Saigō Tanomo was the Aizu tribe’s principal retainer and Aizu Bukeyashiki is a beautifully realized rebuilding of his villa. Stroll through the 38 rooms that comprise a guestroom for the Aizu lord, a tea-ceremony house, lodgings for the clan's judge and a rice-cleaning mill presented here in full, loud working order. Do not fail to notice the samurai bathroom: beneath is a sandbox on wheels, an early-warning system that could be detached so personnel could observe the wellbeing of the warriors.

You will also discover the area where Tanomo's wife and kids committed suicide, fearing he would not come back from battle in the Bōshin War - even though the complete impassivity of the wax models re-enacting the scene absurdly undercuts the drama. There is also a target range where you can attempt your hand at archery for ¥ 200.