiences, you will encounter the samurai's pure spirit and values. It will surely be a new discovery.
3, What You Can Do
((Experience)) at Nisshinkan
Through various experiences within the refined atmosphere of the samurai academy, Nisshinkan, you will gain a deeper understanding of the thoughts of young people in ancient times and the rigorous spirit of the Aizu samurai.
Among the various martial arts studied at Nisshinkan, Kyudo (Japanese archery) was particularly popular.
You can enjoy a safe and fun experience of Kyudo, which demands mental concentration and combines strength with beauty.
The Akabeko is a traditional Aizu folk craft with a long history. It is said to ward off disease and bring health to the family. Paint your own original Akabeko, one of a kind in the world, and take it home with you.
Zazen is a time to face yourself. Calm your mind with deep breathing, and like stars at dusk, the quiet light within your heart will surely become visible.
((Watch)) at Nisshinkan
In 1803 (Kyowa 3), the Aizu domain school Nisshinkan was built west of Aizu-Wakamatsu Castle. It was destroyed by fire during the Boshin War in 1868. In 1987, it was fully restored to its original form on the eastern side of the Aizu Basin.
The pool called Suiren Suibaike, the marathon called Toashi, and the start of school lunches all originated at Nisshinkan. Among the approximately 300 domain schools nationwide, it was unmatched in both academic achievement and martial arts.
As a place to experience Edo-period samurai culture centered around the Confucian shrine, it is a samurai school where visitors can experience zazen meditation, kyudo archery, the tea ceremony, and lectures in the classrooms.
((Eat)) at Nisshinkan
When it comes to “food” at the Aizu domain school Nisshinkan, the first thing that comes to mind is the school lunch program. Started in 1806, this lunch program is considered the forerunner of Japan's school lunch system.
It was a simple yet substantial meal. One soup, one dish. Dried fish or salted salmon about three times a month.
It could be called the birthplace of food education, where manners were learned through food.
Here at Nisshinkan, with such history, we offer cuisine blending these original school lunches with Aizu's local dishes. You can even taste miso dengaku, said to have been eaten by the Byakkotai.
Enjoy history and cuisine in this location overlooking the Aizu Basin.
4, Access
10 Takatsukayama, Minamitakano, Katocho, Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture 969-3441
[Google Map]
When using JR
＜Tohoku Shinkansen＞ Tokyo Station → Koriyama Station: Approx. 85 min
＜Ban'etsu West Line＞ Koriyama Station → Aizu-Wakamatsu Station or Hirota Station (nearest) approx. 70 min
When using Tobu Railway or Aizu Railway
＜Tobu Railway (Limited Express)＞ Asakusa Station → Aizu-Tajima Station Approximately 210 minutes
＜Aizu Railway (Rapid)＞ Aizu-Tajima Station → Aizu-Wakamatsu Station Approx. 75 min
If you are using your own vehicle
＜Tohoku Expressway＞ Tokyo (Kawaguchi Junction) → Koriyama Junction 220.2 km Approx. 135 min
＜Ban-etsu Expressway＞ Koriyama JCT → Bandai-Koto IC 40.1 km Approx. 30 min
Approximately 5 minutes by regular road from Bandai-Koto IC
From Aizu-Wakamatsu Station
15 minutes by taxi, 30 minutes by bus (Koto-Minato Line)
From Hirota Station
5 minutes by taxi
Access Map
※You can scroll horizontally.
5, Overview
- Opening Hours
- 9:00〜17:00（Last admission at 4:00 PM）
Average viewing time: 50-60 minutes - Closed Days
- Open year-round
- Location
- 10 Takatsukayama, Minamitakano, Katocho Aizuwakamatsu City Fukushima Prefecture 969-3441 [Google Map]
- Tel
- 0242-75-2525（Reception Hours: 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM）
- Parking lot
- 200 standard vehicles
- Barrier-Free Information
- Persons with disabilities may receive a discount only for themselves upon presenting their disability certificate.
Adults, Middle School and High School Students, Elementary School Students: ¥400
Multi-purpose restroom (wheelchair accessible, baby changing station) Wheelchair rental available Some areas accessible by wheelchair ※There are approximately 70 steps from the large parking lot to the building entrance. If you have difficulty walking, please call 0242-75-2525.
6, Fees
All prices are listed inclusive of tax.
Admission fee
| General | |
|---|---|
| Adult | ¥1,800 |
| Middle and high school students | ¥900 |
| elementary school student | ¥800 |
| Various Discounts | |
|---|---|
| Adult | ¥1,500 |
| Middle and high school students | ¥800 |
| elementary school student | ¥700 |
| Disability Handbook(No age restrictions) | ¥600 |
Experience Fee
| General | |
|---|---|
| Akabeko Painting | ¥1,800 |
| Byakko sword Painting | ¥1,500 |
| Koboshi Painting | ¥700 |
| Zazen | ¥1,500 |
| Tea Ceremony | ¥1,500 |
| Kyudo (5 arrows) | ¥500 |
| Discounted Set Price | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | Middle and high school students | elementary school student | |
| Akabeko Painting | ¥3,200 | ¥2,500 | ¥2,400 |
| Byakko sword Painting | ¥2,900 | ¥2,200 | ¥2,100 |
| Koboshi Painting | ¥2,100 | ¥1,400 | ¥1,300 |
| Zazen | ¥2,900 | ¥2,200 | ¥2,100 |
| Tea Ceremony | ¥2,900 | ¥2,200 | ¥2,100 |
- ※Zazen meditation and tea ceremony require reservations and a minimum of 10 participants (experience duration: approximately 40 minutes).
- ※Tea ceremony with sweets
Half-Adult CeremonyReservations required
| student | Accompanying adult | Accompanying middle school student |
|---|---|---|
| ¥1,500 （Admission fee: ¥700 + Ceremony fee: ¥800） |
¥1,300 | ¥800 |
Dojo Usage FeeReservations required
| Main Archery Range | Martial Arts Hall |
|---|---|
| ¥10,000 （Admission fee not included） |
¥10,000 （Admission fee not included） |
Conference Room Usage FeeReservations required
| Weekdays (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM) | Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays（9:00 AM to 5:00 PM） |
|---|---|
| ¥13,200 （Admission fee not included. Overtime charge: ¥2,700 per hour.） |
¥15,900 （Admission fee not included. Overtime charge: ¥3,200 per hour.） |
7, Reservations & Inquiries
For reservations or inquiries regarding experiences, dojos, meeting rooms, and other facilities, please contact us via the email address or phone number below.
10 Takatsukayama, Minamitakano, Katocho Aizuwakamatsu City Fukushima Prefecture 969-3441