The only remaining building that still bears traces of the Boshin War: "Kyu-Takizawa Honjin" (Fukushima Prefecture)

The former Takizawa Honjin (also known as the Yokoyama Family Residence) is located approximately 3km northeast of Tsuruga Castle, along the former Shirakawa Highway near the entrance to Takizawa Pass, which runs from Aizu-Wakamatsu through Shirakawa to Edo. It is said to be the oldest private residence in the Tohoku region

A resting place for successive Aizu feudal lords traveling along the Shirakawa Kaido

The current building was constructed in 1678 and is also known as the Yokoyama Residence, as it was built for the Yokoyama family, who were the head of the Takizawa group

It was used as a resting place and a dressing area for successive Aizu feudal lords before entering Takizawa Pass on the Shirakawa Kaido road when they traveled to Edo for alternate attendance, patrolled their territories, or made pilgrimages to Tsuchi Shrine in Inawashiro, which enshrines the founder of the feudal domain, Hoshina Masayuki

The grounds and buildings were designated a national historic site in 1970 as they are important for learning about transportation, communications, economics, and production activities during the Edo period

Furthermore, the main house, which has a thatched roof and is built in the Shoin style, is said to be the oldest private home in the Tohoku region. The tatami room was rebuilt once in the early 19th century, but due to its rarity, both the main house and the tatami room were designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan in 1971

There is also an Enshu-style garden next to Gozanoma, which was the residence of the feudal lord at the time

The place where Matsudaira Katamori ordered the Byakkotai to march during the Boshin War

In August 1868, in the midst of the Boshin War at the end of the Edo period, the new government forces occupied Nihonmatsu and advanced towards Aizu

On August 21, the new government forces defeated the former Shogunate forces (Aizu Domain and a coalition of other domains) that were trying to stop their advance at Mother Pass, and after a rapid advance of about 40 km, they entered Wakamatsu Castle in the early morning of August 23

Tohoku Rokken Trivia Media NEFT

[Fukushima Prefecture during the Boshin War] What decisions did Aizu, Shirakawa, Tanagura, Nihonmatsu, and other domains make?

https://jp.neft.asia/archives/10649

Many tragic stories are told about the Aizu clan, which was considered an enemy of the imperial court during the Boshin War. However, in Fukushima Prefecture, other clans also formed an alliance to oppose the imperial forces, and fierce battles were fought in Nihonmatsu, Shirakawaguchi, Hamadori, and other areas. The Aizu clan's loyal spirit, "Picking up chestnuts from the fire" at Tsuruga Castle (Aizu-Wakamatsu City). The first lord of the Aizu clan, Hoshina Masayuki, was the half-brother of the third Tokugawa shogun, Iemitsu. He often assisted his brother and was a trusted figure in the shogunate. As a member of the Tokugawa clan, the clan was considered a "relative clan" and a "vassal," and during the reign of the third shogun, Masakata, the clan changed its surname to Matsudaira. Aizu family precepts 1...

read more

The Aizu clan's lord, Matsudaira Katamori, who was based at Takizawa Honjin, where the clan's headquarters was located, was caught off guard and ordered his reserve force, the Byakkotai, to march into battle. However, they were defeated, and Takizawa Honjin became a battlefield

Within the mansion, vivid traces of the battle, such as bullet holes and sword wounds, are still preserved, giving visitors a glimpse into what life was like at the time

Most of the remains from the Boshin War, including Tsuruga Castle, were burned down, so the former Takizawa Honjin remains as it was at the time, making it a valuable building in that sense

summary

In addition to these, the former Takizawa Honjin also stores personal belongings used by successive feudal lords, tools used for commuting to Edo for the Edo period, and ancient documents

It is located just a five-minute walk from Imoriyama, a tourist attraction in Aizuwakamatsu, so it might be a good idea to take a little detour there when sightseeing at Imoriyama

Former Takizawa Honjin <Information>

• Name: Former Takizawa Honjin (Yokoyama Family Residence)
• Address: 122 Yawatatakizawa, Ichinomachi, Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture, 965-0003
• Phone number: 090-7334-9277
• Official URL: Aizuwakamatsu Tourism Navigator – Former Takizawa Honjin

Google Map

Aoiwa

Traveling around the Tohoku region, I enjoy drinking delicious sake and exploring the local history, traditions, and customs. I write articles based on my interests. I'm currently interested in folk performing arts, local toys, and folk beliefs