Nisshinkan was a school of the Aizu Domain built in 1803 to nurture future human resources. Children (boys) of the samurai clan entered the school at the age of 10 to study academics, martial arts, and etiquette and to train their minds and bodies.
The approximately 6.5-acre site included a martial arts hall, an astronomical observatory, and the Suirin Suima Pond, said to be the oldest swimming pool in Japan. In this pool, children practiced swimming while wearing armor.
Although destroyed during the war of 1868, it was reconstructed in 1987, accurately recreating the original facilities. Visitors can view the magnificent Edo architecture and the learning environment of the time. Visitors can also enjoy bushido experiences such as Kyudo (Japanese archery), Zen meditation, and painting Aizu’s lucky charm, “Akabeko.”
Address
10, Takatsukayama, Kawahigashi-machi Minami Kouya, Aizu Wakamatsu, 969-3441, Fukushima
Access
- 2-min walk from the bus stop “Aizu Hanko Nisshinkan” (Bus route #10 [25-min ride from “Aizu Wakamatsu Station”])
- 20-min walk from “Hirota Station”
Holidays
Open 365 days
Business hours
9 am – 5 pm (last entry 4 pm）
*Average viewing time: approx. 50-60 min.
Budget
・Adults (18 years old and up): 620yen
・Highschool students (13 – 18 years old): 500yen
・Children (6 – 12 years old): 450yen
How to say in Japanese
Nisshinkan: 日新館 (にっしんかん/Nisshin-kan)