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What is Shirakawa like? A treasure box of trivia series that will help you understand the area, including its history, tourist spots, and local specialties [Shirakawa City, Fukushima Prefecture]
What is Shirakawa like? A treasure box of trivia series that will help you understand the area, including its history, tourist spots, and local specialties [Shirakawa City, Fukushima Prefecture]
"What's XXX like?" The "Regional Trivia Treasure Box" series is packed with trivia that will come in handy in such situations. We'll introduce you to a carefully selected collection of trivia that characterizes the region from various angles, including history and culture.
This time, we will open the lid of a treasure trove of trivia about Shirakawa City, Fukushima Prefecture. What kind of area is Shirakawa City?
[The origins of Shirakawa City] A key transportation and logistics hub governed by prominent figures
Shirakawa Pass Approach
Shirakawa City in Fukushima Prefecture is famous as the gateway to Michinoku. This originates from the Taika Reforms, a political reform that began in 645, which established Shirakawa County in Mutsu Province and created the Shirakawa Barrier became a place of longing for writers as a "poetry pillow that evokes the spirit of travel"
Shirakawa was a key location for logistics and territorial gain, and many famous military commanders have been involved in its governance over the course of history. The Yuki clan, which existed for around 400 years since the Kamakura period, is a descendant of Yuki Tomomitsu, who was active under Minamoto no Yoritomo. However, following Toyotomi Hideyoshi's Oshu Shioki, Shirakawa became the territory of Aizu. Niwa Nagashige, who became the first lord of Shirakawa in 1627 at the beginning of the Edo period, built the foundations for the urban area that is today's Shirakawa. Since then, seven families have ruled the domain for 21 generations. One of the most famous of these Matsudaira Sadanobu who led the Kansei Reforms . He is considered a wise ruler, providing food aid to save the people of his domain during the Tenmei famine, and preventing anyone from starving to death in the Shirakawa domain.
Later, in 1868, Komine Castle became a battlefield during the Battle of Shirakawaguchi in the Boshin War, and its main buildings were destroyed, leading to its fall and the castle being swallowed up by the wave of modernization
[Shirakawa Tourism Highlights] Numerous historical sites that exude historical romance
Shirakawa has often appeared on the stage of history. For those who want to experience the grandeur of history, the following three tourist spots are recommended
Shirakawa-Komine Castle
Nanko Park
Shirakawa Barrier Remains
We will introduce each one along with its highlights
Shirakawa-Komine Castle
Shirakawa-Komine Castle Ruins
Komine Castle, which was completed by the first feudal lord, Niwa Nagashige, was burned down during the Battle of Shirakawaguchi in the Boshin War, but was partially restored in the Heisei era. Currently restored are the three-story turret (used for storing weapons and food and as a lookout) and the front gate (the main gate of the inner citadel). In addition, stone walls and a drum turret that retain traces of the time still remain
Shirakawa-Komine Castle <Information>
Name: Shirakawa Komine Castle Ruins
Address: Kakuuchi, Shirakawa City, Fukushima Prefecture 961-0074
This park is said to have been created by Matsudaira Sadanobu, the 12th lord of the Shirakawa domain. At the time, gardens were typically built in castles and mansions, but Nanko Park was created as a place that anyone could enjoy, regardless of social status, and it remains a place of relaxation for local residents to this day. The walking course around the lake is about 2km long. With the majestic mountains as a backdrop, you can enjoy the changing seasonal scenery of the flowers and trees. The grounds also include Nanko Shrine, dedicated to Matsudaira Sadanobu, and a teahouse, so it's a good idea to take a break and look around
"Suiryakuen" located within the park also holds illumination events during the autumn foliage season. The fantastic combination of light and autumn leaves is a sight to behold. If you're interested, be sure to check it out.
