Aizu Wakamatsu sightseeing in 2.5 hours, Trip to Aizu, Nikko and Hakone in 2014 winter – Part 6

This post is continued from the previous post, Trip to Aizu, Nikko and Hakone in 2014 winter – Part 5, Ashinomaki Onsen to Aizu Wakamatsu.

I had about 2.5 hours in Aizu Wakamatsu. I made Tsuruga-jo castle and Nanukamachi station in this short staying in Aizu Wakamatsu.

In Aizu Wakamatsu, there are two loop sightseeing bus routes that are “Haikara-san” and “Akabee”. You can access most of visitor spots in this city by these loop bus routes. They sell unlimited ride ticket for these loop bus services at 500 yen. Since single fare is 200 yen, it is quite easy to pay off. This bus pass cannot be purchased in the bus. You have to purchase it at the ticket window or authorized dealers in the city.

The easiest place to purchase it is Aizu Wakamatsu station. The bus ticket window is located just in front of Aizu Wakamatsu station. Right after you exit the station, you will see it. You cannot miss it.

I took “Haikara-san” at Aizu Wakamatsu station.

This bus runs counterclockwisely on loop route. These bus run very frequently every 30 minutes from 8:00 to 17:30. Haikara-san bus leave there at :00 and :30. And other bus, “Akabee” depart at :15 and :45. When you go to Tsuruga-jo castle, Haikara-san is slightly faster than Akabee, but not much difference.

There are several bus stop around Tsuruga-jo castle. You may ask the driver. They don’t speak English very fluently. But I have seen many overseas travellers. The drive know how to communicate with the overseas tourist.

The castle is 10 minutes away from the gate.

When you purchase the admission for entering the castle, don’t forget to show the bus pass. You can get 10% discount (500 yen to 450 yen) at most of attractions in the city by this bus pass.

In the castle, you will go through souvenir store at first.

You will come back after visit the castle. You can shop later if you want.

In the castle, you are not allowed to take a photo in some part of the castle. Please be careful the sign.

At the top of castle, you can see the view of Aizu Wakamatsu city. When I got there, it was snowing. I could not see it very clearly.

The tea garden and small tea room that is called “Rinkaku” are located in front of the castle. If you want, you can purchase combined ticket to see the castle and the tea room.

After I saw the castle and the tea room, I took other bus, Akabee.

I got off at Nanukamachi station. It is one station away from Aizu Wakamatsu station.

But I did not take a train at that station. I got off there to have a break and shop. There is the local cafe and souvenir store that is “Nanukamachi Cafe” in the station.

I saw Aizu Railway’s train “Aizu Mount Express” through the window.

I took the bus, Akabee again to Aizu Wakamatsu station. The bus stops are written in Japanese, English, Chinese and Korean.

I took Aizu Railway’s local train to Yunokami Onsen.

I will write about Yunokami Onsen in next post, Trip to Aizu, Nikko and Hakone in 2014 winter – Part 7, staying in Yunokami Onsen.