Iimoriyama
Iimoriyama
4
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.0
323 reviews
Excellent
62
Very good
186
Average
70
Poor
3
Terrible
2
RetireeBob
Wollongong, Australia442 contributions
Apr 2019 • Couples
The is located about 3.5 km from the CBD, a 15min drive (traffic depending). There is a Car park at the foot of the hill. The hill is referred to locally as a small mountain (about 310 meters above sea level). There is a stair case of some 170 stairs (I'm told) or a more inviting escalator that runs adjacent to the stairs (fee). The significance of the site (as it was explained to us) relates to an ancient 19th C battle where a group of 16 and 17-year-old boys known as the 'White Tiger Corps' misinterpreted the meaning of smoke coming from the Shogun's castle (~4km away). The boys thought that the Shogun had been defeated so they all committed seppuku rather than surrender. The boys are buried on the hill. There is a Buddist temple (Aizu Sazaedo) erected on the hill which is constructed of timber and has an unusual double helix spiral ramp that takes you up to the top and down again without backtracking any when inside the Temple. The Temple is plastered with Japanese incriptions printed on sheets of paper and stuck to the internal structure of the spiral. There are put here by pilgrims who visit the site. There is a stream flowing from the hill side straight out of the rock face, which along with the magnificent Cedar trees makes for a pleasant spot to take in the views. The site is very steep and can be difficult to access the whole site if you have mobility issues.
Written June 23, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bob W
Tokyo, Japan66 contributions
Jun 2016 • Couples
Historical site of the tombs of the 20 Byakkotai who got cut off from the rest of their division during the battle of Tonoguchihara of the Boshin war who looked down from the mountain to see the city in flames; thinking that Aizu had fallen, the 20 committed ritual suicide at Iimoriyama. (One was rescued and survived). The Byakkotai was a reserve unit and consisted of teenage boys.
Excellent view of the city of Aizuwakamatsu from the mountain.
Walking shoes would be comfortable to climb the many stairs up the mountain to the site; however, there is a motorized conveyor ramp up the mountain for those who cannot or do not want to make the climb. (It costs 250 yen to take the conveyor ramp up; the walk down is mostly a sloped, paved path.)
Excellent view of the city of Aizuwakamatsu from the mountain.
Walking shoes would be comfortable to climb the many stairs up the mountain to the site; however, there is a motorized conveyor ramp up the mountain for those who cannot or do not want to make the climb. (It costs 250 yen to take the conveyor ramp up; the walk down is mostly a sloped, paved path.)
Written June 17, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bakatori
Singapore, Singapore552 contributions
Apr 2012 • Solo
My 2nd trip to this sad place. If it is sad, why do I visit again? To pay respect to the 20 youths who died needlessly although bravely, or to remind myself that we all live in a delicate world, hovering between peace and war.
As it is cheaper, I bought a all day bus pass. The bus stop just in front of the foot of the mountain.
There are shops selling food, drinks and souvenirs at the entrance. After that it is a long way up the stairs. If you are not keen on the climb, there is also a escalator but you will have pay for the use. I preferred the hard way. To prove my sincerity, my wish for peace, I preferred to climb.
The tombs were separated into 2. Those who died fighting, and those who died by their own hands, suicide. There is sign that directs you to the spot where the 20 youths committed suicide after they thought their castle has fallen upon seeing smoke from the castle area.
Along that route stood the tomb of the one that did not manage to died on that day. Sadakichi Iinuma requested that his remains be with his comrades after his death.
From the spot of their suicide, you will be able to see Tsuruga Castle. Just look for the red pole
into the distance.
By the time I got down from the mountain, my eyes were swollen and nose red from crying.
There was a sign erected near the path toward their suicide spot. It says, it both Japanese and English, May Peace Prevails on Earth.
I wondered and I am still wondering if this will ever cone to pass.
As it is cheaper, I bought a all day bus pass. The bus stop just in front of the foot of the mountain.
There are shops selling food, drinks and souvenirs at the entrance. After that it is a long way up the stairs. If you are not keen on the climb, there is also a escalator but you will have pay for the use. I preferred the hard way. To prove my sincerity, my wish for peace, I preferred to climb.
The tombs were separated into 2. Those who died fighting, and those who died by their own hands, suicide. There is sign that directs you to the spot where the 20 youths committed suicide after they thought their castle has fallen upon seeing smoke from the castle area.
Along that route stood the tomb of the one that did not manage to died on that day. Sadakichi Iinuma requested that his remains be with his comrades after his death.
From the spot of their suicide, you will be able to see Tsuruga Castle. Just look for the red pole
into the distance.
By the time I got down from the mountain, my eyes were swollen and nose red from crying.
There was a sign erected near the path toward their suicide spot. It says, it both Japanese and English, May Peace Prevails on Earth.
I wondered and I am still wondering if this will ever cone to pass.
