Aizu Bukeyashiki (会津武家屋敷) or Aizu Samurai Residence was owned by the last principal retainer of the Aizu Domain, Saigo Tanomo. The wealth of Saigo Tanomo was great based on the size of his residence since it reflected his fief. This Aizu Bukeyashiki has 38 rooms where a few of them have dedicated functions ranging from a lavatory to tea room. The original house burned down in 1868 during the Boshin War. The home was able to be reconstructed to be exactly like the original because the blueprints of the residence survived. Saigo Tanomo’s family committed suicide on the grounds because they had received word that he died in battle. The wife failed in her attempt to take her own life at which time an unknown samurai entered their home. She begged the samurai to kill her and at her request he dealt the final blow. When the Aizu Bukeyashiki was reconstructed they made sure to make it Edo Period authentic. While traversing from room to another visitor can see mannequins placed and dressed in clothing representative of the Edo Period. It provides visual insight to the lifestyle inside the home before the Meiji Restoration. It is a large complex with plenty to see and experience.
