This site is an online media that delivers all sorts of trivia about the six Tohoku prefectures, from sightseeing and gourmet spots to local customs, history, and more
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 kind of place ○○○ iswhen someone asks you that? The "Treasure Chest of Local Trivia" series is packed with useful trivia for just such situations. We carefully select and introduce trivia that characterizes each region from all 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 stems from the establishment of Shirakawa District in Mutsu Province and the creation of the Shirakawa Barrier as part of the Taika Reforms, a political reform that began in 645. After seeing off countless travelers, Shirakawa, even after ceasing its function as a barrier, became a place of longing for writers, known as a "poetic place name that evokes the feeling of travel."
The governance of Shirakawa, a strategically important location for logistics and territory, involved various renowned warlords throughout history. First, the Yuki family, who ruled the area for about 400 years from the Kamakura period, were descendants of Yuki Tomomitsu, who served under Minamoto no Yoritomo. However, following Toyotomi Hideyoshi's pacification of the Oshu region, Shirakawa became part of the Aizu domain. In 1627, at the beginning of the Edo period, Niwa Nagashige became the first lord of the Shirakawa domain and laid the foundation for the modern-day town of Shirakawa. Since then, the domain has seen 21 generations of lords from 7 different families. Among them, the most famous is Matsudaira Sadanobu , who, as the chief senior councilor , spearheaded the Kansei Reforms . He is considered a benevolent ruler who provided food aid to his people during the Great Tenmei Famine, preventing any deaths from starvation 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: 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
The Japanese garden "Suirakuen" within the park sometimes holds a light-up event during the autumn foliage season. The fantastical interplay 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 site preserves the remains of the Shirakawa Barrier, one of the three ancient barriers of Oshu. Although it played a role in regulating the movement of people and goods, even after losing its function, it has appeared in numerous literary works as a place to contemplate the journey to Michinoku. Matsuo Basho also expressed his joy at setting out on a journey, writing, " At the Shirakawa Barrier, my travel spirit was set in." Within the grounds are the Old Barrier Site Monument, inscribed by Matsudaira Sadanobu, the 12th lord of the Shirakawa domain, who wrote, "This place is undoubtedly the site of the Shirakawa Barrier," as well as the 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 shops lining the streets.The characteristics of Shirakawa Ramen are "handmade, curly noodles" and "a light, soy sauce-based soup." Furthermore, many shops use char siu (roast pork) with red edges, and the presence of this char siu makes the ramen feel even more authentically "Shirakawa Ramen."
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 Higashikaze-no-dai Park , is an alkaline simple hot spring known as a beauty bath that leaves 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
The defining characteristics of Shirakawa Daruma dolls are their gentle facial features and auspicious designs. The eyebrows depict cranes, the beards turtles, the chin beards pine and bamboo, and the sideburns feature plum and pine motifs—all considered lucky symbols.The Shirakawa Daruma Market, held annually on February 11th, attracts large crowds seeking these auspicious Daruma dolls, creating a lively and bustling atmosphere.
In addition to the standard red Daruma doll, a wide variety of modern Daruma dolls have also been produced in recent years.a souvenir that's uniquely Shirakawa, 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