Written May 13, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
petertaylor57
Auckland Central, New Zealand421 contributions
Sep 2018 • Solo
This place celebrates the 'White Tiger Brigade', or Byakkotai in Japanese. Apparently, they were to defend the lake above the city as the Samurai wanted these boys, aged in their mid-teens, away from the fighting proper. Unfortunately, when the lake area was overrun, they fell back over the mountain only to see their beloved city in flames and the castle besieged. Then, saying 'Things that must not be shall not be', they promptly slit their bellies open, or fell on each others sword, and act highly revered by Japanese and making this a place of pilgrimage. What a waste! You can see their graves and where they committed suicide, which overlooks the city. The story is better than the attraction and I guess, OK, if you like that kind of thing.
Written September 17, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anon A
London, UK147 contributions
Jul 2018 • Family
This i sa very interesting local history site relating to the mid 19th century upheavals in Japan.
I won't repeat all the history listed in other reviews, other than to say this hill is the historical site of the tombs of the 20 boy warriors who committed ritual suicide thinking that Aizu had fallen. In addition, the hill offers an excellent view of Aizuwakamatsu.
A couple of other tips:
- When we went there were local historians offering free guided tours, albeit in Japanese. Between my poor Japanese, their limited English and hand gestures we were able to get by. It did add to the experience as the signage is not the best. Although the gentleman would no accept payment, we bought drinks for him.
- An interesting addition is the selection of statues from the 1930s including cultural gifts from European fascist states. One statue from Mussolini was a typical Italian fascist depiction of a character holding the fasces (roman rod of authority from which fascism is derived)
An interesting piece of local history
I won't repeat all the history listed in other reviews, other than to say this hill is the historical site of the tombs of the 20 boy warriors who committed ritual suicide thinking that Aizu had fallen. In addition, the hill offers an excellent view of Aizuwakamatsu.
A couple of other tips:
- When we went there were local historians offering free guided tours, albeit in Japanese. Between my poor Japanese, their limited English and hand gestures we were able to get by. It did add to the experience as the signage is not the best. Although the gentleman would no accept payment, we bought drinks for him.
- An interesting addition is the selection of statues from the 1930s including cultural gifts from European fascist states. One statue from Mussolini was a typical Italian fascist depiction of a character holding the fasces (roman rod of authority from which fascism is derived)
An interesting piece of local history
Written July 26, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
austranomads
Australia54 contributions
Oct 2016 • Couples
This is a place of historical significance to the area and well worth a visit to feel the spiritual significance, view the city below and help understand the thinking of the youths there at the time.
Getting to the site it by way of stairs or walking elevator.
Getting to the site it by way of stairs or walking elevator.
Written November 26, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bibi_ngo
Manila, Philippines50 contributions
Aug 2015
The place has a lot of more sentimental in addition to historical value. Best enjoyed if you can read and understand the few Japanese signs around.
This is the hilltop where a group of very young boys who served as warriors to the then lord of Tsuruga Castle committed suicide under the wrong notion that the castle has fallen and gone into flames. This group called Byakkotai (literally, White Tiger Corps) has been the subject of many anime, stories, movies, plays which portray loyalty and love of country - a trait lacking in many young Japanese today. Interestingly, one man - Iimori, to whom the hill was eventually named after - survived, through whom we know the story of the Byakkotai today.
This is the hilltop where a group of very young boys who served as warriors to the then lord of Tsuruga Castle committed suicide under the wrong notion that the castle has fallen and gone into flames. This group called Byakkotai (literally, White Tiger Corps) has been the subject of many anime, stories, movies, plays which portray loyalty and love of country - a trait lacking in many young Japanese today. Interestingly, one man - Iimori, to whom the hill was eventually named after - survived, through whom we know the story of the Byakkotai today.
Written May 7, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Luca W
83 contributions
May 2014 • Solo
Despite having to climb a giant staircase, the view from the top is nice as well. Do not forget to try the Awa manju a delight.
Written December 6, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Warner L
Pasadena, CA658 contributions
Oct 2019
At the top of this hill there is much to be seen besides the graves of the young boys, there other graves and to the side you have access to other sites; reviewed separately
Written October 29, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
thelonious22
Seongnam4,377 contributions
Oct 2017 • Solo
It is more of a small hill than a mountain. So it was odd seeing an escalator (which charged a ridiculous 250 yen) that went to the top when the climb wasn’t even a ten minute walk. Shops lined both sides of the path to the top selling nothing interesting but with aggressive vendors for Japanese standards. The view of the town from the top was quite nice and makes the visit worthwhile. The sights near the top, however, would require some knowledge of local history to fully appreciate. There is a memorial for 20 young warriors who served under the local feudal lord who committed suicide. There wasn’t much English explanation there, so that was all I could gather. Some random monuments are nearby like the plaque from Nazi Germany. On the way down, Sazaedo Pagoda was worth a look for its unique hexagonal spiral design.
Written November 9, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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