Nanko Park＜Information＞
Name: Nanko Park
Address: Nanko, Shirakawa City, Fukushima Prefecture, 961-0812
This is the site of Shirakawa Barrier, one of the three ancient barriers of Oshu. It played a role in controlling the flow of people and goods, but even after it lost that function, it has appeared in numerous literary works as a place to reminisce about travels to Michinoku. Matsuo Basho also expressed the joy of setting out on a journey, writing, " At Shirakawa Barrier, my spirit of travel was settled.", "There is no doubt that this place is the site of Shirakawa Barrier," as well as Shirakawa Shrine.
Shirakawa Barrier Site <Information>
Name: Shirakawa Barrier Ruins
Address: Shirakawa Seki, Hatayado Sekinomori, Shirakawa City, Fukushima Prefecture, 961-0038
[Shirakawa Gourmet] A bowl of "Shirakawa Ramen" that will make you want to gulp it down!
Shirakawa Ramen
Shirakawa City is the birthplace of the nationally famous "Shirakawa Ramen," and is a ramen battleground with countless ramen restaurants lined up. Shirakawa ramen is characterized by "hand-made curly noodles" and "light soy sauce-based soup ." Many restaurants also use red-edged pork slices, and the addition of this pork slice makes the ramen feel even more "Shirakawa ramen-like."
The curly, flowing noodles are generously coated in a salty soy sauce soup that flows smoothly down the throat. The soup is mainly made from animal-based stock such as chicken bones and pork bones, and has a refined yet deep flavor. One of the characteristics of Shirakawa ramen is that many stores have a limited number of menu items compared to regular ramen stores. The popular combination is ramen, char siu ramen, and wonton ramen, and the straightforward and simple menu seems to reflect a firm confidence in the flavor
A superb cup of coffee awaits you, making you feel from the bottom of your heart that you are glad you came to Shirakawa. If you are in Shirakawa city, be sure to stop by for one cup...no, two or three, and fill your stomach to your heart's content
[Hot Springs in Shirakawa] Kitsuneuchi Onsen: A Beauty Bath That Relaxes Your Body and Mind
Kitsuneuchi Onsen located within Kochinodai Park , is a simple alkaline hot spring known for its beauty benefits, leaving your skin smooth.
Day trips to the baths are possible, but there are also accommodation facilities and a campsite, making it popular for use by training camps. In addition to the open-air bath where you can relax and soak in the natural surroundings, there is also a large public bath, sauna, and cold bath. The open atmosphere makes it easy to visit, so why not stop by for a bit to soothe your travel fatigue?
Kitsuneuchi Onsen <Information>
Name: Kitsuneuchi Onsen
Address: 47 Higashikamakokitsune, Shirakawa City, Fukushima Prefecture, 961-0302
[Shirakawa specialty] The popular Shirakawa Daruma dolls bring good fortune with their auspicious designs!
Shirakawa Daruma dolls are one of the most famous folk crafts in Shirakawa City. They began to be made around the late Edo period. It is said that the 12th lord of Shirakawa, Matsudaira Sadanobu, commissioned his personal painter, Tani Buncho, to design the daruma dolls, which led to the growth of the industry
Shirakawa Daruma dolls are characterized by their gentle facial features and auspicious designs. The facial patterns are of auspicious objects such as cranes on the eyebrows, turtles on the beards, pine and bamboo on the beards, and plum and pine trees on the sideburns. In search of such auspicious daruma dolls, the Shirakawa Daruma Market , held every year on February 11th, is a very lively event that draws many visitors.
In addition to the standard red daruma, a wide variety of modern-style darumas have been produced in recent years. "Shirakawa-esque souvenir ," be sure to check them out.
Shirakawa City, Fukushima Prefecture is full of trivia!
This time we introduced various trivia about Shirakawa City, Fukushima Prefecture
Shirakawa has grown as the gateway to Michinoku, watching over the flow of people and goods. The historical sites and culture that remain today give us a glimpse into what life was like back then. When you visit Shirakawa, enjoy the feeling of traveling back in time and spend a special time
P.S. Shirakawa ramen is really delicious. Having a bowl of ramen while traveling in the local atmosphere is even more special, so don't forget to try it!
Woman in her 30s / Resident of Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture / Writer who handles local gourmet information / Favorite phrase is coexistence and co-prosperity
