Iimori Hill (Iimoriyama)

Iimori Hill stands as one of Japan's most poignant historical sites, located in Aizuwakamatsu city in Fukushima Prefecture. This 314-meter-high hill gained tragic significance during the Boshin War of 1868, when it became the final resting place of young samurai warriors who chose honor over defeat. The hill overlooks the historic Tsuruga Castle and offers panoramic views of the surrounding Aizu region.

The site is forever linked to the Byakkotai (White Tiger Corps), a military unit composed of over 300 young men aged 16 to 17, mostly sons of samurai families. During the civil war between the Tokugawa shogunate and imperial restoration forces, 19 members of this youth brigade committed ritual suicide on the hilltop after mistakenly believing their castle had fallen to enemy forces. They could see smoke rising from the direction of Tsuruga Castle and, thinking all was lost, chose to die with honor rather than face defeat. One member survived his suicide attempt and later told their story, which has since been immortalized in Japanese literature and film.

Visitors today can pay their respects at the 19 graves that mark the spot where these young warriors died. The site also features several international monuments, including memorials gifted by Italy and Germany during World War II, reflecting how the story resonated with leaders of the Axis Powers. The hill serves as both a historical memorial and a spiritual site, with connections to ancient myths including those of Yamato Takeru no Mikoto.

A key attraction on the hillside is the Aizu Sazaedo, a unique Buddhist pagoda built in 1796 and designated as an important cultural property. This remarkable three-story wooden structure features a double-helix design that allows visitors to ascend and descend via different spiral ramps without ever crossing paths. Originally housing statues of the Western Japan Thirty-Three Kannon deities, praying here was believed to bestow the same blessings as visiting all thirty-three Kannon temples. The pagoda requires separate admission of ¥400 and operates from 9:00 AM until sunset.

Access to the hilltop is available through multiple options to accommodate all visitors. You can climb the 183 stone steps to the summit free of charge, taking in the gradual reveal of the city below. Alternatively, a paid escalator service operates for ¥250 for adults and ¥150 for children, providing convenient access for those with mobility concerns or time constraints. The base of the hill features souvenir shops and two museums dedicated to the Byakkotai, including the larger Byakkotai Memorial Hall located beside the main path.

Iimori Hill is situated approximately 1.5 kilometers northeast of Tsuruga Castle in central Aizuwakamatsu. The site can be reached by local bus from Aizuwakamatsu Station or by walking from the city center. The hill provides an excellent vantage point for viewing the castle and understanding the geographical context of the 1868 battle that sealed the fate of the young Byakkotai members.