Grave of Byakkotai"White Tiger Force"

The Graves of the 19 Byakkotai Warriors stand on Mount Iimori, overlooking the castle town of Aizuwakamatsu. The Byakkotai were a unit of 343 teenage samurai formed in 1868. After retreating from the battle at Tonokuchi-hara during the Boshin War, 37 members reached Mount Iimori, but 20 of them were unable to enter the castle. Seeing Tsuruga Castle in flames from the mountain, they chose to die by their own hands out of loyalty to their lord. Later, the story of the Byakkotai’s devotion became widely known through Iinuma, the boy who was revived. After the Boshin War, the Aizu Domain was labeled an enemy of the imperial court, so permission for burial was not granted and the bodies were left exposed to the elements. The temple caretakers took pity and performed a temporary burial, but were later punished. The following year, a collective burial was finally permitted and the Byakkotai cemetery was established. The plaza also features monuments such as a memorial donated by the city of Rome, inspired by the Byakkotai spirit. Access to the Graves of the 19 Byakkotai Warriors is about a 5-minute walk from the "Iimoriyama-shita" stop on the town sightseeing loop bus (Haikara-san / Akabee). By using the slope conveyor, you can also reach the top without climbing the stone steps.