Things to See on Mount Iimoriyama
Aizuwakamatsu was also the setting for the Boshin War (Aizu War). The Byakkotai, made up of boys aged 13 to 17, faced the overwhelmingly powerful forces of the new government. Some of the unit fled to Mount Iimoriyama, where they met a tragic end by taking their own lives.
Grave of the Nineteen Byakkotai
Mount Iimoriyama is home to a grave site commemorating the soldiers of the Byakkotai. The main approach has 183 stone steps, and there is also a paid escalator called the “Moving Slope.” Even when using the Moving Slope, there are stairs at the end, so watch your footing.
20 members of the Byakkotai's Second Squad retreated from Tonokuchi-hara and reached Mount Iimori. Only 1 members were revived; a grave for the nineteen warriors was established, including 16 who took their own lives and 3 who had previously died in battle.
Site Where the Nineteen Byakkotai Soldiers Committed Suicide
This stone statue stands at the site where the members of the Byakkotai committed suicide. It is said that, after seeing Tsuruga Castle engulfed in smoke and flames from here, they decided to take their own lives. The castle itself had not fallen; they are believed to have made that decision after seeing fires in the town below the castle.
Tonoguchi Canal Cave
Tonokuchi-seki Cave is part of an irrigation canal that carries water from Lake Inawashiro to the Aizu Basin. It is said that, while retreating from Tonokuchi-hara, the Byakkotai soldiers passed through this tunnel and emerged at the northern foot of Mount Iimori. It is an important place for understanding the history of Mount Iimori, as the Byakkotai's retreat route can be traced against the present-day terrain.
Monument Donated by the City of Rome
In 1928 (3 in the Shōwa era), it was donated by the city of Rome. Columns excavated from the ruins of Pompeii were used. It is dedicated to the bushidō spirit of the Byakkotai.
For more information about Rome’s ruins and sightseeing, see our article on Rome.
Byakkotai Memorial Hall
The museum displays materials about the Byakkotai and other notable figures from Aizu, including Yae Niijima (Yae Yamamoto). Stopping by before or after walking around the historic sites of Mount Iimoriyama makes it easier to understand the background of the Boshin War and the Byakkotai.
During the Aizu War, Yaeko Yamamoto (Yaeko Niijima), known as the “Jeanne d’Arc of the end of the shogunate,” also took up arms and joined the fighting. Yaeko survived the war and became the wife of Joseph Hardy Neesima, founder of Doshisha University. Her life is depicted in the NHK historical drama “Yae no Sakura”.
Basic Information on Mount Iimori
The information below was checked against official sources on September 19, 2026. Please also check the latest information on the official website when planning your trip.
- 🔗 Official tourism information
-
You can check information about the location of Mount Iimoriyama, visiting arrangements, and nearby facilities.
【飯盛山】白虎隊十九士の墓幕末の大きな時代の流れの中で戊辰に散った白虎隊の霊が眠る｜戊辰戦争のおり、16～17歳の少年たちで編成された白虎士中二番隊が戸の口原合戦場から退却し、滝沢峠の間道を通り、戸の口堰の洞門をくぐり飯盛山に辿り着くと、鶴ヶ城の天守閣は黒...www.aizukanko.com - 📍 Address
- Yachimata Benten-shita, Ikkimachi, Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima Prefecture
- 💶 Admission
- Exploring the historic sites of Mount Iimoriyama is free. Aizu Sazae-dō, the moving walkway, and the Byakkotai Memorial Museum charge separate fees.⚠️ Opening hours and closure days vary by facility.
- ⏱️ Time required
- Allow approximately 60 to 90 minutes to visit the Grave of the Nineteen Byakkotai, the site of their suicide, and Aizu Sazae-dō. The time required varies depending on whether you focus on the grave and suicide site or also visit Aizu Sazae-dō and the Byakkotai Memorial Museum.⚠️ The main approach has 183 stone steps, and there are still stairs at the end even when using the moving walkway. Allow extra time according to your fitness and how crowded it is.
How to get to Mount Iimoriyama
City Loop Bus
From Aizu-Wakamatsu Station, take the “Haikara-san” or “Akabē” bus, get off at “Iimoriyama-shita,” and walk for about 5 minutes.
By car
It is approximately 15 minutes from the Aizuwakamatsu Interchange on the Ban'etsu Expressway. The Iimoriyama Municipal Parking Lot next to the Iimoriyama Tourist Information Center is available.
You can also check the official model itineraries for nearby sights and transportation information.
For attractions, transport and suggested itineraries, see “Aizuwakamatsu: A Guide to Attractions, Food, Transportation, and Sample Itineraries”.
