NEW YORK - AussieJournal -- In summer 2022, The Aizu Jyuraku matsuri will be held on varying weekends between May and September (Schedule below). Travel north, 4 1/2-hours from Tokyo, and travel back 400 years to the Gamo period at present-day Tsuruga Castle. The event is based on the concept of "Jyuraku," a cultural and industrial promotional measure initiated by Lord Ujisato Gamo in the late 16^th Century.

Background

In 1590, Ujisato Gamo was given the status of the lord of Kurokawa Castle in Aizu, thanks to his previous achievements. Lord Gamo then began to rebuild Kurokawa Castle. The castle, which was transformed into a magnificent structure with a seven-story tenshu (main tower), was named "Tsuruga Castle" after the family crest of the Gamo family. Ujisato Gamo was known as a very wise feudal lord and also a Christian Daimyo (his baptismal name was Leon). With this background, Ujisato Gamo considered Aizu as a place of refined Namban (foreign culture) and developed a system to encourage local specialties to promote economy and culture.

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About the Festival

Aizu Jyuraku consists of three sections:

• Shokuraku recreates the food and cuisine of the time
• Shouraku exhibits and sells the period artisanal skilled crafts
• Kyouraku features traditional music and dance performances, storytelling, and samurai cosplay.

The booths are designed to resemble Namban-ji, foreign-style temples. Staff members dressed in historical costumes provide services.

Shokuraku offers a variety of Game Meat dishes, grilled mountain stream fish, and traditional sweets. At Shouraku, visitors can purchase sneakers and hats made of Aizu cotton and accessories made of Aizu Lacquer. They can also participate in a workshop to make traditional red cow figurines. Kyouraku features children's picture-story shows, folk tales, taiko drumming and dancing.

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Festival Schedule

• May 1(Sun) - 8(Sun)
• June 25 (Sat) - 26 (Sun)
• July 16 (Sat), 17 (Sun), 18 (Mon/Holiday)
• August 11(Thu/Holiday), 12 (Fri), 13 (Sat), 14 (Sun), 15 (Mon)
• September 17 (Sat), 18 (Sun), 19 (Mon/Holiday), 23 (Fri/Holiday), 24 (Sat), 25 (Sun)

Opening Hours: 10:00am - 4:00pm

Place: Tsuruga Castle, north of the main building

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Fee: Free Entrance

Access to Aizu-wakamatsu City

Take the Tobu Railway's limited express train Revaty Aizu from Asakusa station, Tokyo.

At Aizu-Tajima station, transfer to Aizu Railway's Relay train to Aizu-Wakamatsu City.

This smooth and comfortable journey takes about 4 hours 30 minutes. Tobu Railway offers the "Yuttari (relaxing) Aizu Tobu Free Pass," which includes round-trip train tickets between Tokyo and Aizu, plus Aizu area attraction admissions and privileges.

Explore other Tobu Railway destinations at Tobu Railway's Official Site: https://www.tobu.co.jp/en/

About Tobu Railways
TOBU Railway Co., Ltd. is a major Japanese corporation consisting of approximately 90 companies. The Tobu Railway covers the longest operating distance in Metropolitan Tokyo, leading to numerous tourist attractions including: Asakusa and TOKYO SKYTREE TOWN in Tokyo; Nikko and Kinugawa-Onsen, famous for its world heritage sites and hot springs; the Tatebayashi and Ashikaga areas, known for their blooming flower fields; and Kawagoe and Tochigi City, where the atmosphere of the old Edo era lives on. Tobu is also invested in a portfolio of hotels, including the newly opened The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko and FUFU Nikko Onsen Resort.