Discover Shirakawa 白河市
Charming city steeped in history
One hundred kilometers northeast of Nikko, the town of Shirakawa has some great surprises stored for visitors. A magnificent castle with a wooden structure and the oldest park in Japan, will satisfy history lovers!
The prefecture of Fukushima conceals small wonders, in particular the surroundings of Mount Bandai. The city of Shirakawa, which could seem similar to so many other Japanese cities, is nevertheless full of points of interest.
The first of these is unquestionably Komine Castle, which proudly watches over the city. This castle, whose name can be translated as "small castle at the top" and whose construction Yuki Chikatomo launched in 1340, then enlarged in 1628, thanks to the contribution of 100,000 stone blocks from the neighboring castle of the Tanagura domain.
This castle was the scene of several battles and was notably devastated by a fire, leaving it in ruins. Only the moats and part of the stone walls remained. Therefore, an effective reconstruction plan was launched between 1991 and 1994 to rebuild its wooden structure, keep, and the main gate almost identically. The castle and, in particular, its park is a rallying point to celebrate each year hanami.
Komine Castle
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Nanko Park, Japan's First Park
A little further into town is Nanko Park, which is considered Japan's oldest Japanese-style park. Designed and designed by tea master and gardener Sadanobu Matsudaira. Sadanobu's garden design was inspired by the so-called "Shimin-Kyoraku" philosophy, which believes that beauty should be enjoyed by all, regardless of social rank. A superb tea house, where it is possible to attend a ceremony with tea masters, is nestled in the heart of the garden, on the banks of a pond. A marvel of calm and delicacy.
The City of Soba
For foodies, Shirakawa is also famous for its soba. It is said that Sadanobu Matsudaira, at the time (more than 200 years ago), recommended that the region's people grow buckwheat that could withstand the cold weather. This is how "noodle culture" took root in Shirakawa. Shirakawa is now one of four major soba cities in Japan, alongside Shinshu, Izumo, and Morioka.
Cultural visits
Do not hesitate to go to the sake brewery of Hiroo Oya, whose family has been at the head of this factory since 1879. Or even to push the door of a Daruma factory, these little heads are supposed to bring good luck. In addition to visiting the factory, you can learn about customizing your figurines!
See also: Japanese dolls.
Visit a Daruma workshop
Clemence Leleu
Finally, for the little anecdote, Shirakawa is the only Japanese town twinned with a village in Picardy: Compiègne. There is even a square in the city's colors, a stone's throw from the station.
Address, timetable & access
Address
Timetable
By train: take the Tohoku shinkansen to Shinshirakawa (90 min from Tokyo). By car: About 3 hrs on the Tohoku expressway from Tokyo. By bus: About 3 hrs from Shinjuku.
