Iimoriyama is the location of the Byakkotai tragedy that occurred during the Boshin War (1868-1869) between the old Tokugawa government and the new Meiji government. It is the final resting place of a group of young Aizu soldiers, aged 16 and 17, in a unit called the Byakkotai (White Tiger Corps) who committed seppuku when they saw their castle engulfed in flames.
Monuments were located up a mountain, accessible by escalator or stairs.
All chose to ride the escalator . . .
except one person.
This monument was donated by the government of Rome.
This monument was built in remembrance of the 230 women and children of the Aizu clan who died in the Boshin War.
Thank you, Allen, for pointing out this photo op to me.
Lunch was ramen and gyoza at a rest stop.
11 comments:
I remember this place. It is so sad about the young boys who committed seppuku, thinking the castle was burning therefore their lord and families were probably dead, however in reality, it was the town surrounding the castle that was burning. Only one boy survived and the story goes he was very bitter that he did not die but he was told he lived so he could preserve their story. He lived until age 75 or so and requested to be buried with his his comrades. I don't know if you went to see this certain section on the hill, you kinda had to go through this narrow path and then you get to an area where there is a cemetery and you have a wide view of the town and Tsuruga Castle, they say that this is where the boys saw the castle burning. My grandparents passed the story down to my mom who in turned passed it down to my brother and I and I have tried to instill it in my boys. Thanks for sharing your beautiful photos.
Izsmom
such amazing places!
So funny, everyone took the escalator - except for one person! Your family is a hoot!
Sad, tranquil place. Beautiful pictures as usual. Sweetie walked the stairs?! Good heart exercise!
I did get to see that view of the town and the castle, Izsmom! It's great that the story continues on in your family.
I agree, Kat.
Aunty, I can't believe she walked it.
It was so beautiful there, Susan.
Go Sweetie!!! So pretty over there!!!
I'm just loving your photos, Jalna. I hadn't heard about this place. I'll have to ask mom about it. She's probably told me about it and I've just forgotten.
Ummm... I take it all back. Art says of course he knows all about it. My mother and aunt told us all about it apparently and we went to another memorial for those young men. Sheesh! Hoo boy!
the futility of war. Pretty somber place. Walking the stairs, good way to burn off the calories of breakfast.
I don't blame you for not remember, Kay. You do travel a lot and have been to many places.
So true, Chet . . . on both counts.
Nice pics! I think I read about Byakkotai a long time ago. I didn't know their resting place is here. Fascinating...
Post a Comment